Most people think of the beach when they envision Hilton Head, but we mostly think of the delicious food. In this post, we’re sharing all the best places to eat in Hilton Head. From restaurants with romantic lowcountry views to casual spots where they serve the best crab cakes in the world on paper plates – there is something for all budgets and palates on this list!
Hilton Head holds a special place in Kayla’s heart, because it’s where her husband proposed to her. He grew up going to Hilton Head with his family, and now he and Kayla are carrying on the tradition with their family. They go at least once every year!
In no particular order, here are the best places to eat in Hilton Head:
The Crazy Crab –
104 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
What to order: Crab legs of course!
The Crazy Crab has two locations, but the general consensus is that Jarvis Creek is the best location. The interior is spacious and well decorated, but most people like the outdoor seating with its amazing views. This is the best place on the island to go for crab legs.
The Crazy Crab is a fantastic spot for families to go with younger children. There is a large aquarium with beautiful fish that kids will enjoy. But what they’ll love even more is the little pirate ship playground out back!
The Sea Shack –
6 Executive Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: The Shack Attack (why choose one thing off the menu when you can have a sample of it all?)
You absolutely cannot go to Hilton Head without eating at The Sea Shack. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior. The food is amazing. They stick to their motto, “Not fancy, just good”.
The walls are adorned with plaques and newspaper articles confirming the restaurant as one of the top seafood spots in the Southeast. The Shack Attack platter lets you sample one of everything, but there’s one thing that will especially stand out – the crab cake. The Sea Shack has the BEST crab cakes Kayla has ever had.
Don’t be surprised if there’s a line out the door. If you ask anyone on the island where the best places to eat in Hilton Head are, The Sea Shack will undoubtedly be mentioned. We recommend getting there early or eating outside of typical hours to avoid a long line!
Old Oyster Factory Restaurant –
101 Marshland Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
What to order: Oysters and the Crab and Artichoke Dip
If you’re wanting dinner on the fancier side, reserve a table at the Old Oyster Factory and ask for a table by a window. The windows are floor to ceiling and offer stunning views of the water and the shore speckled with oyster shells. It’s no wonder this restaurant was once voted as one of the top 100 scenic view restaurants by Open Table.
This is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion – it’s where Kayla’s husband took her the night he proposed!
Harold’s Diner –
641 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: Burger
This no frills diner is a good, cheap place for breakfast or lunch. The staff is known for cracking jokes openly with each other and customers, and there are funny, sarcastic signs adorning the walls. So come with a sense of humor (and cash, because it is cash only).
Fiesta Fresh –
51 New Orleans Rd. #4, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: Chimichanga, Chile Relleno, or Hardshell Tacos
Tucked into the corner of a strip mall, Fiesta Fresh has an unassuming store front but the best Mexican food on the island. On. Kayla’s past few trips to Hilton Head, she’s eaten here multiple times each trip – it’s that good.
There is a constant stream of people picking up their to go orders or choosing to dine in, and the incredibly friendly staff knows most of them by name. Their chimichangas are ginormous and delicious. The hardshell tacos also deserve a special shoutout – the shells are made fresh in house!
This is a great option when you need a break from seafood and want hearty portions without spending an arm and a leg!
Benny’s Coastal Kitchen –
75 Shrimpers Row, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
What to order: Hushpuppies for the appetizer, and their specials of the day are always a solid choice
Benny’s Coastal Kitchen is one of Hilton Head’s newer establishments. The waterfront eatery opened in 2024 and is already making a big impact.
The two story establishment offers outdoor seating on the patio and lawn with views of the water, indoor seating in their beautiful dining room with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the lawn and water, as well as a rooftop bar that has a specialty menu and a variety of drinks.
The food at Benny’s is fresh and fantastic. Hilton Head has a lot of seafood restaurants that offer similar entrees. We really appreciated that Benny’s has a menu that stands apart from the other offerings on the island, and it also uses creative seasoning combos to make for a memorable meal.
We recommend dining in the evening so you can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the water. There are several places by the water’s edge to take photos, as well as a swing, a few hammocks, and lawn games. Reservations are recommended!
Bullies BBQ –
3 Regency Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: Brisket or and ribs
When a BBQ spot we were trying to go to was packed with a raucous crowd, we headed to Bullies BBQ instead. AND I’M SO GLAD WE DID.
Don’t be bothered by the fact that this BBQ joint is adjoined to a gas station (the best places usually are). The food is amazing, it’s spotless inside, and the staff are super warm and welcoming. Sit near a wall so you can read the thousands of signatures of people from around the world who have eaten at Bullies.
Skull Creek Boat House –
397 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
What to order: Fried Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, or Stuffed Shrimp
The Boat House has an extensive menu and boasts as being the most awarded landmark waterfront restaurant in Hilton Head. You can sit inside in the dining area, at the sushi bar, or outdoors by the water. We recommend the latter.
It’s fascinating to watch the massive fork lifts carry boats from the water to the boat house. Take advantage of the complimentary valet parking as this place gets packed quickly, and you could be circling the lot for a while trying to find a space.
Giuseppi’s Pizza –
50 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: Giuseppi’s Special
Giuseppi’s has the location listed above, or you can go to their 2nd location in Blufton. We like to stay at Hilton Head Beach and Tennis so the Shelter Cove location is the one we go to. Their sauce is flavorful, and the crust is perfectly chewy and crispy. They have a pepperoni pizza with THREE kinds of pepperoni! Eat at the restaurant or enjoy a good meal without the fuss by getting one to go.
A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant –
32 Palmetto Bay Rd. Suite 4A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: Pork belly for your appetizer, shrimp and grits for your entree, and key lime pie for dessert
A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant is known for having the #3 ranked shrimp and grits IN THE WORLD. That alone should make you want to eat there. Their shrimp and grits are absolutely delicious!
The staff are incredibly friendly and the vibes are good at this cozy restaurant. They don’t take reservations, so you will probably have to wait when you visit. But they have a covered wait area and benches to sit while you wait.
The dining room has 6 tables, but the covered patio offers more seating. The servers were incredibly friendly and funny, keeping everyone thoroughly entertained while we ate.
Your belly will be full when you’re done eating, but there’s always room for dessert right? Do yourself a favor and round things out with a slice of their key lime pie! Calories don’t count when you’re on vacation!
Marley’s Shrimp and Burger Shack –
35 Office Park Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: The Shrimp Burger (add lettuce)
After Googling around a bit trying to decide where to have lunch one day, we decided to try out Marley’s. It’s a casual restaurant where you walk up to the window to order, and then sit at picnic tables outside to eat.
All the reviews said to order the shrimp burger. Kayla was skeptical, and it wasn’t until the last minute that she decided to order it. It was unusual but really excellent!
Hilton Head Ice Cream –
55 New Orleans Rd. #114, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Hilton Head Ice Cream offers traditional and unusual flavors and uses fresh ingredients to make their ice cream in house. Every time we’ve ever been, there’s a line out the door. But we promise, the short wait is worth it!
If you order a milkshake, it’s a plastic cup with the Hilton Head Ice Cream logo on it – a cat with a big grin! You can also buy fun tie-dye t-shirts that have the logo on it. These both make great little souvenirs to take back home!
The French Bakery –
28 Shelter Cove Ln. #120, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: Pastries, quiche, french toast
When you step into this charming bakery, you are transported to a bustling cafe in France. The dessert case is filled to the brim with decadent pastries. Behind the counter, cabinets to the ceiling contain freshly made loaves of bread, a colorful array of mismatched teapots, and large wooden signs that highlight some of the bakery’s specialties.
You can choose to order a few pastries to go (because you won’t be able to choose just one), or you can dine off the menu at tables adorned with cheery tablecloths while gazing wistfully at the paintings of tulip fields that hang on the walls.
Did we miss a place on our list of Best Places to Eat in Hilton Head? Let us know in the comments below, so we can eat there next time we go!
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Stacks for breakfast is a must!!! Crème Brûlée French Toast. Annie O’s & Lulu❤️❤️
Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
Very useful information specifically the remaining phase.
Thanks so much Alisha! Happy to hear that you are finding my posts useful in your travels 🙂
What about Lowcountry Backyard and Fish Camp on Broad? They are my favorites. Have you tried them? If not, try the shrimp and grits at Lowcountry. They also have a great salad that has fried green tomatoes, bacon and shrimp. Fish Camp has amazing food. You can’t go wrong. The fried fish is the best on the island. Crab cakes are mostly crab too.
Lowcountry Backyard was our favorite, too! Best shrimp and grits I’ve had anywhere!
All of these places sound fantastic! Thanks for including different types of food, and places that are kid-friendly. This is a great list of restaurants to try.