Best Hilton Head Island Restaurants for Any Occasion

Hilton Head Island is a great getaway for a lot of reasons: Year-round sunshine (thanks to its subtropical climate), award-winning beaches, storied history and endless Southern charm. Yet there’s one more reason to plan a trip to this picturesque South Carolina barrier island: It’s an incredible food destination. Here’s our delicious rundown of great Hilton Head Island restaurants, no matter what you’re craving.

For amazing views: Coast

Hilton Head Island is, of course, surrounded by water, which means there are plenty of restaurants offering incredible views. One of the best is Coast, located in the Sea Pines Beach Club. Whether you choose to dine indoors or out, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping Atlantic Ocean views. Of course, there’s also the food. Coast’s menu includes all kinds of seafood, from shrimp salad to lobster mac and cheese.

For Southern soul food: A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant

With a super-casual atmosphere that feels like a friend’s backyard, A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant serves up classic South Carolina dishes, including award-winning shrimp and grits. Also on the menu: fried green tomatoes, island crab cakes and the down-home potato chip meatloaf brushed with moonshine BBQ sauce.

For dinner and a show: The Jazz Corner

This elegant restaurant not only boasts a reputation for great food, but it’s also the best place on Hilton Head Island to catch some live jazz music. At the Jazz Corner, choose from decadent dishes like pomegranate duck, prosciutto-wrapped jumbo scallops or sesame ahi tuna, then treat yourself to an intimate, 50-seat jazz performance.

For fresh oysters: Old Oyster Factory

Set in a space that was originally an oyster cannery, the Old Oyster Factory delivers sweeping marshland views and — you guessed it — an Instagram-worthy oyster bar. Mollusk lovers can take their pick of oysters on the half shell, oyster Moscovite, baked Creole oysters with Andouille sausage and even an oyster banh mi.

For a vegetarian meal: Delisheeyo

The restaurant itself is a small cottage, but the surrounding organic gardens at Delisheeyo are where the magic happens. A must-try for vegetarians, vegans and health-foodies, this restaurant serves menu items made with ingredients grown on site. Choose from salads, bowls, wraps, juices, yogurts and smoothies.

For an amazing brunch: Skull Creek Dockside

Start your day with amazing food and drink offerings, served with killer views, at Skull Creek Dockside. Rave-worthy breakfast entrees include lobster quiche, biscuits and gravy, and fried chicken with waffles. Of course, you can also indulge in one of their famous bloody marys or mimosas.

For beachfront fun: Tiki Hut

Self-proclaimed as the only beach bar on Hilton Head Island, Tiki Hut offers year-round live music, and there’s something for everyone, from top 40 covers to country, soul and funk. Snacking-friendly foods include coconut shrimp, pulled pork sliders, fried flounder and smoked BBQ wings. Sit back, sink your toes into the sand, and enjoy.

For fine dining: Michael Anthony

Hilton Head Island isn’t only about Southern cuisine and beachfront dining. It’s also a great place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or retirement. Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana is the perfect celebration destination. It features authentic Italian cuisine, an impressive wine list, and a dessert selection worthy of the most special occasions.

Savor Hilton Head Island

One visit is never enough to enjoy all of Hilton Head Island’s culinary treasures. Give yourself more time to explore as a co-owner of a Pacaso second home. You can discover your own favorite eateries and experiment with some Lowcountry recipes in your fully equipped kitchen.

Best Hilton Head Island restaurants for any occasion