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.
Seafood, Casual coastal$$islands
The Wyld sits on the Herb River in Thunderbolt past the bridge, car or boat tie-up access. Outdoor decks over the water, casual coastal seafood, live music.
Signature: Fish tacos, Boiled peanuts
Order: Fish tacos with a side of boiled peanuts.
Tip: Free boat tie-up; arrive by 18:00 to beat live-music nights.
Seafood, Oysters$$historic-district
Sorry Charlie's runs an oyster bar in one of Georgia's oldest commercial buildings, overlooking Ellis Square. Raw bar, steam pots, Bamboo Room tiki upstairs.
Signature: Raw oysters, Steam pots
Order: A dozen Sapelo oysters on the half-shell, plus a Lowcountry boil for two.
Tip: Happy hour runs daily 16:00 to 18:00 with discounted oysters.