Exploring the Best Restaurants in Hilton Head: Where to Eat and What to Try

Introduction

Hilton Head is a popular vacation destination known for its stunning beaches and lush golf courses. But it’s also becoming a hot spot for food lovers. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual bite, there are plenty of great places to eat in the area. In this article, we’ll explore the best restaurants in Hilton Head, from top 10 picks to local eateries, seafood spots, steakhouses, and budget-friendly options.

Top 10 Restaurants in Hilton Head

Hilton Head has some of the best restaurants in the country. Here are 10 of the most highly-rated spots on the island:

• Skillets Cafe & Grill: This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch dishes, from omelettes and pancakes to burgers and sandwiches.
• Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with spectacular views of the Calibogue Sound.
• The Crazy Crab: This waterfront restaurant is known for its succulent crab legs and mouthwatering garlic scampi.
• The Salty Dog Cafe: This laid-back spot is perfect for enjoying classic coastal cuisine like fish tacos and shrimp po’boys.
• Old Oyster Factory: If you’re looking for a romantic dinner, this historic restaurant serves up classic Lowcountry dishes like she-crab soup and fried green tomatoes.
• Sea Pines Beach Club: This beachfront spot is famous for its fish tacos and grilled mahi-mahi.
• Alexander’s Restaurant: This upscale eatery offers an array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
• Frosty Frog Cafe: Stop by this lively bar and grill for burgers, oysters, and live music.
• Vineyard 55: Sample locally-sourced dishes like mussels and pork chops in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Red Fish: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and creative cocktails at this popular spot.

Local Eateries To Try in Hilton Head

If you’re looking to try something more off the beaten path, here are some of the best local eateries in the area:

• Plums Restaurant: This family-owned spot serves up classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and collard greens.
• The Jazz Corner: Enjoy live jazz music and Southern comfort food like shrimp and grits and fried okra.
• The Cottage Cafe: Stop by this charming cafe for coffee, pastries, and light lunch items.
• The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene: This local seafood joint is known for its tasty crab cakes and steamed clams.
• The Frosty Frog Creamery: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a selection of homemade ice cream flavors.
• Sea Shack Seafood Market: Stop by this local market for fresh seafood and boiled peanuts.
• One Hot Mama’s: Savor classic barbecue dishes like pulled pork and ribs at this casual spot.
• Hilton Head Brewing Company: Sample a variety of craft beers and gourmet pizzas.
• Crazy Crab Harbour Town: Get your fill of seafood favorites like oysters and crab legs at this waterfront restaurant.
• Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe: Enjoy Mexican-inspired dishes like fajitas and burritos at this fun spot.

Best Restaurants on the Island

For those looking for a truly memorable dining experience, here are some of the best restaurants on the island:

• Harbourside Burgers & Brews: This lively spot is perfect for enjoying juicy burgers and craft beers.
• Bomboras Grille: Sample a range of international dishes, from sushi to steak.
• The Lodge at Sea Pines Resort: Enjoy sophisticated French-American fare in a beautiful setting.
• The Black Marlin Bayside Grill: Dine on fresh seafood dishes with stunning views of Broad Creek.
• Old Fort Pub: Stop by this popular pub for traditional British dishes and ales.
• The Quarterdeck: This waterfront restaurant is known for its delicious seafood dishes and live music.
• Reilley’s Grill & Bar: Indulge in classic American dishes like wings and burgers.
• Skull Creek Boathouse: Sample fresh seafood dishes and sip on signature cocktails.
• Ginger’s Comfort Kitchen: Enjoy flavorful Southern dishes like collards and fried chicken.
• Skillets at Shelter Cove: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this cozy cafe.

Guide to the Best Seafood Restaurants in Hilton Head

Hilton Head is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. Here are 10 of the top spots for seafood lovers:

• Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with spectacular views of the Calibogue Sound.
• The Crazy Crab: This waterfront restaurant is known for its succulent crab legs and mouthwatering garlic scampi.
• The Salty Dog Cafe: This laid-back spot is perfect for enjoying classic coastal cuisine like fish tacos and shrimp po’boys.
• Fishcamp on Broad Creek: Sample fresh seafood dishes like lobster mac ‘n cheese and grilled mahi-mahi.
• Sea Pines Beach Club: This beachfront spot is famous for its fish tacos and grilled mahi-mahi.
• Skull Creek Boathouse: Sample fresh seafood dishes and sip on signature cocktails.
• The Quarterdeck: This waterfront restaurant is known for its delicious seafood dishes and live music.
• Crazy Crab Harbour Town: Get your fill of seafood favorites like oysters and crab legs at this waterfront restaurant.
• Frosty Frog Cafe: Stop by this lively bar and grill for burgers, oysters, and live music.
• Reilley’s Grill & Bar: Indulge in classic American dishes like wings and burgers.

Guide to the Best Steakhouses in Hilton Head

Hilton Head also has some of the best steakhouses in the country. Here are 10 of the top spots to enjoy a steak dinner:

• Old Fort Pub: Stop by this popular pub for traditional British dishes and ales.
• Alexander’s Restaurant: This upscale eatery offers an array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
• The Lodge at Sea Pines Resort: Enjoy sophisticated French-American fare in a beautiful setting.
• Bomboras Grille: Sample a range of international dishes, from sushi to steak.
• Reilley’s Grill & Bar: Indulge in classic American dishes like wings and burgers.
• Skull Creek Boathouse: Sample fresh seafood dishes and sip on signature cocktails.
• Black Marlin Bayside Grill: Dine on fresh seafood dishes with stunning views of Broad Creek.
• Harbourside Burgers & Brews: This lively spot is perfect for enjoying juicy burgers and craft beers.
• Ginger’s Comfort Kitchen: Enjoy flavorful Southern dishes like collards and fried chicken.
• Frosty Frog Cafe: Stop by this lively bar and grill for burgers, oysters, and live music.

Guide to the Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Hilton Head

Hilton Head also has plenty of options for those on a budget. Here are 10 of the best budget-friendly restaurants in the area:

• The Crazy Crab: This waterfront restaurant is known for its succulent crab legs and mouthwatering garlic scampi.
• The Salty Dog Cafe: This laid-back spot is perfect for enjoying classic coastal cuisine like fish tacos and shrimp po’boys.
• Harbourside Burgers & Brews: This lively spot is perfect for enjoying juicy burgers and craft beers.
• Frosty Frog Cafe: Stop by this lively bar and grill for burgers, oysters, and live music.
• Plums Restaurant: This family-owned spot serves up classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and collard greens.
• The Jazz Corner: Enjoy live jazz music and Southern comfort food like shrimp and grits and fried okra.
• The Cottage Cafe: Stop by this charming cafe for coffee, pastries, and light lunch items.
• The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene: This local seafood joint is known for its tasty crab cakes and steamed clams.
• The Frosty Frog Creamery: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a selection of homemade ice cream flavors.
• Sea Shack Seafood Market: Stop by this local market for fresh seafood and boiled peanuts.

Conclusion

From top 10 restaurants to local eateries, seafood spots, steakhouses, and budget-friendly options, Hilton Head has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual bite, you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings. So next time you’re in the area, make sure to explore all that Hilton Head has to offer.

And don’t forget to try some of the local favorites for an even more authentic experience. With so many great restaurants to choose from, you can be sure to have a truly unforgettable culinary adventure in Hilton Head.