Foodie Guide to Hilton Head

Q: Where should I eat to understand Hilton Head's food culture?

Start with local favorites and award-winning spots—they tell the story of what makes Hilton Head unique. Skip the chains and dig into regional specialties.

Q: How do I find the best farm-to-table restaurants?

Look for spots listing their suppliers or seasonal menus that change with local harvests. These places invest in relationships with nearby farms and producers.

Q: Should I make reservations at fancy restaurants in Hilton Head?

Always—especially for fine dining and weekend brunches. Call ahead or use Reservation systems; popular spots book weeks in advance.

The foodie's guide to Hilton Head. 54 must-try restaurants, hidden gems, and culinary experiences.

Closed

FISH Casual Coastal Seafood

1 N Forest Beach Dr

4.0

FISH Casual Coastal Seafood serves seafood dishes in a casual coastal setting. The restaurant offers a range of seafood options reflecting its category as a seafood restaurant. The atmosphere is moderately priced and family-friendly, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. It includes a full bar and live music, creating a lively environment for lunch and dinner.

Closed

Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks

1 Hudson Rd

4.6

Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks serves seafood sourced from dayboats, offering a connection to the local fishing industry. The setting is unique, located in a historic 1912 factory that still processes fish, with dockside seating that highlights its maritime roots. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with moderate prices and options for both indoor and outdoor seating. Features like a full bar and live music contribute to a lively dining experience suitable for families and groups.

Closed

Benny's Coastal Kitchen

75 SHRIMPERS ROW

4.5

Benny's Coastal Kitchen serves seafood in a setting that reflects its coastal location. The restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes consistent with its category as a seafood restaurant. The atmosphere is casual with moderate pricing, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating options. It is suitable for families and groups, and includes a full bar.

Closed

Fishcamp on 11th Street

1699 11th St

4.5

Fishcamp on 11th Street is a seafood restaurant featuring a nautical design and a setting that overlooks a shrimp fishing port. The restaurant serves seafood dishes in an environment that reflects its coastal location. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a patio with swings. It has a moderate price level and includes a full bar, making it suitable for a range of dining occasions.

Closed

Skull Creek Boathouse

397 Squire Pope Rd

4.5

Skull Creek Boathouse serves seafood alongside Southern classics in a lively waterfront setting. The menu reflects coastal flavors and traditional dishes typical of the region, offering options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with both indoor and outdoor seating including a large tree-shaded bar area. The price level is moderate, making it suitable for a relaxed meal with family or friends.

Closed

The Sea Shack

6 Executive Park Rd

4.6

The Sea Shack offers straightforward seafood dishes served in a casual setting where you order at the counter. The menu centers on simple seafood plates that highlight the coastal flavors of Hilton Head Island. With moderate pricing and both indoor and outdoor seating, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for families and groups looking for an easy seafood meal.

Closed

The Quarterdeck

160 Lighthouse Rd

4.5

The Quarterdeck serves Southern seafood dishes in a nautical-themed setting by the waterfront. The restaurant offers a selection of seafood favorites that reflect the coastal location. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The price level is moderate, and the venue includes a full bar and live music, making it suitable for groups and families.

Closed

Skull Creek Dockside

2 Hudson Rd

4.5

Skull Creek Dockside serves local seafood alongside burgers and flatbreads, offering options that suit different tastes. They also provide Sunday brunch with house cocktails and a selection of wines. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with moderate pricing and both indoor and outdoor seating available. The presence of a full bar adds to the laid-back vibe suitable for groups and families.

Closed

Nectar

841 William Hilton Pkwy

4.4

Nectar serves Southern classics including grits, fried chicken, and catfish in a relaxed, farm-inspired setting. The cuisine reflects traditional Southern dishes prepared in an approachable style. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating and operates at a moderate price level. It features a full bar and welcomes families with children.

Closed

$$$

Sunset Grille

43 Jenkins Island Rd

4.4

Sunset Grille serves upscale Southern seafood in a casual and comfortable setting. The restaurant offers outdoor dining with waterfront views, highlighting its connection to the coastal environment. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, reflecting its higher price level and full bar service. Indoor and outdoor seating options accommodate different preferences.

Closed

Old Oyster Factory Restaurant

101 Marshland Rd

4.3

Old Oyster Factory Restaurant serves seafood in a rustic-chic setting with waterside seating on a private pier. The restaurant offers a lounge area with a bar menu, combining a seafood dining experience with a relaxed atmosphere. The price level is moderate, and the venue provides both indoor and outdoor seating options. It is kid friendly and features live music, contributing to a lively yet comfortable vibe.

Closed

Poseidon

38 Shelter Cove Ln

4.3

Poseidon serves seafood in a casual waterfront setting, offering a range of dishes that include seafood and steaks. The restaurant features a rooftop bar that hosts live music, adding to the dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, with indoor and outdoor seating options. The price level is moderate, making it accessible for various occasions.

Closed

Scott's Fish Market Restaurant & Bar

17 Harbourside Ln

4.2

Scott's Fish Market Restaurant & Bar serves seafood and grilled dishes seasoned with island spices. The restaurant is located by the marina and features a large outdoor deck for dining. The setting offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a moderate price level. It includes a full bar and live music, creating a lively atmosphere suitable for groups and families.

Closed

The Crazy Crab - Harbour Town

149 Lighthouse Rd

4.2

The Crazy Crab - Harbour Town serves Southern seafood dishes in a setting inspired by nautical themes. The restaurant offers a waterfront dining experience with options for both indoor and outdoor seating. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with moderate pricing and a full bar available. It is suitable for families and groups, providing a relaxed environment for lunch and dinner.

Closed

$$$

ELA'S on the Water

1 Shelter Cove Ln

4.1

ELA'S on the Water serves Southern-influenced seafood and steak dishes in an upscale bistro setting. The restaurant offers harbor views and features local art that enhances the dining atmosphere. The venue has both indoor and outdoor seating and includes a full bar. It operates with a moderate to higher price level and welcomes families as well as groups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I eat to understand Hilton Head's food culture?

How do I find the best farm-to-table restaurants?

Should I make reservations at fancy restaurants in Hilton Head?