The 8 Best Eateries in Savannah, Georgia

I spent four years exploring this beautiful city and there's one thing all tourists and newcomers should know about the food you will find in Savannah, Georgia: it isn't "southern". There was so many times I wish I could have some delicious fried chicken without paying a fortune at Paula Deen's restaurant or making a pit stop at the local KFC.

What you may not know is that about 90 percent of the restaurants you will find in this historic district of the city are more like worldly cuisine rather than the southern cooking you were hoping for. From Thai food to some of the best pizza in the south, Savannah is a melting pot of good food. I'm here to tell you about some of the best places to eat during your temporary or permanent stay in this city.

Now these may not all be the best, but as a poor college student they pretty much were great places to eat on a budget (or whenever I wanted to splurge once in a while). Stick with me and I'll find you some of the best cuisine and/or treats in Savannah, Georgia. Get ready to exercise your taste buds.

Forrest Gump and southern belles. That's what people think of it right?

If you aren't in the mood for Paula Deen's country fried "delicacies" then check out one of these place.

Not everything in Savannah is fried and country-fied. International cuisine has made it's mark in this historical Georgia city, and I'm here to let you in on the secret.

113 MLK Blvd.

WHAT'S ON THE MENU: Japanese food , i.e. sushi, stir fry.

Best sushi in Savannah. I think I ate here once every two weeks during a four month period. There entrees have the best grouping of cooked vegetables. I'm a sucker for that....and the delicious shrimp sauce!

I recommend: Grilled mushrooms, fried kalamari, or sock-it-to-me sushi roll. I think that's the one we always got...

City Market, Downtown Savannah

Sorry ice cream, I've fallen in love with gelato.

I never had gelato before I went to this place. It's freshly made, comes in 10 or more flavors, and it's the perfect after-dinner snack. Why did no one ever introduce me to gelato before this?! It's amazing!

214 West Boundary Street

WHAT'S ON THE MENU: Pizza, calzones, wings.

If you are on a budget and are willing to sidetrack from the main streets of the historic part of Savannah, I recommend this place.

I don't know how many times I would come here for a midnight snack. I hadn't even had a calzone before coming here. It was strategically positioned within a hundred feet of our dorms (and our college cafeteria).

If that doesn't hook you, check out their $5.00 deals. For example, 2 slices of pizza plus a drink. Amazing right?

42 MLK Jr. Boulevard

WHAT'S ON THE MENU: Cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, hot chocolate, alcoholic drinks (specialty or regular).

Strawberries plus Mascarpone cheese blended with whipped cream layers between chocolate cake. Oh and don't forget the delicious dark chocolate frosting. This is what to expect when you visit Lulu's Chocolate Bar. From cheesecake to mousse towers, the gourmet chocolate and specially made drinks, like The Sparklebomb, were the reasons why I kept going back.

This place is a little pricey, but trust me, it'll be worth it. I'll surely miss the low lighting, art exhibits, and live music.

I would recommend: Strawberry Suspension Cake (seen right and is the description above).

108 East York Street

WHAT'S ON THE MENU: Sandwiches, wraps, burgers, Italian, vegetarian, and salads.

Probably one of the best places to eat for anyone, a tourist or a local. This little place is located a little ways away from the usual tourist center of River Street, but it'll be worth the walk. The food is an interesting combination of Swiss, Italian, South African, and Dutch in some of the most authentic and original dishes you will find in Savannah.

FYI: This restaurant is outdoor seating only, but you get to wait in line and watch as they make your sandwich.

I would recommend: The Conquistador or Rising Sun Sandwiches.

6 East State Street

As you may know, I'm obsessed with cupcakes. Seriously, why can't I have them with every meal?

They have 12 flavors everyday. You won't get the same 12 each day either. Who could resist these cupcake flavors:

Banana Split with Butter Cream Frosting

Sweet Potato Pie with Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Lemonade

143 Bull Street

If you guessed from the name that this place has smoothies, then you've guessed right.

WHAT'S ON THE MENU: Sandwiches, smoothies, hot or iced drinks, breakfast foods.

What I love about this place is that you're getting the fresh ingredients right there in your smoothie without the preservatives or any weird frozen "stuff" And the people here are so friendly!

I recommend: The chicken salad sandwich is my favorite! It comes with almonds and cranberries in the sandwich. Amazingly delicious!

Smoothie-wise I would recommend any of them, especially ones with peach in them.

39 Barnard St., near Ellis Square

WHAT'S ON THE MENU: Breakfast and lunch; desserts.

"The Goose", as my friends as called it, was my favorite place to go for breakfast.

Tourists do seem to enjoy the restaurant, but don't let that keep you from giving this place a try. I love it! If I could afford to eat breakfast here everyday, I would. But it isn't just a breakfast place. Try their signature sandwiches, desserts, and quiches.

I recommend: The Belgian Waffles.(I get it with strawberries on top!)

Add a cup of freshly made whipped cream everytime you order it.