Hilton Head holds a special place in my heart, because it is where my husband proposed to me. He grew up going to Hilton Head with his family, and knows all the best spots to find great food. During our last visit, it was too cold to play in the ocean, so we spent most of our time eating. #NoShame.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 places you should eat in Hilton Head:
The Crazy Crab –
104 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
What to order: Crab of course!
The Crazy Crab has two locations, but my favorite is the one at Jarvis Creek. Recently renovated and with a new expanded back deck, it is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset while chowing down on a hearty portion of crab legs. Every table gets complimentary hush puppies. Don’t forget to say hi to the couple of cats that can usually be found lounging on the front steps.
Old Oyster Factory Restaurant –
101 Marshland Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
What to order: Oysters (although you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu)
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. This is where my husband took me the night he proposed, and the food was delicious. This restaurant was once voted as one of the top 100 scenic view restaurants by Open Table.
Signes Heaven Bound Bakery and Cafe –
93 Arrow Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: Deep dish french toast (as seen on the Food Network)
Signes has been a staple in Hilton Head for over 35 years. It is known for its vast display case filled with Southern style baked goods and their deep dish french toast. If you plan on spending all day at the beach, get a few of their chicken salad sandwiches and some treats to go for a picnic by the sea.
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). I’ve only been for breakfast, but next time I go I will be trying one of their burgers which are supposed to be out of this world!
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. I recommend the latter. It was fascinating watching 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.
The Salty Dog Cafe –
232 S Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: Hushpuppies
Located in Sea Pines, this iconic establishment offers up delicious food with harbor views. This is a great restaurant if you have children, as they usually have fun kid-friendly activities and if you’re lucky, you can get a free picture with Jake the Salty Dog! We buy a Salty Dog t-shirt every time we’re in Hilton Head. They are incredibly soft and good quality. Note that you do have to pay $8 to access the Sea Pines side of the island, but there is plenty to do and see in Harbor town that makes it worth it in my opinion. If you want a Salty Dog shirt, but don’t want to pay the fee to access Sea Pines, they have a t-shirt factory on Arrow Road.
The Sea Shack –
6 Executive Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: Blackened Shack Attack (why choose one thing off the menu when you can have a sample of it all?)
I know I said this post was in no particular order, but I have to admit, these last two are my favorite 🙂 You absolutely cannot go to Hilton Head without eating at The Sea Shack. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming store front and plain interior. 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. If I get a seafood sampler, I usually get it fried. My husband insisted I get the blackened Shack Attack though. He was right; It was phenomenal. The best crab cake I’ve ever had. Get there early, because you can’t save a table while your friend orders for you, and it gets slammed during the lunch time rush.
Marley’s Shrimp and Burger Shack –
35 Office Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
What to order: The Shrimp Burger (add lettuce)
This restaurant is one of Hilton Head’s more recent additions to its food scene. After Googling around a bit trying to decide where to have lunch one day, we settled on 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 if you don’t get your meal to go. All the reviews said to order the shrimp burger. I was skeptical, and it wasn’t until the last minute that I decided to order it. It was my favorite thing I ate the whole trip and unlike anything I’ve ever eaten before. Marley’s was the last place we ate during our most recent visit to Hilton Head, but it will definitely be the first place I stop the next time I go!
There are lots of restaurants in Hilton Head. I still have a lot more eating to do there, but these are my favorites thus far. Let me know in the comments below where I should go the next time I visit!
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.