With its romantic parks and Parisian charm, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets, Savannah offers gorgeous scenery and culture at every turn. And for foodies, it’s a top destination as well, with mouth-watering Lowcountry cuisine boasting must-try dishes including shrimp and grits, biscuits with sausage gravy, and fried green tomatoes, just to name a few. While you’re truly spoiled for choice with Savannah’s restaurant scene, you’ll find plenty of options scattered across the city’s scenic river walk in particular. Stretching for over a mile and a half, this historic walkway is lined not only with dining but also shopping, history, and riverfront scenery.
From cozy eateries hidden in 18th-century buildings serving traditional fare to spots serving up eclectic, one-of-a-kind cuisine, these are the top restaurants to try when exploring Savannah’s picturesque waterfront walk. We’ve evaluated options across River Street and Bay Street (which is just around the corner and also offers waterfront views), using Google Reviews and Tripadvisor to select the top-rated restaurants along the river walk. (Learn more about our full methodology at the end.)
Vic’s on the River
Tucked into an 1859 building overlooking the Savannah River, this fine dining establishment has won over customers since launching in 2006. Not only has Vic’s on the River garnered a 4.4 rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.4 Google rating, with thousands of reviews across both platforms, but it was also a designated Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best in 2025, as well as an OpenTable diners’ choice restaurant. “We decided that when we return, we will simply eat [at Vic’s] every night as nothing else quite compares,” said one Tripadvisor reviewer.
With a focus on elevated Southern fare and local seafood, shrimp and grits topped with rosemary barbecue sauce, pecan fried flounder, and fried chicken with macaroni and cheese are just some of the options awaiting you at Vic’s on the River. “Make sure you make your dinner reservation at least a half hour early because you will really need to study the menu as every single item on the menu sounds fabulous,” said another past guest on Google, who has visited Vic’s numerous times over the years. Vic’s on the River is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Cotton Exchange Tavern
Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city, with plenty of opportunities for dining steeped in history — and if you’re looking for the best of the best, try the Cotton Exchange Tavern. The original building once served as a cotton warehouse back in the 1700s, and you’ll even see Savannah’s distinctive ballast stone walls that were used during the colonial era. As for the actual restaurant, it opened its doors in 1971, which makes it one of the longest-running eateries along the river walk. Inside, you’ll find a cozy, tavern-style ambience…