Circa 1875 French Bistro

The Best Savannah, Georgia, Restaurants | Eater Carolinas

"Savannah’s long-standing, unpretentious Parisian pub started with a love story and has set the scene for hundreds more meet-cutes since opening in 2007. Founded by husbands and hospitality veterans Donald Lubowicki and Jeffery Downey, Circa’s menu boasts classics like pan-seared foie gras, braised beef bourguignon, and the finest coquilles St. Jacques in the city. Service, Old World wines, and classic cocktails underpin a convivial atmosphere that makes the bar side of the restaurant a choice wintertime hideout for lushes and lovers." - Kiki Dy

15 Best Warm and Cozy Restaurants in Savannah | Eater Carolinas

"Just steps from bustling Broughton Street, this Parisian bistro and pub has been a downtown favorite since 2007. Locals and visitors are smitten with the French onion soup, steak frites with truffle oil, and charming hospitality. Ask to sit in the basement wine cellar." - Colleen McNally Arnett

Savannah’s Most Romantic Restaurant, Circa 1875, Turns 17 | Eater Carolinas

"Located in Savannah’s historic district at 48 Whitaker Street, this unpretentious Parisian bistro and gastropub is owned and lovingly restored by husbands Donald Lubowicki and Jeffery Downey, who transformed a circa‑1875 pub (later an Irish Times and a Prohibition‑era speakeasy) into a warm, conversation‑focused spot while preserving original ceilings, floors, and an Irish bar top that appeared in the film Bloom. Chef Thomas Bishop serves country‑French classics—foie gras, escargot, steak tartare, coquilles St. Jacques, mussels, and cassoulet—alongside signature items like ten‑hour short ribs that arrive melt‑in‑your‑mouth and an animal‑product‑free ratatouille that surprises even carnivores, plus bright vegetable plates such as a golden beet salad and seasonal tomato preparations. Behind the bar, Tim Fitzgerald curates old‑world libations (aged Armagnac, pastis, amaro) and a stained‑glass wine cellar conceals a candlelit table for four; a tucked nook of two bar stools offers semi‑private conversation and close talking. The staff’s convivial, relaxed service and the intimate, lived‑in atmosphere have made it a beloved third place for locals—one that routinely sparks conversation, regular returns, and even romances, with dozens of couples crediting their meeting to evenings spent here." - Kiki Dy

8 Newest Restaurants to Check Out in Savannah, Georgia - Eater Carolinas

"Locals and tourists are falling back in love with Savannah’s long-standing unpretentious Parisian pub, Circa 1875. Seventeen years after it first opened its stained glass doors, the architecturally accurate 18th-century style bistro is in a renaissance. Chef JaDerrick Reed is back preparing country French classics like pan-seared foie gras, braised beef bourguignon, and the finest coquilles St. Jacques in the city. Front-of-house, old-world wines, and masterfully rendered classic cocktails collide with a convivial atmosphere to make this the choice wintertime hideout for Savannah socialites and creatives." - Kiki Dy

A true neighborhood bistro and gastropub where French classics, Old World wines, and late-night conviviality define the experience. Recognized by Eater as one of Savannah’s enduring best.