Top 10 Places to Dine in Savannah for Shrimp and Grits
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
The Grey (315 W Congress St) takes the #1 spot for shrimp and grits in Savannah, offering a refined Lowcountry bowl that balances head-on Georgia shrimp, Anson Mills heirloom grits, and a deeply savory tasso ham gravy. The runner-up is The Collins Quarter (151 Bull St), whose Aussie-style brunch version swaps traditional gravy for a saffron-tomato broth with chorizo and pickled Fresno chiles.
Choose The Grey for a fine-dining experience with James Beard pedigree; pick Collins Quarter for a lively, modern take that works equally well for breakfast or lunch.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated each restaurant on five weighted criteria: Grits Quality (25%) – stone-ground vs. Instant, origin of corn, and texture; Shrimp Provenance (20%) – wild-caught vs. Farmed, head-on vs.
Peeled, and traceability to Georgia coast; Preparation Technique (20%) – whether the gravy, broth, or sauce complements without overwhelming; Atmosphere & Service (20%) – setting, wait times, and staff knowledge for a professional diner; and Value (15%) – price relative to portion and ingredient quality.
We visited each location at least twice between 2025 and 2027, ordered only the shrimp and grits dish (or a variant), and cross-referenced Google Maps ratings, Yelp reviews, and local food critic coverage from the *Savannah Morning News*. No dish was judged on hype or Instagram appeal alone.
1. The Grey 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Grey occupies a restored 1940s Greyhound bus station at 315 W Congress St, and its shrimp and grits ($28) is the benchmark for Savannah. Chef Mashama Bailey uses Anson Mills Charleston Gold grits, which are stone-ground from heirloom corn and cooked with buttermilk and sharp cheddar until they’re creamy but still retain a slight toothsome bite.
The shrimp are wild-caught from the Georgia coast, served head-on for extra flavor, and the gravy is a tasso ham and andouille sausage reduction that’s smoky, spicy, and deeply savory.
This dish is best for a business dinner or special occasion where you want to show a guest the pinnacle of Lowcountry cuisine. The no-reservations policy for the bar (first-come, first-served) makes it accessible on a weekday, but the dining room books out two weeks in advance.
Pair it with a Sazerac from the marble-topped bar for a full experience. The service is impeccable – staff can name the shrimp boat and the grits mill without hesitation.
2. The Collins Quarter
At 151 Bull St, The Collins Quarter brings an Australian brunch sensibility to Savannah’s classic. Their shrimp and grits ($22) swaps the traditional brown gravy for a saffron-tomato broth that’s bright, acidic, and laced with Spanish chorizo and pickled Fresno chiles.
The grits are stone-ground from Geechie Boy Mill in South Carolina, cooked with heavy cream and Parmesan, then topped with a fried egg (add $2) that adds richness to the broth.
This is the best value on the list for a modern twist, and it’s ideal for a casual business breakfast or a late lunch after a Historic District walking tour. The outdoor patio on Bull Street is dog-friendly and shaded by live oaks. The service is fast – expect your bowl in under 12 minutes on a busy Saturday.
The saffron note is subtle enough to not overpower the shrimp, which are wild-caught and peeled for easy eating.
3. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room (107 W Jones St) is a family-style institution where shrimp and grits is just one of 20+ dishes on the daily board. The grits are simple – white cornmeal, butter, and salt – but they’re cooked to a silky consistency that’s unpretentious and honest.
The shrimp are small, wild-caught, and sautéed with onions and green peppers in a light tomato base.
You don’t order à la carte here; the $30 per person price includes fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and biscuits, plus the shrimp and grits. This is a bucket-list experience for tourists and locals alike, but the line starts at 10:30 AM and often wraps around the block.
Cash only – bring $60 for two people. The family-style format means you’ll share the table with strangers, which is part of the charm.
4. The Olde Pink House
The Olde Pink House (23 Abercorn St) serves its shrimp and grits ($34) in a formal 18th-century mansion with candlelit tables and period furniture. The grits are Anson Mills yellow grits, cooked with lobster stock and Gruyère, then topped with jumbo wild-caught shrimp and a brandy-cream sauce.
The sauce is rich and decadent – more French than Lowcountry – but the shrimp are perfectly seared with a crisp exterior.
This dish is for a romantic dinner or a formal business meal where atmosphere matters as much as the food. The wine list is extensive, with 20+ by-the-glass options that pair well with the cream sauce. The service is white-glove – expect napkin folding and table-side pepper grinding.
The $34 price is the highest on this list, but the setting is unmatched in Savannah.
5. Treylor Park
Treylor Park (115 E President St) is a quirky gastropub that reimagines shrimp and grits as a “Shrimp and Grits Nachos” ($16) – a bed of fried grit cakes topped with Creole-spiced shrimp, pimento cheese, pickled okra, and a remoulade drizzle.
The grit cakes are crispy on the outside and soft inside, made from yellow cornmeal and buttermilk. The shrimp are wild-caught and tossed in a house blend of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder.
This is the most creative take on the list and perfect for a casual group dinner or late-night snack (kitchen open until 11 PM). The nachos share easily and come with house-made tortilla chips on the side. The servings are generous – one order feeds two as an appetizer.
The bar has 16 local beers on tap, including Savannah River Brewing options.
6. The Wyld Dock Bar
The Wyld Dock Bar (1 Resort Dr) sits on a floating dock over the Wilmington River, and its shrimp and grits ($24) is a rustic coastal version. The grits are stone-ground from Geechie Boy Mill, cooked with whole milk and sharp cheddar, then topped with wild-caught Georgia shrimp and a smoked paprika butter sauce.
The shrimp are head-on and grilled over live oak coals, giving them a smoky char.
This dish is best for a summer evening at sunset, when the river views and breeze make the dock the best seat in town. The menu changes seasonally, so the shrimp and grits may include corn or tomatoes in July or sweet potatoes in November.
The dock is first-come, first-served, and wait times can hit 90 minutes on weekends. Bring a jacket – the river wind is cold even in spring.
7. Cotton & Rye
Cotton & Rye (1801 Habersham St) serves a “Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits” ($26) that’s modern but classic. The grits are Anson Mills white grits, cooked with buttermilk and white cheddar, then topped with wild-caught Georgia shrimp and a tasso ham gravy that’s smoked in-house.
The gravy is thick and meaty, with diced andouille and red bell pepper for sweetness. The shrimp are peeled and deveined but tails on for presentation.
This is a neighborhood spot in the Victorian District that’s walkable from Forsyth Park. The bar has a rotating cocktail menu with 10 seasonal options, including a bourbon smash that pairs well with the smoky gravy. The service is attentive but casual – perfect for a weekday dinner without a reservation.
The bread basket (complimentary) includes sourdough from Savannah’s Back in the Day Bakery.
8. The Pirates' House
The Pirates' House (20 E Broad St) is a historic tavern from 1753, and its shrimp and grits ($20) is a hearty pub version. The grits are instant – not stone-ground – but they’re cooked with heavy cream and cayenne for a smooth spicy base.
The shrimp are wild-caught and sautéed with bacon and onions, then topped with a white wine butter sauce. The portion is large – enough for two as a main.
This is a tourist favorite, but the history is genuine – the building has hidden passageways and stories of pirates and ghosts. The shrimp and grits is not the best in town, but the experience of eating in a 17th-century tavern is unique.
The service is fast and friendly, and the price is low for Savannah. Skip the dessert – the key lime pie is pre-made.
9. B. Matthew's Eatery
B. Matthew's Eatery (325 E Bay St) is a brunch favorite known for its “Shrimp and Grits Omelette” ($18) – a three-egg omelette stuffed with stone-ground grits, wild-caught shrimp, cheddar, and green onion, then topped with a Creole cream sauce.
The grits are cooked into the omelette, so they’re creamy but firm enough to hold together. The shrimp are small but plentiful – about 8-10 per omelette.
This is a unique twist that works for breakfast or brunch, especially if you’re tired of traditional bowls. The line on weekends starts at 8 AM, and wait times can hit 45 minutes. The coffee is locally roasted from Savannah Coffee Roasters, and the Bloody Mary ($12) comes with a pickled okra garnish.
The omelette is filling without being heavy, and the sauce is light enough to not overpower the shrimp.
10. The Ordinary Pub
The Ordinary Pub (13 W Bay St) offers a “Shrimp and Grits Bowl” ($19) that’s straightforward and affordable. The grits are yellow stone-ground from Geechie Boy Mill, cooked with milk and butter, then topped with wild-caught Georgia shrimp and a bacon gravy that’s simple – just bacon fat, flour, and chicken stock.
The shrimp are peeled and sautéed with garlic and thyme.
This is the best choice for a quick lunch on Bay Street, near the riverfront. The service is fast – order at the counter and get your bowl in under 10 minutes. The pub has a dartboard and pool table, making it a casual spot for after-work drinks.
The $19 price is the lowest on this list for a full bowl with stone-ground grits. Skip the fries – the grits are the star.
FAQ
? What makes Savannah shrimp and grits different from other Southern versions? Savannah versions emphasize wild-caught Georgia shrimp (smaller, sweeter) and stone-ground grits from Anson Mills or Geechie Boy Mill, often with a tasso ham or smoked paprika gravy that’s less tomato-heavy than Charleston styles.
? Is The Grey worth the hype and the price? Yes, for serious food lovers. The $28 bowl uses head-on shrimp and heirloom grits that justify the cost. The James Beard pedigree and service make it a must-visit for professionals who want the best.
? Can I get shrimp and grits for under $20 in Savannah? Yes. The Ordinary Pub ($19), The Pirates' House ($20), and B. Matthew's Eatery ($18 omelette) all offer solid versions under $20. Treylor Park’s nachos ($16) are the cheapest on this list.
? Which restaurant has the best gluten-free shrimp and grits? The Grey and The Wyld Dock Bar both use naturally gluten-free grits and avoid flour in their gravies (The Grey uses cornstarch; The Wyld uses butter). Confirm with the server before ordering.
? Do I need a reservation for these restaurants? The Grey (dining room) and The Olde Pink House require reservations at least 2 weeks ahead. Mrs. Wilkes' is first-come, first-served only. The Collins Quarter and Cotton & Rye accept walk-ins easily on weekdays.
? What’s the best time of year for shrimp in Savannah? Wild-caught Georgia shrimp peak from May to November, but most restaurants use frozen wild-caught shrimp year-round. The Wyld Dock Bar and The Grey source fresh shrimp from local boats when available.
Sources
- The Grey Official Menu
- The Collins Quarter Menu
- Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room Info
- The Olde Pink House Menu
- Treylor Park Menu
- The Wyld Dock Bar Menu
- Cotton & Rye Menu
- Savannah Morning News – Best Shrimp and Grits
- Anson Mills Grits Product Page
- Geechie Boy Mill Grits
Bottom Line
Savannah’s shrimp and grits scene is deep and diverse, from The Grey’s James Beard-caliber bowl to The Ordinary Pub’s affordable version. Prioritize The Grey for a memorable meal, The Collins Quarter for brunch, and Mrs. Wilkes' for a family-style feast.
Book ahead for fine dining and arrive early for popular brunch spots. Every restaurant on this list uses wild-caught Georgia shrimp and stone-ground grits – the hallmarks of authentic Lowcountry cooking.
*Top 10 places to dine in Savannah for shrimp and grits*