Where to Eat in the Starland District

When I make the journey from Atlanta to Savannah, I always carve out time for the Starland District. The 35-block neighborhood, which begins at the southern edge of Forsyth Park, is home to restaurants, cafes, and shops that are well worth venturing beyond Savannah’s most-visited areas.

That wasn’t always the case. Starland was a thriving residential and commercial district in the early 1900s before falling into decline by the mid-century. In the 1990s, a pair of SCAD graduates began restoring historic buildings, helping spark a revitalization that continues today. Now, it’s one of the city’s most vibrant destinations for food and culture. On my last visit to Savannah, I stayed at the Douglas and took the free DOT shuttle, which drops riders just a block from the heart of the neighborhood. After breakfast, I wandered down Drayton Street, pausing beneath Forsyth Park’s shady tree canopy.

Here are the spots worth visiting next time you’re in the neighborhood.

Lia Picard’s Top Picks in the Starland District, Savannah

Flora and Fauna

Executive chef Annie Coleman had big shoes to fill when she opened her bakery inside the space that once housed the lauded Back in the Day Bakery. The space was transformed, with a more open floor plan and reclaimed wood accents, but it’s still a great bakery with an array of pastries and breads. The bright and airy interior makes it a lovely spot to ease into the day or to catch up with a friend over lunch. Standouts include croissants filled with seasonal ingredients (like blueberries in spring), biscuits, and galettes. Sandwiches, soups, and salads are also on deck for those looking for something heartier.

Late Air

Savannah, with its walkability and laidback vibe, lends itself nicely to wine bar culture which Late Air nails. Located in a brick building on the corner of Victory and Bull streets, the casual locale serves plenty of natural wines poured by servers who are happy to help you choose the best one. With exposed brick walls and polished concrete floors, the interior feels cosmopolitan yet approachable, and it’s easy to enjoy a leisurely dinner or aperitif. Dishes like the mushroom rice with shiitakes and chili oil and the tilefish crudo with crisp Asian pear make excellent wine companions. Executive chef Daniel Harthausen brings a Korean-Japanese flair to seasonal ingredients so the menu changes often.

Lucia Pasta Bar

The brainchild of chef-owner Kyle Jacovino, Lucia was an instant hit in Starland when it opened last summer. With only 46 seats inside (and additional seating in a courtyard), it’s an intimate setting to enjoy handmade pasta served with seasonal ingredients. The petite stature makes reservations a wise idea, especially on weekends. Expect creative combinations like the corn agnolotti with porcini mushrooms and stinging nettle cappelletti. Like its sister restaurant Vittoria, located around the corner at Starland Yard, Lucia serves woodfired pizzas (also with seasonal toppings). If you go with a group, just order everything and share.

Superbloom

Savannah is a city known for its decadent offerings, but sometimes you need to hit refresh on the treats. That’s where Superbloom comes in. The cafe is known for its lighter fare, like smoothies, yogurt parfaits, and açaí bowls. It also serves killer caffeinated beverages, including classic drinks like coffee and lattes, as well as more creative concoctions like Nutella coconut lattes. There are superfood drinks, too. That creative energy extends beyond the menu as the cafe is an inviting hangout spot for artsy types. It’s also where you’ll find locally-made goods as well as craft nights.

Big Bon Bodega

Located on the corner of 37th and Bull streets, Big Bon is a buzzy daytime spot known for its bagels, bowls, and Sicilian pizza slices. It started as a pizza food truck before moving into the brick-and-mortar space in 2019 which sports a 7,200-pound wood fire oven. With so much indoor and outdoor seating, it’s one of the best spots for a meet-up in the Starland District. In the morning, a fresh bagel sandwich hits the spot while its bowls, like the beef bulgogi with kimchi, egg, and pickled veggies, make an ideal lunch. Don’t forget to try one of the Sicilian pizza slices that put them on the map. 

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