As a resident of the island for over 25 years (and a visitor since the mid 80s), a popular question that I get often is "what are your favorite restaurants on Hilton Head Island?" My answer is always the same... "well, that depends". Hilton Head has no shortage of great restaurants, so let me categorize just a few of my favorites for you. Hopefully these can become some of your favorites as well.
Fine Dining:
At The Sage Room you can enjoy fine dining in a casual atmosphere with unique appetizers, diverse cuisine, and nightly innovative specials. Unlike most restaurants, their kitchen is located in the middle of the dining room for all to see. It has a small ten person bar that they call the Chef’s Table, which wraps around the kitchen for the eager diner to sit and enjoy, watching the chef’s culinary skills. You may also dine at any of their many tables just steps away from the kitchen.
For over 20 years Santa Fe Cafe has been a locals’ choice for authentic New Mexican food. With dishes ranging from our famous Grouper to Fajitas made with choice filet of beef tenderloin, to their Cowboy Cut Black Angus Bone-In Ribeye, or even their Outrageous Chimichanga, they’re sure to have something to entice.
For a truly enchanted evening, dine under the stars in their open-air, climate controlled Rooftop Cantina complete with an oak fire in their Chimenea, and unwind to live music from our Ranchero Guitarista Wednesday through Saturday nights.
Great Views:
The all-new Quarterdeck is the cornerstone of Harbour Town – and the best dining venue to enjoy Hilton Head Island’s fabulous sunsets. Located next to the iconic lighthouse, the restaurant features a bar and dining area on the first floor and a rooftop oyster bar with 270-degree views of Harbour Town and Calibogue Sound. Discover best-in-class menu offerings from the newest restaurant at The Sea Pines Resort-Hilton Head Island.
Located on the banks of Skull Creek, The Boathouse offers breathtaking views and fabulous food and drinks. Featuring market fresh fish, exceptional seafood and amazing offerings from their in-house sushi bar. Guests can enjoy the views from inside their glass-walled dining room, or from our stunning patio. Be sure to get there early because they don't take reservations.
Favorite Wine Bar:
Their luxurious dining room, accompanied by a modern bar and lounge, will transport you away from the island and into an urban restaurant atmosphere. The bar has an amazing ambience.
WiseGuys features an expansive bar, a cosmopolitan lounge, a semi-private dining room with an award-winning wine list of over 200 bottles. They also have a Wine Keeper system, which ensures every glass is as good as the first.
Dinner With Entertainment:
Step into a world of timeless charm and cultural refinement at The Jazz Corner, an iconic and award-winning jazz club and restaurant that has enchanted fine music and cuisine connoisseurs since 1999.
The Jazz Corner has emerged as a premier destination for music lovers and foodies alike, an exquisite Lowcountry landmark that exudes elegance, intimacy, and sophistication. The finest entertainment from around the globe is expertly paired with sumptuous, Southern-inspired cuisine, elevating the senses and evoking the essence of the jazz age with every note and bite.
Local Seafood:
Sitting right at the edge of Port Royal Sound, all of the tables in their waterfront restaurant feature extraordinary views for a truly special low-country dining experience.
Hudson’s uses one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head Island to bring in fresh-caught seafood straight to their docks and to your table. Their guests often get to share the excitement as fishing crews unload thousands of fresh oysters, shrimp and soft shell crabs from each day’s catch.
Bring your family and friends for a special low-country seafood feast that has been a Hilton Head Island tradition for over 50 years!
Favorite Italian:
A delicious little gem on Hilton Head! At Pomodori, They serve traditional, made-from-scratch Italian food. Inspired by Chef Amanda’s southern Italian culinary training in Calabria, their goal is to nourish you – body and soul – one dish at a time.
The dining room isn't very large so be sure to make your reservations in advance. This little Italian eatery is often booked.
Best Sushi:
HINOKI opened in April 2001 and is now celebrating 23 years of serving the island's best Japanese specialties to our loyal customers. Locals and visitors alike, return year after year to sample HINOKI's world class sushi, sashimi, and creative sushi rolls from the very popular HINOKI Sushi Bar.
HINOKI also offers a great variety of appetizers, small dishes to share, noodles, soups, dumplings, tempura and teriyaki, as well your choice of combination dinners of chicken, fresh seafood, filet mignon, assorted vegetables, house salad and rice.
Great For Families & Kids:
If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home style experience, stop in for lunch, dinner, or late night. As a small business owned and operated by proud patriots, at Street Meet American Tavern they feel there’s nothing more American than their vision. They take pride in their connection with the veterans-assistance foundation, Honor our Heroes, and consistent charitable donations to the community.
Street Meet is an award winning tavern and offers a wide variety of menu items, featuring many dishes inspired by the days of old... Like gourmet hot dogs, gyros, hot soft pretzels, and perogies. Be sure not to miss their award winning "soul kitchen" wings, their Shrimp Po'Boy, or perhaps a prime rib cheese steak.
And in case the photo didn't make it clear, Street Meet is the home of The Browns Backers. Catch all the Browns games during football season.
Here, you can "Bank" on making a memorable experience. Accommodating all of your friends and family, The Bank welcomes guests of all ages, offering an accessible Family Zone. Parents and guardians can keep an eye on their little ones at play while enjoying outdoor entertainment and their favorite craft beverages.
Adjacent to the Family Zone, The Bank offers a variety of outdoor lawn games including cornhole, chess, beer pong, Jenga, and more!
The Bank offers 3 bars, 6 diverse eateries, live music, and big screen entertainment. What more could you ask for?
Great BBQ:
The Smokehouse has been serving up their famous, award-winning barbeque on Hilton Head Island since 1999. They offer a diverse lunch and dinner menu, including many specialties, such as their barbeque, ribs, wings, and chili, as well as a terrific happy hour.
Experience their latest addition, "The Chimney Bar". Set on the rooftop, The Chimney Bar invites you to unwind in style, savoring handcrafted drinks in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're a sports enthusiast looking to catch the latest games or seeking a relaxed spot for a casual drink, The Chimney Bar provides the perfect setting.
Best for Watching The Game:
With multiple TVs on just about every wall, and a friendly local staff always willing to get your game on, The Frosty Frog is a great place to take in the game.
The Frosty Frog Café is also the perfect stop when spending the day walking and shopping in Coligny Beach Area or taking a break from the sand and water. If in need of one of Hilton Head's famous daquiris, look no further! The extensive menu also has something for everyone.
Hilton Head Tavern is an inviting bar and grill situated in the heart of Hilton Head Island, SC. Since 1997, they've been a cherished cornerstone in the Carolinas.
Hilton Head Tavern is a haven for all. Their roots trace back to a modest neighborhood spot that has now flourished into a beloved meeting place spanning neighborhoods across the Southeast.
With more TVs than seats (not quite) you can always catch your game. There's also an area with arcade and skill games for kids both young and old.
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Now, I know there are so many more fantastic restaurants on Hilton Head Island, and everyone has their favorites. Honestly, this list could have had about 50 more restaurants on it. So please don't be too upset if your favorite isn't represented here. I'm sure it's just as worthy as my favorites.
Well, now I'm hungry. Till next time...
- Chris
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