Savannah is a city that shines brightest when you see it through a plate or a boat. Its historic charm is complemented by a rich culinary scene, especially for lunch, which is often the highlight of a day exploring the city. Whether you want to relax on a boat with a Southern buffet or walk through historic neighborhoods savoring Lowcountry cuisine, Savannah offers memorable midday experiences.
Our favorites include the Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise, which combines scenic views and delicious food, and the True South Lunch Tour, a small-group taste of Savannah’s culinary and cultural sides.
These tours stand out because they meld local flavors with history and atmosphere, creating more than just a meal—they’re immersive experiences.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of these top-rated tours. We’ve picked options for different tastes: scenic cruises, in-depth food tours, hands-on classes, and walking explorations—all designed to enhance your visit to Savannah.
1. Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise
At number 1, the Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise ranks high for its relaxing combination of scenic water views and Southern cuisine. For around $63, you’ll spend about two hours gliding along the Savannah River, watching the city’s waterfront from the water. What sets this cruise apart is its delicious Southern-style buffet, featuring staples like fried chicken, hush puppies, and seasonal sides.
As you enjoy your meal, the captain shares engaging stories and historic facts about Savannah, making this more than just a boat ride.
Guests consistently praise the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring your experience is smooth. The cruise offers good value considering the two-hour length and the quality of the buffet. It’s ideal for visitors who want a taste of Savannah’s history and scenery with minimal effort.
The only potential downside is that it’s a shorter experience, so if you’re craving a full-day adventure, you might look elsewhere.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for those who want a comfortable, scenic introduction to Savannah with satisfying Southern food and engaging storytelling.
2. True South Lunch Tour
Ranking at number 2, the True South Lunch Tour offers a more immersive experience for about $99.99 per person, lasting roughly three and a half hours.
This tour combines walking through the historic district with stops at several local eateries that serve signature Southern dishes like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes. It’s designed for food lovers who want to connect the dishes they eat with Savannah’s cultural roots.
What makes this tour special is its focus on storytelling and local history, with guides sharing interesting anecdotes about Savannah’s architecture, squares, and cuisine. The tour covers about 2 miles, ending near City Market, but you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Lowcountry culture and confidence in exploring the city’s food scene on your own.
Reviews highlight how personable the guides are and how much they enhance the experience—one reviewer called it “the best way to start our visit.”
While slightly more expensive, the tour’s small group size creates an intimate atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy engaging conversation and flavorful bites. It’s especially good for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with authentic Southern dining.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want a relaxed but detailed food tour that ties Savannah’s flavors to its history, perfect for foodies and curious travelers alike.
3. Hands-on Mojito Class with Taco Lunch at Speakeasy
At number 3, the Hands-on Mojito Class with Taco Lunch at Speakeasy blends interactive fun with Latin flavors. For just $54, you can learn to craft the perfect mojito at La Aparicion, Savannah’s unique Latin American speakeasy. The experience starts with a welcome cocktail and continues with a delicious taco lunch from Latin Chicks, paired with expert guidance on mixology techniques.
What makes this experience stand out is its casual, lively atmosphere and the chance to become a home bartender. It’s perfect for those who enjoy hands-on activities, whether celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a memorable way to spend an hour and a quarter. Reviewers love the hilarious bartender Ian and the “fun, personable” vibe.
While it’s a shorter experience, the class offers a unique cultural twist that sets it apart from standard tastings. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy learning new skills, trying tasty tacos, and sipping on creative cocktails in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A fun and interactive way to taste Latin American flavors while mastering a classic cocktail—great for couples or small groups seeking something different.
4. True South Lunch Food Tour
Coming in at number 4, the True South Lunch Food Tour combines culinary exploration with sightseeing over about three and a half hours. For $125, you’ll walk through Savannah’s historic streets, visiting several restaurants that serve iconic Southern dishes—enough for a complete lunch. Included in the price is one alcoholic beverage or mocktail, adding to the social experience.
This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive look at Savannah’s food scene along with cultural stories about city squares and local traditions. The guide entertains with colorful stories about Savannah’s past and quirkiest facts, helping you see the city through a flavorful lens. With a focus on food and story, it’s a well-rounded, satisfying experience.
While reviews are fewer, reviewers note the “entertaining stories” and the variety of restaurant stops. The tour assumes a reasonable fitness level due to the walking involved, but it provides a well-rounded introduction for those wanting to pair food with sightseeing.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for travelers who want a detailed, engaging tour combining walkable sightseeing and hearty Southern cuisine.
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience in Savannah
When selecting the best lunch tour, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you prefer a relaxed, scenic boat ride, the Savannah Sightseeing Lunch Cruise offers a laid-back way to enjoy the water and a Southern buffet. For a deeper dive into Savannah’s cultural and culinary history, the True South Lunch Tour provides walking, storytelling, and tastings that connect flavor to the city’s past.
If you enjoy hands-on activities, the Mojito and Taco class gives you a fun, interactive experience with Latin flair. For those who want both walking and eating, the True South Lunch Food Tour balances sightseeing with hearty meals and cultural insights.
Think about the length of the tour and whether it fits into your schedule, as well as your interest in learning about local food and culture versus relaxing with a scenic cruise.
In summary, Savannah offers a variety of lunch experiences—from scenic river cruises to flavorful food tours and interactive classes—each tailored to different tastes. The top picks like the Savannah Sightseeing Lunch Cruise and the True South Lunch Tour provide great options for those seeking scenery and storytelling, while the hands-on classes add a playful twist.
Be sure to book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot and enjoy these delicious, memorable experiences.