The setting is lovely, too, in a historic building just off City Market square, with high ceilings, lovely heart-pine floors, gray-brick walls enhanced with work by local artists. The place is small, and the tables a bit small, too, but so arranged that you never feel crowded. The service is excellent.

What counts, of course, is the food. My favorite dish is the mussels, fresh from the sea, nestled atop a cushion of sublimely creamy risotto. The only other place I have ever eaten risotto this good was in Milan, Italy, where risotto reigns king of rice dishes.

Recently, one of my dining companions had the Tuna over polenta, wonderful sushi-grade tuna cooked perfectly medium rare over expertly creamy polenta. He pronounced it the best he'd ever eaten and left raving about the place. Flounder, crab cakes, shrimp, veal, beef tenderloin, chicken and crispy roasted duck, all served with typically Savannah garnishes, sauces and accompaniments, have also proved winners, as have appetizers like the fried oysters with jalapeno dipping sauce. March 2003

Questions? Comments? Email Cima.

Bistro Savannah
309 W. Congress St.
233-6266
Open for Dinner Only>
Reservations suggested
Entrees range from: $15-$30