A Foodie’s Guide to Hilton Head Island

Fresh seafood, Southern BBQ, and laid-back, coastal vibes are all a part of the local culinary scene on Hilton Head Island. If you want to eat like a local, make sure you check these restaurants off your list!

For fresh local seafood with a casual, coastal atmosphere, visit FISH. They have live music seven days a week from local artists, al fresco dining, and delicious all-you-can-eat crab legs. You can even score a free kids’ meal by taking a bucket from FISH down to the beach, filling it with litter, and returning it to the restaurant — it’s a win-win!

The Porch is another unique spot that you’ll want to experience during your visit to Hilton Head Island. Located at The Beach House Resort, it highlights fresh flavors and uses sustainable, artisanal, and local ingredients in its take on Southern comfort food. Executive Chef Tim Nelson’s delicious farm-to-table approach will undoubtedly have The Porch at the top of your must-try menu.

For Southern BBQ, visit One Hot Mama’s American Grille, part of the official South Carolina BBQ Trail and beloved by the foodie community. The chef, Orchi Paulmeier, is a Food Network star with expertise in Southern BBQ beyond any other on the Island. 
 

The seafood on Hilton Head Island is renowned for freshness and quality, mostly due to the fact that most of it is caught in nearby waters. From casual fare to upscale dining, there’s a seafood dish with a view waiting for you.

Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks is the epitome of our local seafood scene. You can dine while you watch local fishing fleets unload their fresh-caught seafood directly onto the dock and into the restaurant. Local specialties you should try at Hudson’s include fresh oysters, shrimp, and soft shell crab, as well as catches from nearby areas like swordfish, mahi-mahi, grouper, and black sea bass.

ELA’s On the Water has been featured in Bon Appétit and has won numerous OpenTable awards for its fresh catch seafood, prime cut steaks, artfully prepared dishes, and extensive wine selection. Reserve a table at this casual yet intimate restaurant for dinner or brunch and delight in the stunning views overlooking Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina and Broad Creek.

Another impressive seafood destination is Crazy Crab, featuring notable Lowcountry recipes and an award-winning dish: Alaskan Snow Crab Legs. Their location in Jarvis Creek is particularly striking, with breathtaking views overlooking the creek and salt marshes.

Stop by other seafood favorites, like the Old Oyster Factory, overlooking beautiful Broad Creek. Or, dine at the Quarterdeck, with famous views of the moored yachts in Harbour Town Yacht Basin, the 18th green of Harbour Town Golf Links, and the sparkling waters of Calibogue Sound.
 

Looking for a meal that satisfies a specific craving, meets your dietary restrictions, or expands your palate? These restaurants and cafés could be just what you’re looking for.

If you’re gluten sensitive or celiac, you’ll have to plan a visit to The G-Free Spot; your one-stop shop for gluten-free breakfast, lunch, and desserts. They also sell gluten-free pantry items (like flour and pasta) if you’re cooking your own meal and searching for wheat alternatives.

On a health kick? Look no further than Healthy Habit and delisheeyo, both featuring incredible vegan and vegetarian options, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, wraps, and bowls for a satisfying, fresh meal.

If you haven’t heard of The Sea Shack yet, you’re not alone. Known as Hilton Head Island’s “best hidden seafood secret”, this gem is beloved by locals and features reasonably-priced seafood, including fried, grilled, or blackened dishes. We suggest arriving early, as you can expect to wait in line for this local legend.
 

If you’re still craving a bite to eat after the sun goes down, check out one of our many restaurants known for their live music, energetic nightlife, and bar menus.

Rated in the top three best beach bars in the US by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, Tiki Hut is the only bar on the beach on Hilton Head Island, and a must-visit for its atmosphere and live music. Featuring a bar menu with favorites like pulled pork sandwiches and buffalo chicken fries, Tiki Hut is the perfect place to sink your toes in the sand and enjoy a cocktail while listening to a live band.

The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon is another great spot to catch live music while indulging in mouthwatering seafood. Its location on the waterfront creates a perfect sunset backdrop for a picturesque evening out.

A slightly more laid-back option is Nunzio Restaurant + Bar, renowned for its simplicity and local ingredients that perfectly blend the flavors of South Carolina into Italian dishes. Here, you’ll find a lively bar atmosphere and an exceptionally curated wine list.
 

The food and wine festivals on Hilton Head Island are truly something to write home about. Every season features a lively, event-packed festival focusing on a different aspect of Hilton Head Island’s culinary scene.

In the fall, we begin with the Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival, taking place this year on September 20, 2025 in Harbour Town. This is a family-friendly event with all-you-can-eat shrimp prepared by local chefs, craft beer from local breweries, live music, vendors, and kids’ activities.

Next on the docket is Hilton Head Island’s Oyster Festival on November 7th and 8th, 2025. An island tradition for over 30 years, Oyster Festival features local oyster clusters and shrimp, live music, a great atmosphere, and other delicious Lowcountry specialties like pulled pork, seafood chowder, chili, and, of course, Lowcountry boils.

Heading into the new year, we celebrate the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival from February 23 to March 1, 2026. This is the place to experience Southern heritage and culture through food. With everything from chef demonstrations to starlit barbecues and fresh seafood tastings, this is a week-long celebration to plan your entire vacation around.

Following the seafood festival is Wing Fest on March 21, 2026. This event features dozens of local restaurants as they make their best wings and compete for the title of “Best Wings on the Island.”

The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival begins the following day on March 22 through March 28, 2026. Here, you can experience wine auctions and tastings, craft beers on the beach, wine dinners, and more — all while helping to raise funds for college scholarships for those pursuing a degree in the hospitality and tourism industries. 
 

The bakeries, cafés, and coffee shops on Hilton Head Island are abundant, each serving up delicious specialty coffees, fresh pastries, and tasty food.

The newly opened Origin Coffee is a go-to for craft-roasted coffee just minutes from the beach. Enjoy their bright, welcoming space, and look forward to brunch coming soon. Tucked away in the north end of the island is Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters, a mainstay for in-house roasted coffee, espresso, cold brew, and locally-made pastries that will get your day started on the right foot.

Burritos and coffee might sound like an unlikely pair, but at Java Burrito, you’ll see that it’s a match made in heaven. Java Burrito is a must for lattes, margaritas, and Mexican-inspired dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. If you’re craving a sweet treat, stop by Crumbl Cookies for some of their famous mini or full-size cookies and desserts. Or, visit one of our amazing local bakeries for fresh pastries, bread, and desserts.

Hilton Head Social Bakery is a must-visit for authentic French baked goods. Browse their mouthwatering selection of savory pastries, brioche, flaky croissants, cookies, and bread. They also create custom cakes for events and weddings. We also suggest trying the delicious bread at Sprout Momma Breads & Brews, a family-owned and operated artisan bakery, featuring local ingredients, organic flours, and handmade food from scratch, every day. You can also find their delicious bread at local restaurants, including Red Fish, Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, and Java Burrito Company.
 

The dining options on Hilton Head Island are seemingly endless, and there are so many more restaurants, cafés, and bars to continue to explore during your visit. See our full list of dining options and go beyond the guide; just don’t forget to leave room for dessert!