It’s almost Valentine’s Day, so it’s time to start planning that perfect night and making that special reservation! Having lived in Savannah for over a decade, I’ve racked up a list of my all-time favorite date spots, from romantic dinner venues to dessert joints to the perfect spot to celebrate Galentine’s Day with your BFF.
Whether you’re a long-time Savannah resident or happen to be visiting for the first time, here are my top places to fall in love with Savannah!
Best Dinner Date Outside Downtown: Cotton & Rye
Downtown can get a little overwhelming, especially on Valentine’s Day when everyone is going out to dinner. That’s why I can’t recommend Cotton & Rye enough. It is one of Drew's and my favorite Midtown spots to go on a special night. They make everything from scratch, and the sides are to die for. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic without being stuffy, making it the perfect date spot!
Instagram: @cottonandrye
Best Dessert Date: Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
If your sweetie has a sweet tooth, this is the place for you! Decadent chocolate cakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, and even chocolate martinis make Lulu’s a dessert lover’s dream. My favorite treat? The warm chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm!
Instagram: @lulus.chocolate.bar
Best Romantic Stroll: Plant Riverside to Gallery 209
Sometimes the best dates are the ones that include a little adventure. Taking a romantic stroll through historic Savannah is a great way to get in some sightseeing, stir up conversation, and make lasting memories. Start by taking in the beautiful river views in the Plant Riverside District. Stop at Huey’s On the River for some classic New Orleans-style beignets or their famous Bloody Marys. Finally, swing by Gallery 209 to browse artisan treasures by local artists, including jewelry by yours truly. (What better way to finish off the perfect date than with a little Valentine’s gift!)
Instagram:@plantriversidedistrict, @hueysontheriver, @gallery209savannah
Best Group Date Spot: Local 11-10
Nestled in the heart of downtown Savannah, right off Forsyth Park, Local 11-10 is my absolute favorite place to dine with a big group. The building is historic, the food is fresh and local, and it even boasts a great rooftop for socializing after dinner. (Yes, they have heaters in the winter.) You can bring all your Valentines here to celebrate. Be sure to order the mussels!
Instagram: @local11ten
Best “Galentine’s Date”: Cafe Taureau
Celebrating Valentine’s with your best gal? I love taking my girlfriends to Cafe Taureau in Ardsley Park. This laid-back French-inspired cafe is part coffee shop and part wine bar, so it has everything you need to sit and chat for hours! There are also tons of great snacks and such a relaxed atmosphere that it feels like a mini vacation. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself.
Instagram: @cafetaureau
Best Shopping Date: Broughton Street to Forsyth Park
Looking for another great way to spend Galentine’s Day… how about shopping?! Start at the Copper Penny on Broughton Street. I am obsessed with all of the dresses at this adorable boutique. Then, pop over to Satchel for handmade bags and leather accessories made right here in Savannah. (I have a bag from there that I carry everywhere!) When you’re all shopped out, grab a coffee at Collin’s Quarter right off Forsyth Park and finish off your day with a stroll through Savannah’s iconic fountains and Southern live oak trees.
Instagram: @copperpennysavannah, @satchelsavannah, @thecollinsquarter
Best Romantic Dinner Date: Common Thread
No Valentine’s Day list would be complete without a romantic date spot, and for that, I would look no further than Common Thread. (Note: You’ll probably need a reservation!) You will feel the magic from the moment you walk into this historic restored mansion and the locally sourced dishes are delicious. If you’re a seafood lover, make sure you get the fresh oysters! Choose this place if your goal is to sweep your Valentine right off their feet.
Instagram: @commonthreadsav
Happy Valentine’s Day to all my loves!
