Savannah Food Tours: Where Southern Flavors Meet History (What to Expect)
Savannah is the kind of city where every meal tells a story—but with so many restaurants packed into the Historic District, it’s easy to miss the real standouts. That’s where a Savannah food tour comes in. Instead of guessing where to eat, you get a guided walk through the city’s neighborhoods, tasting signature dishes while learning the history behind them.
Food tours in Savannah aren’t just about eating (though you’ll do plenty of that). They’re about understanding the city through its flavors—from classic Southern staples to unexpected international bites—all without standing in line or overthinking reservations.
I’ve taken two different Savannah food tours, and both offered generous tastings, knowledgeable guides, and a smarter way to get oriented in the city early in a trip.
If you’re planning a trip to Savannah, don’t stop at just the food tours. I’ve shared plenty of insider guides to help you make the most of your visit. From my list of things to do in Savannah to the fascinating Bonaventure Cemetery and even where to drink in Savannah, these posts will give you even more ideas to explore one of Georgia’s most charming cities.
Who Savannah Food Tours Are Best For
Savannah food tours are a great fit if you:
- Are visiting Savannah for the first time
- Want to sample multiple restaurants without committing to one
- Enjoy food and history together
- Have limited time and want a high-value experience
- Prefer walking and small-group tours over crowds
If you like the idea of eating your way through a city while someone else handles the logistics, this is an easy yes.
Savannah has no shortage of food tours—at least eight operate throughout the city, ranging from Southern comfort food to ghost-themed experiences. This post focuses on two I personally took: the Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour and the First Squares Food Tour. Each follows a different route, highlights different restaurants, and offers its own perspective on Savannah’s food scene.
Why Taking a Food Tour Early in Your Trip Makes Sense
There are a couple of advantages to scheduling a food tour at the beginning of your Savannah visit:
- You get to sample dishes from multiple restaurants without committing to a full meal. If you love something, you can come back later. If you don’t, you’ve saved yourself from ordering the wrong thing.
- Tour participants are often offered discounts or insider tips for returning visits.
Think of it as research you can eat.
Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour
This three-hour walking tour explores Savannah’s Historic District at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops for food, stories, and shade. Expect a mix of Southern classics, local specialties, and behind-the-scenes context that makes each bite more meaningful.
Our guide, Country, set the tone immediately—funny, knowledgeable, and deeply familiar with Savannah’s past. The group remained small, making it easy to hear stories, ask questions, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
We began our journey at Capital Bee Company with a honey tasting. (I loved the honey so much that I brought back gifts to my family and ordered more for Christmas!)
We then made our way to one of Savannah’s beautiful squares and each had a full-size chicken biscuit from Rise Biscuits and Donuts. While enjoying hot biscuits, we heard stories about fried chicken, the early Scots, and the period of segregation.
We continued on to Cha Bella, a farm-to-table restaurant. There are no microwaves, deep fryers are not used, and the food is always fresh. We had a sample of risotto with tarragon and shrimp.
Our next stop was Ashford Tea Company where we learned about the different varieties of tea and were able to sample some that the shop sells.
While there, we also were treated to a sandwich from Zunzi’s (a South African-inspired restaurant) called the Conquistador. It was made with French Bread, Chicken, Romaine Lettuce, Tomato, Provolone, Parmesan, Zunzi’s Sauce, Zunzi’s Dressing.
We then headed to The Common Restaurant, a restaurant/bar that serves bottomless mimosas from 8 AM until 3 PM. While we did not imbibe on anything bubbly, it was there that we had a smoked oyster and sampled fried cornbread.
Our final stop was outside of Leopold’s. Our tour group status meant that we did not have to wait in line to get the world-famous ice cream. We each got a cup of Leopold’s Butter Pecan Ice Cream before saying our farewells.
This was a tour that I would happily repeat, stories and all. If you want to take a tour with Country, she typically works on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 11 AM.
First Squares Food Tour
The First Squares Food Tour takes a different route through Savannah, focusing on early neighborhoods and a wider mix of flavors. Like the East Side tour, it lasts about three hours and involves steady walking, rain or shine.
This tour leaned more heavily into variety—from shrimp and grits to British pastries and mojitos—making it a solid option if you want both classic Southern dishes and something unexpected.
The First Squares Food Tour began inside the Andaz at 22 Square. There we had a sample of shrimp and grits with pork belly.
We moved on to The American Prohibition Museum in City Market, where we sampled Artillery Punch along with a bite of a pimento cheese sandwich and boiled peanuts.
Making our way through the rain, we arrived at Little Crown by Pie Society, a traditional British bakery/pub. There we noshed on sausage rolls and heard the background story of how a British bakery landed in Savannah.
Our next sample was that of pork belly doughnut sliders from The Ordinary Pub. Because of the downpour, we nibbled on them under the protective cover of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Not to be deterred by the rain, we made our way to Mint To Be Mojitos, where we sampled real empanadas. Most of the tour participants opted to purchase a mojito, like the (virgin) watermelon mojito pictured below, in the laid-back environment of their hidden speakeasy.
Our final destination was the flagship store of the Savannah Bee Company. We sampled several varieties of honey and then had apple slices with honey and cheese.
I can’t think of a better way to enjoy delicious bites from distinctive restaurants while learning about the Hostess City of the South’s fascinating history.
Taking a Food Tour Tips
- Note on Your Allergies: Before booking, inform the tour organizers of any food allergies or dietary restrictions. This ensures a seamless experience, allowing them to tailor the tour to accommodate your needs and preferences.
- Mind Your Fitness Levels: While food tours typically involve walking, some may cover more ground than others. Check the tour description for information on walking distances and terrains to ensure it suits your fitness levels. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to explore at a leisurely pace.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle, especially if the tour takes place in warmer weather. Staying hydrated is crucial to enjoying the culinary journey and enhances the tasting experience.
- Alcoholic Beverages Policy: Some food tours include alcoholic beverage tastings. Be aware of the tour’s policy regarding alcohol. If it’s included, pace yourself to fully savor both the food and drink offerings.
- Engage with Your Guide: The tour guide is a wealth of knowledge about local culture and cuisine. Ask questions, seek recommendations, and engage with them to enhance your overall experience.
- Tipping Etiquette: Don’t forget to bring cash for your guide at the end of the tour. Showing appreciation through a tip is a courteous way to thank them.
How To Book a Food Tour
Before booking a tour, I recommend that you read the reviews at TripAdvisor.com. There are usually plenty of helpful tips in the comments to give one a “heads up” about what to expect or whether a different tour might be better.
Then, head to a site like Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com to book a tour. If you book a tour through one of those sites, I recommend downloading their app. It will keep your electronic ticket at your fingertips.
Final Call
If you’re overwhelmed by Savannah’s dining scene or short on time, a food tour is one of the easiest ways to eat well and learn the city at the same time. Let someone else handle the planning while you focus on enjoying the bites—and the stories behind them.
Have you taken a food tour in Savannah, or would you rather explore restaurants on your own? Leave a comment below and tell me which camp you’re in—or share your favorite Savannah meal if you’ve already been.
