Savannah’s charm isn’t just in its streets and architecture — it’s also in its food and water-based experiences. This city offers a surprising variety of lunch outings that blend history, cuisine, and scenic views. Whether you’re craving a leisurely cruise along the Savannah River or eager to get a personal taste of Southern flavors, your options are plentiful. With each tour offering a distinctive angle—some focus on storytelling, others on authentic regional dishes—finding the right fit depends on your interests, schedule, and appetite for adventure.
Savannah’s mix of historic sites and tasty bites makes it a prime place for a memorable midday break. You can relax on a sightseeing cruise, walk through the historic district sampling local dishes, or explore African American heritage with a Gullah Geechee flavor. To help you decide, we’ve compiled the five best lunch experiences in Savannah, each with its own unique appeal and insider details.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of lunch experiences, from scenic Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise that combines water views with a Southern buffet, to the personalized True South Lunch Tour that connects food and history through guided walking. For those seeking cultural depth, the Gullah Geechee Tour and Lunch offers insight into African American heritage along with an authentic meal. Finally, the True South Lunch Food Tour provides a cozy, in-town culinary walk with local stories. Below, each tour’s details will help you find your ideal midday experience.
1. Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise
For those who enjoy combining scenic water views with a taste of Southern hospitality, the Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise is a top choice. This two-hour cruise offers a relaxing ride down the Savannah River, where you’ll see the city’s waterfront, historic ships, and lush marshes. The cruise features a delicious Southern-style buffet, with some guests noting the soul food was surprisingly tasty, even if the price—$63 per person—seems a bit high for a buffet.
Guided by the captain’s stories and historic facts, you’ll learn about Savannah’s port, its role during different eras, and local lore. Reviewers appreciate the friendly service and the opportunity to enjoy a unique perspective on Savannah’s skyline. While some mention the buffet is modest and the price could be tighter, many find the experience worth it for its laid-back atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a combination of scenery and storytelling without leaving the water.
Bottom Line: A good pick if you enjoy a leisurely cruise with a hearty Southern buffet, especially after a morning of exploring Savannah’s streets.
2. True South Lunch Tour
At number 2 on our list, the True South Lunch Tour combines guided walking with tastings of Lowcountry cuisine. This three-and-a-half-hour experience is like having a friendly local show you the best of Savannah’s historic squares and culinary scene. Starting with coffee and beignets near the Riverfront, you’ll walk about 2 miles through the historic district, stopping at several restaurants and food spots.
What makes this tour stand out is the connection between food, history, and culture. You’ll sample dishes like Shrimp and Grits and Fried Green Tomatoes, all while learning about their origins and significance in Southern life. The tour is intimate, with a small group size, and the guide’s knowledge clearly shines through. It’s highly rated for offering a delicious introduction to Savannah’s flavors with some interesting storytelling.
Guests praise the variety and quality of food, noting that this is not just a meal but a cultural experience. The cost reflects the inclusive nature—covering multiple tastings, a guide, and a relaxed pace. It’s an excellent choice for food lovers who enjoy a walk and want more depth than a buffet.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a personal, engaging way to discover Savannah’s neighborhoods while enjoying authentic Lowcountry dishes.
3. Gullah Geechee Tour and Lunch
Stepping into Savannah’s African American heritage, the Gullah Geechee Tour and Lunch offers a powerful cultural experience. Led by the renowned storyteller “Sistah Patt,” this tour dives into the history of Gullah and Geechee peoples along Savannah’s coast, tracing the journey from slavery to freedom. The tour includes a ride through key landmarks like River Street, Factor’s Walk, and Johnson Square, along with a compelling narrative.
What makes this experience special is the storytelling and authentic Gullah Gullah food. The 2.5-hour tour includes a Gullah lunch buffet that many reviewers find flavorful and prepared with care. Sister Patt shares stories that bring to life the resilience and traditions of her ancestors, making this more than just a food tour—it’s an educational journey with emotional depth.
The reviews highlight the guide’s storytelling prowess and the meaningful history conveyed. Some mention that the tour can run longer than scheduled, but most feel it’s a worthwhile investment in understanding Savannah’s African American culture and history. The lunch offers a chance to taste Gullah flavors, making this tour well-suited for those interested in history and cultural storytelling.
Bottom Line: A must-do for history buffs and those wanting a meaningful cultural connection combined with delicious, authentic Gullah cuisine.
4. Savannah: Gullah Geechee Tour and Lunch
Similar to the previous, Savannah: Gullah Geechee Tour and Lunch offers a deep dive into Gullah Geechee heritage with an emphasis on storytelling and local foodways. This 2.5-hour experience involves a chauffeured tour of landmarks, such as River Street and Second African Baptist Church, with insights into the African tribes that built Savannah.
The highlight is the authentic Gullah lunch buffet, showcasing traditional foods. Audience reviews praise Sister Pat’s storytelling, noting her as a “fabulous” and “knowledgeable” narrator who makes the history come alive. The tour’s focus on heritage and food makes it a meaningful experience for anyone interested in African American history, combined with a taste of regional cuisine.
Some travelers found the lunch was good but could be more authentic Gullah, and the tour sometimes runs longer than the scheduled time, which could be a consideration if you’re on a tight schedule. It’s best suited for those who value cultural storytelling as part of their culinary adventure.
Bottom Line: An engaging tour that balances history, culture, and flavorful food—great for those wanting both education and tradition.
5. True South Lunch Food Tour
Our final pick, True South Lunch Food Tour, is a walk through Savannah’s historic downtown focusing on regional cuisine and local stories. Over about 3.5 hours, you’ll visit several restaurants, enjoy enough food for a full meal, and sip one included alcoholic beverage or mocktail. The tour is led by an educated guide who shares entertaining stories about Savannah’s squares and quirky tidbits.
This tour is especially appealing because it combines food tasting across multiple locations with storytelling about the city’s unique culture. Reviewers like the personalized approach and the authenticity of the food, which seems to be well worth the $125 price tag. It’s ideal if you prefer a more active, in-town experience with a variety of dishes, making it a great option for those short on time but eager to sample multiple flavors.
Guests mention the guide’s personable nature and how the tour leaves them feeling confident about Savannah’s food scene. The inclusion of a drink and the walk through historic areas make it a well-rounded option for food fans.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a tasty, informative, and social way to explore Savannah’s vibrant food culture.
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience
When deciding among these options, consider your interests and schedule. If you want a relaxing water cruise, the Savannah Sightseeing Lunch Cruise is perfect. For those who want an interactive walk with rich food stories, the True South Lunch Tour offers a lively, in-depth look at Lowcountry cuisine.
History enthusiasts should consider the Gullah Geechee Tour and Lunch, especially if African American heritage interests you. Meanwhile, the Savannah Gullah Geechee Tour and Lunch provides a similar cultural focus with storytelling at its core.
Finally, if you’re after a comprehensive culinary experience across town, the True South Lunch Food Tour gives a variety of dishes with engaging local stories. Budget-wise, most tours are comparable, but the water cruise offers a scenic twist, and the cultural tours provide deeper insights.
Booking early is advisable, especially for the popular True South Lunch Food Tour, which has limited availability. Consider how much walking or water time you want, and match your choice to your interest in history, culture, or just good food.
To sum it up, Savannah offers a rich menu of lunch experiences that blend scenic views, historic stories, and regional flavors. For travelers seeking a relaxing cruise, the river cruise with a buffet is a natural pick. If you want to learn about local culture and cuisine, the Gullah Geechee tours are deeply rewarding. Finally, for a fast-paced, in-town tasting, the walking food tours deliver variety and local insight. Whatever your style, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these flavorful adventures.