Food Tours in Savannah, Georgia

When it comes to food, Savannah is the epitome of southern hospitality, flavors and comfort. And the best way to discover the tastes that are on offer — as well as the open-hearted generosity with which travelers are received — is with a Savannah food tour.

Originally, the city was created as a buffer for the Carolinas, against the influences of the French and Spanish to the south — resulting in America’s first planned city. Savannah soon became an important regional trade hub, and with this came culinary influence from all over the American South.

Today, these flavors are still present in southern cooking, and people come from all over the world to enjoy some of the famous hospitality. So sit back and make yourself comfortable while someone rustles you up some famous fried green tomatoes.

Here's all you need to know about food tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Savannah, Georgia.

What are the best food tours in Savannah?

Finding the best food tours in Savannah Georgie largely depends on what you want to experience in the city when not eating. The tours are mostly similar in the number of restaurants visited, dishes featured and the number of participants. However, the tours have different variations — with some geared towards the culinary purist, while others focus on the history of the city.

Guided food and culinary tour in Savannah

The south is renowned for doing things their own way, and this tour isn’t any different. You’ll take a leisurely stroll down the city’s Historical District, popping in and out of local food shops and restaurants.

While ambling down the beautiful city streets, you’ll enjoy a host of local specialties — with shrimp and grits, pork belly sliders and southern shepherd’s pie all on the menu. The pace is slow, as is the food — but good things come to those who wait.

Savannah small-group food tour

This small-group food tour in Savannah is perfect for people traveling as a group of friends or as a family. The number of participants is limited to 12, so the more people in your own group, the better.

You’ll start your culinary expedition in central Savannah, following your guide — and your noses — as they lead you through the city. Along the way, you’ll enjoy local delicacies like fried green tomatoes, local honey and delectable pralines.

The tour ends at the City Market, an area that has served as Savannah’s economical and cultural heart since the 1700s. Explore the market on your own, applying your newfound food knowledge to some of the local eateries.

Savannah food tour and pub crawl

While most of the other food tours in Savannah concentrate on the cuisine, architecture and history, this one focuses on one thing only — having a great time! Specifically, having a great time while stuffing delicious morsels into your mouth and sipping on some of the best cocktails this side of the Mississippi.

This food tour explores six of the best bars and pubs in Savannah, and the fare that makes their punters come back for more. Fried crab claws, homemade hot sauce and pimento cheese are all on offer, ensuring that you’ll enjoy a truly memorable night.

Off-the-beaten-path Savannah food tour

The off-the-beaten-path Savannah food tour differs from other excursions in that it explores another side of this famed city. In some circles, Savannah is known not for its food or stylish architecture, but its ghostly past — a fact supported by the number of paranormal activity tours in Savannah.

While this food tour is still mainly focused on the cuisine — it doesn’t visit the ghostly Bonaventure cemetery, for instance — it’s flavored with the tiniest hint of the macabre. And you’ll feast your way through the city, while your guide hints at some of the lesser talked about aspects of Savannah.

Which places are visited?

Savannah food tours will usually visit a minimum of six restaurants or specialty food shops. The kind of restaurants visited largely depends on the type of tour you choose, with Savannah sporting an eclectic assortment of eateries and diners.

The dishes also vary for different food tours, but there are some staples you should look out for — these include the famous shrimp and grits, green fried tomatoes, pralines and pork belly sliders.

A Savannah food tour mainly stays within the Historical District or the surrounding area. This area is rich in history, architecture and culture, making it a hotbed for other activities like Savannah walking tours.

Other excursions, like Savannah’s hop-on hop-off bus tours and Savannah city tours, also start in this area, before exploring further afield.

How much do food tours in Savannah cost?

Food tours in Savannah, Georgia are roughly similarly priced and they all tend to visit at least 6 eateries.

The Savannah food tour and pub crawl cost $55 per person, making it the most affordable tour available.

A guided food and culinary tour in Savannah will cost around $65 per person, but it takes place as a relatively large group — with up to 20 people allowed.

Both the “off-the-beaten-path Savannah food tour” and the historical Savannah food tour cost $70 per person. But food isn’t the only thing on the menu — with the tours venturing into some of Savannah’s lesser-known histories and tales.

Finally, the Savannah small-group food tour also costs $70 per person, but the number of participants is limited to 12 — providing great value for money.

What is included?

Food tours in Savannah always include the meals listed on the itinerary, as well as a visit to a minimum of six restaurants. If the meals are not explicitly mentioned, you should contact the tour company and confirm with them — sometimes the dishes may change due to seasonality.

Drinks are very rarely included in the tour price and you should consider these items for your own account. As food tours in Savannah usually take place as a type of walking tour, pickup and drop-off services are seldom included.

Where does it start?

Savannah food tours typically start at a predetermined point in the city’s Historical District. It will also usually be at one of the first restaurants that are visited. You should always confirm the starting point with the tour company when booking, and again a couple of hours before the food tour starts.

How long does it last?

Food tours in Savannah, Georgia, can last anything from 2 to 4 hours, but the typical tour usually lasts for 3 hours. The duration of the food tour depends largely on the number of restaurants that are visited, as well as the dishes and specialties enjoyed.

Some food tours have been known to continue well after their official time, due to the generosity of the hosts and the quality of the conversation.

When is the best time for a food tour in Savannah?

The best time of year to visit Savannah, Georgia for a food tour is from March to July, with the city being particularly pleasant during spring.

A Savannah food tour is best when it’s enjoyed at the start of your trip. This way, you’ll be able to explore the delicacies that the town has to offer, after having a local show you the ropes.

The best time of day to enjoy a food tour in Savannah is late morning and early afternoon, and again in the early evening. Any day of the week is great, but weekends are usually busier.

Travel tips

• If you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements, inform the tour company when booking and again when arriving at the start of the tour.
• Some food tours involve walking — consider wearing comfortable shoes.
• Consider taking insect repellant and sunscreen.
• Savannah food tours take place during all types of weather conditions — be sure to dress appropriately.
• Alcoholic beverages may be enjoyed on the street, but they should always be in a styrofoam or plastic cup. They are also limited to one drink per person when on the street.
• Savannah food tours are popular and tend to sell out quickly. Booking in advance should be considered.