Where culinary artistry meets architectural grandeur, The Grey Savannah transforms a restored 1938 Art Deco bus terminal into the South's most celebrated dining destination, earning James Beard Award-winning Chef Mashama Bailey recognition as 2022's Outstanding Chef for her revolutionary approach to modern Southern cuisine.

The Grey's remarkable story began when Chef Mashama Bailey partnered with restaurateur John O. Morisano to breathe new life into Savannah's abandoned Greyhound bus terminal. Bailey, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef who honed her skills in New York's finest kitchens, returned to her Georgia roots with a mission to recontextualize Southern food through a contemporary lens. This bold vision earned The Grey national acclaim, including the 2019 James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast before Bailey's individual recognition as Outstanding Chef in 2022. The restaurant's innovative approach to regional cuisine has positioned it among America's most important dining establishments, bridging historical narrative with culinary excellence.

Bailey's cuisine philosophy centers on honoring Southern traditions while fearlessly exploring their evolution. The menu showcases signature dishes like her acclaimed Country Captain, a spice-forward chicken curry that reflects Savannah's port city heritage, and the show-stopping Whole Roasted Fish with Carolina Gold rice. The Grey's seasonal offerings emphasize relationships with local farmers and purveyors, featuring Georgia shrimp, Ossabaw Island hog, and heirloom vegetables from nearby farms. The restaurant operates with both à la carte and prix fixe options, allowing diners to experience Bailey's vision through various formats. Dietary accommodations are thoughtfully integrated, with vegetarian preparations that celebrate the region's agricultural bounty alongside the restaurant's celebrated protein-focused dishes.

The 125-seat dining room preserves the terminal's soaring Art Deco architecture, featuring original terrazzo floors, restored ceiling details, and period-appropriate furnishings that create an atmosphere both nostalgic and thoroughly modern. Service reflects Bailey's fine dining background while embracing Southern hospitality traditions. The Grey's wine program, overseen by knowledgeable sommeliers, emphasizes both Old World classics and emerging American producers. The restaurant's bar program crafts cocktails that mirror the kitchen's approach, incorporating regional spirits and house-made ingredients. Private dining options are available for intimate gatherings, while the chef's counter offers front-row access to Bailey's culinary artistry.

Reservations at The Grey require advance planning, particularly for weekend service, reflecting its status as Savannah's premier fine dining destination. The restaurant maintains smart casual dress expectations, welcoming both special occasion diners and culinary pilgrims seeking to experience one of America's most important contemporary Southern restaurants.