In a downtown Savannah alley, a red lantern hangs above an otherwise nondescript door. Inside, a neon-red letter “V” illuminates a dark staircase that descends below La Vetta, the new Italian restaurant on Broughton Street, to V Cocktail Lounge.
The design
The subterranean lounge is low-lit, sultry, and cinematic — the kind of place where movie characters might plan a heist in 1960s London — with mod, striped chairs and velvet curtains. Designed by Southern Cross Hospitality (SCH) and Chi-Thien Nguyen of Studio Tho, a longtime SCH collaborator and professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design, V marks a bold departure from their previous concepts like Savannah stalwarts Ukiyo and Fishbar.
The menu
Inspired by the volcanic terroir of southern Italy, the interior of the bar is monochromatic in deep burgundy, from the walls and banquettes to plates of Prosciutto San Daniele “Riserva” with figs, stracciatella and gnocco fritto, or bluefin tuna on pan brioche with Amalfi lemon and chives. The concise menu benefits from the palate of Italian-bred executive chef Michele Minchillo, who also leads the La Vetta kitchen upstairs.
The Drinks
Behind V’s curved bar, the cocktails receive as much attention to detail as the food. Served straight from the freezer, the savory house martini is prepared with olive leaf extract, preserved lemon and fino, while a delicious take on a Negroni — playfully dubbed the “Burnt Orange Theory” — includes charred orange and Etna Rosso, a dry red wine from the volcanic slopes near Sicily, in place of vermouth.
Why V should be on your next Savannah itinerary
The real draw to V is its distinct vibe. Savannahians appreciate a well-designed room, and this underground lounge feels right at home, if you know where to look. (Bonus: La Vetta even offers a black town car service that can ferry local guests to and from the V entry.)