If you’re exploring Hilton Head Island and wondering where to find the best menus, you’re in luck. This beautiful island isn’t just about beaches and outdoor adventures — it’s also a restaurant-goer's paradise.
Whether you're craving fresh seafood, Italian cuisine, or a laid-back coastal vibe, the island's impressive dining scene has something for everyone. From cozy waterfront spots to upscale culinary experiences, read on to dive into the must-visit restaurants on Hilton Head Island.
Quarterdeck: Fresh Flavors by the Water
160 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What’s better than dining with a lighthouse as your backdrop? Found at the base of the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, Quarterdeck is all about combining fresh, flavorful dishes with a view that can’t be matched.
Start your meal with their signature she-crab soup, a creamy, flavorful dish that locals rave about. For the main course, the fresh catch fish or blackened Springer Mountain Farms chicken alfredo is a must-try, perfectly spiced and paired with seasonal sides. The East Coast shrimp and grits here take a classic Southern dish to a whole new level with rich, buttery flavors and perfectly cooked shrimp.
If seafood isn’t your thing, the filet mignon is another crowd-pleaser. Pair your meal with one of their craft cocktails or a glass of wine from the carefully curated list. Quarterdeck’s vibe is relaxed yet upscale, making it ideal for a date night or special occasion.
What’s better than dining with a lighthouse as your backdrop? Found at the base of the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, Quarterdeck is all about combining fresh, flavorful dishes with a view that can’t be matched.
Start your meal with their signature she-crab soup, a creamy, flavorful dish that locals rave about. For the main course, the fresh catch fish or blackened Springer Mountain Farms chicken alfredo is a must-try, perfectly spiced and paired with seasonal sides. The East Coast shrimp and grits here take a classic Southern dish to a whole new level with rich, buttery flavors and perfectly cooked shrimp.
If seafood isn’t your thing, the filet mignon is another crowd-pleaser. Pair your meal with one of their craft cocktails or a glass of wine from the carefully curated list. Quarterdeck’s vibe is relaxed yet upscale, making it ideal for a date night or special occasion.
Coast: Oceanfront Dining That Wows
87 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
If you’re seeking a fantastic meal with the sound of the waves as your backdrop, Coast — a standout at the Sea Pines Beach Club — is calling your name. This beachside gem is all about fresh, local seafood with a touch of creative flair.
Start with the shrimp skewers or seared ahi tuna with shallot caramel — it’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor. Meanwhile, the roasted whole snapper is an adventurous and delicious main dish. If you’re looking for something lighter, their lobster bisque, packed with tender, buttery lobster meat and sherry cream, is a favorite among regulars. Don’t skip dessert, as the key lime pie tart is a masterpiece that perfectly wraps up your meal.
If you’re seeking a fantastic meal with the sound of the waves as your backdrop, Coast — a standout at the Sea Pines Beach Club — is calling your name. This beachside gem is all about fresh, local seafood with a touch of creative flair.
Start with the shrimp skewers or seared ahi tuna with shallot caramel — it’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor. Meanwhile, the roasted whole snapper is an adventurous and delicious main dish. If you’re looking for something lighter, their lobster bisque, packed with tender, buttery lobster meat and sherry cream, is a favorite among regulars. Don’t skip dessert, as the key lime pie tart is a masterpiece that perfectly wraps up your meal.
Truffles Cafe: Contemporary American Cuisine
71 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Truffles Cafe has been a staple on Hilton Head Island for years, and for good reason. Known for its warm, inviting atmosphere at The Shops at Sea Pines Center and its fantastic menu full of creative takes on comfort food, it’s a dining destination with so much to offer.
Their coconut shrimp is a standout appetizer and a fan favorite. When it’s time for the main course, check out show-stealers like the grilled mango salmon, grilled shrimp, or roasted wild cod. Not into seafood? Their grass-fed filet is tender and packed with flavor. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their impressive list, and you’re in for an unforgettable dining experience.
Truffles Cafe has been a staple on Hilton Head Island for years, and for good reason. Known for its warm, inviting atmosphere at The Shops at Sea Pines Center and its fantastic menu full of creative takes on comfort food, it’s a dining destination with so much to offer.
Their coconut shrimp is a standout appetizer and a fan favorite. When it’s time for the main course, check out show-stealers like the grilled mango salmon, grilled shrimp, or roasted wild cod. Not into seafood? Their grass-fed filet is tender and packed with flavor. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their impressive list, and you’re in for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ombra Cucina Italiana: A Slice of Italy
1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Craving Italian cuisine? You don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy authentic Italian dishes, as Ombra Cucina Italiana has you covered. This upscale eatery at The Village at Wexford delivers all the charm and flavors of a romantic Italian dinner. Start your meal with a delightful salad served with fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil that’s simply divine.
For your entrée, try the seared veal chop, herb-encrusted half-boneless chicken, filet mignon, or fresh Mediterranean fish. Their dessert menu doesn’t disappoint, either — don’t skip the classic tiramisu or the panna cotta for a sweet finish to your Italian feast.
Craving Italian cuisine? You don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy authentic Italian dishes, as Ombra Cucina Italiana has you covered. This upscale eatery at The Village at Wexford delivers all the charm and flavors of a romantic Italian dinner. Start your meal with a delightful salad served with fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil that’s simply divine.
For your entrée, try the seared veal chop, herb-encrusted half-boneless chicken, filet mignon, or fresh Mediterranean fish. Their dessert menu doesn’t disappoint, either — don’t skip the classic tiramisu or the panna cotta for a sweet finish to your Italian feast.
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar: Flavorful and Cozy
18 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
If you’re searching for an Italian dining experience that balances tradition with creativity, Nunzio Restaurant + Bar should be at the top of your list. With a sleek, contemporary ambiance and a menu crafted to highlight the flavors of Italy with a South Carolina twist, this spot offers more than just dinner — it’s an experience.
Kick off your meal with the baby squid, a tender and flavorful starter that’s perfectly fried and served with a spiced marina sauce. For pasta enthusiasts, the housemade gnocchi with ricotta and spinach is a must-try. If you’re looking for something hearty, the oven-roasted rack of lamb is sure to be just the ticket. For dessert, check out the double-cream custard, lemon sorbet with seasonal berries, or signature hot chocolate souffle cake with gelato.
If you’re searching for an Italian dining experience that balances tradition with creativity, Nunzio Restaurant + Bar should be at the top of your list. With a sleek, contemporary ambiance and a menu crafted to highlight the flavors of Italy with a South Carolina twist, this spot offers more than just dinner — it’s an experience.
Kick off your meal with the baby squid, a tender and flavorful starter that’s perfectly fried and served with a spiced marina sauce. For pasta enthusiasts, the housemade gnocchi with ricotta and spinach is a must-try. If you’re looking for something hearty, the oven-roasted rack of lamb is sure to be just the ticket. For dessert, check out the double-cream custard, lemon sorbet with seasonal berries, or signature hot chocolate souffle cake with gelato.
Fishcamp on Broad Creek: Rustic Charm and Great Seafood
11 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Fishcamp on Broad Creek combines a rustic, laid-back atmosphere with high-quality seafood. Their unforgettable waterfront location is perfect for enjoying a shimmering sunset while you dine.
Start with the Prince Edward Island mussels, crispy calamari and pickles, lobster bisque, or fried Maine lobster tail for extra delightful flavors. For the main event, you can’t go wrong with the roasted stuffed flounder — a fan favorite featuring crabmeat, vegetables, and spinach, all seasoned to perfection. The menu at Fishcamp is all about variety, so you’ll be sure to find something for everyone in your group.
Fishcamp on Broad Creek combines a rustic, laid-back atmosphere with high-quality seafood. Their unforgettable waterfront location is perfect for enjoying a shimmering sunset while you dine.
Start with the Prince Edward Island mussels, crispy calamari and pickles, lobster bisque, or fried Maine lobster tail for extra delightful flavors. For the main event, you can’t go wrong with the roasted stuffed flounder — a fan favorite featuring crabmeat, vegetables, and spinach, all seasoned to perfection. The menu at Fishcamp is all about variety, so you’ll be sure to find something for everyone in your group.
Skull Creek Boathouse: Waterfront Dining with Exceptional Views
397 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
If you’re seeking a standout dining experience that combines fresh seafood, creative dishes, and unparalleled waterfront vistas, Skull Creek Boathouse is a must-visit. This lively destination on the banks of Skull Creek is popular with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and intriguing menu of fantastic flavors.
Whether you’re craving a classic seafood platter, tasty sushi, a poke bowl, oysters on the half-shell, a black bean burger, or something a bit more adventurous, Skull Creek Boathouse delivers every single time. Don’t miss Sunday brunch, offering assorted muffins, fresh eggs, breakfast sandwiches, applewood smoked bacon, and delectable omelettes to start your day.
If you’re seeking a standout dining experience that combines fresh seafood, creative dishes, and unparalleled waterfront vistas, Skull Creek Boathouse is a must-visit. This lively destination on the banks of Skull Creek is popular with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and intriguing menu of fantastic flavors.
Whether you’re craving a classic seafood platter, tasty sushi, a poke bowl, oysters on the half-shell, a black bean burger, or something a bit more adventurous, Skull Creek Boathouse delivers every single time. Don’t miss Sunday brunch, offering assorted muffins, fresh eggs, breakfast sandwiches, applewood smoked bacon, and delectable omelettes to start your day.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks: An Island Tradition
1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
No list of Hilton Head Island’s top restaurants would be complete without Hudson’s — a local institution with so much to offer. This iconic eatery has been serving up fresh, local seafood for decades. Hudson’s prides itself on sourcing seafood and raw oysters straight from the local waters around the docks, so you know you’re getting the freshest catch possible.
Their commitment to quality shines through in every bite. Start with the “reel deal” shrimp or the oysters Rockefeller, both of which are absolute classics. Don’t miss the snow crab legs, Lowcountry boil, or steamed clams from the oyster bar. For your entrée, the Atlantic salmon is a classic choice, while the Neptune platter is another excellent option, offering a little bit of everything for those who simply can’t decide. Hudson’s casual, welcoming vibe and fantastic waterfront location make it a must-visit.
No list of Hilton Head Island’s top restaurants would be complete without Hudson’s — a local institution with so much to offer. This iconic eatery has been serving up fresh, local seafood for decades. Hudson’s prides itself on sourcing seafood and raw oysters straight from the local waters around the docks, so you know you’re getting the freshest catch possible.
Their commitment to quality shines through in every bite. Start with the “reel deal” shrimp or the oysters Rockefeller, both of which are absolute classics. Don’t miss the snow crab legs, Lowcountry boil, or steamed clams from the oyster bar. For your entrée, the Atlantic salmon is a classic choice, while the Neptune platter is another excellent option, offering a little bit of everything for those who simply can’t decide. Hudson’s casual, welcoming vibe and fantastic waterfront location make it a must-visit.
Find Your New Favorite Spot
As you can see, Hilton Head Island is a treasure trove of outstanding culinary delights. Each of these restaurants offers something unique, whether it’s stunning views, innovative menus, or endless local charm.
If you're interested in exploring your restaurant options and more in Hilton Head Island real estate, connect with expert Lowcountry Realtor® Karen Ryan to begin the journey.
If you're interested in exploring your restaurant options and more in Hilton Head Island real estate, connect with expert Lowcountry Realtor® Karen Ryan to begin the journey.
