Beaufort Restaurants: Where to Eat and Enjoy Low-country Flavor

Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, one of the scenic South Carolina Sea Islands. The city ranks among the South’s prettiest towns, but visitors shouldn’t over look its food scene. Rich low-country cuisine, casual hangouts and waterfront hideaways welcome everyone to try new dishes. For a look at the best, here are the top Beaufort restaurants and what to order.

Beaufort Restaurants: Best Places to Satisfy Different Tastes

beaufort restaurants breakfast family

Blackstone’s Cafe

Great for families, Blackstone’s Cafe serves breakfast and lunch favorites. This spot sits in downtown Beaufort and welcomes everyone to enjoy local food in a casual environment. Pets are even welcome on the patio.

To start the day, select from Benedicts, pancakes, omelets and baked goodies. However, don’t overlook the specials – such as shrimp and grits, Cajun shrimp and grits, and homemade corned beef hash. For lunch, try house-made sandwiches, burgers and salads.

City Java and News

Those visiting downtown also enjoy kicking back at City Java and News. The restaurant is located inside City Loft Hotel and has some of the best coffee in Beaufort.

Come to the cafe, and select from brewed coffee, espresso drinks, house specialties, iced coffee, smoothies and non-dairy options. To linger a little longer, order a fresh pastry and read a local paper. Drink favorites use ingredients such as white chocolate, Irish cream, caramel and mocha. Guests also love the free WiFi.

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Old Bull Tavern

Old Bull Tavern ranks among the best Beaufort restaurants for its gastro-pub flair. Visitors come here for dinner and late-night gatherings complete with good food, craft brews, cocktails and wine.

The menu features American and European comfort food. Start with shareables, then choose from cottage pie, duck, pasta, lamb shank, salmon, burgers, Low-country entrees and gourmet burgers. In addition, Old Bull Tavern serves seven different pizzas made with fresh ingredients. Examples include house-made cheeses, bacon, sausage, white and red sauces, and toppings. Due to popularity, reservations are recommended.

Wren Bistro

Another hot spot for lunch and dinner is Wren Bistro. Guests enjoy a friendly, upscale ambiance and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also serves a selection of microbrews and wine.

During lunch, soups, salads and sandwiches greet hungry customers. A few favorites include Low-country cobb, pecan and cranberry chicken salad, and uptown grilled cheese. For dinner, order steak, seafood, meatloaf, burgers and chicken. Additionally, Wren Bistro offers daily specials.

beaufort restaurants seafood

Saltus River Grill

This urban gem ranks among the best Beaufort restaurants for seafood. Saltus River Grill opens for dinner only and features scenic waterfront views.

Traditional soups and starters are available, but visitors also have a selection of raw bar and sushi options. Small plates such as crab cakes and salmon pate provide lighter options. Chef specialties range from daily fish selections to sea scallops and shrimp and grits. Visitors will also find chicken and dumplings, New York strip, and wood-fired dishes.

Bricks on Boundary

Bricks on Boundary opens for lunch and dinner, and provides a casual atmosphere with beers on tap paired with modern and traditional cuisine.

Appetizers range from wings and nachos to corn dogs, hummus, and garlic bread. Then select from burgers, burritos and sandwiches. Plus, Bricks on Boundary has fried seafood, pasta dishes and hearty comfort food. If looking for a good brunch restaurant in Beaufort, Bricks on Boundary ranks as a must.

lowcountry restaurant sea islands

Plums

Ranked among the best restaurants for views and food, Plums has been a local staple since the 1980s. Here, guests enjoy Low-country flavor, locally sourced ingredients and waterfront dining.

Plums serves lunch and dinner with plenty of handhelds and entrees. Burgers, po-boys, sandwiches and salads keep everyone satisfied. Or try shrimp and grits, crab cakes, or a traditional Low-country boil. Seafood lovers even get oysters and peel-and-eat shrimp. In addition, kids have their own menu.

Panini’s on the Waterfront

Panini’s on the Waterfront ranks among the best Beaufort restaurants for Parris Island graduates and their families. What makes it so special? Take Old World Italian vibes and pair them with waterfront views and friendly faces.

The restaurant is located within an old bank in downtown Beaufort. Once inside, sit down for lunch and dinner, either on the deck or inside the dining area. Select from brick oven pizzas, hoagies, paninis and specialty pastas. Chef entrees include fresh catches, platters, chicken and ribeye Marsala. Kids have their own options, too.

Coming to visit? Tour these Beaufort historic sites, then book a spacious Beaufort vacation home.