A Seafood Lover's Guide to Hilton Head Island

Surrounded by salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the open Atlantic, the Island is home to a rich variety of fish and shellfish that help define its culinary identity. Oysters, shrimp, blue crab, and fish like grouper, flounder, and redfish are staples in many Lowcountry kitchens. Rooted in Southern and Gullah traditions, these ingredients are prepared in ways that reflect the Island’s deep connection to the coast, with recipes often passed down through generations.

Warm coastal waters mean there’s always something fresh on the menu. Clams, sea bass, and swordfish are available year-round, while shrimp are most abundant in the warmer months. Oysters are best enjoyed once the temperatures cool, blue crab is especially common in spring and early fall, and snapper appears briefly in August. Each season brings a new flavor to the table, which means every visit offers a new way to savor what the coast has to offer.

If you’re marking a special occasion or just looking for a dinner with a side of ocean breeze, Hilton Head Island offers no shortage of standout seafood restaurants that bring the best of the coast to your plate.

For an elevated experience, Hilton Head’s fine dining scene brings local seafood to the spotlight. The Quarterdeck at The Sea Pines Resort features charcoal-roasted oysters, market fish, and a rooftop oyster bar overlooking Harbour Town and Calibogue Sound. At HH Prime, located inside the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, you’ll find a polished beachfront setting with dishes like seasonal island ceviche and classic Lowcountry she-crab soup. Over in Palmetto Dunes, Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar offers a seasonal menu built around locally caught seafood, thoughtfully complemented by expertly selected wine pairings.

Looking for something more low-key? America’s Favorite Island® is home to plenty of laid-back favorites. A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant serves award-winning shrimp and grits in a cozy, garden setting, along with seafood perloo and house-made blue crab dip. The Black Marlin Bayside Grill is another go-to, known for its open-air patio and crowd-pleasing dishes like ahi tuna nachos and Sweet Heat Mahi Mahi. And just up the road from Coligny Beach, The Sea Shack draws loyal locals and visitors alike with its no-frills approach and generous platters of grilled, blackened, or fried seafood.

There’s nothing like enjoying fresh seafood with a front-row view of the water. At The Old Oyster Factory, panoramic marsh views and a raw bar make it a family favorite. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, one of the Island’s oldest seafood restaurants, offers a true ocean-to-plate experience, with seafood delivered each day by local fishing fleets. Over at Skull Creek Boathouse, expansive waterfront seating pairs perfectly with a menu of market-fresh fish and creative options from their in-house sushi bar.

If you’re staying at a home or a villa rental, there’s something satisfying about cooking with seafood you picked up yourself. For fresh, local options, head to South End Seafood Market, a trusted source for local shrimp and a daily selection of fish. Benny Hudson Seafood, a family-run establishment for over five generations, offers some of the freshest, most responsibly harvested catch in the area. Another great option is Barnacle Bill’s Fresh Seafood Market, which provides local favorites like mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, and red snapper. With a few fillets, some shrimp, and a bottle of seasoning, you’ve got everything you need for a delicious night in!

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Our coastal paradise has plenty of options for getting out on the water. Off The Hook Fishing Charters offers a variety of trips, from family-friendly excursions to traditional Lowcountry shrimping. Captain Experiences provides even more options, with charters that explore inshore, backcountry, and offshore deep-sea fishing excursions. For something a little different, Outside Hilton Head offers a range of unique outings, from guided shrimping to kayak fishing, giving you a chance to explore the Island’s waters and reel in your own fresh catch.

On Hilton Head Island, seafood is celebrated all year long. From casual shrimp boils to festive oyster roasts, the Island’s events bring people together with great food, live music, and unmistakable Lowcountry charm. 

Every September, the Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival serves up all-you-can-eat shrimp, craft beer tastings, live music, and activities the whole family can enjoy. Come November, the Hilton Head Oyster Festival pays tribute to the Lowcountry’s signature shellfish with a variety of oyster preparations, Southern side dishes, and a festive atmosphere. Then in February, the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival draws top chefs, culinary personalities, and local vendors for a full week of cooking demos, tasting events, and entertainment. With events happening year-round, be sure to check the Hilton Head Island event calendar to see what’s on during your visit!

A visit to America’s Favorite Island® means enjoying the freshest catches, savoring standout seafood dishes, and connecting with a maritime heritage that’s uniquely Lowcountry. Hungry for more? Start planning your visit to Hilton Head Island today, and discover the island’s irresistible seafood scene for yourself.