eat & drink in savannah
Gryphon Tea Room, Justin Bernhaut
- Savannah Restaurants
- Bistro Savannah
- 309 West Congress Street
(912) 233-6266 A more informal stop for dinner, with Low Country specials like fried oysters and crab cakes, and a decent wine list. It's up by Broughton Street, where you'll spy fans of cookbook writer Paula Deen (of Food Network fame) queuing up outside her restaurant. Try to avoid the touristy cable-network experience, and opt for this much more authentic dining scene.
- Gryphon Tea Room
- 337 Bull Street
(912) 525-5880 This SCAD enterprise, staffed by students, is in a former apothecary. The original prescription counter functions as a bar, and you can still see the drawers for potions on the walls. It reminded us of those grand cafes you find in Florence, with the tiled floors and high counters where Italians stand for an espresso. The lunch we had was tasty: clam chowder and Moroccan chicken sandwiches.
- Local 11 Ten
- 1110 Bull Street
(912) 790-9000 This is the top restaurant in town. The concept: local, fresh, seasonal. Go for tapas at the counter—yummy meatballs, wild Georgia shrimp and steak tartare served in a small portion rather than a whole plate. Or you can have an entrée like fantastic grilled Spanish mackerel with cannellini beans.
- The Sentient Bean
- 13 East Park
(912) 232-4447 You will need a hearty breakfast and strong coffee for a day of walking. The Sentient Bean is organic and very eco-conscious. Breakfast is eggs many ways, berries and yogurt, and homemade baked goods.
