Experience Savannah Through Food Tours

Embarking on a food tour in Savannah? Before you take that first delicious step, read this guide for essential tips and insights. Discover the ideal way to savor Savannah’s best restaurants, important notes on allergies, fitness levels, and more. Make your culinary adventure in Georgia’s historic district truly unforgettable!

Savannah Georgia is a foodie paradise! From delicious southern cooking to amazing seafood, there’s something for everyone here. And one of the best ways to experience it all is by taking a Savannah food tour! These tours offer a unique way to explore the city and sample some of its most delicious foods while taking in the cultural landmarks of the squares of Savannah. It’s a great way to sample some amazing food and learn about the city.

I took two different food tours in Savannah and was not disappointed with the variety or quality of dishes offered on either one! The best part was getting to experience this beautiful city from behind local eyes while learning about its history along the way.

There are no less than 8 tours in the area that will take you through the town, from Southern cuisine to ghost stories! This post is going to highlight two tours: The Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour and the First Squares Food Tour. Each tour is unique and your experience will vary from mine.

Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour

The first food tour I took was the  Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour , a 3-hour walking tour through Savannah‘s historic district. The tour that I took was led by Country – yes, that’s the name she goes by. By far, she was the best tour guide I have ever had. She had all of the guests laughing as she took us through the picturesque squares creating an unforgettable experience for our small group.

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 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 11 AM.

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First Squares Food Tour

The First Squares Food Tour took a different route and different foods and beverages were sampled. It rained the day of the tour, but that did not stop the three-hour walking tour from taking place. (Food tours typically take place regardless of weather conditions, so be prepared!)

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.

There are a couple of advantages of taking a food tour at the beginning of your trip.

1. You sample dishes that you may or may not like. If you find a dish you like, you can go back later to that restaurant and order the full-sized dish/meal. If you don’t like the item, you know to avoid it.
2. Tour participants are often offered discounts to the establishments that are visited.

​Taking a Food Tour Tips

1. Note on Your Allergies: Before booking, communicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions to the tour organizers. This ensures a seamless experience, allowing them to tailor the tour to accommodate your needs and preferences.
2. 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.
3. 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 it complements the tasting experience.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Tipping Etiquette: Don’t forget to bring some cash for tipping your guide at the tour’s end. 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 using one of those sites, I recommend that you download their app. It will let you have your electronic ticket at your fingertips.

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Have you taken a food tour? Where was it and what was the best thing you tried?

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