10 Great Restaurants in Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head Island, S.C., may be known for its world-class golf and pristine beaches, but there are more than 250 restaurants on the island. Considering the island measures 14 miles, that’s a large concentration of places to eat. To help decide between Low Country favorites to upscale dining, we rounded up 10 restaurants known for their delicious menus and great atmospheres. Check out the top restaurants in Hilton Head.
10 Restaurants in Hilton Head for Rich Flavors
A Low Country Backyard
Owned by locals, Dave and Raina Peck, Low County Backyard focuses on country-inspired food in a friendly, warm atmosphere. A fire-lit backyard, tables with white umbrellas and live music welcome guests. Menu options include sandwiches, salads, hearty main courses and desserts. For some insight, customers rave about the pulled pork, meatloaf, mac and cheese, and banana pudding.
Dye’s Gullah Fixins
Shrimp and grits, low-country boil and crab cakes — all made fresh from local ingredients — bring customers to Dye’s. This buffet-style restaurant is open mostly for lunch and dinner, and reservations are required. Praised for true Southern flavor, diners rave about the buffet’s options and flavors, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes people feel at home.
Hudson’s Seafood House On the Docks
Employing the largest fishing fleet on Hilton Head Island, Hudson’s brings fresh seafood from the docks to the table and offers Port Royal Sound views. Blackened seafood daily specials, a separate oyster menu, as well as Angus steaks and chicken guarantee guests leave with full stomachs. Customers also praise the food’s freshness, scenic views and family-friendly atmosphere.
One Hot Mama’s
For late-night dining and nightlife, check out this spot in the south end of Hilton Head. Known for its fun vibe and tasty wings, diners find an expansive menu that features a famous barbecue platter, steaks, meat-and-three combos, salads ,and daily specials. Yelp reviewers find One Hot Mama’s great for large gatherings, huge wings and delicious ribs.
Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe
If you love breakfast, this place is a must, as it serves breakfast all day. This affordable establishment ranks as a top choice for breakfast, brunch and lunch. In addition to breakfast, the cafe’s menu also includes burgers, seafood platters, salads and soups. A friendly staff and warm atmosphere add to the vast menu, which customers praise most.
Red Fish
Red Fish, an upscale restaurant in Hilton Head, uses homegrown produce from their own Bear Island Farms. Its wine list consists of more than 1,000 bottles and won a Best Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. The menu ranges from gluten-free options to Redz burgers and custom seafood dishes. Fresh food, menus that cater to different tastes and, of course, the wine selection treat customers with a quality dining experience.
Skull Creek Boathouse
This top among our restaurants in Hilton Head list offers waterfront dining on Skull Creek. The menu focuses on “fresh seafood and American favorites with a twist,” and the Dive Bar offers fresh sushi. Reviewers enjoy the food as well as the large open space. Wait times can get a little long, so plan accordingly. Some favorite menu options include oysters, hush puppies, sushi, shrimp and tuna.
The Sea Shack
For more than 17 years, The Sea Shack has been a Hilton Head seafood staple. With a focus on low-country quality, this restaurant offers a casual, family-friendly vibe in a smaller setting. Made-to-order menu options range from large seafood platters — such as crab cakes and shrimp — to sandwiches, Poboys, soups and salads. Along with the food, diners love the restaurant’s charm, hearty portion sizes and affordable prices.
Vine
Touted as one of the most unique restaurants on Hilton Head, Vine is a European-style bistro that features fresh-catch daily menu options, locally sourced produce and more than 87 different wine labels. Those who have dined here claim Vine could hold its own in larger foodie cities, such as New York, and many reviewers call the experience amazing and perfect.
WiseGuys
WiseGuys offers a sophisticated and friendly urban feel. This hot spot features an expansive wine list, seafood creations and hand-cut steaks, with signature dishes such as gulf red snapper and pan-roasted salmon. A large drink collection, great food and service, as well as smaller portions keep customers coming back.
Hungry? Try these 10 restaurants in Hilton Head and book your accommodations in Hilton Head Island.