Hilton Head Island is food-lover’s paradise. While the Island is only 12
miles long, it’s home to more than 250 restaurants. The bounty of
choices can be overwhelming, so we thought we’d help you narrow down
your options, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Here are ten of
the best Hilton Head restaurants and eateries:
1. Where To Go For Date Night
Lucky Rooster
One of Hilton’s Head’s hottest spots, the Lucky Rooster is the perfect
pick for date night, whether you’re just getting to know someone, or
you’re leaving the kids with the babysitter. The Lucky Rooster’s décor
is intimate without being stuffy (you can draw on the paper tablecloth)
and the farm-to-table cuisine is inventive and ever-changing. For a
touch of whimsy, be sure to order one of their delicious tiki cocktails.
Photo Credit: @luckyroosterhhi
2. Where To Take The Kids
Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers & Pizza
A family favorite for guests and visitors alike, with beautiful views
of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. In addition to lots of choices on
their pleasing kids menu, as the name suggests, Jim’s has a wide
selection of appetizers, burgers, made-to-order pizzas, and BBQ that’s
sure to please the whole crew. Looking for more family dining options on
Hilton Head Island? Check out this family-friendly restaurant round-up.
Photo Credit: @ellebruiser
3. Where To Eat On A Budget
Stu’s Surfside Subs
Stu’s Surfside Subs sells delicious hot and cold submarine sandwiches,
ideal for grabbing on your way to or from the beach near Coligny Plaza.
Made-to-order, these subs won’t break the bank. Enjoy a custom creation,
or order one of their local specialties like the Harbor Town Classic or
The Islander.
Photo Credit: @stusurfsidesubs
4. Where To Splurge
Charlie’s L’Etoile Vere
For a night of decadence on Hilton Head Island, head to Charlie’s
L’Etoile Vere, also commonly called The Green Star. The restaurant has
been a mainstay since 1982. Specializing in French cuisine, on the menu
you’ll find delicacies like escargot a la Bourguignonne, Rack of Lamb,
Local Swordfish, and more. Their wine list has an extensive selection of
old-world wines as well as selections from California and Oregon.
Photo Credit: @preppy_islander
5. Where To Eat Great Seafood
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
You’ll find delicious seafood at Alexander’s Restaurant and Wine Bar in
Palmetto Dunes. Appetizer selections include oysters, crab cakes, and
popcorn calamari. For main dishes, you can choose between flounder
that’s stuffed with crab, diver scallops, and grilled grouper. There’s
also plenty of land-based choices for anyone in your party averse to
seafood.
Photo Caption: @alexandershhi
6. Where To Go For Great Meat
HH Prime
For anyone who prefers ‘turf’ to ‘surf’ HH Prime—located inside the
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort in Palmetto Dunes—is the place to
go. Mouthwatering steaks are their specialty, with USDA Prime Grade
beef. Watch your filet mignon or bone-in ribeye be grilled for you from
the open show kitchen. For extra decadence, top your steak with some of
their foie gras butter.
Photo Credit: @snryan45
7. Where To Eat Breakfast
Harold’s Diner
Is there a better place to go for breakfast than a classic diner? We
don’t think so! This Island staple is great for a quick, but filling
meal. Pancakes, French toast, eggs, and bacon, you’ll find all of your
breakfast favorites here. A few quick tips to help your first trip go
smoothly: it’s cash only, and self-serve, when you come in select what
you want to eat, write it down and hand it in.
Photo Credit: @lauren.gilliss
8. Where To Eat Lunch
The Dunes House
For a delicious, al fresco beachside lunch in Palmetto Dunes, look no
further than The Dunes House. On the menu– all cooked in the outdoor
kitchen–you’ll find all your favorite lunchtime classics like grilled
burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and wraps. The house specialty is their
fish taco, topped with a delicious black bean relish. The Dunes House is
open to Palmetto Dunes resort guests and property owners.
Photo Credit: @lovethislifeblog
9. Where To Go For Dessert
Hilton Head Social Bakery
French flair meets Southern Charm at this delightful bakery. Satisfy
your sweet tooth with a mouthwatering selection of French classics like
pain au chocolat, eclairs, macarons, and mille-feuille. American
classics include cinnamon buns, NY-style cheesecake, and bread pudding.
10. Where To Go For Lowcountry Classics
Hudson on the Docks
Situated right on the dock of Skull Creek, Hudson’s prepares delicious
Lowcountry cuisine, with an emphasis on locally caught seafood. From
appetizers including fried green tomatoes and crab cakes, to mains of
local shrimp and grits or blackened flounder and peanut butter pie for
dessert, you can enjoy a meal full of Lowcountry classics.
