10 Coastal Georgia Restaurants That Serve Southern Charm With A View
Georgia’s coastline is a treasure trove of culinary delights where fresh seafood meets traditional Southern cooking.
I’ve spent countless weekends exploring these waterfront gems, from elegant dining rooms to casual dockside spots. J
oin me as we tour my favorite coastal Georgia eateries where the views are as mouthwatering as the food!
1. The Crab Shack: Where Gators And Seafood Create Unforgettable Memories
The first time I visited The Crab Shack on Tybee Island, I couldn’t decide what surprised me more—the live alligators lounging in their pond or the massive seafood platters that seemed to stretch for miles. This quirky spot proudly embraces its “where the elite eat in their bare feet” motto.
Housed in a ramshackle building draped with fishing nets and buoys, this local institution serves up low country boils that’ll make your taste buds dance. The outdoor seating among the moss-draped oaks offers stunning marsh views.
Their signature Captain Crab’s Sampler platter—loaded with snow crab, shrimp, mussels, and more—has ruined me for all other seafood experiences. Come hungry and don’t mind getting your hands dirty; that’s half the fun!
2. The Grey: Vintage Bus Station Transformed Into Culinary Heaven
Walking into The Grey feels like stepping into a glamorous time machine. Housed in a meticulously restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal in Savannah, this restaurant combines Art Deco elegance with modern Southern cuisine that leaves me speechless every visit.
Chef Mashama Bailey weaves magic with local ingredients, creating dishes that honor traditional Southern cooking while pushing creative boundaries. The old ticket counter now serves as a stunning bar where mixologists craft cocktails that complement the innovative menu perfectly.
My personal obsession is their seafood boudin with pepper jelly a dish so good I once drove three hours just to eat it for dinner. While not directly on the water, the historic atmosphere and exceptional food make this a must-visit coastal Georgia experience.
3. The Wyld Dock Bar: Marshfront Magic In A Laid-Back Setting
Hidden down a winding road outside Savannah sits my summer happy place—The Wyld Dock Bar. Perched directly on the edge of Wilmington River’s marshlands, this open-air oasis feels like dining in your coolest friend’s backyard, if that friend happened to have spectacular waterfront property.
Fishing boats drift by as you sip frozen cocktails and feast on locally-sourced seafood with Asian and Southern influences. The outdoor games and string lights create an atmosphere that’s both festive and relaxing.
Their smoked fish dip changed my life, seriously—I’ve tried recreating it at home eight times with no success. Arrive early on weekends; this local favorite fills up fast with both tourists and Savannah residents who know where the real magic happens.
4. Driftaway Café: Artistic Ambiance Meets Coastal Comfort Food
My first date with my husband happened at Driftaway Café, so I might be biased, but this charming spot tucked away on Skidaway Island deserves all the praise. Local artwork adorns the walls while the screened porch offers serene marsh views that somehow make everything taste better.
Chef-owned and operated with passion that shows in every dish, Driftaway specializes in creative seafood preparations that surprise and delight. Their shrimp and grits—creamy, spicy, and topped with crispy bacon—has sparked multiple family arguments about whose recipe is better (Driftaway wins, sorry Mom).
The restaurant’s lush garden setting makes you feel miles away from civilization despite being just minutes from downtown Savannah. On Wednesdays, they offer a “Wine Down” special that pairs perfectly with their signature pecan-crusted flounder.
5. Skipper’s Fish Camp: Authentic Fishing Village Vibes On The Darien River
Skipper’s Fish Camp embodies everything I love about small-town coastal Georgia. Situated on the historic Darien waterfront where shrimp boats have docked for generations, this no-frills establishment delivers authenticity with every hushpuppy.
The sprawling wooden deck extends right over the Darien River, offering front-row seats to working waterfront activities. Multi-generational fishing families still bring their daily catch directly to Skipper’s kitchen, maintaining a farm-to-table (or rather boat-to-plate) philosophy that predates the trendy term.
Their wild Georgia shrimp—sweet, tender, and absolutely nothing like imported varieties—converted my seafood-hating sister into a believer. The restaurant’s simple preparation lets the exceptional quality shine through. For the full experience, time your visit when the shrimp boats return in the afternoon and watch the day’s harvest being unloaded.
6. Southern Soul Barbeque: Smoky Perfection With St. Simons Island Charm
Housed in a converted gas station on St. Simons Island, Southern Soul Barbeque proves that coastal Georgia isn’t just about seafood. The intoxicating aroma of smoking meat hits you before you even step out of your car, creating an almost Pavlovian response I’ve come to crave.
Picnic tables scattered around the property offer glimpses of marsh views, but honestly, once the food arrives, you could be sitting anywhere and be perfectly content. Their smoked chicken wings with Soul Sauce ruined all other wings for me a sacrifice I willingly made.
Despite national recognition (including features on multiple Food Network shows), the owners remain humble and hands-on. I once watched pitmaster Harrison Sapp personally deliver plates to a table of awestruck tourists who had no idea they were being served by BBQ royalty. The sweet tea comes in mason jars, naturally.
7. Iguanas Seafood Restaurant: Fresh Catches With Barrier Island Beauty
Nestled under massive live oaks dripping with Spanish moss on St. Simons Island, Iguanas Seafood Restaurant captures coastal Georgia’s essence without trying too hard. My grandmother discovered this gem during a rainstorm years ago, and it’s been our family’s special occasion spot ever since.
The screened porch wraps around century-old trees, creating a treehouse-like dining experience with glimpses of the Atlantic between branches. Their seafood gumbo—dark, rich, and loaded with local shrimp—follows a recipe unchanged for decades, which I appreciate in this constantly evolving culinary world.
Unlike flashier waterfront establishments, Iguanas lets the natural island beauty and exceptional seafood speak for themselves. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices means the menu changes daily based on what local boats bring in—a small inconvenience that results in unparalleled freshness.
8. The Wharf: Brunswick’s Historic Waterfront Wonder
The moment I discovered The Wharf in Brunswick’s historic district, I knew I’d found something special. Set in a renovated 1920s warehouse with original brick walls and massive timber beams, this restaurant honors its maritime heritage while serving some of the coast’s most innovative seafood.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of Brunswick’s working waterfront, where shrimp boats and sailing vessels create a constantly changing backdrop. My father-in-law, a commercial fisherman for forty years, gives their seafood stew his highest praise: a silent nod while sopping up every last drop with cornbread.
The restaurant’s dock allows boaters to arrive by water something my husband and I did on our anniversary last year, feeling extremely fancy despite our modest 22-foot boat. Their Brunswick stew (naturally) pays proper homage to its namesake city with a complex, smoky flavor that’s impossible to replicate.
9. Coastal Kitchen: Salt Marsh Serenity On St. Simons Island
Tucked alongside a winding salt marsh on St. Simons Island, Coastal Kitchen offers what I consider the perfect balance of upscale dining and laid-back island attitude. The restaurant’s massive windows showcase a constantly changing natural artwork—grass turning gold at sunset, herons stalking fish, and tides rhythmically revealing and concealing oyster beds.
The open kitchen concept lets you watch chefs transform just-caught seafood into artistic presentations. Their she-crab soup, velvety and rich with a splash of sherry, has been my birthday dinner request three years running.
Unlike many waterfront restaurants that rely on views to compensate for mediocre food, Coastal Kitchen excels at both scenery and cuisine. The owner once told me they specifically designed the building’s orientation to maximize sunset views while minimizing glare—the kind of thoughtful detail that makes dining here special.
10. The Deck Beach Bar And Kitchen: Tybee’s Oceanfront Paradise
Sand between my toes, salt spray in the air, and a perfectly chilled cocktail in hand—The Deck on Tybee Island delivers my ideal beach dining fantasy. Positioned right on the Atlantic Ocean with nothing between you and the horizon but endless blue, this casual spot somehow makes everyone feel like a VIP.
Umbrella-shaded tables sit directly on the beach, creating an experience that’s more Caribbean than Georgia. Their fish tacos made with whatever was swimming nearby earlier that day—come topped with a mango salsa that I’ve unsuccessfully tried to recreate at least a dozen times.
Live music plays most evenings, timed perfectly to accompany spectacular sunsets. I’ve spent entire days here, transitioning from morning coffee to lunch to sunset cocktails without ever wanting to leave.