Some dinners are memorable because of the food. Others are memorable because of the people you’re with. Ours just happened to become one of the most unforgettable nights of our lives.
During our last trip to Savannah, we wanted to celebrate our anniversary with a nice dinner somewhere we’d never been before. After a little searching, we landed on Circa 1875, a cozy French bistro tucked just off Broughton Street. What I thought was going to be an anniversary dinner quickly turned into our engagement celebration dinner—and just like that, I was newly promoted to fiancé. If you ask me, that’s the bee’s knees.
A Little Slice of Paris in the Heart of Savannah
After getting dressed up for the evening, we took the short walk from our hotel through Savannah’s charming historic district to Circa 1875. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt like we had been transported across the Atlantic. Warm lighting, vintage décor, and cozy dining rooms gave the restaurant all the charm of an old-world Parisian bistro.
If you’re planning to dine here, I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Reservations can be made online, and while they do require a credit card to hold your table, changing your reservation is incredibly simple. Just give the restaurant a call, and their automated phone system lets you adjust your reservation time or even move it to another day.
One of my favorite details about Circa 1875 is its story. Owners Donald Lubowicki and Jeffrey Downey, both originally from Detroit (which made me love this place even more), opened the restaurant to bring Savannah an authentic yet approachable French bistro experience. They describe it as an “unpretentious Parisian bistro and pub,” and after spending an evening there, I’d say they absolutely nailed it.
Another fun fact? If the restaurant looks familiar, you may have seen it in the movie Bride Hardstarring Rebel Wilson!
Dinner Worth Celebrating
Once we settled in, we admired the beautiful French-inspired atmosphere while our wonderful waiter helped us choose a couple glasses of wine. We also ordered sparkling water because, if you’ve read any of my other travel posts, you already know I’m a bit of a sparkling water connoisseur.
To start, we ordered the Prince Edward Mussels, steamed in white wine with fennel, shallots, garlic, and butter. The broth alone was worth soaking up with fresh bread.
Alongside the mussels, we ordered the Lump Crabmeat & Brie Soup, and honestly…I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Rich, velvety, and packed with sweet chunks of crab, it was one of those dishes where every spoonful somehow tasted even better than the last.
As if the evening wasn’t already special enough, the staff surprised us with two complimentary glasses of champagne after learning about our engagement. It was such a thoughtful gesture and one of those little moments that makes a restaurant truly memorable.
The Main Course
For our entrées, we couldn’t have picked two more different dishes.
My fiancé ordered the Tenderloin Pasta Parisienne, a comforting dish of creamy egg noodles tossed with prime beef tenderloin, mushrooms, and a rich cream sauce, served with fresh-baked baguette slices.
I chose the Braised Chicken, and I can confidently say it was the best chicken I’ve ever eaten. The menu may still list it as roast chicken, but it has since been updated to a braised preparation. The chicken was fall-off-the-bone tender and covered in an incredible cream sauce, served with buttery mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. It was simple, comforting, and executed perfectly.
Even though we were completely stuffed, there was no leaving without dessert. We split the crème brûlée, which had that perfectly crisp caramelized sugar topping that cracked beautifully with every spoonful. The creamy custard paired with fresh fruit made for the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal.
Is Circa 1875 Worth Visiting?
Without question.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, an engagement, or simply looking for one of the most romantic restaurants in Savannah, Circa 1875 delivers. Between the welcoming service, authentic French cuisine, extensive wine selection, and intimate atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has become a local favorite.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the menu also features French classics like escargots and crispy frog legs. I also appreciated that they list all of their food suppliers on their website—a small detail that reflects their commitment to quality ingredients.
For us, Circa 1875 will always be more than just a restaurant. It will forever be the place where our anniversary trip became the beginning of our next chapter together.
If you’re planning a trip to Savannah, I can’t recommend this hidden gem enough. And if you end up dining there, let me know what you ordered in the comments. I’d love to hear about your experience!
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