The 10 Most Incredible Restaurants in Hilton Head!
Hilton Head Island draws millions of tourists from all over the world, dwarfing its permanent population of just 40,000 people. With all the opportunity comes a lot of dining options, which is why we’ve put together a few of our favorites.
Whether you love classics like oysters, gumbo, and cornbread or you’d prefer more exotic fare, you won’t have any trouble finding a spot for you. Here, we'll look at the best restaurants in Hilton Head, and what makes them so special.
1. Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Skull Creek Boathouse is known for its award-winning cuisine and beautiful views. People from all over the world (and right in town) come for special occasions and casual nights alike. Dine either indoors or outdoors. Try the Inside Dive Bar for its sushi and ceviche.
Or come by for Sunday brunch and order up anything from chicken wings to sashimi. This place caters to all guests, whether you’ve got several kids in tow or you’re looking for a gluten-free menu.
2. Hudson on the Docks
1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Hudson on the Docks works directly with fishermen on the island and in Georgia and Florida, so they can guarantee the freshest seafood for their guests every day. So, if you want a place that delivers your food from the dock to your table, feel free to try the shrimp, crabs, and oysters that have been keeping people for over 50 years.
Hudson on the Docks has a unique on-site operation that houses shedding crabs in the springtime. As soon as they molt their skin, they’re served to hungry guests.
3. The Sandbar
101 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
The Sandbar is known for its memorable service and fresh seafood, receiving daily deliveries from local businesses across the island. Stop by for a few beach snacks at sunset or spring for a beach plate of fish and chips, parmesan-crusted grouper, seafood pasta.
The hearty portions and smiling staff make this casual seafood joint the place for lunch or dinner. The restaurant also has plenty of live entertainment and specials throughout the week.
4. A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant
32 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Often just called The Backyard, this down-home spot is the place for shrimp and grits. Plus, you’ll get nearly every Southern classic dish, including banana pudding, fried green tomatoes, and fresh crab cakes.
This place celebrates Gullah culture, also known as the mix of West and Central African traditions that shaped both the daily life and the distinct cuisine of Hilton Head. This restaurant comes complete with all the backyard fixings, including flickering lamps and a porch swing.
5. Main Street Island Pub
1411 Main St, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
The Main Street Island Pub is a family-friendly spot that sticks with New American meals, like grouper bacon wrap, beef tips, and French toast with homemade jelly. Open for more than two decades, the menu boasts just enough twists and classics to feed even the most discerning of eaters.
It’s also tucked away from the noisiest and busiest parts of the island, offering plenty of shade and a little peace and quiet.
6. The Old Oyster Factory
101 Marshland Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
The Old Oyster Factory is a restaurant built on the same spot as an old oyster cannery that dates back to the 1920s. For decades, the site played host to the oysters harvested from the surrounding 1,700 acres. Every day, oystermen would head into the creeks during low tide with oyster tongs and then remove the clusters they found there.
Today, the restaurant still pays plenty of homage to oysters, but also serves up tuna, calamari, shrimp, salmon, and Southern classics like fried green tomatoes.
7. The Fishcamp at Broad Creek
11 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
If you wanted to and from the mainland back in the 1920s, you had to take a boat. Charlie Simmons was a sailboat pilot back in those days and eventually bought the first locally-owned motorboat. He then built a fishing camp in the 1950s and helped pioneer more movement in and around the island.
Today, you can visit the Fishcamp at Broad Creek for fresh seafood and steak, plus live-entertainment, casual patios, and an excellent view of Broad Creek. Stop by for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and savor the locally-inspired fare.
8. The Black Marlin
86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Casual atmosphere, serious food: The Black Marlin is a premiere destination and famous for its coastal vibes. Its varied menu includes kids, gluten-free, and brunch options. Enjoy the view of the marina while you sample voodoo shrimp, lowcountry boils, and mahi mahi.
Or check out their calendar and come for a few drinks, a snack, and one of the many local talents that frequent the restaurant.
9. One Hot Mama’s
35 Office Park Road, Hilton Head Island, SC29928
With all the fresh seafood on the island, it’s easy to forget that BBQ is a Southern staple. Luckily, you can visit One Hot Mama’s for BBQ platters as well as wings, burgers, wraps, and salads. This place is helmed by Orchid Paulmeier, a Food Network star who takes a lot of pride in bringing her favorite flavors to the community.
With two locations, she manages to integrate exotic influences into her menu, making different types of cuisine not only accessible, but also undeniably delicious.
10. Hilton Head Social Bakery
1018 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head SC 29928
For French fare, head to Hilton Head Social Bakery where everything is made from scratch. Sample the pastries or order a latte alongside a ham and swiss sandwich. Specializing in some of the most beloved snacks and meals, like quiche, Croque Monsieur, eclairs, and macarons, it’s easy to see why this place was voted Best Bakery.
Plus, the atmosphere is not only welcoming, with its natural light and reclaimed wood, it’s also a place where every day brings a new menu surprise.
The beauty of Hilton Head Island stretches out as far as the eye can see, and these Hilton Head eateries celebrate everything from the modern culture to the historical roots that laid the foundation. If you're looking for a place to stay that lives up to the same high standards.
The 100 Collection's local community partner, BESTNEST by Beverly Serral Vacation Rentals, has a number of stunning Hilton Head beach rentals for you to choose from. These curated selections make it easy to find your home base as you explore the island and its many amazing restaurants.
