Last Updated on January 12, 2020 by Chef Mireille
Narobia’s Grits & Gravy – Savannah, GA is the place to enjoy the best of low country cooking, especially the southern classic of Shrimp & Grits.
Restaurant Review – Narobia’s Shrimp & Grits – Savannah, GA
This year I am expanding the content of this site to include more travel information for you and what’s one thing we all do when we travel – eat. The best thing about travel is discovering the local cuisine. If Savannah is on your agenda, this restaurant review will come in handy.
I’ve had a love-hate relationship with grits. So many people LOVE grits and I wanted to love them so much because I felt I should. I love other corn based savory puddings. I am from the Caribbean where we have lots of cornmeal based porridges like Coo Coo and Tutu. Don’t laugh at the names 🙂 I also love a cheesy, creamy polenta. However much I tried, I just didn’t like them. Truth be told, I only tried them a few times – once at a family friend and another at a diner in Virginia. It had been many years since I tried. Our palates change over the years so I was willing to try once again on my trip to Savannah. Savannah is in the heart of low country cooking. If I couldn’t like Savannah grits, then I would give up and concede to a lost cause.
Like polenta, grits can be made either stiff or creamy. I first tried grits at my hotel’s breakfast buffet. On the first bite, I thought they were good however by the third bite, I had had enough. In my research before visiting Savannah, Narobia’s had just about the best restaurant review for true low country cuisine. I was willing to try one more time before I completely gave up.
Getting There
Narobia’s is not part of the historic district, where most of the hotels, restaurants, shopping and monuments are. It is going to take a little effort to get there, but it’s worth it. If you have a rental car, driving is the easiest option. However, there is an alternative. You can take a local bus to Forsyth Park. (there’s a great farmer’s market you van visit on Saturday mornings). It’s then about a 10 block walk to Narobia’s. I’m not going to lie – 10 blocks may not seem like much, but on a hot and humid day, it can seem like forever. Remember Savannah is swamp land, so the humidity can be stifling. I just want to give you an honest representation of the trip, however with all that said, I thought it was worth every bead of sweat on my trip there. Just make sure you have water with you to stay hydrated as you walk.
The Experience
Narobia’s is a small little place located in a residential neighborhood. They have both outdoor and indoor tables and most likely you will have to wait a little bit for a table. When people are waiting outside in the hot sun for a plate of food, you know it’s got to be good. It’s a non descript diner with nothing special in terms of decor. Simple tables and chairs, plastic wrapped menu’s, food messily slopped onto plates all contribute to the country local ambience. The food more than makes up for the lack of decor.
Narobia’s Grits & Gravy has everything from pancakes to crab cakes, but really almost everyone goes there for the Shrimp & Grits. The Shrimp & Grits platter comes complete with eggs and biscuit for a complete breakfast. My plate arrived with the server dropping it on my table, complete with gravy dripping down the side of the plate. Melt in your mouth smooth, creamy and luscious grits with the spiced up Creole gravy – now this is what all the hoopla was about over shrimp and grits! Was it the gravy that finally made me like grits or was it after all this time, I finally just got perfectly cooked creamy grits?
If you’re like me and never understand the Shrimp & Grits southern obsession, Narobia’s will change your mind and if you are already a lover of this Southern classic, Narobia’s is a must when you’re in Savannah!
Overall, I give this place 4 stars. The food was phenomenal. Friendly staff and patrons with easy ordering and payment system. Despite the small, local establishment, they take credit cards. The only reason they are not getting 5 stars is the trek to get there, if you’re a tourist!
Narobia’s Grits & Gravy
2019 Habersham Street
Savannah, GA
(912) 231-0563
I really loved the food here and I’m certainly going back here! All I can say is Savannah GA is the best! I go there yearly! I love the weather, the attractions, the best hotels and of course the attractions there!