9 Best Restaurants in Hilton Head and the Low Country, South Carolina

Captain Woody's

$$ | South End Fodor's choice

If you're looking for a fun, casual, kid-friendly seafood restaurant, this vibrant joint offers creamy crab bisque, oysters on the half shell, and a sampler platter that includes crab legs, shrimp, and oysters. Open daily for lunch and dinner, plus a Sunday brunch, Captain Woody's has indoor and outdoor seating. A second location in Bluffton features a rooftop deck.

Coast

$$$ | South End Fodor's choice

An oceanfront restaurant can often count on its real estate to bring in diners, but this casual yet upscale seafood spot at the Sea Pines Beach Club doesn't cut corners in the kitchen. There is plenty of Southern-inspired fare for landlubbers, but the real gems are the raw bar platter and the day's featured fish entrée.

Hudson's Seafood House

$$$ | North End Fodor's choice

Built over the water on Port Royal Sound, this classic seafood joint buys its fish and shrimp directly from the boats that dock there, and the staff raises their own oysters and soft-shell crabs with an in-house mariculture program. Dining here feels like stepping back 50 years into an authentic waterfront dive, including the locally sourced, same-day-fresh seafood that's now often hard to find.

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The Sea Shack

$ | South End Fodor's choice

Heaping plates of fried seafood and hearty po'boys are worth the long line at this local staple counter-serve. The humble dining room and open kitchen suit the mouthwatering platters perfectly. Local tip: During the busy summer months, call in your order for pickup and skip the line.

Black Marlin Bayside Grill

$$$ | South End

This busy restaurant specializing in seafood dishes such as chowder and fish tacos is open for lunch and dinner every day, and brunch on the weekend. Located in Palmetto Bay Marina, the Black Marlin has indoor and outdoor seating, as well as family-style meals available for takeout.

Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant

This outpost, with its rough-hewn tables facing the water, serves up Gullah-inspired fare with specialties such as Daufuskie deviled crab and chicken salad on buttery grilled rolls. Entrées include shrimp and local seafood, while the Lowcountry buffet features pulled pork, fried chicken, and sides like butter beans and potato salad.

Saltus River Grill

$$$$ | Downtown Historic District

This upscale restaurant wins over diners with its sailing motifs, great cocktails, and modern Southern menu. Take in the sunset and a plate of seared sea scallops from the gorgeous outdoor seating area overlooking the waterfront park. From Lowcountry flavors to innovative dishes, Saltus sets the standard for a memorable dining experience.

Skull Creek Boathouse

$$ | North End

Soak up the salty atmosphere in this complex of dining areas where almost every table has a view of the water. Outside is a third dining area and a bar called the Marker 13 Buoy Bar, where Adirondack chairs invite you to sit back, listen to live music, and catch the sunset.

The Crazy Crab

$$ | North End

With two distinct locations on Hilton Head, the Crazy Crab has been a long-time institution thanks to its quality seafood and friendly environment. Don't miss the she-crab soup and crab cakes. The location on the north end has a giant outdoor seating area and bar, with beautiful waterfront views overlooking Jarvis Creek. It also has a large saltwater fish tank and a playground. The other restaurant is located in the heart of Harbour Town on the south end and is a very popular spot in the summer months.

Hilton Head and the Low Country

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