Shrimp and grits is a traditional Southern dish that has been enjoyed in the coastal regions of the South for many years. It is believed to have originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia, which includes Savannah. The dish was likely developed as a way to make use of the abundant local seafood, particularly shrimp, and the plentiful supplies of cornmeal that were grown in the region.
It may sound like an odd combination but you should not leave Savannah without trying shrimp and grits. The dish is always far from what you’d expect, especially with all the eclectic renditions here in Savannah. The list compiled below are some of my personal favorites, all very different from one another.
#1 The Fork & Dagger Dagger: One of my favorite places for brunch, this Latin diner has some of the best shrimp and grits in town, if not the best. Wild Ga. caught shrimp pan sauteed with colorful tri-bell pepper & onions served on cheese grits with bacon gravy. These simple ingredients are blended together masterfully, leaving you with a hearty meal with great texture and Latin flavors. I recommend asking for a side chimichurri. The herb sauce is amazing and a great addition to almost everything on their menu.
#2 The Olde Pink House: The Olde Pink House is one of the most talked about restaurants in Savannah for good reason. While you’d expect their shrimp and grits to be as classic as the restaurant itself, theirs is far from typical. Instead, their cheese and grits are fried in cakes and topped with country ham gravy, shrimp with collared greens in the side. This is one of my favorite dishes on the menu.
#3 Crystal Beer Parlor: More traditional than the others on this list, the Crystal Beer Parlor does the classic version better than anywhere else I’ve tried here in Savannah. Creamy grits topped with sauteed shrimp, red peppers, andouille sausage and cream sauce served with cornbread. Rich and creamy, you cannot go wrong with this dish.
#4 The Common: For those feeling more adventurous, The Common’s shrimp and grits are about as far from traditional as you can get. Sauteed shrimp and yellow curry sauce over gouda stone-ground grits. Not what you’d generally expect when ordering shrimp and grits, this a great option for anyone who loves curry and new experiences.
#5 Ardsley Station: Easily the prettiest dish on the list, The Ardsley Station’s shrimp and grits is no slouch in the flavor department. Cheddar grits, tasso gravy and aleppo pepper, these shrimp and grits are jammed pack with flavor and amazing textures.