I just returned from a celebratory lunch at The French Bakery with a good friend and my belly is very happy and very full!

The French Bakery is not a new restaurant to the island, but they did just recently relocate to the Shelter Cove Towne Centre from their previous location at Pineland Station Mall. You may be surprised to hear that today was my first time dining at this local favorite, and I dare to say it may now be my new favorite lunch spot!

My lunch date today was a girlfriend who has lived in the area for many years and shockingly this was her first time to The French Bakery as well. We sat at a table outside, although I must say the indoor seating was very quaint and inviting. The weather today could not be more perfect and passing up the opporunity to enjoy the outdoors for an hour seemed like a crime.

My girlfriend and I both decided on salads, although it was a very tough decision. There were so many items on the lunch menu that sounded delicious. From appetizers such as crab cakes, mussels, or fried calamari, to French Onion Soup, or Split Pea Soup, to a wide variety of sandwiches on fresh baked bread…the deliciousness was overwhelming! Because I LOVE tuna and roasted vegetables, the Nicoise salad was a perfect fit for me. It had everything I love…spinach, arugula, roasted zucchini & squash, roasted roma tomatoes, grilled asparagus, egg and seared tuna. My friend decided on a salad as well. She went with the Spinach & Strawberry salad with grilled chicken. We were both amazed at how large the portions were….we definitely got our money’s worth! Before we finished, and yes I ate every last delicious bite, we were already talking about when we would come back. The hard part will be deciding what to order next time because everything sounded and looked so good. Before heading out, I took a peak at the breakfast menu and now I’m dying to try their breakfast crepes. Hmmm…I’m thinking a leasurely bike ride to breakfast this weekend is in order. I don’t think my husband will have any complaints with that plan.

Whether you visit The French Bakery for breakfast or lunch, make sure to save some time afterwards for perusing the shops at the Towne Centre. There are many great boutiques and shops within a short walking distance from the restaurant.

The French Bakery is open Monday – Saturday 7am to 4pm and Sunday 8am to 3pm. Located at 28 Shelter Cove Lane #120, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Stay tuned for a future post on my breakfast experience at this fine establishment…