Best Restaurants in Harbour Town

Are you planning a memorable vacation to Hilton Head Island? If you’ve already booked your Beachside Hilton Head vacation rental, it’s time to explore the culinary delights of the charming Harbour Town!

Harbour Town is known for its picturesque landscape, a delightful blend of nature’s bounty and urban conveniences. The iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse is one of the memorable landmarks adding charm to this serene seaside settlement.

Harbour Town is also a culinary treasure trove, offering diverse dining options that cater to all palates. The area boasts a vibrant food scene, ranging from cozy cafes and gourmet bakeries serving artisanal pastries to exquisite restaurants presenting a world of flavors.

To help you make the most of your dining experiences, we’ve compiled a list of eight of the best restaurants in the area.

1. Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe

  • Address: 140 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 363-8190

Start your day right by visiting Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe! Located in the heart of Harbour Town, this charming establishment is renowned for its freshly baked goods and delightful breakfast options.

Opening at 7:00 AM, this bakery is an early bird’s paradise. The interior is reminiscent of a quaint, small café with hardwood floors and brick fireplaces. Outdoor seating is also available, where you can enjoy your meal under the shade of sprawling oak trees.

The menu features a range of delectable treats, including chicken and waffles, corned beef hash, and breakfast burrito. If you’re in the mood for a heartier breakfast, try their signature dishes like the house cured nordic salmon platter, which includes shaved lox, capers, onion, lettuce, tomato, cream cheese, lemon wedge, and a choice of a plain or everything bagel!

Whether you’re a sweet or savory breakfast person, embrace the morning with a delightful breakfast by the sea at the Harbour Town Bakery!

2. Harbourside

  • Address: 147 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 842-1444

For a dining experience that combines breathtaking views with delicious food, look no further than Harbourside. Situated right on the water’s edge, this restaurant offers panoramic vistas of the marina and the iconic Harbour Town lighthouse.

Harbourside presents a tempting spread of American classics tailored precisely to your preferences. The restaurant is beneath age-old oak trees, providing a patio’s tranquil ambiance with the attentive service of an indoor dining experience.

Are you looking for table seating and a sheltered outdoor bar for frozen tropical cocktails? Harbourside has got your back! Serving lunch and dinner, Harbourside offers a diverse menu that embraces outdoor dining. Opt for one of their many tasty burgers and hotdogs, or exercise your culinary creativity by selecting your own bun, meat, sauce, and toppings. If you prefer lighter food, freshly prepared salads are also available.

Harbourside also has a kids’ menu, so your little ones can enjoy their own meal. All your American favorites are here!

3. CQ’s Restaurant

  • Address: 140 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 671-2779

For an upscale dining affair, CQ’s Restaurant is the place to be. This elegant restaurant exudes sophistication and charm, making it the ideal spot for a special celebration or a romantic dinner for two.

Since 1973, CQ’s Restaurant in Harbour Town has beautifully encapsulated the historical enchantment of the Lowcountry, both through its aesthetic and culinary offerings. The ambiance is reminiscent of a Cracker Barrel setting — without the breakfast and with a more refined pricing structure. The restaurant’s decor is a homage to history, with walls adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia from bygone eras.

CQ’s Restaurant welcomes patrons bright and early for a basic breakfast, and they also welcome diners for lunch and dinner. Still, it truly shines in its expansive fine dining selection. The bistro presents a variety of light meals, and the dinner menu showcases American classics with a French twist. There’s also fresh seafood sourced directly from South Carolina’s water!

4. The Crazy Crab

  • Address: 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 363-2722

No trip to Harbour Town is complete without savoring the region’s renowned seafood. The Crazy Crab is a testament to the area’s culinary excellence. With its laid-back and casual atmosphere, this waterfront restaurant offers a quintessential Lowcountry dining experience.

The Crazy Crab — a family-oriented seafood restaurant — has been delighting patrons for over three decades. Ideally situated opposite the yacht basin, it treats diners to stunning views. The restaurant’s half-panel windows create a panoramic view of Harbour Town, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the region’s activity while enjoying their meals.

The menu boasts a myriad of unique and fresh seafood dishes. The steamed seafood pot stands out as a crowd-pleaser, sampling all your seafood favorites. Apart from this location, seafood lovers can visit another Crazy Crab branch at Jarvis Creek on the island’s north end.

5. Quarterdeck

  • Address: 160 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 842-1999

A visit to Quarterdeck feels like stepping back in time, with its charming old-world nautical theme and welcoming staff. The Quarterdeck — which has been entirely re-envisioned and reborn — stands as the pillar of Harbour Town dining and is the perfect spot to soak in Hilton Head Island’s breathtaking sunsets.

Nestled alongside the famous lighthouse, the restaurant houses a bar and dining section on its ground floor, complemented by a rooftop oyster bar boasting 270-degree views of Harbour Town and the mesmerizing Calibogue Sound. Experience top-tier culinary delights from this newest addition to The Sea Pines Resort’s restaurant lineup!

Their menu is a testament to comfort food done right. Feast on filet mignon and lobster or Atlantic salmon, and you’ll have a meal to remember. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a unique dining experience, Quarterdeck has something for everyone.

6. Links, an American Grill

  • Address: 11 Lighthouse Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 363-8380

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of Links, an American Grill, to the iconic Harbour Town Golf Links.

At Links, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax after a satisfying game of golf, with stunning vistas of the renowned Harbour Town Golf Links as your backdrop. The restaurant boasts an exquisite menu, showcasing its unique flair for grilled dishes. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the restaurant’s wine list, an award-winning selection recognized by Wine Spectator.

They also offer a range of local craft beers and expertly mixed cocktails to accompany your meal. Located within the Harbour Town Clubhouse, Links, an American Grill, provides indoor and outdoor seating options, solidifying its status as a top-tier fine dining destination within The Sea Pines Resort.

Their menu features an array of mouthwatering dishes, including breakfast sandwiches and buttermilk pancakes. However, it’s their expertly cooked steaks that steal the show. Sink your teeth into their perfectly seared New York strip or savor their tender filet mignon. Pair your meal with a selection from their well-curated wine list, and you’re in for a delightful dining experience!

7. Ocean Lounge

  • Address: 87 N Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 842-1888

For those seeking an elegant beachside dining experience, Ocean Lounge is an excellent choice. Ocean Lounge — perched on the second level of the Sea Pines Beach Club — welcomes patrons aged 21 and above to bask in splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean.

This distinguished restaurant — admired by both locals and guests — not only presents the full dinner menu from Coast, Oceanfront Dining, its sister restaurant on the floor beneath, but also boasts an extensive list of bourbons.

Choose from over three dozen bourbons, or opt for something from their impressive collection of cognacs and cordials! They also offer an array of exceptional gins, ryes, single malt scotches, blended scotches, whiskeys, tequilas, and mezcals, contributing to the dining experience in this upscale establishment renowned for its breathtaking scenery.

The menu at Ocean Lounge highlights the freshest local seafood, expertly prepared to preserve the natural flavors. Begin your culinary journey with their blue crab and corn bisque. Their land and sea duo is famous, featuring an eight-ounce filet, demi-glace, plancha lobster tail, haricots verts, and smashed Yukon gold potatoes. What else could you ask for?

8. Spirit of Harbour Town

  • Address: 149 Lighthouse Rd. Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 363-9026

Last but not least, the Spirit of Harbour Town offers a unique dining experience aboard a luxurious yacht. Indulge in the menu inspired by the distinct flavors of Lowcountry, meticulously crafted each day by the acclaimed chefs at the Sea Pines Resort!

Experience unparalleled dining vistas as you traverse through the picturesque intracoastal waterways. Savor your preferred cocktail from our comprehensive bar service, or choose a fine bottle of wine from our extensive selection. You can choose to dine under the open sky on our shaded upper deck if you prefer an outdoor experience and wish to enjoy the cool evening breeze.

There’s a climate-controlled cabin on the lower level for indoor dining, equipped with panoramic windows for an uninterrupted view. Look out for the local dolphins during your sunset dinner cruise!

Harbour Town Says, “Bon Appétit!”

That ends our culinary tour! Each restaurant we’ve explored offers a unique charm, a symphony of flavors, and an ambiance that leaves a lasting impression. While you savor the delectable cuisine, remember that at Beachside Hilton Head, your comfort is our priority. Our vacation rentals offer the perfect retreat after a day of adventure. Why wait? Book with us, pack your bags, and get ready to say “Bon Appétit!” in Harbour Town!