Hilton Head Island, located off the coast of South Carolina, is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views, and vibrant dining scene. With a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, visitors can indulge in fresh seafood, fine dining experiences, casual eateries, and local cuisine, all while enjoying the picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. In this article, we will explore the different facets of Hilton Head’s oceanfront dining scene and provide recommendations for the best restaurants and dishes to try.
Key Takeaways
- Hilton Head offers a diverse oceanfront dining scene with fresh seafood, fine dining, casual eateries, local cuisine, signature cocktails, al fresco dining, family-friendly options, romantic dinners, and hidden gems.
- Savor the best catch from the Atlantic at Hilton Head’s seafood restaurants, which offer a variety of dishes from shrimp and oysters to crab and fish.
- Treat yourself to a luxurious meal by the shore at Hilton Head’s fine dining restaurants, which offer exquisite cuisine and impeccable service.
- Enjoy a relaxed meal with ocean views at Hilton Head’s casual eateries, which offer a laid-back atmosphere and delicious food.
- Explore the flavors of the Lowcountry at Hilton Head’s local cuisine restaurants, which offer Southern-style dishes with a unique twist.
Fresh Seafood: Savoring the Best Catch from the Atlantic
One of the highlights of dining in Hilton Head is the abundance of fresh seafood available. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the island offers a wide variety of fish and shellfish that are caught daily and served at local restaurants. From succulent shrimp to flaky grouper, visitors can savor the flavors of the sea in every bite.
Some popular seafood dishes to try in Hilton Head include Lowcountry boil, a hearty dish consisting of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes boiled together with spices; she-crab soup, a creamy soup made with blue crab meat and crab roe; and grilled mahi-mahi, a firm white fish that is often served with a tangy citrus sauce.
For those looking for the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head, there are several options to choose from. One highly recommended restaurant is Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, which has been serving fresh seafood since 1967. Another popular choice is The Crazy Crab, known for its waterfront location and delicious crab legs. Other notable seafood restaurants include Skull Creek Boathouse and Fishcamp on Broad Creek.
Fine Dining: Treating Yourself to a Luxurious Meal by the Shore
If you’re looking to elevate your dining experience in Hilton Head, there are several high-end restaurants that offer a luxurious meal by the shore. These establishments provide impeccable service, elegant ambiance, and a menu filled with gourmet dishes made with the finest ingredients.
One of the best fine dining restaurants in Hilton Head is Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte, a French-inspired restaurant that has been a local favorite for over 30 years. The menu features classic dishes such as escargot, foie gras, and filet mignon. Another top choice is Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana, which offers a sophisticated Italian dining experience with dishes like homemade pasta and fresh seafood.
For those looking to enjoy a fine dining experience with a stunning ocean view, Ocean Lounge at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is a great option. This upscale restaurant offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and serves a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood.
Casual Eateries: Enjoying a Relaxed Meal with Ocean Views
For those seeking a more laid-back dining experience, Hilton Head also offers a variety of casual eateries where you can enjoy a relaxed meal with ocean views. These restaurants provide a casual atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu filled with comfort food favorites.
One popular casual eatery in Hilton Head is The Salty Dog Cafe, located in South Beach Marina Village. This iconic restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the marina and serves up classic American dishes such as burgers, seafood baskets, and fish tacos. Another great option is The Skull Creek Boathouse, which features a large outdoor patio with views of Skull Creek and offers a menu of seafood, sandwiches, and salads.
For those looking for a beachfront dining experience, Coco’s On The Beach is a must-visit. Located right on the beach, this casual eatery offers stunning ocean views and serves up delicious seafood dishes, sandwiches, and salads. Another beachfront option is The Tiki Hut, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This laid-back beach bar offers a menu of burgers, wraps, and seafood dishes, as well as a variety of tropical cocktails.
Local Cuisine: Exploring the Flavors of the Lowcountry
When visiting Hilton Head, it’s essential to explore the flavors of the Lowcountry, a region known for its unique cuisine that combines elements of Southern, African, and Caribbean cooking. Lowcountry cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh local ingredients, such as seafood, rice, and vegetables, as well as its bold flavors and hearty dishes.
One of the best restaurants in Hilton Head to try Lowcountry cuisine is The Old Oyster Factory. Located on the waterfront, this restaurant offers stunning views of Broad Creek and serves up classic Lowcountry dishes such as shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and oysters Rockefeller. Another top choice is Red Fish, which offers a modern twist on Lowcountry cuisine with dishes like blackened grouper with sweet potato hash and collard greens.
For those looking for a more casual dining experience, Skull Creek Boathouse is a great option. This waterfront restaurant offers a menu of Lowcountry favorites such as shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and she-crab soup. Another popular choice is The Crazy Crab, which serves up delicious seafood dishes with a Lowcountry twist.
Signature Cocktails: Sipping on Creative Drinks by the Beach
In addition to its diverse dining scene, Hilton Head also offers a vibrant cocktail scene with bars and restaurants that specialize in creative and innovative drinks. Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or something more unique, there are plenty of options to choose from.
One of the best bars in Hilton Head for creative cocktails is The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon. Located on the rooftop of the Shelter Cove Towne Centre, this bar offers panoramic views of Broad Creek and serves up a variety of craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Another top choice is The Jazz Corner, a jazz club that also features a full-service bar with a menu of classic cocktails and signature drinks.
For those looking for a beachfront bar with creative cocktails, The Tiki Hut is a must-visit. This laid-back beach bar offers a menu of tropical cocktails such as mai tais, piña coladas, and margaritas, as well as a variety of frozen drinks. Another great option is The Sandbar Beach Eats, which offers a menu of beach-inspired cocktails such as the “Beach Bum” and the “Sandy Toes.”
Al Fresco Dining: Dining under the Sun or Stars
One of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning views in Hilton Head is by dining al fresco. The island offers a variety of outdoor dining options where you can enjoy your meal under the sun or stars.
One highly recommended restaurant for al fresco dining in Hilton Head is Skull Creek Boathouse. This waterfront restaurant features a large outdoor patio with views of Skull Creek and offers a menu of seafood, sandwiches, and salads. Another great option is The Salty Dog Cafe, which offers outdoor seating overlooking the marina and serves up classic American dishes.
For those looking for a beachfront dining experience, Coco’s On The Beach is a must-visit. Located right on the beach, this casual eatery offers stunning ocean views and serves up delicious seafood dishes, sandwiches, and salads. Another beachfront option is The Tiki Hut, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This laid-back beach bar offers outdoor seating on the sand and serves up a menu of burgers, wraps, and seafood dishes.
Family-Friendly Options: Finding Something for Everyone in the Family
Hilton Head is a great destination for families, and there are plenty of family-friendly dining options to choose from. These restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere, kid-friendly menus, and a variety of options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
One highly recommended restaurant for families in Hilton Head is The Salty Dog Cafe. Located in South Beach Marina Village, this iconic restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the marina and serves up classic American dishes such as burgers, seafood baskets, and fish tacos. Another great option is The Skull Creek Boathouse, which features a large outdoor patio with views of Skull Creek and offers a menu of seafood, sandwiches, and salads.
For those looking for a beachfront dining experience, The Tiki Hut is a must-visit. This laid-back beach bar offers a menu of burgers, wraps, and seafood dishes that are sure to please the whole family. Another popular choice is The Crazy Crab, known for its waterfront location and delicious crab legs.
Romantic Dinners: Planning a Special Night Out with Your Partner
Hilton Head is also a great destination for couples looking to plan a special night out. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just want to enjoy a romantic dinner by the shore, there are several restaurants that offer an intimate and memorable dining experience.
One highly recommended restaurant for a romantic dinner in Hilton Head is Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte. This French-inspired restaurant has been a local favorite for over 30 years and offers an elegant ambiance and a menu filled with gourmet dishes made with the finest ingredients. Another top choice is Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana, which offers a sophisticated Italian dining experience with dishes like homemade pasta and fresh seafood.
For those looking to enjoy a romantic dinner with a stunning ocean view, Ocean Lounge at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is a great option. This upscale restaurant offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and serves a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood.
Hidden Gems: Discovering the Best Kept Secrets of Hilton Head’s Dining Scene
In addition to its well-known restaurants, Hilton Head also has a number of hidden gem restaurants that are worth seeking out. These lesser-known establishments offer unique dining experiences and dishes that are sure to impress.
One hidden gem restaurant in Hilton Head is The Jazz Corner, a jazz club that also features a full-service bar and a menu of classic cocktails and signature drinks. The restaurant offers a menu of Southern-inspired dishes such as shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and she-crab soup. Another hidden gem is The Old Oyster Factory, located on the waterfront and offering stunning views of Broad Creek. The restaurant serves up classic Lowcountry dishes such as shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and oysters Rockefeller.
For those looking for a unique dining experience, The Studio is a must-visit. This intimate restaurant offers a chef’s tasting menu that changes daily and features dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Another hidden gem is The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar, which offers a menu of farm-to-table dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Conclusion: Summarizing the Best of Hilton Head’s Oceanfront Dining Scene
Hilton Head Island offers a diverse and vibrant dining scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, fine dining, casual eateries, local cuisine, signature cocktails, al fresco dining, family-friendly options, romantic dinners, or hidden gems, there is something for everyone in Hilton Head.
From savoring the best catch from the Atlantic to treating yourself to a luxurious meal by the shore, Hilton Head’s oceanfront dining scene has it all. So next time you visit this beautiful island, be sure to explore its culinary offerings and try new restaurants and dishes. You won’t be disappointed!
If you’re looking for more information on oceanfront dining options in Hilton Head, be sure to check out this article on discovering the coastal charm of Hilton Head at the iconic Skull Creek Boathouse. With its stunning waterfront views and delicious seafood menu, this restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Hilton Head’s coastal charm. Read more