In its 33 years on River Street, Olympia Cafe has been visited by many locals, tourists, and celebrities, and was featured in the 2022 film Devotion. Co-owners Nick Pappas and Vasilis Varlagas place importance on hospitality which is a close second to food in their restaurant. Its traditional Greek and Mediterranean menu features gyros, moussaka, spanakopita, prime cuts of meat, seafood, and, of course, flaming cheese.

Some Savannah diners have had a late-night Vinnie Van GoGo’s slice without knowing they had a late-night Vinnie Van GoGo’s slice (the city is known for allowing open containers, and sometimes visitors may overindulge). The menu is both simple and beloved. Choose from whole New York-style pies, slices, calzones, and spinach salads. With all the favorite toppings like spicy Italian sausage, spinach, and fresh mushrooms, honestly, it’s not at all forgettable.

The Grey has, arguably, become the best known restaurant in Savannah, outside of Savannah. Located downtown in a restored, Art Deco Greyhound bus station — hence the name — the Grey is a Port City Southern kitchen led by Georgia-born and James Beard award-winning chef Mashama Bailey. The menu varies by season and sometimes even by the evening, but diners can always expect familiar Southern food prepared both creatively and impressively. If you can’t get a reservation in the dining room, tuck into the diner bar menu, which sometimes features fried shrimp, pork pate, and a popular burger.

The Olde Pink House is Savannah’s elegant and quintessential Southern restaurant. Every dish, like cornbread fried oysters, crispy fried lobster, and she crab soup, falls squarely in the elevated comfort food category. The Georgian pink house, which dates from the 1770s, was home to Georgia’s first bank in the 1800s, before eventually becoming a restaurant in 1971. Over the years, owners have added Arches Bar on the southern side of the house and Planters Tavern, a one-table wine vault that can be reserved for special occasions. Run by executive chef Vincent Burns since 1997, the Olde Pink House has remained one of Savannah’s top picks for a nice night out.

The brunch shift is the most popular shift at both locations of the Collins Quarter, and it lasts until 3 p.m. daily. Modeled after Collins Street in Melbourne, Australian-born owner Anthony Debreceny used specialty coffee and standard yet innovative breakfast foods as the basis of his restaurants. Menu favorites include bananas Foster French toast and shakshuka. The Collins Quarter’s second location is in Forsyth Park, and was a genius addition to the city’s 30 acre green space. Here, the takeaway coffee and pastry window lets visitors enjoy their morning without the inevitable wait and head straight to the park.

The Crystal Beer Parlor was once a grocery store, then a speakeasy, then the Crystal, and now it’s one of Savannah’s most popular and enduring restaurants with a rich history. Known for its extensive bar menu and massive onion rings, anyone can find something to eat on its three-page menu. It’s both family-friendly and great for a night out, and be sure to check out the Crystal Trading Company goods in the adjacent gift shop.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room makes every Savannah must-visit list there is. It’s even President Barack Obama’s go-to Savannah stop. It’s cash only, doesn’t take reservations, doesn’t do takeout orders, and has filled up daily since 1946. Winner of a James Beard Award in the American Classics category, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room serves homestyle Southern staples like fried chicken, cornbread dressing, gumbo, and black eye peas. Hop in line by 11 a.m., and join other diners at one of the 10 communal tables for one of the best lunches in town.

Bull Street Taco has made Taco Tuesday philanthropic by supporting a local nonprofit every week with specials. Popular a la carte items are the carne asada tacos and the tuna poke tostada, and the quesabirria is a standout special. The Starland neighborhood joint is known for its takeout taco box. Choose two or three protein options — or spiced tempura cauliflower for vegetarians or just really good cauliflower lovers — to be accompanied by handmade corn tortillas, salsas, queso fresco, limes, and jalapenos. And, it’s Savannah, so customers can get their margaritas to go, too.

While Starland Yard is more of an ever-changing patio than an actual restaurant, it’s included here for its great and varied food and popularity with locals. It’s an everyday food truck rodeo that updates its Instagram and website daily with which food trucks will be on the yard. Regulars include Jonny Boy Cookies, Nom Nom Poke Shop, and Chazito’s Latin Cuisine. Its fixed point — which could make this list on its own — is Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana that has a small menu of noteworthy Neapolitan-inspired pizzas, grinders, and salads from renowned chef Kyle Jacovino. Located in the heart of the artsy Starland District, Starland Yard also incorporates live music, art, and culture into its daily landscape. Look out for drink specials when it rains.

Bella’s Italian Cafe in Habersham Village is named after the owner’s Italian grandmother who was known for her manicotti and pasta fagiola in Brooklyn. Both dishes are on Bella’s menu now, and the family takes great pride in getting the recipe as close to hers as they can. Though popular with locals for takeout, especially pizza, be advised to eat in, so the little fried breadsticks served with dill-infused butter and marinara keep coming.

A fancy hot dog spot? With vegan options? At the beach? Enter Sea Wolf. The newer spot has become a favorite of Tybee Island residents and visitors. The Five Hour Energy cocktail is just the kick you need for a full day at the beach, and the rotating menu features hot dogs, cheese boards, and snacks. The restaurant’s quirk is that it doesn’t have a telephone, so no reservations are accepted and takeout orders have to be placed in person.

Don’t let the line out of the door be a deterrence — instead, let it be an assurance that Auspicious Baking Company is worth a little wait. Luckily though, the community-supported bakery in Sandfly has an efficient system in place to quickly serve croissants, cinnamon rolls, loaves, and spreads. The menu rotates, but expect staples like chocolate and ham cheese croissants, baguettes, and English muffins mixed in with inventive pastries like churro croissant loaves and lemon cheesecake “Pop-Tarts.” Vegan selections are always available, like everything, on a first-come, first-serve basis, and other cafes and restaurants around town, like Origin Coffee Bar and Provisions, sell Auspicious’s baked goods if you want to skip the line.

Sandfly Bar-B-Q keeps its menu simple with a wide appeal. With the tagline, “Memphis born and Savannah made,” owner Keith Latture appeals to everyone with all the sauce. It has Memphis-style sweet sauce, mustard-based Savannah sauce, and a vinegar-based Western North Carolina sauce. Pair any or all of the three with the fan-favorite smoked sausage and pulled pork. Be sure to try the popular Brunswick stew and classic side menu that includes coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and fried okra.