News Summary
Savannah’s extensive network of waterways offers great dining experiences for boaters, ranging from casual spots to fine dining. The Wyld, a top choice, is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary and is known for dishes like fish tacos and its Painkiller slushie. Other notable eateries include A-J’s Dockside Restaurant and The Original Crab Shack, all offering a unique blend of atmosphere and cuisine. With free docking options and stunning views, the city’s waterfront dining scene continues to attract food lovers.
Savannah boasts an extensive network of waterways, making it a prime location for boat-accessible dining experiences that range from casual eateries to fine dining options. With an array of restaurants offering diverse menus and stunning views, both locals and visitors can navigate the scenic creeks while indulging in top-quality food.
Among the must-try establishments is The Wyld, co-owned by Brad Syfan, situated in a marshy area known affectionately as “no man’s land Savannah,” nestled between Isle of Hope, Dutch Island, and Thunderbolt. Reaching The Wyld by boat is encouraged, as it provides a delightful ride through tidal creeks including the Wilmington River, Herb River, and Country Club Creek. Renowned for its top-notch dishes, patrons often rave about the flavor-packed fish tacos, local shrimp, and the acclaimed Painkiller slushie, which has become the restaurant’s best-selling menu item. Additionally, the Porter’s Cracked Melon Cocktail, made from tequila, watermelon, and basil, gained popularity following the innovative use of excess watermelon trimmings from other dishes.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in April 2025, The Wyld has adapted to the unpredictable nature of river dining, facing challenges such as flooding during its opening week. This experience has influenced the restaurant’s philosophy of resilience and improvement, leading to Syfan’s vision of potentially opening another location in the future, pending the right timing and site. The Wyld also previously ran a successful pop-up called King Cat Yakatori and Fish, and plans to expand this concept to Atlanta.
Other prominent dining spots along Savannah’s waterfront include A-J’s Dockside Restaurant in Tybee Island, which features vibrant decor and essential sunset views, specializing in fried flounder and demanding advance reservations. Bubba Gumbo’s, an old-fashioned seafood shack, is popular for its slogan “Friends don’t let friends eat imported shrimp.” Similarly, The Original Crab Shack offers free docking and a family-friendly atmosphere where diners can feed baby alligators.
Tubby’s Tank House, a local favorite for 30 years, serves classic American cuisine alongside local seafood complemented by weekend live music, while Desposito’s Seafood has recently reopened after renovations, focusing on local shrimp and a friendly customer experience. Tortuga’s Island Grille presents a fusion of Caribbean spices with local Georgia shrimp, especially popular during brunch.
For boaters, Savannah offers three public docks at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, allowing free docking for up to three hours. Historic spots include River House Seafood, which operates from an 18th-century cotton warehouse with a history of paranormal activity, and Vic’s On the River, known for its upscale ambiance and signature praline cheesecake. Olympia Cafe is a go-to for Mediterranean cuisine and homemade baklava, while The Cotton Exchange Tavern serves Southern comfort food with a view of passing ships.
Upmarket options abound at Aqua Star at Westin Savannah Harbor, featuring upscale seafood with scenic views of River Street, and Stone & Webster Chophouse, innovatively reinterpreting classic steakhouse fare in a repurposed power plant. The Plant Riverside District showcases diverse dining experiences, including modern Southern BBQ at the District Smokehouse and authentic Neapolitan pizza at Graffito.
Other noteworthy venues include Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Bar, offering shareable bites and botanical cocktails with remarkable river views, and Eastern Wharf, Savannah’s newest area with public docking and a variety of dining options. The Thompson Savannah’s Fleeting Restaurant focuses on seasonal, locally sourced menus, and Squirrel’s Pizza welcomes pets with its wide-ranging pizza styles.
For those seeking classic local flavors, Old Daufuskie Crab Company on Daufuskie Island allows diners to dock for free and is famous for its signature Daufuskie Deviled Crab. Richmond Hill further contributes to the water dining scene with boat-accessible eateries like Fish Tales Restaurant and Marker 107.
With its impressive selection of boater-friendly eateries and the picturesque backdrop of Savannah’s waterways, this city continues to attract food lovers looking for unique dining adventures.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Magazine: Best Places to Dock and Dine
- Eat It and Like It: Lavender Savannah’s New Rooftop Restaurant
- Hudson Valley Magazine: Waterside Restaurants
- Google Search: Savannah dining restaurants
- Wikipedia: Waterfront restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
