Hilton Head Island is a beautiful destination known for its stunning beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and, of course, its fantastic dining scene! With over 250 restaurants to choose from, you’re in for a culinary adventure like no other. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a fan of Mediterranean flavors, or a connoisseur of Italian cuisine, Hilton Head has it all.
With Beachside Hilton Head as your home away from home during your island getaway, you can pack your appetite and get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey through some of the best restaurants this island has to offer.
The Studio
Address: 20 Executive Park Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 785-6000
Our first stop is The Studio, a trendy hotspot that combines art, music, and delicious food in one vibrant setting. With a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, you can expect an array of mouthwatering options! You can have their Escargot ‘Ala Maisonette’ for starters, the Studio Palette Combination as a main course, and the Amaretto Creme Caramel for dessert. The Studio also has a wine list to explore, completing your Hilton Head Island dining experience!
Charlie’s L’etoile Verte
Address: 8 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 785-9277
Prepare to be enchanted by the charm of Charlie’s Coastal Bistro (L’etoile Verte). This cozy bistro showcases the essence of coastal cuisine with a Best of Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Their emphasis on using locally grown and sustainable ingredients ensures each dish bursts with natural flavors. One of their standout dishes is Bistro Chicken, the chef’s daily creation of roasted airline chicken breast. Pair it with a glass of fine wine, and you’ll experience culinary perfection.
Alfred’s Restaurant
Address: 807 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 1200, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 920-3026
Alfred’s Restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts, going above and beyond to offer an unrivaled dining experience. The restaurant specializes in authentic German and European cuisine, offering a wide variety of dishes, including their Schweinhaxen. The cozy, warm ambiance that Alfred’s Restaurant offers, combined with exceptional service and high-quality food, makes it a must-visit location. Their extensive wine list will surely impress any oenophile!
Olive & Fig Mediterranean Kitchen
Address: 1533 Fording Island Rd #326, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 707-1934
Taste American and Lebanese dreams at Olive & Fig Mediterranean Kitchen! This restaurant delights guests with a fusion of flavors inspired by the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Their Greek Gyro Platter is a must-try, featuring lamb and beef on a vertical rotisserie hand carved with hummus, Greek pita, house salad, and tzatziki sauce. Embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle and savor each bite while imagining the turquoise waters and sandy beaches.
Chez Georges Bistro & Bar
Address: 37 New Orleans Road, Ste J, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 785-3200
For a taste of Paris in Hilton Head, head to Chez Georges Bistro & Bar. This French gem captures the essence of a Parisian brasserie with its warm ambiance and delectable dishes. The traditional French dish Boeuf Bourguignon is slow-cooked to perfection, presenting a flavorful feast of tender beef marinated in a rich wine sauce. It truly encapsulates the essence of French cuisine and is a testament to Chez Georges Bistro & Bar’s commitment to maintaining authenticity.
Skull Creek Boathouse
Address: 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 681-3663
Prepare to dine with a view at Skull Creek Boathouse! This waterfront restaurant offers spectacular views of Skull Creek, adding a touch of magic to your dining experience. You can’t go wrong with the famed “Salt & Vinegar” Crab Cakes, featuring a lively mix of potato chip crust, remoulade sauce, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Enjoy the sea breeze as you savor the island’s finest seafood offerings!
The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar
Address: 841 William Hilton Pkwy Unit A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 715-3215
Next up, we have The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar. This lively eatery showcases a farm-to-table concept, where locally sourced ingredients shine in each dish. Don’t miss their Lucky Burger, which has two four-ounce smash patties, sweet onion and bacon BBQ jam, and pimento cheese. Served with duck fat fries and roasted tomato aioli, this is a burger like no other! The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar also offers craft cocktails to complete your meal.
Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana
Address: Orleans Plaza, 37 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 785-6272
If you’re still craving Italian flavors, Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana is the place to be. This family-owned gem takes pride in offering authentic Italian dishes passed down through generations. Their Gnocchi di Patate alla Boscaiola is unbeatable, house-made potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms, peas, pancetta, and cherry tomatoes in a light Pomodoro sauce with a touch of cream. The best words to describe the menu are definitive, sophisticated, and award-winning!
The Jazz Corner
Address: 1000 William Hilton Parkway C-1, The Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 842-8620
For an evening of sophistication and soulful tunes, head to The Jazz Corner. This renowned jazz club offers an elegant setting for live jazz performances while savoring delectable Southern cuisine. Try their Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, served with dried blueberry demi-glace, spiced peach butter, sweet potato puree, and edamame succotash. During the live music shows, there’s no better way to enjoy your meal than with a classic cocktail or glass of wine while listening to some of the best jazz in the area.
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks
Address: 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 681-2772
As we explore the island’s culinary landscape, it’s impossible to ignore the significance of seafood in Hilton Head’s cuisine. Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks is a true seafood haven! With its picturesque waterfront location, you’ll feel like you’re dining right on the docks. Our tip would be to order the specials, which are always fresh and delicious. Oysters on the half-shell, shucked to order? Yes, please!
Lulu Kitchen
Address: 890 William Hilton Pkwy, Suite 1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 648-5858
Lulu Kitchen, located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, is another culinary gem. This restaurant offers a unique blend of flavors inspired by Mediterranean and American cuisines. Try the Tagliatelle Con Gamberi, featuring local shrimp, heirloom tomatoes, watercress, Pinot Grigio, and baguette. A harmony of fresh ingredients and well-curated recipes results in an exceptional menu that speaks volumes about their commitment to quality.
Nectar Farm Kitchen
Address: 35 Office Park Road, Hilton Head, SC
Phone: (843) 682-2337
Nectar Farm Kitchen is a gem worth exploring for those seeking farm-to-table delights. This farm-inspired eatery crafts dishes using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each plate is fresh and bursting with flavor. One of their signature breakfast and lunch (and brunch!) dishes, the Huevos Rancheros, has corn tortilla, butter bean mash, goat feta, poached farm eggs, and ranchero sauce. Add the house hot sauce, green onions, and a choice of hash browns or congaree mill grits, and you’re in for a truly incredible dining experience!
The Sea Shack
Address: 6 Executive Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 785-2464
For a taste of unpretentious, laid-back dining, head to the Sea Shack! This unassuming seafood joint boasts a loyal following thanks to its mouthwatering offerings and friendly atmosphere. We recommend checking their “Blackboard” specialties for a daily selection of fresh seafood. If Gene’s Trio, grilled tilapia and flounder with blackened snapper, is on the menu, don’t pass it up!
Skull Creek Dockside
Address: 2 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 785-3625
Skull Creek Dockside is another fantastic waterfront dining option on the island. It’s the sister of Skull Creek Boathouse! This casual yet elegant restaurant offers a diverse menu emphasizing fresh seafood and Lowcountry specialties. They serve artisan pizzas, with the Surf & Turf as a favorite. Feast on filet mignon, Maine lobster meat, mushrooms, fresh tomato, mozzarella, parmesan, roasted garlic, and basil oil, and you’ll understand why Hilton Head Island is a foodie paradise.
One Hot Mama’s American Grill
Address: Reilleys Plaza, 7A-1 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 682-6262
For a fun and lively dining experience, head to One Hot Mama’s American Grill. This grill is known for its barbecue delights and Southern favorites and will have your taste buds dancing. Savor their award-winning wings! Or if you’re looking for something different, we recommend their house favorites, like the MAUI WOWII SALMON. Grilled hand-cut salmon glazed with their award-winning Maui Wowii sauce? There’s definitely nothing like it!
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar
Address: 18 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 715-2172
Indulge in traditional Italian comfort food with a modern twist at Nunzio Restaurant + Bar. This fresh, simple, local restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a family dinner or a romantic date night. Take yourself to a whole new level of Italian cuisine and order Carpaccio di Manzo Tradizionale, made with thinly sliced Angus beef loin, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, julienne of golden beets, baby arugula, and shaved Parmigiano.
Hilton Head Social Bakery
Address: 17 Harborside Ln (building 1), Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 / 1018 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 715-3349 / (843) 715-2598
Make your way to Hilton Head Social Bakery for a slice of heaven. With two locations, this bakery delights visitors with an array of mouthwatering treats! Award-winning French chef Philippe Feret operates this bakery, offering a selection of pastries and desserts. For lunch, you can have the Jambon-Beurre, a traditional baguette sandwich with ham, gruyere, cornichons and presidente butter. Paris is closer than you think!
Black Marlin Bayside Grill
Address: 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 785-4950
Feast on fresh seafood with stunning waterfront views at Black Marlin Bayside Grill. This relaxed yet elegant restaurant offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. Their Bayside Seafood Chowder is a must-have, made with fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, and clams. You can have a cup or a bowl and see why it’s award-winning! Their local brunch favorites, like the Mcmarlin Sandwich and Smoked Salmon Platter, are also a hit.
Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café
Address: 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 686-3232
For a delightful brunch experience, head to Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café. This charming café serves up mouthwatering breakfast and brunch dishes that will kickstart your day in the best way possible. Try their Shrimp Provençal or check their daily specials, and you’ll be in for a treat. Take note: they have menus for “sunrisers” and “late risers,” so there’s really something for everyone!
Coast
Address: 87 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 842-1888
Our final destination is Coast, a seafood-focused restaurant that highlights the bounty of the Atlantic Ocean with a touch of Southern flair. Order the Land and Sea Duo, a combination eight-ounce filet, demi-glace, plancha lobster tail, haricots verts, and smashed Yukon Gold potatoes. You’ll have the best oceanfront dining experience! Coast is the perfect spot to cap off your Hilton Head Island vacation with a delicious and memorable meal.
Have a Feast on the Island!
Always ask for specials, try local dishes, and stay flexible regarding changes in availability. That’s the best way to experience the best Hilton Head Island cuisine! As you savor each dish and explore the island’s rich flavors, remember to take a moment to relax and enjoy the beauty of Hilton Head’s surroundings. And when you’re ready to unwind and recharge, Beachside Hilton Head will be waiting to welcome you back with open arms.
Our vacation rentals are all about comfort and convenience, so you can have a luxurious getaway right on the coast. We also have various locations, taking you near all the best restaurants and attractions. Whether you’re here for a romantic retreat or an unforgettable family vacation, you’ll find that Beachside Hilton Head is the perfect place for your next escape.
So, come hungry and leave happy as you feast on Hilton Head Island, a paradise for food lovers, vacation seekers, and anyone looking for culinary bliss. Bon appétit!
