44 Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Hilton Head
Last updated November 22, 2025
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Whether you’re looking for a high-end date-night spot, a vibrant brewery vibe, or a global food experience, the dining options in Hilton Head have evolved significantly in recent times.
Several new restaurants and spots have been launched, providing a variety of options, including flavorful African dishes and rooftop seafood feasts with stunning Lowcountry scenery.
Here are the 44 best restaurants and places to eat in Hilton Head!
1. ELA'S
This is a high-end bistro serving Southern-inspired steaks and seafood.
It features local artwork and breathtaking harbor scenery.
Situated in Shelter Cove Harbor, this acclaimed waterfront eatery offers an elegant ambiance complemented by stunning harbor views.
2. Skillets Cafe and Grill
Situated within Hilton Head, South Carolina, Skillets Cafe and Grill is a laid-back restaurant serving comfort food for breakfast, dinner, and lunch.
This family-oriented restaurant offers tasty Lowcountry cuisine with choices that include seafood, comfort dishes, and southern favorites.
Whether you want to treat yourself to omelets and French toast until 3pm every day or you desire iconic Skillet meals for breakfast, this place offers options for all.
3. Signe's Heaven Bounde Bakery and Cafe
This is a delightful Southern cafe and bakery that has remained a part of Hilton Head's tradition since the year 1972.
It provides a warm atmosphere and a selection of delicious pastries, establishing itself as a paradise for brunch lovers.
Its menu includes freshly baked pastries, bread, breakfast items, sandwiches, delicious salads, and exquisite desserts.
Even with its outdated decor, Signe's has gained acceptance from both residents and tourists.
4. The Jazz Corner
Located in Wexford’s Village, this is a famous spot that provides live jazz shows in a cozy and atmospheric environment.
Its softly illuminated interior and comfortable seating create an intimate bond between top-notch musicians and the audience.
This venue has been enchanting both residents and travelers for more than twenty years with its remarkable atmosphere.
It also offers large martinis, modern Southern dishes, and a diverse array of jazz music reflecting the genre's evolution.
5. Sage Room
This is a high-end restaurant that provides a gourmet dining adventure with a relaxed and elegant atmosphere, chef's table, and an open kitchen.
It offers a comprehensive wine selection and a varied menu that includes salads, soups, lamb, steaks, and unique items such as scallops that are champagne-poached.
The restaurant takes pride in serving top-quality steaks prepared flawlessly and even offers the help of a knowledgeable sommelier for wine pairing assistance.
6. WiseGuys
This is a trendy dining establishment and bar celebrated for its extensive wine selection and emphasis on appetizers and steaks.
It has swiftly gained popularity in St Maarten, providing a relaxed and elegant city vibe.
The restaurant features a renowned collection of more than 150 wines, many offered via their cutting-edge WineKeeper System or the glass.
Their menu offers small dishes crafted with local fresh produce and global tastes, and served in vibrant styles.
7. Pomodori Italian Restaurant
This is a laid-back family dining spot situated in a nice strip mall.
It presents an enjoyable range of Italian cuisine and homemade pasta, including tagliatelle and gnocchi, along with various Italian chicken options.
Their menu includes Southern Italian dishes with Calabrian touches, salads, seafood, and pasta complemented by house-made sauces and soups.
8. Nunzio Restaurant and Bar
This is a delightful Italian dining spot situated in Hilton Head.
It provides a charming dining experience that features Italian dishes that are locally sourced and a wide selection of wine.
It also features a vibrant bar atmosphere with genuine Italian appeal, rendering it the ideal place for happy hour promotions.
9. One Hot Mama BBQ
This is a casual spot that serves American pub fare and tasty barbecue in a vintage, brick-walled atmosphere.
Paulmeier Orchid, a barbecue pitmaster and Food Network Star, serves her well-renowned chicken wings and ribs at this establishment.
There is a remarkably personable light ambiance with seating available outdoors and indoors.
Employees are also accommodating and the food is served promptly.
10. Truffles Cafe
This is a high-end restaurant situated inside The Shops within Hilton Head Island’s Sea Pines neighborhood.
It provides a varied menu that includes salads, sandwiches, grilled options, and a variety of cocktails, wine, and beer.
The restaurant takes pride in utilizing ingredients that are locally sourced whenever feasible to guarantee the freshness of farm-2-table.
11. Red Fish
Situated in a delightful locale, Red Fish provides a welcoming Southern-themed dining fun experience that seamlessly combines refined American dishes with a laid-back ambiance.
Visitors can savor delicious meals such as shrimp rice and blackened Mahi while experiencing the atmosphere near the fireplace or atop the patio.
Their extensive wine menu here stands out, making it a perfect place for wine lovers to discover distinctive options.
Live music each Wednesday also enhances the lively atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for celebrations or relaxed evenings out.
12. Salty Dog
This is a waterside restaurant featuring a laid-back vibe and serving a seafood-focused menu and an al fresco bar.
Located at the lovely South Beach Marina, the restaurant offers stunning marina and vessel’ views.
Guests can savor meals on deck while enjoying the picturesque water views and glimpses of pelicans.
The cafe also provides happy hour deals with reduced prices on snacks and drinks, creating a perfect place for relaxation.
13. Michael Anthony Cucina Italiana
This is a well-known Italian restaurant within Hilton Head, South Carolina that offers genuine dishes.
It has received commendations for its excellent cuisine and inviting ambiance.
Its veal chop is outstanding and prepared flawlessly.
The restaurant’s heirloom tomatoes inside their Caprese salad taste exquisite, the truffle sauce is divine, and their raviolis are incredibly light.
Also, the outstanding service and atmosphere make for an unforgettable night.
14. Nectar
This is a well-known farm-2-table restaurant on Hilton Head Island, celebrated for its tasty locally-sourced lunch and breakfast options.
The eatery serves Southern favorites such as fried chicken, grits, and catfish within a bright and open setting.
Visitors can also savor offerings like grain bowls featuring boiled eggs, shiitake mushrooms, sangria, tomato handpies, pancakes, biscuits, gravy, and smothered chicken.
15. Lulu Kitchen
Situated in Hilton Head, Lulu Kitchen provides a distinctive dining experience featuring Italian and American cuisine with a nice southern flair.
The restaurant takes pride in utilizing fresh premium ingredients to craft delicious meals like seafood salad, and burrata with prosciutto and grilled peaches.
They also offer tagliatelle and shrimp, lobster ravioli, fried chicken, butter lobster, and grilled short rib cheese.
16. Lucky Rooster Kitchen & Bar
This is a vibrant restaurant that serves contemporary Southern dishes in an appealing rustic-chic atmosphere.
Their menu highlights ingredients obtained locally, presenting dishes such as fried calamari, deviled eggs, and a distinctive Southern bouillabaisse and seafood from the region.
The restaurant also offers a variety of family-oriented dishes for brunch, dinner, and lunch.
17. Captain Woody Bar and Grill
This is a relaxed and fun seafood eatery with spots in Bluffton and Hilton Head.
The Bluffton spot boasts a nice rooftop bar with picturesque Promenade area views, whereas the spot in Hilton Head delivers a relaxed outdoor dining setting by the waters.
Both locations provide a comprehensive menu featuring traditional seafood entrees, burgers, steaks, and other additional items.
Visitors can also enjoy live music and everyday happy hour deals while relishing their food.
18. Santa Fe Cafe
This is a lively Southwestern eatery serving genuine inspired dishes from New Mexico.
The eatery boasts an attractive and elegant New Mexico style and includes a rooftop open-air cantina where visitors can enjoy meals beneath the stars or sun.
Their menu features creative Southwestern dishes, well-loved Mexican options, cool Margaritas, imported and local beers, a variety of wines, and tequilas.
19. Delisheeyo
This is an attractive location within Hilton Head Island that provides a range of nutritious and fresh choices for vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious diners.
The mie menu includes SoCal wraps, superfood smoothies, salads, snacks, organic treats sourced locally, and fruit juices.
Also, along with their delicious dishes, they provide a frozen yogurt bar featuring a variety of toppings and flavors for a guilt-free treat.
20. Palmetto Bay Sun Rise Cafe
This is a delightful local eatery in Hilton Head celebrated for its all-day American breakfast and traditional lunch choices.
With more than 18 years in existence, this place provides takeout, dine-in options, outdoor seating, and curbside service.
Its menu includes tasty breakfast options served all day, brunch selections, and vegan choices.
21. Quarterdeck
This is a newly refurbished and redefined restaurant situated at the foot of Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Light house.
Featuring coastal decor, delightful outdoor seating, and Calibogue Sound’s breathtaking views, it provides a perfect place to savor southern seafood classics while observing fishing boats and yachts arriving and departing.
Its menu includes fresh seafood along with meat, chicken, and vegetarian selections.
22. Java Burrito Co
This is a lively and inviting café within Hilton Head, SC.
It features Mexican dishes that are locally sourced along with high-quality cocktails and coffee.
Emphasizing seasonal and organic ingredients, Java Burrito Co provides a selection of vegan choices including avocado toast, breakfast tacos, and burrito bowls.
23. Fraser's Tavern
Fraser's Tavern, situated in the lovely Sea Pines Resort Plantation GolfClub, is a charming restaurant that embodies the spirit of relaxed sophistication.
Featuring breathtaking vistas of 2 golf courses, the restaurant offers plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors.
Visitors can enjoy a tavern-themed menu boasting freshly smoked delicious barbecue and distinctive salads made with ingredients sourced from local producers.
Fraser's Tavern also offers options for a quick breakfast and a relaxed dinner or lunch, catering to all taste preferences.
24. Charlie's LEtoile Verte
This is a cozy and welcoming French-American dining establishment with a seafood-centric menu and a broad selection of wines.
The establishment takes pride in its locally sourced, fresh ingredients and excellent culinary skills, including a menu that changes daily according to the local freshest seafood obtainable.
Charlie's restaurant ensures a gourmet dining experience that includes an assortment of fresh seafood, Filet Mignon, Rack Lamb, and additional dishes.
25. Hinoki Japanese Restaurant
This is a modern and tranquil sushi spot located within Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Its wooden paneling and calming ambiance create a wonderful setting for dining, drinking, and unwinding.
Its extensive selection of steak and sushi choices is paired with sake and wine servings, ensuring there is something for everybody at the restaurant.
The team is welcoming and quick, so you won't need to wait much for your meal or drink.
26. The CrazyCrab Jarvis Creek
This restaurant provides a charming dining experience by the water, with outdoor seating options and a nautical decor.
Situated within Harbour Town, the restaurant offers Lowcountry sunset's breathtaking views.
Families can relish the nearby playground while enjoying Southern seafood delights in this restaurant such as snow crab Alaskan legs and grouper sandwiches.
Furthermore, guests can discover Jarvis Creek which is excellent for kayaking due to its tranquil waters suitable for families and beginners.
27. Big Jim's
Located in the picturesque Robert Trent Golf Course, Big Jim's is a lively American restaurant that has continued to please visitors since the year 2012.
Named after Jim Self, a chef who purchased Palmetto Dunes in 1979 and had a passion for cooking, this restaurant offers a variety of delicious meals.
28. Fishcamp Broad Creek
Located within Hilton Head, this is a delightful waterside eatery that radiates Southern charm.
Its cabin-style environment and exterior patio foster a friendly setting for savoring traditional Lowcountry dishes.
The restaurant's charm is enhanced by its historical importance as the first structure owned by an indigenous boat captain.
Visitors can enjoy classic meals here such as the famous Lowcountry Boil as they appreciate breathtaking vistas of the oak trees adorned with Spanish moss and the water.
29. Bistro 17
Bistro 17, situated by Shelter Cove Harbour’s scenic waterfront, is a delightful French bistro that invites both guests and their pets to lovely outdoor seating.
This charming restaurant offers breathtaking marina views, fostering a welcoming ambiance enhanced by calming piano music.
Visitors can indulge in an array of delicious meals, ranging from robust veal chops to traditional escargot, all while experiencing the outdoor ambiance.
30. Sea Shack
This is a laid-back, modest dining spot with blue color walls that serves easy seafood meals ordered by the counter.
Their menu varies often, featuring small servings of different dishes priced from $8.99 to $10.99.
Guests can combine various options to assemble a full meal, with popular choices such as sourmash chicken, apple jack, taquito black bean rolls, Greek shrimp, and crab soup.
31. Chez Georges’ Bistro and Bar
This place embodies celebrating excellent food and community, presenting traditional French bistro dishes infused with a nice lowcountry flair.
The restaurant takes pride in using locally sourced, fresh produce in classic bistro dishes such as moules mariniere and steak frites.
Its stunning interior creates a welcoming ambiance to savor incredible meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced products and French wines that are imported.
Visitors always praise the restaurant’s outstanding service, tasty meals, and friendly hospitality right from the time they arrive till their departure.
32. Black Marlin Bay Side Grill
This is a lively waterfront restaurant renowned for its seafood and casual vibe.
Hurricane Bar, situated inside the restaurant, provides a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating by the water, allowing guests to listen to live music while enjoying refreshing drinks such as their signature Hurricane cocktail.
Ever since its launch in the year 2006, this venue has been well-known for its creative offerings like shrimp burgers and sushi nachos, as well as steaks and various fresh seafood choices.
33. CharBar Co.
This is a relaxed bar and restaurant that serves a blend of traditional comfort dishes and sushi, including constant happy hours.
It is the ideal spot for a remarkable and uncomplicated lunch adventure on Hilton Head Island.
Here, you can enjoy high-quality sushi, burgers, and other artisanal meals in a laid-back setting.
The restaurant boasts of its acclaimed burgers crafted from meticulously chosen beef, which is ground on-site and flavored with special ingredients.
34. OldOyster Factory Restaurant
Situated on a secluded pier, this restaurant provides a delightful Southern atmosphere and breathtaking Broad Creek views.
It is famous for its varied menu showcasing seafood that is freshly caught and a selection of steaks.
Located on the grounds of a historical oyster factory from 1925, this waterfront restaurant is ideal for enjoying South Carolina's locally sourced oysters and a variety of fresh seafood while admiring expansive marsh views.
35. Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta House
This is a welcoming Italian eatery celebrated for Pittsburgh-style pasta, pizza, and sandwiches.
It serves traditional Italian cuisine with daily fresh dough, sauces made from ripe tomatoes, and premium cheeses.
The setting here is laid-back and easygoing, ideal for sipping draft beers while viewing sports on television.
Whether ordering out or eating in, expect some wait since it’s a favored location.
36. HiltonHead Social Bakery
This is a delightful French bakery that serves a variety of tasty breads, pastries, and confections along with coffee drinks.
Founded by the esteemed Chef Feret Philippe, who developed his cooking expertise at prestigious restaurants globally, this quaint spot offers a genuine Parisian pastry adventure.
The bakery's handcrafted shops offer a selection of enticing goodies including chocolate chip brioche, fruit tarts, croissants, gourmet breads, and fougasse.
37. Frankie Bones
Visit the casually elegant atmosphere of this spot, where American martinis and favorites are presented in a backdrop reminiscent of 1960 Rat Pack hangouts.
This place transports you to the laid-back vibe of the 1960s thanks to its sought-after American-Italian dishes offered every day of the week.
38. A Low-Country Backyard Restaurant
This restaurant provides a relaxed dining atmosphere that emphasizes classic Lowcountry dishes and features sandwiches and seafood, all enjoyed in a delightful garden environment.
This restaurant has earned recognition from Travel Channel 'Food Paradise'. It takes pride in being the top destination for genuine Lowcountry dishes and seafood.
Taking inspiration from the childhood experiences of the founder within Hilton Head, the menu here includes traditional dishes as well as distinctive items such as moonshine.
39. San Miguel Mexican
This is a relaxed and lively restaurant situated within Shelter Cove.
It provides a charming marina view and has been offering genuine Mexican dishes since 1977.
Its deck and outdoor bar create an ideal atmosphere for enjoying live music as you gaze at the yachts and boats on the water.
This establishment also provides family-oriented entertainment on certain days, rendering it a perfect place for families with children.
40. Coast
This is a relaxed bar and restaurant situated at SeaPines Beach Club, providing al fresco seating, sophisticated seafood options, and live entertainment.
Located on the club's second floor, Coast Ocean offers sweeping Atlantic Ocean views from its spacious indoor dining area and outdoor patio.
Its menu offers enticing choices like Signature Lobster Rolls, Cast Iron Planchar, and Tuna Poke Wonton, showcasing freshly caught ingredients cooked in a pan.
41. Poseidon
This is a relaxed seafood eatery and steakhouse situated in Shelter Cove Town Centre’s heart within Hilton Head.
It features seaside dining in both indoor and outdoor settings, complemented by a lovely rooftop bar offering breathtaking Broad Creek views.
Visitors can savor cocktails influenced by seaside tastes while enjoying lively performances featuring Coastal County line-dancing and Dueling Pianos.
42. Skull Creek Boathouse
This is a lively restaurant by the water, famous for its Southern classics and seafood.
Its expansive outdoor bar, sheltered by trees, provides a laid-back and easygoing atmosphere to savor the finest fresh-cooked and raw seafood the island has to offer.
This iconic restaurant also offers vibrant sunset scenery, ample portions of food, and unique drinks.
43. Scott's FishMarket Restaurant and Bar
Located in the scenic Shelter Cove Harbor, this is a charming spot for seafood enthusiasts and casual eaters.
Founded in the year 1988, this delightful restaurant features a laid-back vibe enhanced by beautiful marina scenery from its large outdoor terrace.
Visitors can enjoy various fresh seafood selections here, such as Parmesan-crusted Herb Grouper and CajunSeared Tilapia, in addition to homemade pasta and steaks to satisfy every taste.
44. Hudsons Seafood House
This is a seafood restaurant run by a family and situated on Hilton Head Island's docks, South Carolina.
It collaborates with nearby fishermen to ensure the freshest, tastiest catches available, offering delectable seafood meals like oysters, crabs, and shrimp in a cozy and welcoming setting.
Dogs are even permitted at the outdoor tables here at Hudsons Seafood House.
