18 Restaurants in Savannah, GA on the River You’ll Want to Bookmark

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a view in Savannah, you’re going to want to start your search on River Street. Lined with tons of fun restaurants and bars, it’s a great place to pick up some good food and soak up dazzling views of the water while you do.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re new in town, trying to make the most out of your vacation, or you’ve lived in Savannah for years, we’ve put together a list of the best restaurants in Savannah on the river that is sure to have something you’ll like. 

We’ve done the legwork to gather up each restaurant’s address, a link to their website, and even a snippet from one of the reviews that cemented their position on our best of list. Plus, we’ve gone ahead and pointed out all of the restaurants on this list that currently accept GiftYa digital gift cards.

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The best part? Your gift can be linked up with one of the cards your recipient carries around every day anyway, eliminating the need for a bulky plastic gift card you might forget at home when you really need it. Send yourself a GiftYa to travel cash-free, send a thoughtful gift to someone you care about, or even schedule a gift in advance (trust us, this feature is a lifesaver).

Now that we’re all on the same page, it’s time to get to the good stuff: our selection of the best restaurants in Savannah on the river!

1. Vic’s On the River

One of the Premier Date Night Restaurants in Savannah

26 E Bay St | River St | vicsontheriver.com

According to the wonders of Vic’s on the Water, it’s the restaurant where “Nothing is Overlooked But the Savannah River,” and patrons agree. With 4+ stars on Yelp after over 1900 reviews, it’s safe to say that the verdict is in, and Vic’s on the Water is an impressive addition to the city’s food scene.

The restaurant’s executive chef is known for elevating the traditional flavors of southern cuisine, creating new masterpieces every night for the special. If you’re looking for something a little more on the menu, try Chef Kerry’s She Crab Soup or the Award Winning Crawfish Beignets – both of them earn consistent rave reviews.

“Amazing service! Our waitress Maddie was amazing. Would recommend the short rib or salmon! Great experience. If you are entering from the lower level by the river, you must go to the Vic's coffee shop and take the elevator up..” - Yelp Review 

2. Dockside Seafood

An Exceptional Meal in an Exceptionally Historic Building at this Savannah Restaurant on the River

201 W River St | River Street 

Feel like taking your dinner plans back in time? According to the folks at Dockside seafood, the building that houses their restaurant was built in 1792 by ship Chandler Captain William Taylor, making it the oldest existing ballast stone and masonry building in the state of Georgia. Patrons at the restaurants are “seated among the original support posts, beams, joists, and stone walls,” providing a truly unique dining experience in Savannah’s Historic District.

If the history isn’t enough to draw you in, the tasty food and casual vibe certainly will be. Locals can’t get enough of the coconut shrimp and crab stuffed mushrooms.

“Perfect place to have a few drinks! There is parking across the street, pay by the hour. Earl, Justin & Abbie made us feel right at home. Hours passed and we didn't even realize it, we were playing trivia and chatting so much!” - Yelp Review

3. The Warehouse Bar and Grille

Savannah’s Self-Proclaimed Coldest, Cheapest Beer in Town 

18 E River St | River Street | warehousebaradngrille.com

Looking for a nice place to relax on the water in Savannah, enjoy a cold beer, and maybe even catch some live music? Then look no further than The Warehouse Bar and Grill, lovingly shortened to just The Warehouse by regulars. Known for serving up cold, cheap beer and welcoming live entertainment every night of the week, this spot may be divey, but it’s a local favorite and definitely worth a visit if you’re over 21.

“They card everybody so don't go without your ID - even if you are in your 50's! LOL. We just stopped in for a house whiskey and diet and enjoyed the atmosphere. Good service. I would go back.” - Yelp Review 

4. The Cotton Exchange Tavern

Exchange Your Usual Dinner Fare for Traditional Southern Flavors… with a Twist

201 E River St | River Street | exchangetavernsavannah.com

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from on Savannah’s historic River Street, but we’d be remiss if we left The Exchange off the list. This restaurant isn’t just known for excellent food, it’s known for excellent food that shakes up your expectations. Not sold yet? Just ask any of the locals who’ve left rave reviews for the restaurant’s zesty Cajun Tortellini.

If you’re not looking to get too adventurous with your dinner, don’t worry – The Exchange has plenty of traditional fare and southern staples as well. Whether you’re a fan of crab chowder, crab eggs benedict, fried shrimp, or fried green tomatoes, you’re sure to leave The Exchange satisfied.

“Loved the vibe, loved the food, loved our waitress! Our food was great tasting and FRESH. It was hard to pick a favorite, but the grouper fish and chips with hush puppies was probably my favorite. The batter was crispy, and had a great flavor… Would love to go back.” - Yelp Review 

5. Wet Willie’s

Wet Your Whistle with One of Willey’s Delicious Frozen Drinks for Adults

101 E River St | River Street | wetwillies.com

Who says slushies are just for kids? On a hot day in Savannah, it helps to have a tasty way too cool off, and that’s where Wet Willie’s comes in. Choose from dozens of their frozen cocktail creations – from classic flavor combos like Pina Coladas and Sex on the Beach to Willey’s own creations like the Bob Marley and ever-popular Attitude Adjustment – their craft your own flavor combination from scratch!

Willey’s also serves up munchies like sliders, mozzarella bites, and other bar food staples, but the slushies are for sure why people keep coming back to Wet Willie’s.

“First off, I LOVE that in historic downtown Savannah you're allowed to open carry your drinks. It made going to Savannah for the day worth it. Unexpected, but in the best way possible. They had strong drinks for a reasonable price. ” - Yelp Review 

6. Spanky’s Pizza Galley and Saloon

Family Owned and Operated Home of the Original Chicken Finger

Get A Spanky’s Pizza Galley and Saloon Gift Card

317 E River St | River Street | spankysriverstreet.com

It’s hard to think of a food item more quintessential to American cuisine than the chicken finger, and Spanky’s claim to fame is being the place where all the finger lickin’ began. They’ve been serving Savannah since 1976, so they know a thing or two about how to make chicken fingers that’ll keep the locals (and visitors) coming back for more.

If the chicken isn’t tickling your fancy, Spanky’s serves up a variety of other tasty creations, like fried mushrooms and fried shrimp, that you’re sure to enjoy.

“Skipped lunch and just wanted something  to tide me over til dinner. Even the locals love Spanky's so I wanted to give it a try!  Decided on the chicken fingers! They were so good!! 5 fingers and 3 dipping sauces, ranch, honey horseradish, and honey mustard. Perfectly cooked and hot!  Completely satisfied!” - Yelp Review 

Get A Spanky’s Pizza Galley and Saloon Gift Card

7. Dub’s Pub

Catch The Game at the Only Sports Bar on River Street

225 W River St | River Street | dubspubriverstreet.com

Over two dozen tvs? Yes please. Dub’s Pub, a Public House, is the only sports bar on Savannah’s historic River Street. With elevated pub fare and plenty of inventive libations, you can’t go wrong when you plan your night out at Dub’s.

Locals love the pulled pork sandwich – it’s a classic, and you can’t go wrong! Dub’s fish and chips, chorizo, and bacon burgers also fall high on the public’s list.

“We were looking for a light dinner so we found Dubs. The tacos are fantastic especially the fish taco and the portobello mushroom and red pepper in aioli sauce. I would eat the mushroom tacos every night if I lived here. Oh and beer is great too.” - Yelp Review 

8. Joe’s Crab Shack

This National Chain is Right on the Water

Get A Joe’s Crab Shack gift card

504 E River St | River Street | joescrabshack.com

If none of these local favorites have piqued your interest, you can always keep it simple and stop in for dinner at an old favorite like Joe’s Crab Shack. The Savannah location is positioned right on the water, so if you snag a seat out on the patio, you can enjoy beautiful views while you enjoy your favorite seafood fare.

Haven’t been to Joe’s before? Their coconut shrimp is a fan favorite, but you can’t go wrong with the crab legs either – there’s a reason they call it Joe’s Crab Shack, after all!

“Good food, good place. The patio overlooks the river and makes for a good time while eating there.The food was good, and the drinks were nice. The margarita order comes with take-home cocktailShakers, which are pretty nice.” - Yelp Review

Get A Joe’s Crab Shack gift card

9. Shrimp Factory

Casual Dining Along the Riverfront

313 E River St | Savannah | theshrimpfactory.com

This restaurant is a great spot for lovers of shrimp and lovers of low country cuisine. Savannah is one of the best places to get seafood, and the Shrimp Factory happens to be one of the city’s best options for casual dining along the riverfront. 

This restaurant has been around for over 40 years, and exists in what was a former cotton warehouse built in 1823. They serve lunch and dinner that is really easy to enjoy, and are known, of course, for their shrimp. You’d also get to enjoy fresh baked bread with pimento cheese to start, pine bark stew, or southern bouillabaisse. 

“We had a great experience at the Shrimp Factory!! Our server Blake was the absolute best!! The food was soooo good! The fried green tomatoes were so delicious we ordered another plate! We look forward to going back to the Shrimp Factory very very soon!”–Yelp Review

10. Tubby’s Seafood 

Fresh Caught Seafood Served Each Day

115 E River St | Savannah | tubbysseafood.com

Tubby’s Seafood is a fresh seafood spot with a great view. Diners can sit right out on the balcony and enjoy all the sights of the river during their meals. And even when it's really hot outside, the breeze coming from the river will keep you cool!

This restaurant only serves fresh seafood. They typically offer a catch of the day which comes either grilled, fried, or blackened. This gets served with plenty of sides. Even if you don’t want seafood when you go, they have some other great land based options. They have chicken, ribeyes, and sandwiches. And their desserts are made by Tubby himself. 

“Great pet friendly restaurant, delicious food and courteous staff. We were sitting on the outside patio at 50 degrees but the restaurant had outdoor heaters and it was great. I highly recommend it.”–Yelp Review

11. River House Seafood

Fine Dining Suited to Please Every Palette

125 W River St | Savannah | savannahriverhouse.com

River House Seafood has been running from an 18th century restored cotton warehouse since 1982. This fine dining restaurant serves southern specialties that can delight any palette right on the Savannah river. Everything they serve is fresh and made from scratch. 

Try their locally caught grouper florentine, their signature shrimp and grits with tasso gravy, or their . Finish off your meal with some dessert like chocolate hazelnut bread pudding or praline cheesecake. And with your meal, you can enjoy the taste of history. Try their Chatham Artillery Punch, a drink said to be enjoyed by members of the community back in 1786. 

“This was our first food stop on our girls trip and the food was delicious. There was a nice feel to the restaurant and the server we had was wonderful.  The blue crab dip was the star of the evening and we could have eaten so much more of it. If you are looking for a relaxing, delicious place to eat, look no further. ”–Yelp Review

12. Lizzy’s Burger Bar & Grill

Fun Burgers and Colorful Drinks Paired With Great Views

417 E River St | Savannah | lizzysgrill.com

Lizzy’s Burger Bar & Grill is where great food and river views meet fun. This restaurant is housed in an 1800s trade warehouse, this burger bar offers some of the best burgers and drinks you can have by the river. Everything from the decor to the food is fun. The drinks are colorful as well as the bright interior. 

You can try their fried pickles, taco twists, or their knife-and-fork burger. They offer an awesome list of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Try the smash burger, shroom and swiss burger, or the cowboy burger. You can also have quesadillas, crab dip, and pretzel bites. And you can finish your meal off with a margarita or a craft beer from their full service bar, or a spiked milkshake! 

“When you come to river street Lizzy's is a must have! I usually get a tasty burger but this go round I got a California quesadilla with Margarita on the rocks for a change. Not a bad place to watch the game either and not to crowded.”–Yelp Review

13. Rocks On the River

Family Owned Spot with Unique Food Creations

317 E River St | Savannah | rocksontheriver.com

Rocks on the River offers tempting tastes with some southern flair. They serve local American comfort food alongside scenic riverside views. The southern food plates are always made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and combine dining with art. Your experience at this restaurant will be much beyond your expectations. You will never forget it once you’ve dined at Rocks on the River!

“This place had the most wonderful views of the river. They had plenty of outdoor seating and quick service. I was told about this place because it happens to be one of the best rooftop bars in Savannah. The margaritas were wonderful and the drink menu was nice!”–Yelp Review

14. The Olde Pink House

This restaurant is welcoming, cozy, and pink. 

23 Abercorn St | Savannah | theoldepinkhouserestaurant.com

The Olde Pink House is exactly what you’re picturing. It’s a large, pink house that makes a statement. They have an extensive menu that offers different unique and traditional southern foods. This restaurant has a romantic atmosphere you’ll love basking in, and food that will make you want to come back for more. 

On this restaurant’s menu, you’ll find fried green tomatoes, blackened oysters, and jumbo lump crab cake as appetizers, jumbo sea scallops, filet mignon, and fried lobster as entrees, and twice baked potatoes and butter beans as sides. The drink menu offers many great options for cocktails, wine, and beer. 

“Super cool old building. Delicious southern food. Great service! Highly recommend going here when in town. From the seafood to the fried chicken, everything was fantastic.”–Yelp Review

15. Alligator Soul Restaurant

Get served meats you won’t find in just any restaurant. 

114 Barnard St | Savannah | alligatorsoul.com

Alligator Soul Restaurant has been one of the best restaurants in Savannah since 2003. It’s known as a romantic and elegant destination with soul, and is one of the best places you can visit on your trip. They also serve meats that you don’t often find everywhere. So go on to Alligator soul to eat, drink, and relax your soul with some southern fine dining. 

This restaurant is known for serving eclectic southern food with seasonal ingredients. Everything they make is organic and fresh from local and regional sources, and that includes their cocktails and house made desserts. Just like their namesake, this restaurant offers alligator served in multiple different ways. Try the deviled alligator crab or the alligator boudin fritters. If you want something else, you get to choose between Brunswick gumbo, duck, wild boar shank, and much more. 

“Food here was so unique and amazing! The service was also great and our waiter was so attentive throughout the evening and gave great suggestions. My friend got the catch of the day which was rainbow trout and I got deviled alligator crabs - both were delicious and very filling. We also got the side of alligator chorizo Mac & cheese which was so so good! I'll definitely be thinking about that.”–Yelp Review

16. Chive Sea Bar & Lounge 

Seafood served alongside 1920s decadence. 

4 W Broughton St | Savannah | chivelounge.com

Chive Sea Bar & Lounge is a restaurant that is inspired by 1920s decadence. It sits in Savannah’s historic district on lively Broughton street, and makes a great place for a special occasion. It brings together the classic and the contemporary to bring the ideal southern experience. 

The menu consists of several foods you’ll be glad you showed up for. Get steamed clams, fried calamari, and tuna ceviche as appetizers, or prawn risotto, sea scallops, or jumbo stuffed chicken wings as entrees. They also have an amazing drink menu selection filled with whites and roses. 

“OMG - the mussels in this curry sauce is the best I have ever had, and I've eaten a lot of mussels! If you are in Savannah, and looking for an elegant seafood restaurant, this is your place!”–Yelp Review

17. The Pirates’ House

This restaurant pays homage to its pirate roots. 

20 E Broad St | Savannah | thepirateshouse.com

The Pirates’ House is a world famous restaurant known for its historic location. The building first opened in 1753 as an Inn for seafarers and eventually became a place where pirates and sailors of all kinds would meet. A significant time after that, The Pirate’s House, paying homage to its home base’s origins, came around and has been serving food, drinks, and good times ever since. 

This restaurant serves delicious southern favorites. You can find chicken gumbo, crab cake sandwiches, fried calamari among other delicious offerings. They also offer a dessert of the day, so ask the staff what’s available! 

“Pirates' House is a very cool place. The service was great and food was cooked perfectly. We had the lunch buffet. The chicken was fried perfectly, black eyed peas were fantastic and the mashed potatoes were the best that I've had in a long time. Biscuits were so fluffy. I recommend this historical place!”–Yelp Review

18. Treylor Park

A sensible restaurant with unique food creations. 

115 E Bay St | Savannah | treylorpark.com

Treylor Park is a sensible restaurant that serves food that is unique and delicious. You’ll find foods there that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Some of those foods are fried banana pepper rings, cheesesteak egg rolls, and their Treylor Park pot pie. They even offer unique signature drinks like hot tang mojito, Treylor Park aperol spritz, and the grapeful dead. 

“This place is a hidden gem. The food is unique and outstanding. The service is exceptional, fast and friendly. Don't miss out, definitely try this awesome restaurant.”–Yelp Review

There you have it! Whether you’re looking for dinner with a view or just trying to escape the summer heat by sticking close to the water, you now have plenty of restaurants on the Savannah River to choose from.

Don’t forget to stop back again sometime – we’re always adding new restaurants and things to do in Savannah to our catalog, and we’re always working on new best-of lists for the GiftYa blog. Hope to see you soon!