Discover the Finest Restaurants and Dining Options Across Hilton Head Island
If you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life, Hilton Head Island is just the answer. With its secluded beaches, idyllic golf courses and cozy vacation homes, this South Carolina town is perfect for unwinding and relaxing. All that, plus you’ll find an eclectic mix of fantastic casual and fine dining options across the island.
Whether you prefer to dine casually or in style, we’ve found the best restaurants at Hilton Head Island. Here are the top 10 best Hilton Head restaurants for every meal of the day.
1) Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe
Start your full-filled day at Hilton Head Island with a great breakfast at the Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe. A local favorite since 2002, the Palmetto BaSunrise Cafe uses fresh ingredients to cook up classic breakfast dishes to perfection. The restaurant provides a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere, and they even feature a dog-friendly patio for those traveling with furry friends!
2) Southern Coney and Breakfast
Another satisfying breakfast option at Hilton Head is Southern Coney and Breakfast near Lowcountry Celebration Park. This place delivers a classic diner atmosphere with an outstanding breakfast and lunch menu. If you're looking for a budget-friendly morning meal that still packs excellent flavors, then Southern Coney and Breakfast is the spot for you.
3) Nectar Farm Kitchen
From morning to evening, Nectar Farm Kitchen serves up delicious farmhouse-inspired dishes in a delightful atmosphere of southern hospitality. Here you'll find every meal is handcrafted to perfection and assembled only from locally sourced ingredients. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better upscale casual Hilton Head restaurant that serves brilliant food for any meal of the day.
4) The Black Marlin Bayside Grill
The Black Marlin Bayside Grill offers the perfect balance between casual and fine dining. First-time visitors need to try out the Grill's famous sushi nachos as well as their signature Hurricane drink at the adjacent Hurricane Bar. For a great meal and outing any time of the day, the Black Marlin Bayside Grill will be an excellent choice during your stay at Hilton Head Island.
5) Java Burrito
The only Mexican-style cuisine to make our list, Java Burrito is a sort of classier version of Chipotle that also features a fantastic coffee bar. Perhaps odd-sounding at first, one visit to Java Burrito will quickly shatter all doubt of the restaurant's delicious potential. In addition to providing exceptional food and beverages made from fresh local ingredients, Java Burrito is also one of the most budget-friendly options on our list
6) Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks
The two things that every visitor takes away from a visit to Hilton Head Island are the vibrant ocean views and exceptional seafood dining. Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks combines both these elements in brilliant fashion. The waterfront restaurant sits right at the edge of Port Royal Sound, providing outstanding views that perfectly complement the delicious seafood menu. For the best experience, time your visit to Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks to catch a Hilton Head sunset with your meal.
7) Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Bar
Of the many dining options at Hilton Head, Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Bar provides possibly the best wide-appeal menu. A perfect example of upscale casual dining, Lucky Rooster serves up a great and approachable selection of lunch and dinner options alongside a refreshing cocktail menu. Plus, the presentation of everything on the menu comes out perfect for posting on your Instagram profile.
8) Chez Georges Bistro & Bar
Ranked in third place out of all Hilton Head Island dining options, Chez Georges Bistro & Bar provides an exquisite combination of French cuisine with a hint of Lowcountry seasoning (literally and metaphorically). Although still in the realm of upscale casual, this bistro definitely leans more towards the upscale side in dining and costs. That said, you'll find the taste of anything on the menu will quickly justify the cost in this fabulous dining experience.
9) Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana
For over 20 years, Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana has been one of the signature fine dining destinations at Hilton Head Island. The flavorful Italian cuisine is wonderfully prepared by expert staff using the finest imported and locally sourced ingredients. If you're looking for that special occasion dining experience for your Hilton Head vacation, Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana is the place to go.
BONUS TIP: In addition to the fantastic restaurant, Michael Anthony's also features a great Italian food market as well as a cooking school in which you can take culinary classes.
10) The Jazz Corner
Finally, we have Hilton Head Island's first place restaurant on Trip Advisor: The Jazz Corner. Established in 1999, The Jazz Corner serves up some of the best fine dining cuisine and drinks in an intimate jazz-club setting. While you dine on any one of the exceptional dishes available, you'll be treated to an equally exceptional live concert from talented local jazz musicians. Dining here is a true one-of-a-kind experience that you won't want to miss on your Hilton Head vacation.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of reasons to visit Hilton Head Island, SC, from the secluded beaches to the quiet cottages. If you’re looking for a break from your daily life, this is the place for you. Though the city might be small, it packs a punch when it comes to the best restaurants. From classic American pub food to fine Italian dining, you’re sure to find something that fulfills any and all food cravings. To discover even more fantastic local dining experiences, head over to our Hilton Head Dining Options page.
For your trip to Hilton Head, be sure to book your stay with Island Getaway for the best accommodations on the island. Click the link below to browse our premier Hilton Head vacation rentals.