These are the 15 best Hilton Head restaurants for 2024, Southern Living says. Here’s why
Are you looking to expand your list of favorite restaurants on Hilton Head Island?
Southern Living, a popular lifestyle magazine that caters toward the Southern U.S., released a list written by Justine Harrington of the 15 best places for you to eat your way through Hilton Head Island this year.
Although many locals tend to have their predetermined eateries where they may even have a “usual” menu item and vacationers may come with a planned itinerary of beach time, shops and widely known establishments, the two groups may find themselves in need of refreshing their list of restaurants.
If that’s so, here is Southern Living’s recent list of the “15 best places to eat in Hilton Head.”
Hilton Head Social Bakery
Hilton Head Social Bakery first originated at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina and later opened a second site near the Sea Pines Circle following the high demand and adoration for the locale.
The French bakery is owned and operated by award-winning French chef Philippe Feret and serves a variety of camera-ready pastries, desserts and breakfast items.
Last year, Hilton Head Social Bakery was found to be the best bakery in the state, according to Yelp.
Day-to-day hours of operation vary by location.
Lulu Kitchen
Lulu Kitchen, which can be found at 890 William Hilton Parkway in Fresh Market Shoppes, offers guests an eclectic ambiance with Southern-inspired, American-style menu items.
The restaurant is led by the award-winning Chef Scott Hastings, who opened the establishment in 2021.
Lulu kitchen is open daily.
The Sea Shack
The Sea Shack on Hilton Head Island is a local and tourist favorite that can be found at 6 Executive Park Road. The establishment serves a made-to-order menu that is prepared to your liking as either fried, grilled, or blackened.
During the summer months, The Sea Shack boasts long lines from those hoping to take home some of the locale’s coveted seafood menu items.
The seafood eatery is closed on Sundays and has different summer and winter hours. In the summer, the restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for lunch and 5-9 p.m. for dinner hours. In the winter, the restaurant is still open Monday through Saturday, with lunch hours at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5-8:30 p.m.
Chez Georges
Chez Gerges is a sophisticated French bistro located at 37 New Orleans Road in Hilton Head that serves a myriad of delightful menus for Sunday brunch, Aperitif hour, lunch and dinner along with a drinks menu and an upcoming whiskey tasting, which will take place on Aug. 8.
The establishment describes itself as a French bistro with a Lowcountry accent that serves as a gathering place for families, friends and neighbors.
Chez Georges is open daily and reservations are recommended.
Nectar Farm Kitchen
Nectar Farm Kitchen can be found at the south end of Hilton Head Island
The eatery is a place where “every dish is lovingly prepared with locally sourced ingredients,” as detailed by Harrington and serves guests a “fresh-off-the-farm-feast.”
Nectar is located at 35-A Office Park Road and is open daily.
Coast
Coast is located within Sea Pines at the south end of Hilton Head Island at the Sea Pines Resort and is open to the public daily.
The beachfront establishment offers guests stunning ocean views and an outdoor patio to enjoy the salty sea breeze. Coast’s Lowcountry menu features a variety of local seafood, a raw bar, cocktails and more while guests also enjoy the nearby live music at this family-friendly establishment.
Skull Creek Boathouse
Skull Creek Boathouse offers a waterfront experience with scenic views of Skull Creek, a relaxed atmosphere, an indoor sushi bar, local seafood, multiple dining areas, an outdoor bar and sunset views.
Guests are urged not to leave The Boathouse without trying the salt and vinegar crab cakes, according to Southern Living.
The popular restaurant is located at 397 Squire Pope Road and is open daily.
The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar
The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar features locally sourced Southern cuisine and creative cocktails.
The restaurant and bar can be found at 841 William Hilton Parkway Unit A on Tuesdays through Sundays from 5-9 p.m. as well as for Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + bar offers guests with a “rustic-chic” indoor environment and a heated outdoor bar and patio as well as a wine Wednesday event that features half-priced bottles of wine between 4-8 p.m.
Black Marlin Bayside Grill
The Black Marlin Bayside Grill at Palmetto Bay Marina in Hilton Head recently reopened earlier this summer after months of extensive renovations for your enjoyment.
The restaurant is located at 86 Helmsman Way on Hilton Head Island and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with brunch beginning at 10 a.m. during the weekend.
Southern Living wrote that, “whatever you do, be sure to try a cup of the seafood chowder” in addition to their fish tacos.
Burnt Church Distillery
Although located in Bluffton, which is adjacent to Hilton Head Island on the mainland, Burnt Church Distillery features a sophisticated atmosphere, authentic Lowcountry spirits, a varietal menu, a 7,000 square-foot tasting room, gift shop, humidor and on-site manufacturing facility.
The distillery can be found at 120 Bluffton Road and is open daily.
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar is open daily at 18 New Orleans Road on Hilton head Island and offers guests the opportunity to experience homemade Italian cuisine through traditional meals and desserts.
The Italian restaurant offers fresh, simple and local dishes, according to Nunzio’s website, and displays a lively bar scene with Italian charm.
Nunzio is owned and operated by its executive chef, Nunzio Patruno, who designed the restaurant’s experience based on his love for the cuisine and wonderful wines.
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks
Hudson’s is located at 1 Hudson Road on Hilton Head and is open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.
Diners get the opportunity to experience scenic, waterfront views of Port Royal Sound at this iconic seafood joint, which has been around for over 50 years.
“Seafood doesn’t come fresher than this—Hudson’s sources its fish and shrimp directly from one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head,” wrote Harrington.
One Hot Mama’s American Grill
One Hot Mama’s is a family-friendly establishment local to the area and is a part of the official South Carolina BBQ Trail. With award-winning cuisine, guests are sure to enjoy their fried chicken, barbecue and other menu items.
“Food Network Star and barbecue pitmistress Orchid Paulmeier blesses the community with her award-winning baby-back ribs and chicken wings at One Hot Mama’s,” Southern Living raved.
“Dishes like the Stack A Mac (fried mac and cheese bites topped with queso, chopped brisket, Perfect 10 barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and scallions) are sure to stick in your mind for years to come,” the list detailed.
The restaurant can be found on Hilton Head Island at Reilleys Plaza, 7A-1 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 and in Bluffton at 104 Buckwalter Parkway Suite 1A, Bluffton, SC 29910.
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
Fishcamp on Broad Creek allows guests to have the option to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner at this historic waterfront setting.
“This waterfront restaurant pays homage to the fish camp that was erected on its grounds in 1955. Housed in the camp’s original building, you’ll find fried shrimp and blue crab cakes served with a side of history and nostalgia at Fishcamp,” Harrigton detailed.
Located at 11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Fishcamp on Broad Creek has bonuses that the whole family can enjoy such as seasonal, outdoor live music, oyster roasts and other family-friendly games and entertainment throughout the year.
Marley’s Shrimp & Burger Shack
Marley’s Shrimp & Burger Shack is an a walk-up, fast-casual concept that is located right next to Marley’s Island Grille on the south end of Hilton Head Island.
“Handhelds are the focus at Marleys, with lunch specials like shrimp tacos and double cheeseburgers served with hand-cut fries and a soda offered for around $15,” Southern Living explained.
Marley’s Shrimp& Burger Shack is located at 35 Office Park Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.
