Southern small plates$$historic-district
Treylor Park on East Bay runs playful Southern bar food in a brick courtyard. PB&J wings, chicken-and-pancake tacos, a long bourbon list, sister rooms nearby.
Signature: Chicken and pancake tacos, PB&J wings
Order: The chicken and pancake tacos with hot honey, and the PB&J wings.
Tip: Walk-in only; expect a wait after 19:30 on weekends. Patio fills first.
American, Southern bistro$$$historic-district
The Public Kitchen sits at Liberty and Bull opposite Madison Square. Midcentury-modern, indoor-outdoor seating, a local-farm bistro menu by Williamson.
Signature: Crab cake sandwich, Coastal Georgia fish
Order: The crab cake sandwich at lunch; the coastal fish plate at dinner.
Tip: Reserve OpenTable for dinner; lunch and brunch usually take walk-ins.
Australian-Southern$$$historic-district
The Collins Quarter on Bull at Oglethorpe Square runs Australian-inspired brunch, lunch and dinner. Avocado smash, ceviche, lavender mocha, specialty coffee.
Signature: Avocado smash, Lavender mocha
Order: Avo smash on sourdough with poached eggs; lavender mocha to drink.
Tip: Brunch is first-come; arrive by 09:30 on weekends. Dinner takes OpenTable.
Southern bistro$$historic-district
B. Matthew's runs from an 1850s building on East Bay with brick walls and wooden beams under a daily-changing brunch board. A Lowcountry mainstay since 2008.
Signature: Fried green tomato and crab cake benny, Shrimp and grits
Order: Fried green tomato and crab cake benny at brunch; the bourbon bacon burger at dinner.
Tip: Book OpenTable for brunch on weekends or expect a 30 minute wait.
Barbecue$$islands
Wiley and Janet McCrary built a competition-circuit BBQ reputation before settling in Savannah in 2005; US 80 strip-mall room is the locals' benchmark.
Signature: Beef brisket, St. Louis cut ribs, Redneck nachos
Order: A brisket plate with two sides, plus the redneck nachos to start.
Tip: Walk-in only; arrive by 18:00 to avoid sellouts on weekends.
Contemporary Southern, Seafood$$$historic-district
Vic's runs in a restored 1859 cotton warehouse on Bay Street, river views from the upstairs dining room. Classic Lowcountry with white-tablecloth service.
Signature: Shrimp and grits, She-crab soup
Order: Shrimp and grits with the Carolina shrimp sauce, plus a she-crab soup to share.
Tip: Ask for an upstairs window seat at reservation time for the Savannah River view.