Castaways

Stopped in with a group for Savannah Restaurant Week 2018. And must I admit what a blast. Simply finding this restaurant was a treasure hunt. Out of all the years I lived in Savannah I've never knew this place existed. As we drove past we caught wind of the sign then it seemed to disappear. So make sure you remember that the restaurant is located in the courtyard behind Loc's Chicken and Waffles. As we walked in the restaurant the space was slightly smaller than expected but the walls had the most unique mural on all the walls. Absolutely stunning! While we waited for our table we headed to the bar to grab a drink. I grabbed a glass of Pinot Noir ($9 a glass) and within 10 minutes our table was ready. We were given the regular menu along with the Restaurant week menu and I went to town. For an appetizer I ordered the Firecracker Shrimp, entree I ordered the Grouper Imperial, and for dessert I went for the Key Lime. The appetizers came out first as always. The Restaurant week appetizer is slightly different. The restaurant scales it back so you can sample different menu items. The presentation was amazing but the flavors seemed to lack. The sauce was reminiscent of Chick-Fil-A sauce but not as bold. I ended up trying my friends Ahi Tuna Tartare and I was in love. The ginger, seaweed salad, and the tuna made the dish delicious. I really wanted to switch dishes but I didn't. Next the entrees. When the Grouper Imperial arrived to the table it was gorgeous. The colors were vibrant the and the presentation was to die for. One bite and I melted. Whatever sauces they drizzled over the dish was phenomenal. I literally ate the entire plate! The last dish came out and it was the Key Lime pie. Again the presentation was awesome. However as a suggestion the restaurant can scale back the whipped cream. I want the flavor of the pie not the whipped cream. Excited to try I took a bite and I seemed to search for the tartness of the Lime. The flavors weren't bold enough to call it Key Lime. More along the lines of a cheesecake with hints of lime. Overall the restaurant deserves a B+. The hostess Charlotte was very courteous and she moved quickly to prepare us a table, the murals on the walls are inviting and I cannot wait for the summer time to see the restaurant with the doors open, the Ahi Tuna is worth the try (especially is you like Asian flavors), and the Grouper Imperial was one of the most amazing dishes I've had in a long time. Pitfalls, the restaurant is smaller but lively, the Key Lime dessert could use a "recipe-lift", and the restaurant requires a keen eye to find. Either way I'm coming back for that Grouper. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Impressed! My dad goes to all these local joints and this is his latest obsession. We had gotten a gift certificate to use so we went for dinner. The place was small, but packed. There were so many people there. I looked at the menu and didn't see much for me, but I got fettuccini Alfredo. It was really good. I ate it all. Dad got some steak salad with extra steak and then he put my shrimp on the side on it as well. He thought it was really good!I liked the atmosphere and there was a nice outdoor patio I need to try next time I'm in town. I will be back! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Anyone giving this place less than 5 stars should just stay home. The food was excellent, the music was groovy and the service was right on. I've been fortunate to travel around the world. The best blackened fish sandwich I've ever had was here today. Bravo More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The grouper imperial is consistently delicious and well presented.  The tuna tower appetizer is very creatively designed and is a good appetizer for 2 or a small meal.  There are other very good fish dishes as well as specials.  The hamburger is also outstanding.   Very good food at a reasonable price More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The place was a little hard to find (look for the sign where the buildings break beside the Italian restaurant), but I'm glad we finally did!  We stopped here for a quick lunch on the way to Wormsloe Plantation. I really enjoyed the buffalo shrimp salad (their buffalo sauce is a little sweeter than I am accustomed to, but it was good!). Reasonably priced and a good portion of food.  I would definitely stop in again! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Good food, reasonable prices, very nice waitstaff and a/c!  Compared to other places ... didn't leave hungry or sweaty . Imagine great outdoor area for fun evenings for food and libations. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Fantastic lunch today in every way. Service was attentive. Food was delicious - everything that all 5 of us had was awesome. Will definitely return when back in town. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Great place, is a Friday night so was busy. Live music playing, great atmosphere Wife have the fish and chip ,I had the fried shrimp both very very good. There is seating outside but this time of year The Sandgnats are bad.Check them out great place, will be back. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Yummy salads and cold fresh ice tea. No beer on tap but a good bottle selection. Quick efficient service from friendly locals.

Reviewed on Yelp

Came here for lunch with my husband and we had the calamari for an appetizer and it was the best we'd ever had. The chefs use of ingredients and sauces are phenomenal on all his dishes. I had the blackened grouper and it was so beautiful! Large portion with these colorful little red and yellow peppers.  I wish I had taken a photo of the plate. It was cooked so perfectly! I could go on and on about that dish. My husband had the blackened fish tacos and again, large portion and cooked perfectly!! The flavor on those were melt-in-your mouth good! You won't be disappointed! Thier chef is AMAZING!!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I decided to break from tradition and ordered the fried calamari instead of their tuna tartar today.  I was happy with the chimichurri  punch and sweet aioli base.  I often go the seafood route at this establishment.  Today was no exception with the grouper imperial served in a shallot lump crab beurre blanc.Hats off to the chef and the often beautiful plate presentations.  A negative aspect is the  bar like atmosphere  in contrast to the fine dining presentation. It has become more pronounced with the noise ilevel as  it grows in popularity.  Although the servers are friendly, they don't have the acumen to match the quality of the food.The food often leans toward the flash fried route and ends up a little heavy.  Even though my grouper was not fried, it could use some editing.  Adding cream to the sauce detracted from the dish.  I also wasn't a fan of sprinkled chili powder on the rim.  However, I ate all the fish and enjoyed the cilantro oil and tart super-mini tomatoes and micro greens, which gave it a french mexican fusion aspect. Not one that I would have imagined.  Please bring back the lobster diavolo- it is one for the books. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

We were looking for a place that had options besides fried fish. Although this is the South and there were plenty of fried options, they also had some other choices. I had an Ahi Tuna salad with firecracker dressing on the side. The tuna was tasty and the greens were fresh.  The outdoor seating was a nice choice on a pleasant 75 degree sunny day. The service was ok as the waitresses switched on our table half way through the experience. It took a long time to get the bill but the food was prompt. We were enjoying the weather and a slow afternoon in the sun so the delay was no problem for us. Would like to return here and explore the menu for some other options. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Excellent food! The chef here knows what he is doing! Highly recommend this place! The only down side I can say is they don't have beer on tap.

Reviewed on Yelp

Great food and friendly service. Small inside area but good outside seating.  Come here often. Love everything.

Reviewed on Yelp

Food was exceptional! The staff was beyond friendly. I ordered the Imperial Grouper. It was DELICIOUS! It was well seasoned. The mashed potato's were moist and just right! When i return I'll be eating the same thing ! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

We came here for my dads birthday for restaurant week! I was very happy with the choices on their menu. Everything was good. I got the tuna tartare app and it was fresh and yummy. The seaweed was seasoned to perfection. then I got the grouper as my main course. That was delicious too. My dad got the flounder and really enjoyed it. Perfect birthday meal. My mom got the prime rib and said it was very flavorful but not hot. That was the only criticism. My parents both got key lime pie which was a great ending to their meal. My mom doesn't usually eat desserts and licked her plate clean. I got the mango cheesecake and it was so creamy. I'm not usually big into cheesecake but it was pretty good. Pretty happy with this find! It is definitely a good one to try and not have to go all the way downtown. They have parking! ;) always good. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The entire menu sounded delicious. And everything we ordered was just as described and better!!! Definitely my new favorite resto and I amGlad I ventured out to find it since it is out of the way of mainstream Savannah food choices.  Thinking of the Tuna tower is making me want to go back For dinner, and I was just there for lunch!!! I had the scored flounder and I left nothing but fish bones!! Sooo yummy!!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I can honestly say the Grouper Imperial is one of my favorite dishes of ALL TIME....yes its that good. At first glance you think that it is just a strip mall food joint but it is so much more. The seafood here is some of the freshest and best tasting I have ever had. The tuna tower was so delicious and amazing. The wait staff were also all super helpful with suggestions and any time I go back to Savannah I will have to come and get that Grouper Imperial. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Tuna Tower to start...I'm not a fan of raw tuna, but my hubby is and he eats the tuna and I eat the tower [avocado, won ton, corn, and I don't know what else].  Shrimp Boat tacos are my favorite.  A bit spicy with a flavorful cabbage slaw.  Soft shell crab is fresh and good.  Smallish space with an outdoor patio.  Just right. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Chill and casual atmosphere. Missed the live band, but tonight's music selection was right on point. Just like this tuna! Truly amazing presentation, and even tastier delicacy to devour.

Reviewed on Yelp

First meal while visiting Savannah, and it was awesome. The room was packed when we arrived, but the service was quick. We ordered specials, and the plating and taste was on point. From the dishes being served at other tables, their menu items looked amazing, and people were enjoying their choices. I highly recommend this place and will definitely go back the next visit to Savannah. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

This was a Restaurant week visit with another couple. While most restaurant week menus offered an average of three entrée choices for this event, Castaways Sandfly offered five to satisfy a wide range of culinary appetites.  The noise level as noted by other reviewers was noticeably higher than other restaurants, and I did have to lean over the table to talk and listen with other guests. However, this did not detract from the wonderful service and food provided. There is an exterior dining section available, along with a full bar and several televisions on the inside of the restaurant. I selected the firecracker shrimp, black and blue prime rib, and Bombay mango cheesecake for the evening meal. All of the items were excellently seasoned, and our server kept our glasses full and was very attentive.  I enjoyed the evening as the food and staff it presented a wonderful atmosphere for everyone. I plan to revisit Castaways Sandfly very soon. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I loved every single plate ordered during our dinner all 5 including the Tybee Tuna, Tuna Tacos, The Rasta Pasta and quesadillas. We had our puppy and he was welcomed on the outside patio area as well so that was a plus and made our dinner much more enjoyable! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Nice restaurant scene with some indoor (and bar seating) as well as outdoor seating. Nestled in a shopping center, Castaways has a nice chill ambiance about it. I was invited out for a going away dinner and this place definitely worth the wait. Service: excellent. Even though the place was full, our sever never left us waiting for anything. Fast. Efficient. Friendly. Drinks: the bar is full up, feel free to ask for your favorite libation. There are TVs at the bar too so you can watch your favorite sports team. Menu/food: the menu is extensive and chocked full of delicious choices. I ordered the tuna tower and the calamari. Both were large enough portions by themselves to be a meal, but I was starving...so I ate them both. ;) The tuna tower was fantastic, fresh (not fishy flavored I.e.  old tuna) the spicing was spot on and the amount of tuna was a pleasant surprise. The calamari was lightly battered (thank god! I'm not asking for onion rings yah know ) and had a wonderful spicy chimichurri sauce (don't freak out it's not THAT spicy ) All-in-all a good place to bring friends and family for a good seafood meal. Come early...this place gets packed fast!!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Second time in for lunch! Loved the tuna tower, calamari, and buffalo shrimp during our first visit! The tuna and shrimp were fresh and perfect! The calamari has a new twist on the old boring and has a delicious sauce. Today we had lunch again! There's casual in the door seating as well as outdoor seating. They have heaters to keep you cozy warm if you choose to sit outside. The Crabcake BLT had plenty of crabmeat! The fish sandwich was made with grouper today! The buns are soft and warm served with warm food items, great care in the little things make a difference! Service on both occasions was exceptional! Friendly and helpful staff that work as a team! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I live in Charlotte, NC but have family in Savannah, so I visit fairly often.  My sister doesn't eat fish, can you imagine?  So I tried Castaways for a solo lunch.  Facebook friends kept posting how fabulous this place is, but Savannah being a tourist town I was skeptical.  Off the beaten tourist path towards the southside, you have to be willing to drive or Uber out here.The lunch menu seems abbreviated, so you may want to try them for dinner.  The place is TINY but has a decent size outside area.  And it was difficult to find as its tucked away in a strip mall. I drove the parking lot 5 times and almost gave up.  I persisted and found they were BETWEEN two of the buildings near a chicken and waffles place.  See photos Service at noon on Saturday was friendly and prompt as it was still fairly early for a sarurday.  After contemplating the lunch menu - tacos, sandwiches and apps dominate - I settled on one of the few full entree options.  Blackened Red Fish over rice and green beans with a mango salsa. The plating was beautiful and the portion large!  And to my surprise, it was absolutely delicous!  There were also 4 blackened shrimp included...SCORE!  There is really nothing bad I can say about this dish.  I'm SUPER critical when it comes to entrees in the $20+ range, but this was worth it at around $20.  I wish I had saved room for dessert.This will be one of my go to spots when I'm in town!  I imagine at prime time there is a wait so be prepared.  Worth it. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

T'was a restaurant week visit. Reservations are highly recommended. I still had to wait 10 minutes past my reservation time. It was loud and tight. I don't know if that's the usual scene around here or if the first evening of Restaurant week brought in an extra crowd. They also have outdoor seating, but it was too chilly that particular evening. Great in the summer time, I'm sure! My party had the tuna tartare and conch fritters to start. Great tasting tuna tartare dish, with a nice serving of ginger! I didn't get a chance to try the conch fritters (I've never had any), but they went quick by the person who did order them. I guess they were tasty!For our entrees, we enjoyed the lobster + scallop carbonara, the surf and turf, and the flounder. The carbonara was extremely salty, lacked enough scallops and left me in a battle with the lobster. I'm not sure what I thought when I made that pick. The surf and turf was gone in an instant. I had a piece of the shrimp and it was juicy. I probably should have had that dish instead. How about the flounder? Well, I was skeptical of getting it, because I wasn't sure what it would taste like - I don't eat enough flounder to know. So I didn't get the dish, however the person who did enjoyed it very much. Luckily I had a bite of the flounder, rice and mango salsa. I now see that was the best entree choice of the evening. The only downside is that you'll have to deal with the fish bones. As for dessert, we tried the pistachio cannoli and the tiramisu. I preferred the cannoli, but it definitely needs pistachio filling in the center! I ate the edge and then the center is a hollow portion that makes you sad, until you get to the other side. While I didn't enjoy my meal as much as so wanted to, and I'll take the blame for that one, everyone else really enjoyed the food because plates were clear by the end of the night. More...

Reviewed on Yelp