If you’re heading to Coastal Georgia, come hungry. This 100 mile stretch from Savannah down to St. Mary’s is packed with culinary gems that are as rich in flavor as they are in Southern tradition. Whether you’re eating at the fanciest spot in Savannah’s historic district or at a roadside barbecue joint, these are the dishes that belong on your must-try list.
Here’s what to eat along Georgia’s coast, and why your taste buds will thank you.
Shrimp and Grits
This Southern staple is basically a rite of passage in these parts. Fresh wild caught local shrimp are pan fried, grilled, or sometimes blackened, then served over creamy grits -often with bacon or sausage, garlic, and a splash of hot sauce.
Every chef has their own twist, so don’t stop at just one version. We’ve made it a personal challenge to try every variety we can find. Shrimp and grits are a go-to for us at one of our favorite restaurants on St. Simons Island, and they’re excellent at The Public Kitchen & Bar in Savannah too.
This dish is so beloved there’s an entire festival dedicated to it on Jekyll Island each November. Learn about it and all of the Fall Events in Coastal Georgia here.
Raw Oysters
If you’re an oyster lover, coastal Georgia will be paradise to you. Sweet and sometimes briny oysters pulled straight from the waters of places like Harris Neck and Sapelo Island are served up raw on the half shell.
They traditionally come with cocktail sauce, extra horseradish and lemon, sometimes with a mignionette sauce. Pro tip: Lots of places on the coast have happy hour specials on oysters, like Catch 228, one of our favorite locals spots on St. Simons Island.
Insider Info: Did you know that roasted oysters aren’t actually cooked? They’re typically steamed under a wet burlap sack just enough to open the shell a little. Throw your own oyster roast with all of the tips found here.
Fried Shrimp
Simple, crispy, and mouthwatering, Georgia’s wild caught shrimp are known for their sweetness, and when they’re lightly breaded and deep-fried, you’ve got yourself a coastal classic. Look for fried shrimp at high end restaurants, roadside shacks and everything between.
Fried shrimp are such a staple in coastal Georgia that you’ll rarely find one that’s not amazing. They traditionally come served with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce and hushpuppies. For an off-the-beaten-path try this hidden gem with staying power. Jinrights is one of the best restaurants in Brunswick and they’ve been proving it for many years. Their fried shrimp cannot be beat.
Scored Flounder
A visual showstopper and a coastal delicacy. The flounder is deep-fried whole and “scored” into bite sized squares so the meat is easy to flake off with a fork.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and virtually always served with lemon and house-made sauce. Scored flounder is a memorable dish worth hunting down. The menu at Skipper’s Fish Camp in Darien just says whole flounder, but this is the way they prepare it and it’s amazing!
Barbecue
You might not expect to find amazing barbecue this close to the water, but don’t be fooled—coastal Georgia has some hidden gems. Pulled pork (sometimes called chopped pork) is the star here and it’s slow-smoked over oak or hickory and paired with a variety of sauces. Look for hole-in-the-wall joints or roadside smokers.
Barbecue in coastal Georgia usually comes in sandwich form or on a plate with sides like cole slaw, baked beans and Brunswick stew. You’ll find two of our personal favorites listed in the Restaurants You Need to Try at St. Simons Island and an old stand by on the list of Best Restaurants in Brunswick.
Insider tip: Talk about a hidden gem… look for Captain Stan’s Smokehouse on Highway 17 in the heart of Woodbine. You can thank us later.
Bread Pudding
Every Southern meal needs a sweet ending, and bread pudding is a favorite down here. It’s rich and satisfying and is often served with whipped cream.
Crabdaddy’s is known as one of the best seafood restaurants on St. Simons Island and their bread pudding is life changing!
Served warm with a drizzle of caramel or bourbon sauce bread pudding is comfort food at its best.
Collard Greens
Slow-simmered collards are a Southern soul food staple—and coastal kitchens know how to do them right.
Cooked low and slow with smoked meat (often ham hock or turkey neck), they’re a savory, earthy complement to just about any plate of seafood or barbecue. These days you can even find collard greens on the menu at higher end spots like Vic’s River Grill in Savannah, but they’re also delicious at Southern Soul BBQ on St. Simons Island.
Hushpuppies
What’s a fried seafood platter without a few golden brown hushpuppies on the side? These crispy cornmeal bites are soft on the inside and often have bits of onion or jalapeno.
You’ll find them everywhere from fish camps to fine dining spots—and they’re always worth the carbs. I daresay every seafood restaurant from Tybee Island to Brunswick will have good hush puppies!
Crab Cakes
Sweet, tender Georgia blue crab takes center stage in this coastal favorite. Local crab cakes are typically pan seared until golden brown, with just enough filler to hold them together because the focus is on that succulent meat.
You might find them served with a tangy remoulade, nestled atop a salad, or even in a sandwich. Fresh, flavorful, and always satisfying. We love the crab cakes at Iguana’s on St. Simons and Ardsley Station in Savannah. Drop us a comment and tell us who makes your favorite.
From fresh oysters to soul fulfilling sides, the food on Georgia’s coast is as warm and welcoming as the people who prepare and serve it. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway or just passing through, make time (and room) for these local favorites. They’re more than just a meal, they’re part of the story of the coast.
More information about coastal Georgia
- Best Towns on the Coast of Georgia for Retirees
- Books About Savannah, Georgia
- Coastal Georgia RV Resorts
- Coastal Georgia Road Trip Itinerary: 8 Stops You Can’t Miss
- Bellwether House Savannah: A Historic Hotel
- Great Breakfast spots on St. Simons Island
- The Best Seafood Restaurants on St. Simons
- Things to Do with Kids in St. Marys
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