Top 3 Must Dine at Restaurants in Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC
CHARLESTON
FIG (Food Is Good): Located in the heart of Charleston, FIG has established itself as a culinary landmark, celebrated for its commitment to showcasing the bounty of the Lowcountry.
Under the guidance of Chef Mike Lata, FIG has become a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Each dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that pay homage to the rich heritage of Southern cuisine. The restaurant's name, "Food Is Good," encapsulates its philosophy of letting the quality of the ingredients shine through in every bite.
Chef Mike Lata's dedication to sourcing locally is central to FIG's ethos. He has fostered close relationships with regional farmers, fishermen, and purveyors, ensuring that only the freshest and most exceptional ingredients find their way into the kitchen. This dedication to local sourcing is a driving force behind FIG's seasonal menu and ever-changing offerings.
Reflecting on FIG's philosophy, Chef Mike Lata says, "At FIG, we're crafting dishes that resonate with the soul of Charleston. We take classic Southern ingredients and present them in a way that feels fresh, contemporary, and deeply satisfying. Our menu is a reflection of the Lowcountry's seasons and the stories they tell through food."
Xiao Bao Biscuit: This hidden gem brings Asian flavors to Charleston with a unique twist. Co-owner Joey Ryan explains, "Xiao Bao Biscuit is our ode to global street food. We infuse local ingredients into dishes inspired by our travels, creating a harmonious culinary crossroads." (pictured right)
Husk: A cornerstone of Charleston's dining scene, Husk celebrates Southern ingredients and traditions with a modern twist. Chef Sean Brock's commitment to sourcing locally shines through in every dish, creating an unforgettable experience. As he puts it, "Husk is a love letter to Southern food, highlighting the beauty of our region's bounty." Husk is also open in Nashville, TN.
SAVANNAH
Brochu's: In the Starland District of Savannah, Brochu's has emerged as a captivating culinary gem that displays the owners’ love of casual, throwback-style joints and boisterous family gatherings. With a balance of fried chicken and fresh seafood, their oyster offering blew us away.
While we saved room for dessert, our fav was the whole chicken with dirty rice and egg yolk. Dining at 5pm, we were there early enough to beat the Thursday rush, as the tables quickly filled as we checked out. From the biscuits to the bartender, the experience was warm and inviting, we felt like we had walked into our friends' kitchen.
Founded by Andrew and Sophie Brochu, and with executive chef Dave Baker stepping in to lead the kitchen, Brochu's is truly a testament of great food, family, and hospitality. Plus, we loved seeing how they turned a portion of a 1930’s grocery story into a thriving local spot!
The Grey: Housed within a converted Greyhound bus terminal, The Grey is a beacon of culinary innovation in Savannah. Led by Chef Mashama Bailey, the restaurant breathes new life into Southern cuisine while honoring the city's history. With a contemporary twist on tradition, each dish is a testament to Chef Bailey's creativity and the region's rich flavors.
The menu at The Grey is a dynamic fusion of classic and modern. Expect unexpected pairings like crispy catfish with fermented black beans and reimagined collard greens. The commitment to local sourcing ensures an authentic taste of Savannah in every bite.
Chef Mashama Bailey's vision for The Grey is clear: "We're challenging perceptions of Southern food by presenting it in surprising ways. The Grey isn't just a restaurant; it's a platform for culinary exploration."
Make it stand out
If you find yourself in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, you absolutely can't miss the delightful Leopold's Ice Cream!
Leopold's is not just an ice cream parlor; it's a sweet slice of Savannah's history. Founded by three Greek brothers, George, Peter, and Basil Leopold, way back in 1919, it's been serving up scrumptious scoops and old-fashioned charm for over a century. The moment you step inside, you're transported to a bygone era, with its vintage soda fountain, shiny marble countertops, and charming, nostalgic decor.
But it's the ice cream that truly steals the show! Hand-cranked in small batches using secret family recipes, their ice cream is pure heaven in a cone. They've got classics like vanilla and chocolate, but oh my, their unique flavors are what dreams are made of! Think Tutti Frutti, Lemon Custard, and Savannah Socialite (with a hint of Georgia peach, of course).
Savannah and Charleston are revered dining destinations due to their rich culinary tapestries, which blend tradition and innovation to create unique gastronomic experiences. In Savannah, restaurants like The Grey and Brochu's exemplify a merging of Southern and global influences, redefining classic flavors through creative techniques. These establishments honor the city's history while inviting diners to explore new horizons.
Similarly, Charleston boasts a vibrant culinary scene where restaurants like Husk and FIG celebrate the region's bounty through locally sourced ingredients. These dining establishments showcase the beauty of Southern cuisine, offering a contemporary spin on time-honored dishes. Charleston's reputation as a hub for elevated comfort food and innovative culinary artistry draws food enthusiasts from far and wide.
Both cities offer more than just meals; they invite patrons to immerse themselves in the stories of their respective regions through food. The dedication of chefs to local sourcing, reinterpretation of traditional dishes, and the charm of their dining settings combine to make Savannah and Charleston essential stops for anyone seeking a taste of the South's rich flavors, served with a modern twist.
