You’re hunting for the best shrimp and grits in Savannah, and this guide delivers. Discover standout preparations featuring unique ingredients and the Savannah restaurants serving this iconic Southern dish.
Savannah’s Premier Shrimp & Grits Destinations
Vic’s on the River: Elevated Classic
Vic’s on the River delivers a classic shrimp and grits with views of River Street. The dish features stone ground cheddar grits, applewood smoked bacon, and a rosemary barbecue sauce. Add a lobster tail for extra indulgence.
The Olde Pink House: Southern Elegance
The Olde Pink House, a Savannah culinary landmark, presents its distinct version of the beloved dish. This rendition includes country ham gravy, cheddar grits cakes, and collard greens for a rich Southern flavor.
The Public Kitchen & Bar: A Modern Twist
The Public Kitchen & Bar offers a contemporary take on comfort food. Their “Savannah Shrimp & Grits” combine cheddar-bacon grits, local shrimp, sweet peas, chorizo, tomatoes, and a sherry cream sauce.
The Shrimp Factory: Specialty Seafood Focus
As its name suggests, The Shrimp Factory specializes in seafood. Their shrimp and grits features jumbo shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter chardonnay sauce over house-made grits. It’s garnished with green onions, diced tomatoes, and candied ham.
B. Matthew’s Eatery: Rich and Contemporary
B. Matthew’s Eatery is recognized for its contemporary American cuisine and a highly-rated shrimp and grits dish. This version combines shrimp, tasso ham, and cherry heirloom tomatoes in a white wine cream sauce over stone-ground grits.
It’s enhanced with smoked bacon collard greens, pepper jack cheese, and green onions.
ARCO Cocktail Lounge + Coastal Fare: Simple Perfection
ARCO Cocktail Lounge + Coastal Fare offers a refined atmosphere for a carefully crafted shrimp and grits. Their iteration features local Savannah shrimp, creamy stone grits, and crispy baked applewood bacon.
Understanding the Appeal of Savannah’s Shrimp & Grits
Shrimp and grits is a quintessential Southern dish, celebrated for its comforting combination of plump shrimp and creamy grits. Savannah’s culinary scene embraces this classic, offering numerous interpretations that highlight local ingredients and diverse flavor profiles. Variations range from rich, creamy sauces to savory gravy bases, often incorporating elements like bacon, ham, and fresh vegetables.
The appeal lies in its adaptability and deep roots in Southern cooking. Many chefs in Savannah put their personal stamp on the dish, using different types of grits, unique spice blends, and regional produce to create memorable versions. The inclusion of ingredients like chorizo, tasso ham, or candied ham demonstrates the creativity employed in local kitchens.
Background: A Taste of Southern History
Shrimp and grits originated as a simple, humble dish in the Lowcountry region of the American South. Traditionally, it combined readily available ingredients: fresh shrimp from coastal waters and coarsely ground grits, a staple grain.
Over time, this straightforward meal evolved in esteemed restaurants across Savannah and beyond. Chefs transformed it from a rustic breakfast or supper into a sophisticated entrée, elevating the preparation with premium ingredients and refined techniques. This evolution has cemented shrimp and grits as a signature dish representative of Southern culinary heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best shrimp and grits in Savannah’s historic district?
Several restaurants in Savannah’s historic district are celebrated for their shrimp and grits. Vic’s on the River offers a view with its classic preparation, while The Olde Pink House provides an elegant take. The Public Kitchen & Bar and B.
Matthew’s Eatery are also highly regarded for their unique versions, with Tripadvisor noting B. Matthew’s Eatery and The Public Kitchen & Bar among the top choices.
What makes Savannah’s shrimp and grits unique compared to other regions?
Savannah’s shrimp and grits are unique due to the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and diverse preparations. Restaurants often incorporate regional specialties like tasso ham, candied ham, and local shrimp. Variations in grits preparation (stone ground, cheddar grits) and sauce bases, from sherry cream to country ham gravy, also set them apart.
Are there restaurants in Savannah known specifically for their shrimp dishes?
Yes, The Shrimp Factory is a Savannah restaurant specializing in shrimp dishes. Their shrimp and grits are a standout item, featuring jumbo shrimp in a garlic butter chardonnay sauce.
Which restaurants offer the most traditional versions of shrimp and grits?
While many restaurants offer unique interpretations, dishes focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients align more with traditional elements. Vic’s on the River, with its stone ground cheddar grits and bacon, and ARCO Cocktail Lounge + Coastal Fare, with local shrimp and applewood bacon, suggest a focus on core components found in traditional preparations.
Can you recommend shrimp and grits in Savannah that include a white sauce?
B. Matthew’s Eatery features shrimp and grits with a white wine cream sauce, incorporating shrimp, tasso ham, and heirloom tomatoes. Additionally, The Shrimp Factory uses a garlic butter chardonnay sauce, a white wine-based sauce for their shrimp.
