Southern Traditions Dinner Tour

A Close Look at the Southern Traditions Dinner Tour in Savannah

If you’re considering experiencing Savannah’s culinary scene with a local touch, the Southern Traditions Dinner Tour might just be what you’re looking for. This tour promises a blend of regional flavors, storytelling, and a small-group vibe that makes it feel more like dining with a friend who knows their way around the city. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and descriptions paint a pretty appealing picture.

What really stands out to us are the authentic Southern dishes and the engaging guides who share Savannah’s stories as you wander through historic streets. Plus, the small group size means your experience should feel intimate and personalized. However, it’s worth noting that this is an adult-only tour, so it’s not tailored for families with young children. Overall, if you’re a lover of good food and local history, this tour could be a perfect fit—especially if you appreciate relaxed, guided tastings with a side of Savannah’s charm.

One consideration is that this experience is priced at $119.99 per person, which some might see as a bit of an investment. When you factor in the multiple tastings, a cocktail or mocktail, and the guide’s expertise, it can easily feel like fair value for a three-and-a-half-hour immersive experience. Still, it’s not a “full stomach” type of tour—more of a tasting adventure—so come hungry but not expecting a full meal.

Whether you’re visiting for just a day or have a longer stay, this tour is especially suitable for those who want a deeper look into Savannah’s culinary traditions and historic backdrop without the hustle of larger groups or busy restaurants. It’s a fine choice for couples, foodies, or travelers who enjoy storytelling along with their bites.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small groups (max 10) ensure a personal feel and engaging conversations.
• Authentic Flavors: Focus on Southern and Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits, she crab soup, and oysters.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides share insightful history and local stories, adding context to each tasting.
• Flexible and Convenient: Mobile tickets make booking easy, and the tour lasts about 3.5 hours.
• Recommended Well in Advance: On average, bookings are 29 days ahead, so plan ahead.
• Adult-Only: Not suitable for children, ensuring a relaxed, adult-focused atmosphere.

The Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at Madison Square in the Savannah Historic District, right at the monument on the corner of Bull and West Harris streets. Here, you’ll meet your guide—look for the GA peach-colored shirt with the Flavors Food Tours logo—to start your journey into Savannah’s culinary world. The group is kept small, which is perfect for a cozy, personalized experience and easier interaction with your guide.

The Stroll Through Savannah’s Historic District

From the meeting point, you begin an easy walk through one of the most tranquil, picturesque parts of the city. The tour takes you from daytime to sunset, adding a beautiful visual element to your experience. Guides often share tidbits about Savannah’s history, architecture, and colorful characters, making it more than just a food tasting.

The Tasting Stops

You’ll visit a few carefully selected spots, each offering a taste of Savannah’s regional specialties. Expect dishes like Stone-ground Shrimp n Grits, a Lowcountry staple, and Fried Green Tomatoes—a Southern comfort food with a crispy exterior and tender interior. The tour also highlights seafood like Blue Crab prepared in a non-traditional but tasty way, and She Crab Soup—a rich, creamy option that embodies local flavors.

According to reviews, the food choices are excellent: “Rebecca was a pleasure! Very knowledgeable about Savannah’s history and excellent food choices! Highly recommend!” and “Excellent food choices by our guide Rebecca. She has fantastic knowledge of the Savannah food scene— we had a great time.” These comments suggest guides excel at selecting quality bites and sharing insightful commentary.

The Drinks and the Atmosphere

Included in the experience is one cocktail or mocktail, allowing you to sip while soaking in Savannah’s ambiance. The tour wraps up at Ellis Square, leaving plenty of time to explore more or enjoy an evening in the city.

Insights from Reviews

Multiple reviewers mention that their guides, like Leslie and Michael, made the tour fun and engaging. One comments, “Michael made the tour interesting and fun with all the history about Savannah. Food was wonderful, gave us ideas on where we’d like to go back to dine.” This highlights the value of knowledgeable guides who can elevate a tasting tour into a memorable experience.

What We Think Is Great

• The small group size fosters a more personal connection.
• The variety of dishes showcases regional flavors without overwhelming your palate.
• The stories and background provided by guides add depth to the experience.
• The convenience of mobile tickets makes booking smooth.

Things to Keep in Mind

While many reviews praise the food and guides, some mention that you shouldn’t expect to leave the tour full—more of a “tasting experience” rather than a dinner. If you’re particularly hungry or craving a hearty meal, plan for additional snacks later. Also, since the tour is adult-only, families with young kids should look elsewhere.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Start at Madison Square

As your tour begins, the first impression is the friendly atmosphere and the scenic setting. The tiny size of the group makes it easy to ask questions and get personalized attention.

Walking Through Savannah’s Historic District

The tour’s route through the historic district is not only picturesque but also packed with stories that add a layer of context to your tastings. The guide’s commentary helps you understand why certain dishes are traditional and how they relate to Savannah’s culture.

Tasting at Multiple Spots

Each tasting spot is selected to highlight local ingredients and cooking styles. From the iconic Shrimp and Grits to fried green tomatoes, the flavors are authentic and thoughtfully prepared. The inclusion of seafood like oysters and blue crab ensures you sample the best of Lowcountry cuisine.

Ending at Ellis Square

The final stop is Ellis Square, a lively spot in the city center. It’s a natural place to wind down, take photos, or plan the rest of your evening.

Price and Value

At $119.99 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it includes multiple tastings, a drink, and guided storytelling—elements that combined offer good value. Considering the small-group setting and the quality of food, many reviewers feel it’s worth the cost, especially if you enjoy culinary and historical insights.

It’s also worth noting that bookings are typically made around 29 days in advance, so planning ahead is advisable, especially during peak tourism seasons.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy food and stories and want a relaxed, unhurried way to learn about Savannah’s southern fare. It’s perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or even solo travelers who appreciate good conversation and excellent bites. If you’re looking for a full-blown dinner, this might not be the right fit, but if you want to sample regional specialties with a knowledgeable guide, it’s a solid choice.

While not designed for children, it’s suitable for travelers who like to explore towns on foot and enjoy regional flavors. If you’re keen on combining food with local history, this tour ticks both boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Southern Traditions Dinner Tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable, leisurely experience without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Madison Square, at the corner of Bull and West Harris streets, and concludes at Ellis Square in Savannah.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or non-drinkers?
The tour includes one cocktail or mocktail, so non-drinkers can opt for a mocktail. For vegetarians, some dishes might be adaptable, but since seafood is prominent, it’s best to check directly with the provider.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided walk, multiple tastings of Southern and Lowcountry dishes, and one drink (cocktail or mocktail).

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it easy to book?
Yes, tickets are often booked 29 days in advance, and the process is straightforward via the booking platform.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking; travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

How many people typically join?
The group size is limited to no more than 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of authentic regional dishes, engaging guides, and the small-group atmosphere makes it a memorable way to explore Savannah’s flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Southern Traditions Dinner Tour offers a thoughtfully curated glimpse into Savannah’s regional cuisine and local stories. It’s a great pick for travelers who value quality over quantity in their food experiences and want an authentic, relaxed introduction to the city’s flavors.

The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides make it an engaging way to spend an afternoon or early evening. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy tasting, storytelling, and exploring on foot without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds or rushed schedules.

If you’re a foodie eager to experience the taste of Savannah without the formality of a full dinner, this tour could be just the ticket. It’s a good balance of education, entertainment, and flavor—delivered with local charm.

Feel free to consider your appetite and interest in history as you weigh this tour. It’s an experience that feels personal, genuine, and rich in flavor—perfect for savoring Savannah’s laid-back Southern spirit.

Enjoy your trip and bon appétit!