7 Incredible Restaurants in St. Simons Island
Beaches, piers, lighthouses...there's a lot to do and see at St. Simons Island — a gorgeous getaway that captures the essence of the Golden Isles beauty. Just as enticing? The St. Simons culinary scene, which includes a unique blend of seafood, tapas, and fried chicken restaurants.
The best St Simons Island restaurants are not notable simply due to their seafood or Southern cuisine. Beyond this, they offer a multi-sensory experience, providing undeniably impressive waterfront views.
Choose the right restaurant at the right time, and you might even tap your toes to songs played with enthusiasm by a local band. Other perks include great conversation and even better service. Hit up these favorites to see what makes St. Simons dining special.
Porch
549 Ocean Blvd, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Inspired by Nashville's signature hot chicken but offering plenty of island flair, Porch is named for its classic front porch entryway. This provides an instant visual indication of the restaurant's homey atmosphere. Serving fried chicken, catfish, and a whole host of Southern sides, this is where you go for down-home eating.
Pay close attention to the Porch Hot-o-Meter, which is your guide to hot or super hot chicken — mild's not really a thing here, although there's a 'Naked' option on the menu if you demand fried chicken with no heat.
Fiddlers
410 Arnold Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Fiddlers proves that you don't need to hang out right on the coast to enjoy amazing views. This scenic restaurant overlooks a sizable marsh. This is a great backdrop for relaxing with loved ones and sipping on cocktails. Inside, the most eye-catching feature is easily the fireplace, although there's plenty to see from the large windows.
There's a lot to appreciate about the expansive Fiddlers menu, but visitors tend to focus on seafood. Try the grilled redfish, sea scallops, or a fried oyster basket. No visit is complete without a slice of key lime pie, which is best described as exquisite.
Ember Farm to Fire
70 Retreat Village, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Fire is a central part of the Ember experience, with the restaurant making the most of its hand-crafted wood-fired oven. Known by the Ember teams as "Beatrice," this remarkable oven deserves credit for creating the restaurant's most enticing dishes. The menu changes periodically to keep things fresh, but visitors consistently speak highly of the brie appetizer, the short rib, and the fire bread (pizza).
Don't be thrown off by Ember's strip mall setting. Once you step inside, you'll discover a contemporary chic space, which contrasts the island's many casual seafood joints. Any visit is worthwhile, but there's no denying the appeal of live music in the Mas Lounge, which you can enjoy on Friday evenings.
The Nest
511 Ocean Blvd, St Simons Island, GA 31522
As a St. Simons tapas wonderland, The Nest is a must for a dreamy Golden Isles date night experience. You'll discover an inviting atmosphere, complete with beautiful decor and attentive service.
Start your evening by ordering a grazing platter. You're welcome to add charcuterie favorites like olives, hummus, but you'll also want to try the fried chickpeas. Next, commit to an authentic Low Country experience and order the seafood bowl. The corn-crusted tuna and the garlic shrimp skewers are worth trying, but guests are especially blown away by the roti.
Woodside
24 Midway Square, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Enjoy upscale dining at Woodside, which brings the best of French and Italian cuisine to the Golden Isles. Chefs David & Ryanne Carrier promise an intimate, European-inspired experience within an elegant space that feels downright chic.
The wine selection is excellent but you'll be tempted to order a cocktail, mixed by a truly talented and creative bartender. This can be complemented by exquisite dishes such as cappellacci or morel anolini, which reward you for broadening your culinary horizons. The fresh-baked bread is just as delicious, however, and it's easy to fill up on this and house-churned butter before your meal even gets started.
Gnat's Landing
310 Redfern Village, St Simons Island, GA 31522
If you're craving a distinctly island-themed experience, look no further than Gnat's Landing. This festive watering hole promises a good time, complete with margaritas, fried shrimp, and live music. Visitors also rave about the fried pickles and the po boy sandwiches.
The festive atmosphere is truly what sets Gnat's Landing apart, however. This is not where you go for a serene experience, but rather, the place to be when you want to feel connected to the St. Simons community. Stop by for trivia or karaoke — or cheer on your favorite team as you enjoy the big game in an energetic environment.
Brogen's South
200 Pier Aly, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Just steps from the lighthouse and the pier, Brogen's South promises open-air dining and a delightfully casual environment. The fried pickles and green tomatoes are bound to have your mouth watering, but the Brogen's experience isn't just about food; this St. Simons haunt is well known for its ocean views and its lively, family-friendly atmosphere. For similar vibes, head to Brogen's North in the Glynn Haven neighborhood.
Plan Your St. Simons Culinary Adventure
As you plan your St. Simons Island restaurant itinerary, remember: you can also enjoy an amazing meal within the comfort of your rental property. Gourmet kitchens encourage you to create your own meal in a space that feels both homey and elevated.
Fresh produce and seafood are easy to find at the island's top markets, which are always fun to explore. After you've cooked an indulgent meal, you can enjoy in peace and quiet as you gaze at the remarkable scenery.
Pay close attention to kitchens and other amenities as you search for St. Simons Island Rentals with Hodnett Cooper. Take a look at the sizable portfolio of oceanfront properties, which elevate an already unforgettable trip to St. Simons Island.
