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Are you planning an escape to Hilton Head Island? This premier vacation destination is located in the lowcountry of South Carolina with its year-round subtropical temperatures and one of the top 10 rated beaches in the country. Staying in Hilton Head Island means there’ll be countless hours of family fun, building sandcastles on the sugary white sand beaches and relaxing by the water.
Between swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, golfing at world-class golf courses, shopping till your heart’s content, you’re bound to work up an appetite, and there could not be a better place for it. Restauranteurs have made sure that their eateries are equally spectacular, not to be outdone by the spectacular scenery and breathtaking ocean views.
For that reason, we’ve put this guide together for you, highlighting our top 12 Hilton Head Island Restaurants. Leaving you with only one question left – where are you going to eat first?
Skull Creek Boathouse
There’s so much to say about this place but in just one word….GO! Pack up the family and join in with the locals at this infamous Hilton Head Island watering hole. This waterfront eatery is by far and away from the most awarded restaurant on the Island, and for very good reason. Inside the restaurant, you’ll find a dive bar offering sushi, raw oysters, sashimi and ceviche. Outside you’ll find a restaurant offering up not only some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever had but with a side of spectacular sunsets and creative cocktails to wash it all down. They didn’t forget about the kiddies though, at Skull Creek Boathouse, the kid’s menu is just as delicious as the adult menu, ensuring that the entire family leaves with content and happy tummies. This is an all-around family-friendly experience that you can’t miss.
- Take out available
Poseidon Coastal Cuisine
Poseidon Coastal Cuisine provides a relaxed and casual atmosphere while catching the sunset by the waterfront. This two-story restaurant provides outdoor dining on both the main floor and the large balcony on the second floor, which arguably might be some of the best waterfront views on the island. If you’re lucky, you may even arrive on a night where live music makes your dining experience that much more fun. Want to settle in and stay awhile but worried about keeping the kids entertained? No worries. They’ve got you covered. There’s also a playground provided on the property for the kids. Truly something for the whole family. Let the fun begin!
- Take out available
Holy Tequila Mexican Kitchen
Holy Tequila! You gotta get over here and try this. The chefs here have perfected an American and Mexican fusion of flavours that’ll blow your mind. Voted Lowcountry’s favourite “authentic Mexican cuisine with a twist,” we’re confident it’ll be your favourite too. Their tacos are divine, and don’t even get us started on the Marguerita’s! We know it can be hard to find a place that does a really good Marguerita…well, have no fear because Holy Tequila makes Marguerita magic. Seriously, is there anything they can’t do?!?
- Takeout available
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks
Let the good times roll! Nestled in right along Port Royal Sound is Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks. Here, there isn’t even one table where you won’t be able to take in the views. This restaurant has been a Hilton Head tradition for over 50 years and is proud to locally source all of their seafood from one of the only two remaining local fishing fleets on the island.
If you’re lucky, you may even be there to see the fishermen arrive with the delivery of their daily catch. This seafood house is truly an ocean-to-table dining experience. People love the food here so much that they’ve even created a cookbook with the recipes to their most popular dishes, which means you can taste Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks long after you’ve returned home.
- Take out unavailable
Truffles Cafe
Established back in 1983, Truffles Cafe has 2 locations on the Island to serve you. One at Bluffton and the other over at Sea Pines. This restaurant has a relaxed upscale vibe and is another one of the Island’s favorite places to eat. Some of their menu items that guests rave about are their tuna wonton appetizer, their beautifully plated entree salads and the award-winning baby back ribs. Feeling a little thirsty? You can wash it all down with one of their 40 wines from the wine list. But don’t rush off too quickly after dinner. You can’t leave without trying either their key lime pie or their blondie brownie drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauces.
- Pick Up Available
A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant
Welcome to South Carolina, y’all! When you think of South Carolina, you think of good old-fashioned hospitality, down-home southern cooking and a slower pace of life. This is exactly what Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant is all about. Their menu is the perfect blend of southern, traditional American and, of course, seafood. It would be an absolute sin to visit here and not try their shrimp and grits that’s been voted one of the best in the country or the fried green tomatoes. After a meal here, you’ll be wishing you were a resident so you could eat here again and again – just like the locals do.
- Takeout Available
One Hot Mama’s American Grill
“Mastering The Art of BBQ’
Are you a BBQ aficionado, or do you wish you were? Then do yourself a massive favour and get on over to One Hot Mama’s, where you’ll be treated to Executive Chef and Food Network Star Orchid Paulmeier’s authentic BBQ plates, hand-cut steaks, burgers and what are being called “the world’s best wings.” That’s a huge claim and we think that it deserves to be tested with a bold statement like that. Other menu items customers rave about are the baked beans, mac and cheese and caramel cake. One thing we know for sure, you are going to overeat, but we promise the tummy ache will be worth it.
- Takeout Available
The Crazy Crab
A local seafood restaurant favourite for over 30 years with multiple locations on Hilton Head Island, their track record speaks for itself. With friendly staff, delicious and generous portions and waterfront dining, this will certainly become one of your favourites too. Some even say that the Jarvis Creek location has the best sunset views on the Island, and your family pup is welcome to come along as well. We recommend ordering the Alaskan Snow Crab, rumoured to be the tastiest on the Island. But don’t forget to make a reservation. This place is busy!
Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana
Michael Anthony’s will undoubtedly be a highlight of all your dining experiences during your stay at Hilton Head Island. Named by Open Table as one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the US, how can you not go? Known for its impeccable 5-star fine dining experience, this is a great choice for anyone celebrating something special or wanting a romantic evening out. Do you have the kids with you, and you’re not quite sure that a fine dining experience is going to work? That’s ok. They’ve also got The Market Cafe, a more casual dining experience where you can bring the kids and not have to miss out. For something totally different they also offer cooking classes. We can’t think of a better souvenir than returning home with authentic Italian cooking skills to wow your friends with, can you?
- Takeout Available
Old Oyster Factory
Located along Broad Creek, this restaurant is dripping in ambiance with its high ceilings, wall of windows and waterfront dining; it’s a fantastic choice for a night out with the family. While the name clearly indicates they’re known for their oysters, it’s actually a steakhouse as well as a seafood restaurant. People looking to celebrate something special or even their wedding make Old Oyster Factory one of their top choices. Don’t forget to make a reservation. This place is in high demand.
- Takeout Unavailable
Jane Bistro & Bar
Got a craving for Sunday brunch? Jane Bistro & Bar has exactly what you’re looking for. This restaurant is a hidden gem on the island. Located in Shelter Cove Shopping Centre, you might miss it, but we made sure to highlight it because it’s just too good to miss. Sunday brunch offers bottomless mimosas, creatively crafted cocktails and a Lowcountry breakfast plate serving up all the tastes of the south you expect when vacationing in Hilton Head Island.
- Takeout Unavailable
Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta House
Located in Bluffton and established in 1984, they pride themselves on their fresh ingredients, made daily fresh dough and their mantra “Cut No Corners.” This approach has brought them great success on the Island. Whether you want to pop in for a quick slice or have a full sit-down meal with the whole family for some traditional Italian fare, like their delicious spaghetti, calzones or soups, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
- Takeout and Delivery Available
Hilton Head Island Restaurant Wrap-up
And that’s a wrap! This magical 4 season vacation destination with world-class beaches, golf courses, shopping, and dining offers so much all year-round to anyone seeking an island getaway. Restaurant owners here have an appreciation for the southern way of life. A life where people slow down to say “hi” to one another, appreciate warm hospitality and delicious food. In Hilton Head Island, you come hungry and leave with warm hearts and full bellies. So what are you waiting for? Let’s eat!
Header image photo credit: Denise Kappa
