Savanna Breakfast & Lunch Northcenter

I'm always in search of a great breakfast diner to add to my roster, and Savanna did not disappoint. The staff graciously seated and served my wife and I even though we arrived a mere 30 minutes or so before closing (we called first to avoid making ourselves even more of an imposition). Menu options included both traditional breakfast dishes and those with a welcome flair of Latin influence. I opted for the former with a classic steak and eggs combo, and my wife had the El Mexicano Skillet, both of which were prepared with plenty of flavor and attention to aesthetic detail. We'll definitely visit again and may even decide to take advantage of the outdoor seating should Chicago weather permit!

We came a little late, so we didn’t have to wait for a seat. The food was amazing! I loved the Savanna Omelet. Jon got the ChoriBurrito, it has jalapeños, so I couldn’t eat it, but it looked delicious too. Love this place!

Updated: Another 10/10 for these guys. Even after coming back some time later they delivered fantastic dishes, made perfectly and packed with flavor and thought. When I think of the dishes created here, I'm confident they come with love from the kitchen. Gladly recommend Savanna for anyone looking for a pop of flavor in their day. Original: Wonderful menu, food, service, and atmosphere! I think these guys have something awesome going on. I wish I could have stayed and tried more from the menu but that can be for the future! Come check them out!

Excellent service and good food. They have an extensive menu with some Ecuadorian specialties. I had an Ecuadorian Eggs Benedict that was delicious. The chicken tortilla soup was also outstanding. Our server and the rest of the staff were very friendly. They were even gracious when we realized we stayed up to closing time. I also live they have a great brunch drink menu.

Shout out to Pamela! She must read minds-the moment my drink was empty, she appeared with an offer to refill my breakfast martini. I got the llapingachos and the red velvet pancakes. Best pancakes I've maybe ever had. This is a great brunch spot!

We had a great brunch on a Tuesday afternoon. Everyone loved their entrees and the coffee drinks were delish as well. The atmosphere was bright and clean. The service was prompt and polite. Highly recommend.

Savanna has become our go-to restaurant for breakfast and lunch. We enjoy the lively atmosphere but what makes this place special is, of course, their food. They have frequently rotating specials and quite an extensive choice of breakfast and lunch dishes on their regular menu. Mostly with South American twist, the food is fresh, the quality of the ingredients can be tasted and the plates are always presented in an impeccable way. I enjoy having one of their fruit teas with my meal so make sure to try that as a replacement for a soft drink, it's worth it!

My cousin and I went for brunch one morning. The food and drinks were delicious. Unfortunately, my cousin had to send her iced coffee back, as she did not like it. However, staff was friendly and accommodating, and we enjoyed a mango lemonade instead. Flavor, presentation and atmosphere deserves a 10/10

We love this place. Great breakfast! So many interesting and tasty choices. Great beverage menu! Service is excellent. Attentive and kind. Love the inside, it is well decorated.

If you're in the Lincoln Square, and want a good breakfast, Savanna is the place. The coffee was decent. The are a lot of options.

Good food that arrived quickly. We came for lunch and the portions were good. The llapingachos potato cakes were pretty yummy and very unique.

Stopped by for a quick brunch on the way to Lake Geneva and was pleasantly surprised by this spot! The service was super quick and friendly and we actually split the Mote Pillo since we didn't want to load up too much before we went hiking. I've never had Mote Pillo before which is an Ecuadorian dish of hominy (big corn) with eggs and spices and it was the perfect hearty breakfast , like the ultimate comfort food. The salsa on the side was tasty and the coffee there was delicious as well. Would love to come back to try other dishes too!

I came here with my aunt for an early lunch. They have a very large menu! They had a lot of fun coffees, teas, and juices. Service was super friendly. I had the chicken Ceaser wrap and it was tasty. I got it with a side of fruit. The fruit came with bananas, strawberry, and pinneapple. Portion sizes large. Great place!

Savanna's is a quaint, Latin American-inspired breakfast joint in Chicago that can satisfy everyone's sweet and savory cravings. It has a cute patio outside, which I would have enjoyed sitting at, but since it was upwards of 90°, my party of six decided to sit inside. I should point out that there is a "ramp" of sorts with a steep incline leading into the restaurant, which can be an obstacle for those with mobility issues. As someone who classifies "dessert-disguised-as-breakfast" as its own food group, I was impressed with the many options for flavored pancakes, waffles, French toast, and even crepes. I of course chose the sweetest offering with the most toppings--the Superstar Pancakes. A stack of red velvet pancakes with chocolate chips, and topped with Nutella, fruit, and whipped cream, the meal was essentially anyone with a sweet tooth's dream come true. I loved the presentation of the dish--totally insta-worthy! I appreciated that the chefs paid special attention to the presentation of every plate, even during the weekend breakfast rush. Of course, Savanna also offers savory breakfast/lunch meals, including specialty omelettes and a whole section dedicated to Latin-American cuisine. Something that makes Savanna unique is their extensive drink menu--from coffee to cocktails, there really is something for everyone's tastes. I opted for an Arnold Palmer, and I decided to add peach flavoring for .99 extra. All the drinks were served in cute little mason jars and garnished with fruit and sprigs of mint. I ended up mixing the mint into my drink and I loved the addition of the subtle flavor--very refreshing, almost like a summer breakfast mocktail. Nicole was our waitress, and she was very kind and accommodating to our group of six. She remembered the substitutions and customizations for everyone's orders, and we hardly had to wait to get our food. We also ordered a to-go meal on the way out, and she had it prepared for us in no time. Savanna is one of the most popular brunch spots in the neighborhood, but the staff knows how to treat everyone like family. At the hostess stand, there were even tickets for free games at a nearby bowling alley. It's the perfect place to enjoy a latte on the patio, or treat your family to Sunday breakfast after Church. I can't wait to come back the next time I'm in Chicago!

Savanna has a small, unassuming store front on Lincoln Ave in the heart of North Center; its extensive menu featuring chilaquiles to crepes makes up for its rather lackluster curb appeal. Inside, the restaurant has a larger footprint than you might expect so we had no issues grabbing a table for two for lunch without a Rez. The server suggested popular items such as the huevos rancheros and the potato cakes (which has a long name that I can't recall / spell). We got the potato cakes as an app. I thought it would be crispy on the exterior and soft inside but the entire "cake" (more like a patty) had a uniform texture - all soft - and was pretty one dimensional flavor wise. My chilaquiles were plentiful with a well cooked over easy egg (you can pick how you want your eggs cooked for the dish). I added shredded pork but this made for one very heavy dish. I appreciate the quantity (my gf's bf torta was massive) and the effort in presentation. I do think some dishes lack finesse but this is a solid brunch option in the area - especially if there's no wait!

What a great breakfast location. The menu is so diverse and has something for everyone. However especially if you love a fun sweet option or mexican options--this location is definitely for you. However, I had one of the best omelettes that I have had in a while! I had the Garden Omelette with fruit (great fruit cup btw) and a side pancake (which they let me do a specialty one-banana!). That changes the game for me! It was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My friend got the super star pancakes as she is a big sweets person and really enjoyed those as well! Hope to return!

4.5. Uninteresting but clean dining room hides some cooking chops. Cool Ecuadorean specials hiding inside a menu full of good things.

Came here to join some friends for brunch after attending church in the Lincoln park area. Everything on the menu was so good and appetizing. We had a baby at the table and the server was very good to accommodate. It was a casual place but the food hit the spot. The Latin flair made brunch extra colorful and flavorful.

Service is pretty good and the food is interesting. I love their chilaquiles which I get often. I recently tried their version of the Chicken and Waffles. It wasn't my favorite but I appreciated their twist on it. I usually dine here a lot during the spring and summer and sit outside on the patio. There is always plenty of available parking in the area. Would definitely recommend and would visit again.

Fabulous brunch with Latin American influence. Been there twice. Marg and friend shared a waffle with berries while I enjoyed the Mote Pillo. Ecuadorian hominy with lightly scrambled eggs. Bacon and of course avocado. Great flavor in the hominy - and reheated well. Kaylan had the El Mexicano with two eggs over easy. Second visit Rick had blueberry crepes - flavorful, crème sauce was good and crepes were light - as they should be. I loved the llapingachos - a great twist on eggs Benedict. Outdoor seating in the summer. Plenty of to door seating.

Great location, brunch, mimosas, and just overall experience! The staff were nice and very quick to bring food and drink to the table.

We went for a late lunch, I had an omelet. Food, service and ambiance was good. My only criticism was that they don't want to make separate bills although our waiter made the exception for us (only a couple of tables were filled at that time of day.)

Food and service is amazing Your coffee cup and water glass will never be empty Only complaint is street parking only. And very little of that

Such great food! Ordered the Carnitas Hash no egg with a side of corn salsa. Carnitas was cooked really well and not dry. Pancake was stunning, crispy but fluffy. Loved this place and friendly service.

Food here is always great and the service today with Pamela was fantastic!. The Fall French Toast was sooo good

Amazing food, large portions, and great service! Great neighborhood location and outside seating.

This restaurant became on our favorite breakfast spots the first time we ate here. First of all, the service is incredible. We were waited on hand and foot and our waitress always seemed to be right there when we needed her. Mind you, we were the first ones in the door and this is not hard to achieve when you are the only people in the place. The music is boppy and pleasant and I love the decor. It's just a big room and so the conversations spill over and it gets loud, I'm sure. We went there with an infant and a two-year-old and there was plenty of room for us to maneuver. I got the Salmon Avocado Toast and loved it. No potatoes come with it so I got the llapingachos, which were delicious, and I highly recommend. They cost only $2 more if you substitute any side that comes with any dish. My wife got the egg white omelet and would get the same thing again. Our daughter for the pork benedict and said it was spectacular and we got the kid's waffles for our three-year-old who ate them all. There was plenty of room on Sunday at 8, but the place filled up fast, so I would suggest getting there early to avoid the crowds.

They wouldn't let my friend and I split the check with 2 credit cards. How lame is that?! They use one of those electronic handheld machines and this can easily be done. I can understand not wanting the inconvenience of splitting the bill 7 different ways (even though those handheld machines allow you to split checks by item) but going out for a meal with a friend and splitting the check down the middle is not complicated. This was a totally unnecessary and unacceptable inconvenience. On top of their 3% credit card fee. The prices have also got more expensive over the past few years, I live down the street and used to come here and items that were $12 are now $16. (or a bigger difference when you factor in tax, tip, and credit card fee.) I guess that's happening across the industry, but now they're just getting cocky. I won't be recommending this place to friends anymore.

Took the family out for Sunday breakfast and we were excited to visit this spot. I was looking forward to the Llpingacho Benedict, which I was so curious about. The flavor was very good and unique with the potato cakes and grilled tomatoes. Surprisingly, the most tasty item we had were the pancakes. My son ordered the oreo pancakes and I had a bite of it. I was floored by the rich taste and texture of the pancakes. I'd return just for those. Before ending this post, I cannot forget to mention that they have outstanding service and hospitality. Check this spot out, you won't be disappointed.

It's hard to make a reservation for a table of 7 but the staff was very accommodating. They pushed two tables together and gave us our own section of the restaurant. The food was very large portions and full of flavor that complimented the dish. The eggs Benedict was super filling and I understand why it is one of the restaurants favorites. The restaurant is very family friendly and not loud at all! I was able to speak without raising my voice and hear the others at my table easily. There is plenty space between tables which I always enjoy.

Food and drinks were good and service was attentive. I didn't get anything fancy, just a standard breakfast but they have lots of options and tasty drinks!

Always nice service, inviting space. Oh and the food is as good as it is plentiful. I've had breakfast and lunch there and both are excellent.

We walked over to Savanna on an unusually warm October Sunday morning for brunch, and were lucky to get a small table for my wife, baby and I outside. I was tending to the baby as my wife was getting our stroller unpacked and folded to put along the sidewalk. She just sat down when our server came by and asked if we were ready to order. Well, not at all, my wife had just sat down. That turned out to be a mistake. Our server didn't return for about fifteen minutes. I get it, places are short staffed, and I saw the flyer looking for employees taped up on their window. But still, the table next to us packed up their leftovers, closed out, left, then a new couple sat, and their order was taken right after ours when the server finally came back outside. Their menu has the standard brunch options, but also a few unique specials. My partner went with the Savanna omelette which includes turkey chorizo, guac, and a chipotle aioli. I ordered the llapingachos benedict, which trades out the English muffin for Ecuadorian potato cakes and the Canadian bacon for pork chorizo. We also got an order of the apple cinnamon pumpkin pancakes. And while all that food tasted as good as it sounds (I even liked the omelette and I generally dislike omelettes) - the food just took way too long to come out. I could tell this wasn't just an issue for us, as I saw staff chase down one party who were trying to leave after waiting too long, and other tables near us getting impatient at how long service was taking. Maybe it was an off day? Like they weren't prepared for the weather to be this nice to have this many people? Either way, while my wife and I agreed the food was good, we would not have come here if we knew it would take out that much time of our Sunday. We might come back if we happen to be walking by and see it's not busy, but otherwise I don't know if we can risk it again.

I frequent this place and usually enjoy it. But today ordered from special Latin week menu an elote corn meal that was just awful! Canned corn - not fresh- no Mexican cheese, no salsa, eggs were way over cooked, not good at all - it was pricey and I couldn't even eat it. Also the OJ they brought was not hand squeezed. Server was courteous but not attentive to my our experience or needs.

We came here before a cubs game and there was a little wait for the table. The food was absolutely delicious, service was prompt, friendly and attentive. A cute little place for an awesome brunch. Try the savanna banana French toast. You won't be disappointed :)

I was able to walk in at around 2pm on a Sunday and get a table for 2 with no wait. I was shocked because this place is definitely busy! I got the red velvet pancakes and my partner got the steak and eggs. We both thoroughly enjoyed our food. Presentation was nice for both dishes and the wait staff was prompt and courteous. Their menu is quite large and has a good selection of vegetarian options. We will definitely be coming here again!

My husband insisted we go a little out of the way to try Savanna. I'm so glad we did and it was right near where we planned to be that day during our vacation. We were very impressed with our visit to Savanna and the food / drinks we tried. We know we'll stop here next time we're in town. We knew we were in for a treat when there was already a bustling atmosphere inside and outside on a quiet Sunday everywhere else. First, fresh juice is always a great way to start the day. Our tropical berry and sunshine juices hit the spot to start our day. So many items to choose from on the menu we had to pick carefully. What we ended up ordering was something savory something sweet. When I ordered huevos rancheros my husband raised an eyebrow because I never order that at breakfast; for some reason I felt in my gut that it would be delicious here. We got a side of Llapingachos (Ecuadorian potato cakes) because we felt ok it looks like it's popular, why not? First off, I normally don't order huevos rancheros because of my onion allergy. However, Savanna said they could make it without onions and they DELIVERED. additionally the llapingachos were savory and delicious, especially when eaten with the huevos rancheros. I could see my husband going IN on the llapingachos because he loves potato sides and this was a great addition. My eyes opened WIDE when we tasted the Savanna Banana French toast. We were scared to destroy the art that was this plating but once we had that first bite all fears were gone. The French toast was moist and not dry on any bite. The banana creme anglaise was eaten and licked off the plate leaving nothing left. Just absolutely divine. Finally, the cherry on top was the team at Savanna was attentive, kind, and made sure we had a great meal. Until next time!

Savana is a great find for breakfast/brunch/lunch. Great food and great service. We love this place.

We came here around 1:40pm on a Saturday and were seated outside with our dog immediately. We got a couple of juices and the red velvet pancakes and everything was delicious! I'd love to come back to try the savory items.

Absolutely wonderful food for the price. The staff is quick, beyond nice and very welcoming. All in all great restaurant and features a beautiful little patio.

Great food (based on past visits). Insanely slow service. I will be lucky if I get my food before they close.

I always have a great experience here. The ambiance is very simple but inviting, service is always great, and the food is outstanding every single time. Whatever you're craving, you'll find something satisfying on the menu. I always mix it up when I order here and today I tried the blueberry and banana crepes for the first time, which were fabulous. The value is great and I always enjoy coming here. If you haven't been here yet, check it out!

Our brunch experience at Savanna Restaurant was amazing! The two crepes were good, but the llapingacho Benedict was out of this world! The restaurant staff was kind and attentive too. I would definitely come back.

I saw Savanna Restaurant on the Chicago Restaurant Week list, and decided to try it! We ordered the Red Velvet Pancakes, Chilaquiles Verdes, Savanna Banana, and Turkey Chorizo Hash for the entrees. We got the matcha cheesecake and carrot cake for dessert. I thought everything was pretty yummy, and the portion sizes were great. Savanna Banana is French toast made with banana bread, and I enjoyed the different take on French toast. The red velvet pancakes were good but were a little too sweet for my liking. I definitely enjoyed the two savory dishes more! My favorite was probably the chilaquiles verdes! Both cakes were pretty good and not too sweet. We asked for the eggs over easy. I also saw it printed on the receipt we received, so I'm not sure why the eggs weren't over easy The restaurant week deal was 2 entrees + 1 slice of cake for $25! In terms of the amount of food, I thought it was definitely worth it! However, the restaurant week price wasn't that great of a deal compared to the original prices (1 entree is ~$12-13). I probably wouldn't order it for restaurant week again, but I would definitely go back any other time because the original prices are a good deal already!

Went here for the first time, today, with a friend, and we both can't say enough about how wonderful the food is here. I had the Llapingachos, still can't pronounce it. But as our lovely waitress said, "try something new." So glad I did! This was one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. My friend got an omelette and she said it was one of the best omelettes she's ever had. And when we say things like that, it's not hyperbole, it's just that good here. The vibe is relaxed and I would say, perfect for good food and good conversation. Will be back, for sure.

Great little restaurant for breakfast or brunch. I had a California omelette; usually I eat something like a Denver with a lot of meat but thought I'd try it. Really good and filling! My wife had the crab and lobster Benedict and loved it. Our son, who recommended here, had the chorizo hash. All very good. Service also great, though we're very busy this Saturday morning. We were there at about 1130, but still barely able to get a table. Worth it! Three of spent total of about $65 before tip.

What a pleasant surprise. We didn't know what to expect, and we were absolutely pleasantly surprised. Was seated right away, our server was very nice and very attentive. I ordered a typical Ecuadorian breakfast, which was two molded potatoes, in the shape of a disk, and on top of that was an onion, thinly sliced, on top of that was a tomato, on top of that was a perfectly poached egg. It was absolutely delicious.

Came here for a happy hour/dinner with a couple of coworkers. We got there around 4pm and there was no one else there, which was kind of nice. It was a nice day, but rainy, so we sat inside. They have an open front for kind of an indoor/outdoor feel which was nice. They also had a plastic sheet they could pull down when it was raining so we didn't get wet (which was also nice). They have good happy hour drink specials, we got champagne for (I think) $4/glass. The service was pretty good, though a couple of times our server seemed confused. We got it all straightened out though. I got the burger, which was delicious, and my colleagues similarly enjoyed their chicken sandwich and chicken dinner, respectively. The one downer was the music-it was very loud. At one point we were the only ones in there but we could barely talk because it was so loud. We asked to turn it down and they did; however, it seemed to get loud again later on which was a little annoying. Overall, pretty good spot for dinner/happy hour and I'd probably go back. I'd just hope they'd turn the music down.

I haven't been here in two years and it's still as amazing as I remember. The red velvet pancakes are topped with strawberries and cream cheese and it is delicious. The staff is so kind and they make sure you are doing okay without checking on you over and over. The place is so cute and I love the outdoor seating. Still a 15/10 for me.

I may be partial because of the name, but I loved brunch at Savanna's! We arrived around 10am on a Saturday morning and had about a 20 minutes wait - not bad for brunch. I got the special (Carnitas Benedict) and my husband got the Savanna Banana French Toast. Both were delicious and cooked correctly. The sweet potato fries that came with the Benedict were so dang tasty! And the banana that came with the French toast was caramelized and paired with the French toast so we'll. Coffee was hot and great and they even gave me a cup to go. This place should have a line around the block like all the other Chicago Brunch places do.

Hubby and I decided on brunch at @savannarestaurant_ in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago for Restaurant Week. You don't need a reservation and can walk in at anytime during their hours of operation 7-3pm Monday through Sunday. They have both indoor and outdoor seatings and the customer service was on point Each person gets two entree orders and a dessert for $25. So hubby and I paid $50 plus tax/tip. We ordered and I recommend: Entrees The Tower Red Velvet Pancake Crab and Lobster Cake Salad. Do not order the Turkey Hash Desserts Carrot Cake Green Tea Cheesecake Can't wait to return over and over.

Fabulous staff, good (and variety), and ambiance. 10/10 loved the dulce de leche French toast! The huevos rancheros were killer. We wanted to try a few items so we shared; dulce de leche French toast, waffle hash browns, and huevos rancheros. I'm sure whatever you get, won't disappoint. Such a great spot with no wait (there should be a line around the block!) I can't believe it's taken me this long to find this spot, avoid the long lines and overpriced stuff from other neighborhoods and come check this joint out.

A wonderful neighborhood spot! they have a ton of seating for the size of the inside so there's no real wait most of the time. And the staff is all incredibly kind and helpful with suggestions. My mom and I both had the savanna breakfast and it was perfect for a little bit of sweet and savory. I live in the neighborhood so I'll definitely be coming by again. They also have 2 tvs showing sports if you've got a sports enthusiast in your group.

Savanna Restaurant is a great and unique brunch place located in North Center! With so many breakfast and brunch restaurants to choose from, I'm glad I found Savanna Restaurant. I love the Latin American Fusion on their menu and definitely tried that with our dishes ordered. We ordered Ecuadorian dishes Mote Pillo and Llapingacho Benedict which was also starred in the menu as signature/specialty dishes. The Llapingacho Benedict included potato cakes as the base, tomatoes, chorizo, poached eggs and chipotle hollandaise served with breakfast potatoes. The Mote Pillo has hominy scrambled with eggs, bacon, onions, cilantro, queso fresco, pico de Gallo and avocado. Both dishes tasted amazing, and it was unique to taste the flavors and introduction to Ecuadorian cuisine. The service was good, they were accommodating on a busy Saturday rainy day although the wait time for the food did take some time, but it was well worth it. They have an extensive list of other dishes on the menu. For the next trip, I wouldn't mind trying the red velvet pancakes or perhaps their other specialties!

The food was good enough. I would give them 5 stars based on presentation and service. But I've had better breakfast. This is not to take away anything from them. It's just me comparing them to other breakfast establishments. It's worth giving them a try.

Great little BYOB joint. We came for brunch and everything looked amazing, unfortunately I needed a light option breakfast with some protein. All was amazing, but even the ham had the frying grease on it. Mind you, super sensitive stomach on things. Staff was friendly and bathrooms were immaculate. The guys even commented! Can't wait to come back to try out their specialties when I am up to it!

Every time I've been here, I've received exceptional service and a quality meal. I've so far ordered only the benedicts, and they have been phenomenal. The eggs were always poached just enough to run the yolk onto the contents after cutting into them. The llapingachos and lobster/crab cake benedicts are my go-to orders. The staff were always attentive, courteous and helpful. I appreciate that they cater to children, as my son enjoyed coloring on the paper kids menu. Her also enjoyed the kids pancake from its creatively designed animal face to its last tasty bite. The servers were also helpful in entertaining my son's many, many questions.