Foodie Guide to St Simons Island

Q: Where should I eat to understand St Simons Island's food culture?

Start with local favorites and award-winning spots—they tell the story of what makes St Simons Island 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 St Simons Island?

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 St Simons Island. 100 must-try restaurants, hidden gems, and culinary experiences.

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Ember Farm to Fire

4.5

Ember Farm to Fire is a high-energy, chef-driven restaurant on St. Simons Island known for its wood-fired cooking and ever-evolving, locally inspired menu. Located in Retreat Village, it focuses on fresh ingredients sourced from local farms and waters, blending Southern roots with global flavors. The menu changes regularly and features shareable plates, fresh seafood, steaks, and wood-fired specialties, all crafted with bold flavors and a signature smoky touch. A strong cocktail program, curated wines, and local beers round out the experience. With its lively atmosphere, modern design, and social vibe, Ember offers a perfect mix of upscale dining and energy. Why travelers love it: Wood-fired flavors, creative dishes, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes every visit feel unique.

Closing Soon · 30min

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Crabdaddy's Seafood Grill

4.6

Crabdaddy’s Seafood Grill is a longtime St. Simons Island favorite known for fresh, locally sourced seafood and a warm, family-driven dining experience. Established in 1988, this beloved restaurant blends coastal flavors with Southern influences, creating a menu rooted in tradition and quality. The menu features standout dishes like shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and fresh catch seafood prepared grilled, blackened, or fried. Signature touches like homemade crab soup, family-style salad, and classic desserts make every meal memorable. With its welcoming atmosphere and strong local following, Crabdaddy’s offers a perfect balance of casual comfort and elevated coastal dining. Why travelers love it: Fresh local seafood, signature Southern dishes, and a warm, family-style experience that makes it a must-visit island staple.

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1509-Brunswick

4.4

1509 Brunswick Perched above Historic Downtown Brunswick, 1509 Brunswick delivers a standout rooftop dining experience with sweeping coastal views. This stylish restaurant and bar blends upscale ambiance with a relaxed coastal feel, offering premium steaks, fresh seafood, and shareable plates. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, curated wines, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere—perfect for date nights or a memorable night out. The rooftop setting shines at sunset, creating a vibrant backdrop for dining and socializing. Why travelers love it: Stunning rooftop views, unforgettable sunset dining, elevated yet approachable cuisine, and a unique blend of dining and nightlife—all in the heart of the Golden Isles.

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Coastal Kitchen

Coastal Kitchen on St. Simons Island is a popular waterfront restaurant known for its fresh coastal cuisine, relaxed upscale atmosphere, and beautiful marina views. Offering fresh seafood, Southern-inspired dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and outdoor waterfront dining, Coastal Kitchen has become a favorite destination for both locals and visitors looking to experience the charm and flavor of the Golden Isles.

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Willet's Lowcountry

Willet's Lowcountry is an upscale coastal Southern restaurant located inside The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort offering elevated Lowcountry cuisine, fresh Georgia seafood, prime steaks, handcrafted cocktails, and oceanfront dining in a relaxed luxury atmosphere. Known for its screened veranda overlooking the dunes and beach, the restaurant blends modern Southern flavors with classic coastal traditions inspired by the Golden Isles. Guests often mention the fresh seafood, shrimp and grits, Southern-inspired dishes, attentive service, and scenic ocean views, making it a popular destination for fine dining, date nights, and resort-style dining experiences on Jekyll Island.

Closing Soon · 60min

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Delaney's Bistro & Bar

4.8

Delaney’s Bistro & Bar is a longtime St. Simons Island favorite offering a refined yet welcoming dining experience rooted in creative, chef-driven cuisine. Known for its ever-changing menu, it features nightly specials highlighting fresh seafood, premium meats, and unique, thoughtfully crafted dishes. The menu blends coastal and classic bistro flavors with standout options like crab cakes, steaks, pastas, and inventive small plates, all complemented by an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails. With its cozy, upscale atmosphere and strong local following, Delaney’s is perfect for both special occasions and relaxed evenings. Why travelers love it: Creative chef specials, high-quality ingredients, and a warm, upscale atmosphere that makes it a standout dining destination on St. Simons Island.

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Barbara Jean's

4.4

Barbara Jean’s Barbara Jean’s is a beloved, family-run restaurant serving classic Southern comfort food and fresh seafood in the heart of St. Simons Island. Known for its “easy Southern dining” style, this local favorite has built a strong reputation for made-from-scratch dishes and warm, welcoming hospitality. The menu features hearty, home-style favorites like meatloaf, pot roast, shrimp and grits, and their famous crab cakes made with no fillers, along with signature items like rich she-crab soup and freshly baked breads. Generous portions and comforting flavors make every meal feel like a home-cooked experience. Why travelers love it: Iconic Southern comfort food, famous crab cakes and she-crab soup, homemade breads, generous portions, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like dining at home.

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Bistro Eleven88

4.4

Bistro Eleven88 Bistro Eleven88 is a hidden gem in Brunswick offering a fresh, chef-driven dining experience with a focus on Southern flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Located near the FLETC campus, this casual bistro delivers high-quality meals that are both quick and satisfying. The menu features rotating specials alongside favorites like shrimp and grits, burgers, salads, and sandwiches, all made with fresh ingredients. Why travelers love it: Fresh, flavorful dishes, quick service, and a casual yet elevated experience that makes it a go-to local favorite.

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Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar

4.0

Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar on Jekyll Island offers an elevated oceanfront dining experience featuring Southern coastal and Lowcountry-inspired cuisine. Located at the Jekyll Ocean Club, the restaurant highlights fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and thoughtfully crafted dishes made with quality ingredients. With its open-air design, beachfront views, and relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for everything from casual meals to memorable dining by the ocean.

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Jinright's Seafood House

Jinright’s Seafood House in Brunswick is a long-standing local favorite known for serving classic Southern seafood in a casual, no-frills setting. With over 30 years in business, the restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes including fried shrimp, scallops, flounder, catfish, and signature platters like the popular Captain’s Platter, all prepared with bold, traditional flavors. Known for generous portions, friendly service, and a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking for hearty seafood and dependable comfort food. From crispy fried favorites to blackened and grilled options, Jinright’s delivers a classic Golden Isles dining experience that keeps customers coming back

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Don Que's Southern BBQ-Brunswick

4.4

Don Que’s Southern BBQ is a fast-rising Brunswick favorite serving authentic, slow-smoked barbecue and Southern soul food rooted in traditional pitmaster techniques. What began as a popular food truck has grown into a brick-and-mortar destination, earning a strong local following for its bold, handcrafted flavors. The menu features classic barbecue staples like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken, alongside Southern favorites such as oxtails, mac and cheese, collard greens, and dirty rice. Each dish is cooked low and slow, delivering rich, smoky flavor and tender meats in every bite. With its casual, welcoming atmosphere and growing reputation, Don Que’s offers a true taste of Southern barbecue culture. Why travelers love it: Award-winning barbecue, authentic Southern flavors, and a fast-growing reputation that makes it one of Brunswick’s must-try BBQ spots.

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ECHO

4.0

The island’s only beachfront restaurant, serving refined Southern coastal cuisine and creative cocktails with panoramic ocean views.

Open Now

Agio Italian & Steak-Brunswick

4.4

Agio Italian & Steak Agio Italian & Steak delivers a refined yet welcoming dining experience, blending classic Italian cuisine with expertly prepared steaks in a stylish, comfortable setting. Located inside the DoubleTree by Hilton in Brunswick, this versatile restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, making it a go-to destination any time of day. The menu features house-made pastas, rich favorites like chicken parmesan and short rib ravioli, fresh seafood, and hand-cut steaks cooked to perfection. Guests can also enjoy thoughtfully crafted cocktails, wines, and a lively bar atmosphere that complements the elevated yet approachable feel. Why travelers love it: A unique mix of Italian comfort and steakhouse quality, all-day dining options, standout pasta dishes, and a polished yet relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for everything from casual meals to special occasions.

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24 Coastal Grill

4.5

24 Coastal Grill Located oceanfront at the Holiday Inn Resort on Jekyll Island, 24 Coastal Grill offers a relaxed yet elevated coastal dining experience with sweeping views of the Atlantic. This inviting restaurant blends Southern-inspired cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, featuring everything from hearty breakfast options to lunch favorites and dinner specialties like fresh seafood, shrimp dishes, crab cakes, and flavorful coastal classics. Guests can dine indoors with panoramic ocean views or enjoy outdoor seating just steps from the beach. A full bar, handcrafted cocktails, and regular live music create a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere perfect for families, couples, and travelers alike. Why travelers love it: Stunning oceanfront views, fresh coastal flavors, live music, and a casual beachside setting that makes every meal feel like part of the vacation experience.

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Three Oaks Steak and Seafood

Three Oaks Steak & Seafood is a locally known Southern coastal restaurant in Brunswick, Georgia, offering hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, comfort food favorites, craft cocktails, live music, karaoke, and line dancing in a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere. Located on Palisade Drive, the restaurant is recognized for its homestyle hospitality, fresh seafood dishes, Mrs. Fran’s Blue Plate Specials, and lively entertainment throughout the week. Customers often mention the relaxed environment, flavorful coastal cuisine, and welcoming service, making it a popular dining destination for both locals and visitors throughout the Golden Isles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I eat to understand St Simons Island's food culture?

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

Should I make reservations at fancy restaurants in St Simons Island?