"Christopher DiNello's candlelit cellar of Southern wild game since 2003 — book Alligator Soul for roasted duck and Louisiana alligator in downtown Savannah."
About Alligator Soul
Alligator Soul opened in 2003, founded by Hilary and Maureen Craig, in a candlelit cellar beneath an 1885 building on Telfair Square in downtown Savannah. Executive chef Christopher DiNello now leads the kitchen, cooking an elevated Southern menu of wild game, Carolina Gold rice and seafood. Two decades in, it remains one of the city's reference rooms for a dressed-up dinner below ground.
It sits among Savannah's leading tables. Compare the landmark Elizabeth on 37th, the celebrated The Grey and the historic Olde Pink House, or browse the wider fine-dining picks.
The Kitchen
DiNello's cooking is Southern with a wild streak. The dishes to order are the roasted half duck with duck gravy and the Louisiana alligator; around them run red beans and Carolina Gold rice with andouille and crawfish, crispy frog legs and the day's wild-caught Carolina shrimp. Game and seasonal produce drive the menu, plated with a modern, dressed-up hand rather than a rustic one.
This is an upper-mid Savannah spend: mains run roughly $30 to 48, with tasting options available, and most diners spend around $70 to 90 a head with wine.
The Room
The setting is the signature: a low, candlelit cellar of old brick and exposed beams beneath Telfair Square, romantic and intimate rather than grand. Service is warm and well-versed in the game-led menu. The mood is grown-up and celebratory, built for an unhurried dinner for two or a small table. Reservations are recommended, especially at weekends.
Best for a special-occasion dinner in Savannah
Alligator Soul suits a milestone meal — the candlelit cellar and the game-led menu make it a memorable anniversary or proposal, and a characterful place to host a guest in Savannah. For more of the city's tables, see The Grey or browse the full Savannah dining guide.
Not for
Not for a quick, casual or budget meal — Alligator Soul is a candlelit fine-dining cellar with $30–48 mains, built for a dressed-up, unhurried dinner rather than a fast bite.
Frequently Asked
What is Alligator Soul known for?
It is a candlelit cellar restaurant in downtown Savannah, open since 2003, known for an elevated Southern menu of wild game — roasted duck, Louisiana alligator and crawfish among the signatures.
Who is the chef at Alligator Soul?
Executive chef Christopher DiNello leads the kitchen; the restaurant was founded in 2003 by Hilary and Maureen Craig.
How much does Alligator Soul cost?
It is an upper-mid spend: mains run roughly $30 to 48, with tasting options available, and most diners spend around $70 to 90 a head with wine.
What should I order at Alligator Soul?
The roasted half duck and the Louisiana alligator are signatures; beyond them, the red beans and Carolina Gold rice with crawfish and the crispy frog legs are the picks.
Where is Alligator Soul?
At 114 Barnard Street, in a candlelit cellar beneath an 1885 building on Telfair Square in downtown Savannah.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Alligator Soul
Book via the restaurant or OpenTable; weekend tables in the cellar go first.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address114 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401
NeighbourhoodIn a candlelit cellar beneath an 1885 building on Telfair Square, downtown Savannah
CuisineSouthern
PriceÀ la carte mains roughly $30–48; tasting options available, most diners spend around $70–90 a head with wine
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingA candlelit cellar dining room; reservations recommended
ReservationReservations recommended; à la carte and tasting options, dinner
