Is Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room worth visiting?

Absolutely. It remains one of Savannah’s most iconic dining experiences and a favorite among both locals and visitors.

What type of food does Mrs. Wilkes serve?

Traditional Southern comfort food served family-style, including fried chicken, vegetables, casseroles, biscuits, cornbread, and homemade desserts.

Do they take reservations?

No. Guests are generally seated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is Mrs. Wilkes family friendly?

Yes. Families of all ages are welcome, and children often enjoy the family-style dining experience.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Because meals are served family-style with a fixed daily selection, accommodations may be limited. It’s best to contact the restaurant before your visit if you have specific dietary needs.

How long should I expect the experience to last?

Plan approximately one to one-and-a-half hours, not including any time spent waiting in line.

Things to Do

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

Who It's For

Children

Families

First-Time Visitors

Foodies

Groups

History Buffs

Indoor

Seniors

Solo Travelers

Location

Savannah Historic District

Best Time To Visit

Lunch

Duration

1-2 Hours

Best Seasons

Year Round

Environment

Indoor

Type of Experience

Restaurant

Few restaurants are as legendary in Savannah as Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Since 1943, this unassuming historic boarding house has welcomed guests with generous family-style Southern cooking, shared tables, and the kind of hospitality that has become a hallmark of the city itself.

Rather than ordering from a menu, guests gather around large communal tables where platters of fried chicken, homemade casseroles, fresh vegetables, biscuits, cornbread, and classic Southern desserts are passed from person to person. It’s more than a meal—it’s one of Savannah’s most authentic cultural experiences.

Why We Recommend It

Mrs. Wilkes offers something that very few restaurants can replicate: genuine Southern hospitality. Visitors from around the world share tables with Savannah locals, creating conversations and memories that often become one of the highlights of a trip.

We recommend it for anyone wanting to experience authentic Southern comfort food in its most traditional form. If it’s your first visit to Savannah, this restaurant belongs near the top of your list.

History

Mrs. Sema Wilkes opened the dining room in 1943, serving hearty Southern meals from her boarding house to both residents and travelers. Over the decades, the restaurant became nationally recognized for preserving the tradition of family-style Southern dining.

Today, the Wilkes family continues that legacy, serving many of the same beloved recipes that have made the restaurant one of Savannah’s most iconic dining destinations for generations.

What We Like

The experience feels wonderfully authentic. Guests don’t simply eat—they participate in a Southern tradition of sharing food, conversation, and hospitality around one table.

We also appreciate the consistency. The recipes have remained remarkably faithful to their roots, allowing visitors to enjoy classic Southern cooking much as generations before them have experienced it.

Things To Know Before You Go

Arrive Early

Lines often begin forming well before the restaurant opens, particularly during peak tourism seasons.

Be Prepared to Share a Table

Communal seating is part of the experience and one of the restaurant’s defining traditions.

Come Hungry

Family-style service includes generous portions and a wide variety of Southern favorites.

Cash Is Recommended

Payment policies occasionally change, so it’s wise to verify accepted payment methods before visiting.

Lunch Only

Mrs. Wilkes traditionally serves lunch and is not open for dinner service.

Expect a Wait

The restaurant does not typically accept reservations, and waiting in line is part of the experience for many guests.

FAQs

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is more than a restaurant—it’s a Savannah institution. From the shared tables and welcoming hospitality to the unforgettable Southern comfort food, it offers one of the most authentic dining experiences in the city. If you’re looking to experience Savannah’s traditions firsthand, few places capture its spirit better.

Our Savannah Historic District Vacation Rentals place you just minutes from Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room and many of Savannah’s most celebrated restaurants, making it easy to enjoy an unforgettable Southern meal during your stay.