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

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.

Lucky Rooster

$$$ | Mid-Island Fodor's choice
From its unassuming perch at the corner of a strip mall, the ever-changing daily menus at this chef-owned farm-to-table establishment sit quietly on par with the very best dining in neighboring Charleston. Whether it's braised short rib, Korean-style fried chicken, or roasted octopus, the Rooster's kitchen serves plates brimming with pride and inspiration.

Recommended Fodor's Video

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.

Breakwater Restaurant & Bar

$$$ | Downtown Historic District

This classy downtown restaurant offers small tasting plates such as tuna crudo and fried shrimp, as well as main dishes like lamb meat loaf and filet mignon with a truffle demi-glace. The presentation is as contemporary as the decor. There's an attractive bar area and an impressive and affordable wine list.

203 Carteret St., Beaufort, South Carolina, 29902, USA
843-379–0052
Known For
  • contemporary approach to Lowcountry cuisine
  • elegant atmosphere
  • local loyalty
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted

Charlie's L'Etoile Verte

$$$ | Mid-Island

This family-owned culinary landmark has been serving French cuisine with a Lowcountry flair since 1982. While the handwritten menu changes daily, classic dishes like escargot, pate, and rack of lamb remain the same. From lunch, dinner, desserts, and curbside pickup, the "green star" shines.

8 New Orleans Rd., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USA
843-785–9277
Known For
  • extensive wine list (more than 500 bottles)
  • 14 varying seafood entrées offered nightly
  • fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

Frankie Bones

$$$ | North End

The early '60s theme here appeals to an older crowd that likes the traditional Italian dishes on the early dining menu, but younger patrons who order flatbread pizzas and small plates can be found at the bar area. Some dishes have innovative twists, including the 16-ounce rib eye with a sweetened coffee rub. Reservations are accepted at both the Hilton Head and Bluffton locations.

1301 Main St., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926, USA
843-682–4455
Known For
  • cool twists on traditional dishes
  • drinks for dessert, like a key lime colada martini and house-made limoncello
  • the 24-ounce "Godfather Cut" prime rib
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

Santa Fe Cafe

$$$ | Mid-Island

The sights, sounds, and aromas of New Mexico greet you here: Native American rugs, Mexican ballads, steer skulls and horns, and the smell of chilies and mesquite on the grill. Listen to guitarra music in the rooftop cantina, enjoy the adobe fireplaces on chilly nights, or dine under the stars.

807 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USA
843-785–3838
Known For
  • rooftop cantina with a cozy fireplace and live music
  • signature grouper served with chipotle Parmesan au gratin
  • one of the island's best margaritas
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

Truffles Cafe

$$$ | South End

When a restaurant keeps its customers happy for decades, there's a reason, and in the case of Truffles, it's the consistently good service and excellent food. Popular entrées include grilled salmon with a mango-barbecue glaze and the chicken pot pie. Order meals to-go or enjoy the indoor and outdoor seating available. A second spot is located in Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton.

71 Lighthouse Rd., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USA
843-671–6136
Known For
  • wide-ranging, crowd-pleasing menu with plenty of seafood
  • very popular with locals
  • on-site market with thoughtful gifts
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential