Savannah’s Little Italy

A proud supporter of local farmers and fishermen, Cha Bella brings a fresh, sustainable spin to Italian dining. Its warm, unpretentious atmosphere sets the tone for a relaxed yet refined evening. With a rotating menu that keeps regulars guessing, standout dishes like the tender gnocchi and creamy shrimp risotto are comfort food at its finest.

Inconspicuous and unassuming, Bella Napoli is a hidden gem within Savannah's Historic Landmark District. With no reservations, limited seating, and red-and-white checkered tablecloths atop concrete floors, this cozy dining room fills up fast, and for good reason. The melt-in-your-mouth lasagna, vibrant angel hair pesto, flavorful eggplant parmigiana and the parmesan wheel are unforgettable. Pasta is gently swirled in a hollowed block of aged cheese with your choice of butter or oil, creating a dish that's as rich in flavor as it is in flair. This experience is an absolute must.

Tucked thoughtfully inside the luxurious Hotel Bardo, Saint Bibiana feels like an escape to an Italian seaside resort, without ever leaving Savannah. This upscale dining experience is ideal for date nights and special occasions, where every course is meant to be savored and shared. Start with the buffalo milk burrata, topped with briny olives, cucumbers​ and a drizzle of dill oil that might just tempt you to lick your fingers. Then move into the bitter greens and fennel salad, campanelle pasta, or grilled Mediterranean branzino​ — expertly paired with a sommelier's wine recommendation. End on a high note with the Torta Caprese, a rich, chocolatey finish to a night you'll want to relive.

Let's tip our culinary hats to Kimpton Brice Hotel for giving us Pacci Italian Restaurant, a spot that feels like your favorite neighborhood trattoria. Its moody interior and bistro-style patio invite you to linger over comforting plates like house-made meatballs, roasted chicken al mattone​ and rotating seasonal risottos. Brunch regulars swear by the lemon ricotta pancakes, while the panna cotta offers a light, velvety finish to any evening. Whether it’s your first course or your last, everything at Pacci is worth savoring.

This next spot is one we'd love to gatekeep, but it'd be selfish not to share the Italian-meets-coastal magic that is Garibaldi’s. This cozy downtown spot makes every guest feel like the only one in the room, thanks to its mood-lit ambiance and attentive staff. While every dish holds its own beautifully, the seafood Alfredo absolutely steals the show. Buttery pasta swirled in rich Alfredo sauce, loaded with shrimp, scallops, mussels​ and crab, oh, it's almost too good to talk about y'all! Almost.

You know that feeling when you stumble upon a restaurant and instantly know, this is my spot? That’s Bella’s. Born from humble beginnings and authentic Italian roots, "Bella" was lovingly named after co-founder Joyce Shanks' grandmother. For over 30 years, Joyce and her husband William have welcomed Habersham Village diners with a combination of generational recipes and heartfelt dishes. Classics like manicotti, spaghetti marinara​ and tortellini serve up more than comfort;​, they celebrate the joy of gathering, the warmth of tradition​ and the reminder to mangia with the people you love.

A fresh face in the city. Veratina is an exemplary dining spot that marries the Italian coast with Southern hospitality. Soft pistachio green trim and cozy fireplaces make this establishment feel like home. Made-from-scratch dishes are elegantly served on fine china by their salt-of-the-earth and knowledgeable dining staff while dessert options are housed in oversized teacups. Their impressive cocktail, wine​ and spirits list is the perfect complement to an evening that you won't hesitate to replicate.