The Best Hilton Head Restaurants You MUST Try
Best Restaurants in Hilton Head, SC – Where to Eat on the Island
We recently took a little trip to Hilton Head with the whole family. We were on a mission to check out the best restaurants in Hilton Head, and we lucked out!
Hilton Head isn’t just famous for its sandy beaches and golf courses. It’s also a total foodie paradise. Whether you’re craving fresh-off-the-boat seafood, a romantic waterfront dinner, or just a good old-fashioned burger after a day in the sun, this island has you covered. From hidden gems that only the locals whisper about to iconic spots every visitor has to try at least once, Hilton Head’s dining scene is as diverse (and delicious) as the island itself. Bring your appetite – you’re going to need it.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Hilton Head Island
Pictured Above: Oysters at Quarterdeck Restaurant in Harbour Town.
If you’re visiting Hilton Head, seafood is a must. Many restaurants serve freshly caught shrimp, oysters, grouper, and other Lowcountry favorites.
- Skull Creek Boathouse – This award-winning restaurant serves up market-fresh fish, amazing seafood, and fresh sushi from their in-house sushi bar. The restaurant is located on the banks of Skull Creek, and the sunset views here are incredible.
- Old Oyster Factory Restaurant – This restaurant serves fresh‑caught seafood, steaks, and Southern coastal dishes. You’ll love the raw oyster bar, seafood towers, and specials that include local catches. It’s family-friendly and has a kids’ menu ( they were voted Top 50 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America by OpenTable). They offer happy hour and brunch on Sundays.
- Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks– Hudson’s sits right on the edge of the Port Royal Sound, and all of their tables have lovely views. They are serving up Crab cakes, local shrimp, blackened shrimp po-boys, and Atlantic salmon. Save room for dessert – peanut butter pie, key lime pie, and mud pie.
- Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek – Ask for a table that overlooks the waterways that run through the marsh. You’ll find some amazing views of the South Carolina coastal salt marshes.
Fresh Catches at Harbour Town & Shelter Cove
Harbour Town and Shelter Cove are hotspots for dining with a view. Restaurants here specialize in shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and fresh fish straight from the dock. Many offer outdoor seating, perfect for watching the sunset over the marina.
Harbour Town
- Quarterdeck – We celebrated our son’s 16th birthday here! It is a beautiful restaurant sitting right next to the Harbour Town Lighthouse. We visited with our large family and tried a nice variety of dishes – from steaks to seafood to chicken sandwiches – and everything was delicious. See more from our lunch at Quarterdeck here.
- Salty Dog Cafe – Great views and even better food! Try their delicious peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters on the half shell, or their classic grouper dog. Their menu also offers non-seafood items like veggies, filet mignon, chicken, and steak. Wash it all down with hand-crafted beer made from the local Hilton Head Distillery
Shelter Cove
For a laid-back vibe, head to Shelter Cove, where casual seafood shacks dish out fried shrimp baskets, hushpuppies, and oysters on the half shell. These are some of the best places to soak in Hilton Head’s beach-town atmosphere.
Restaurants at Shelter Cove:
- Poseidon – Known for its seafood, steaks, and Raw Bar, Poseidon offers great food and entertainment in Shelter Cove.
- Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta House – VERY popular spot to grab some pizza or pasta. It’s a casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating – or you can grab something to go!
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Hilton Head
Traveling with kids? Hilton Head offers plenty of restaurants where the whole family will feel welcome.
Kid-Friendly Dining Options by the Beach
Many beachfront eateries offer children’s menus, live music, and spacious patios where kids can play while adults enjoy a cocktail.
- Old Oyster Factory Restaurant – This restaurant was voted Top 50 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America by OpenTable!
- Sea Shack – Their motto is “Not Fancy, Just Good,” and they are very casual and family-friendly. They serve seafood dishes and Lowcountry favorites. They claim to have the best lobster rolls in town! You may recognize this restaurant from its appearance on Rachel Ray’s show, $40 a Day.
- The Bank – Beer Garden – I know, I know…A beer garden is a strange choice for a family-friendly restaurant. But, in addition to the brewery, they serve pizza, tacos, and have food trucks. There is a vast amount of seating both inside and outside, with numerous dining and seating areas. Check out the website and my TikTok below, and you can see why it’s great for kids (and we rode our bikes to get there).
Restaurants in Coligny Plaza
- Skillets Café & Grill – Skillets is a great local‑favorite for breakfast and brunch. It’s also very popular for lunch and dinner. They serve a nice variety of dishes – Southern-style comfort meals, an endless salad bar, and fresh seafood.
- FISH Casual Coastal Seafood – If you’re in the mood for something light in a casual spot, FISH Casual is the place for you. They serve up delicious, fresh seafood (including all-you-can-eat crab legs!).
- Bad Biscuit – Bad Biscuit serves up “Rebellious Southern Fare”. The menu includes creative dishes such as Lowcountry Poutine, Southern Benedict (with a mushroom cobber), and Gravy Train (with sage sausage gravy and pimento cheese).
Casual Restaurants Near Palmetto Dunes
Above Photo: Painted Dessert Soup at Sante Fe Cafe – Casual Dining near Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Palmetto Dunes is home to relaxed dining spots that are perfect after a long day at the beach or biking the island trails. Think wood-fired pizzas, juicy burgers, and ice cream to finish the night.
- GT International Cafe – Stop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner (PASTA NIGHTS!!!). They offer an amazing menu – dishes with international flair, and the hospitality is unmatched. They won TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice 2023.
- Sante Fe Cafe – This American Southwest cantina serves traditional Mexican-inspired dishes such as black bean soup and fajitas. You must try the beautiful Painted Dessert Soup!
Romantic Restaurants in Hilton Head for Couples
Hilton Head is also a wonderful destination for couples, and its restaurants set the mood for a special evening.
Pictured Above: Coast
Waterfront Dining With Sunset Views
Pictured Above: Sunset at Harbour Town – Quaterdeck Restaurant, Coast, Links – restaurants located here.
Above Photo: Sunset Views at FishCamp on Broad Creek
Few experiences are as romantic as dining with a sunset over the Atlantic or Calibogue Sound. Many restaurants offer candlelit outdoor tables with views of the water, ideal for anniversaries or date nights.
- Skull Creek Boathouse: Want an award-winning restaurant with one of the best sunsets on the island? Skull Creek Boathouse has been voted best all-around restaurant, best buffet, and best happy hour by The Island Packet readers’ choice awards. And, the sunsets here are Instagram-worthy!
- Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek – Ask for a table that overlooks the waterways that run through the marsh. You’ll find some amazing views of the South Carolina coastal salt marshes.
- The Old Oyster Factory – Voted one of the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants in America by OpenTable. They offer some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat with the best panoramic views of the marshland landscape.
- Fish Camp on Broad Creek – Try to grab a seat overlooking the creek. It is surrounded by salt marshes and Spanish moss-covered trees – absolutely beautiful!
- Coast – This is a casual restaurant in the Sea Pines area. They serve delicious frozen cocktails and the freshest seafood (including oysters on the half shell). You can’t beat the gorgeous ocean views here! Coast was named one of the Top 10 Beach Bars in the South by Southern Living in the 2025 Reader-Selected “The South’s Best Beach Bars” list.
Above Photo: Skull Creek Boathouse
Fine Dining Experiences in Hilton Head, SC
From expertly prepared steaks to farm-to-table dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, Hilton Head’s fine dining scene rivals that of larger cities. Pair your meal with a South Carolina wine or handcrafted cocktail for a memorable evening.
- Sage Room – In the mood for white tableclothes and dim lighting, with a side of some delicious food? Sage Room is where you go for fine dining on Hilton Head. Try the Champagne Poached Scallops or the Truffled BBQ Braised Beef Short Ribs. Save room for dessert and try the Grand Marnier Caramelized Strawberries with vanilla cake and chocolate sauce. This is a great restaurant to find gluten-free options. Try the Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée for dessert – it’s gluten-free. On the entree menu, the ribeye, pork chop, and Sage Room Benedict are also GF.
- WiseGuys – WiseGuys is an elegant restaurant and is perfect for a romantic dinner. Try the house ribs, New York strip, veal rib chop, or wood-roasted lobster tail. Wash it down with beer, wine, or a cocktail. If you’re feeling bougie but on a budget, visit them from 4-5 pm and try their early dining menu for $23-25.
- Links, An American Grill – If you’re looking for a top-rated fine dining experience at The Sea Pines Resort, Links is where you need to be. Put on your prettiest dress and order Prime Delmonico Ribeye or Wagyu Filet Mignon (served with special sauces, sides, and seafood pairings). Wash it all down with something from their Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. They also serve local craft beers and handcrafted specialty cocktails.
Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Hilton Head
Fuel up for a day of exploring the island with a hearty breakfast or brunch.
- GT International Cafe- Considered the #1 breakfast on Hilton Head Island, they serve breakfast until 2 pm for those of you who like to sleep late. Order a Skillet, Crepes, Waffles, or Bennies (Egg Benedict). You gotta check out the menu – it’s impressive.
- Java Burrito – You know when you’re craving Chipotle and Starbucks at the same time?!? Yeah, that’s what Java Burrito is like, except they also serve alcohol. The best part is that they have delicious breakfast burritos that are perfect! Grab your burrito and custom coffee, and grab a seat indoors or outside. This place is very popular! Expect a line out the door!
Local Cafés Serving Southern Comfort Food
Southern staples like biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, and fluffy pancakes are breakfast highlights at Hilton Head’s cozy cafés.
- Skillet Cafe & Grill – This is a very popular breakfast spot, and for good reason. Craving a savory breakfast? Order a skillet, omelet, biscuits & gravy. Maybe you’re in the mood for a sweet breakfast? Try the French toast or the bananas foster pancakes. It’s an impressive menu, and they offer gluten-free items. Get there early or sleep late – they serve breakfast until 3 p.m.
Farm-to-Table Breakfast Restaurants in Hilton Head
For a healthier start, look for farm-to-table restaurants serving seasonal produce, fresh smoothies, and gourmet coffee.
- Cahill’s Market & Chicken Kitchen – Located in Bluffton, this casual restaurant serves Southern Comfort food and farm-to-table dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Hilton Head Restaurants for Every Budget
Pictured Above: Local Pie Pizza Restaurant
Affordable Local Eats in Hilton Head
No matter your budget, Hilton Head has something delicious. Food trucks and casual cafés offer budget-friendly bites without sacrificing flavor. Try local barbecue, Lowcountry boil, or quick seafood baskets. Pizza is always a hit when feeding a crowd, and Hilton Head offers some great pizzas.
- The Bank – Brewery Park Brewery, Pizza, Tacos, Food Trucks, Tons of indoor and outdoor seating. You find something to please everyone, spots for the kids to run around, and the atmosphere is lovely!
- If you’re looking for some pizza places to feed a crowd, you might want to check out Local Pie, New York Pizza, or Guiseppi’s Pizza & Pasta.
- Harold’s Diner – Harold’s serves breakfast and lunch. They have a fun local atmosphere and good comfort food without fancy prices.
Where to Eat Near Popular Hilton Head Attractions
Location matters when you’re exploring the island, and Hilton Head’s restaurants are perfectly placed near its top attractions.
Restaurants Near Sea Pines and Harbour Town
After climbing the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, stop by a nearby restaurant for fresh seafood and stunning water views.
- Links, An American Grill – Links is a top-rated fine dining experience at The Sea Pines Resort. The menu includes Prime Delmonico Ribeye or Wagyu Filet Mignon (served with special sauces, sides, and seafood pairings). Wash it all down with something from their Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. They also serve local craft beers and handcrafted specialty cocktails.
- Quarterdeck – We love Quarterdeck! It is a lovely restaurant. The food is fantastic and the service can’t be beat. The restaurant sits next to the Harbour Town Lighthouse and has some incredible views of Calibogue Sound (beautiful sunsets here). See more from our lunch at Quarterdeck here.
- Coast – This is a casual restaurant in the Sea Pines area. They serve delicious frozen cocktails and the freshest seafood (including oysters on the half shell). You can’t beat the gorgeous ocean views here! Coast was named one of the Top 10 Beach Bars in the South by Southern Living in the 2025 Reader-Selected “The South’s Best Beach Bars” list.
Dining Options Close to Coligny Beach
Photo Above: A LowCountry Backyard Restaurant
Pictured Above: The Shrimp and Grits at The Low Country Backyard Restaurant (voted some of the best in the country).
Coligny Beach is a hub of activity, and its surrounding streets are filled with casual cafés, ice cream shops, and seafood grills. Some of these are right at the beach, some are a mile or so down the road -worth the drive or bike ride.
- Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant – This is one of my favorite restaurants in Hilton Head. It’s a very casual restaurant. You know, how, when you were a kid, you went to your grandma’s house or your aunt’s house to eat. It was VERY casual (and you may have to eat with your feet dangling off the porch?). But, you know that food would be FIRE, like the best thing you ever ate. Yeah, that’s what it’s like to eat at Low Country Backyard. It’s so good. Also, their Shrimp in Grits was voted in the top 3 in the country.
- Sea Shack – This casual restaurant is a short walk from Coligny Beach. It’s very popular, serving seafood dishes and Low Country favorites. The promise to be “good, not fancy.”
- Thai Smile – This restaurant was a big hit for our family and was called “the best Thai food we’ve ever had” by some of our kiddos.
Above 2 Photos: Thai Smile dishes
Bluffton SC Restaurants Just Minutes Away
Just across the bridge, Bluffton offers charming restaurants in a historic downtown setting. It’s worth the short drive for a change of pace and a taste of authentic Lowcountry cooking.
Great Restaurants in Bluffton:
- The Bluffton Room – Upscale American cuisine with excellent service, great food (& cocktails), and an elegant atmosphere. It has been featured among the “Top 100 Restaurants” nationally by OpenTable.
- The Pearl Kitchen & Bar -Here you’ll find quality coastal seafood and grill fare. You’ll also love the wine and seafood pairings here. This restaurant is lovely but doesn’t feel overly formal.
- Frankie Bones – There are 2 Frankie Bones located on Hilton Head Island, one in Bluffton. They offer an award-winning wine list along with some delicious Italian-American dishes. Check out their impressive menu – everything is made from scratch and they high quality ingredients. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner (and also early sitting dinner).
By the time you leave Hilton Head, you’ll realize the hardest decision you made wasn’t which beach to visit or what bike path to ride – it was where to eat. Luckily, with so many amazing restaurants to choose from, you can’t really go wrong. Whether you go for shrimp and grits at a dockside spot, wood-fired pizza, or a juicy steak under the stars, every meal here feels like a vacation on a plate. So, loosen that belt, raise a glass, and toast to the flavors of Hilton Head. You’ll be planning your next foodie trip back before you’ve even left.
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KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)