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restaurants on Hilton Head Island

M

ml855

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Location
Sykesville, Maryland
My husband and I will be visiting Hilton Head Island in a couple of weeks and would like some recommendations on restaurants. Can anyone here on TUG help us out, thanks.
 
Search out posts by jme. He is my go to guy for Resturants on HHI. He has a very extensive list of recommendations.
 
jont said:
Search out posts by jme. He is my go to guy for Resturants on HHI. He has a very extensive list of recommendations.
Click to expand...

Why, Thanks my good buddy, jont. Here it is, the last "update" I did...


Hilton Head Restaurants

This is my own personal list, and represents an "UPDATE of my previous update". It reflects my own opinion, and it's the list from which we choose our own dinners out. We tend to pick the nicer independently-owned places rather than chains, but there are ample chains represented at Hilton Head, and there are some good ones. Carrabba's for instance is always good, but since we have that at home, we don't usually go.

Reservations at most of these places are highly recommended, even days ahead. Some places don't take reservations, but those that don't, still honor the Marriott Concierge calls, and you can get "call-ahead seating" with a minimal wait if you let the Concierge call for you around midday. They hold only a few spots for that daily call-ahead privilege, so beware. For some I'd recommend calling the day before, like Skull Creek Boathouse which stays super busy. The concierge can advise what is best.

For Grande Ocean, the front desk is (843) 686-7343,
for Barony it's (843) 342-1608,
and for SurfWatch it's (843) 363-3400.
ASK FOR the CONCIERGE.

Also, when you first check in, PICK UP a Menu Guide from the magazine rack in the lobby (not the small pamphlet, but the larger menu guide). You can view dozens of menus easily in that book for comparison, and it will help a lot. It may even tell you that you don't care for a few of my own favorites, as everybody has different preferences.

HH has over 200 restaurants, so there are a lot from which to choose.
Although all of HH's restaurants are "casual",the ones with (*) after the name below in my lists are a bit more quiet, upscale, and "fine dining" category.


TRADITIONAL SEAFOOD:

Skull Creek Boathouse....hands down my personal favorite for seafood. Inside or outside dining. Bar inside and out. Concierge a MUST for "call-ahead seating", otherwise a 90-120 minute wait, any night.
http://www.skullcreekboathouse.com/archives/menus/dinner-menu

Black Marlin Bayside Grill...good solid seafood restaurant, indoor booths or outdoor in courtyard atmosphere (tables with umbrellas).
http://blackmarlinhhi.com/menus/dinner-menu/

Sea Shack....
Sea Shack is a hole in the wall, but it has good basic food. You stand outside until a table opens. Just for seafood. Not fine dining by any stretch..... lately it's been inconsistent in my opinion. popular but not my favorite. mentioned because it's often recommended by others.
http://seashackhhi.com/

Old Oyster Factory...very popular, good seafood but not great seafood. Awesome atmosphere, beautiful building on marsh/waterway, amazingly beautiful views. We still like it, and go each trip. Concierge "call-ahead seating" a MUST.
https://www.oldoysterfactory.com/ordereze/1000/Page.aspx

Crazy Crab (2 locations)... we like the Harbour Town location but many like the other. Just too far to drive for us to the second location near on-island bridge. It's crazy allright....loud, busy, lots of kids and families----must be in the mood for all that stimulation, but it has good basic seafood.
http://www.thecrazycrab.com/

Roastfish and Cornbread.... "down home" Southern cooking by owner, Chef David. A relatively new hot spot going on 2 years now. Some have said it's just OK, but it continues to be a very popular favorite. Nothing fancy, beyond casual, LOTS of seafood options.
http://www.roastfishandcornbread.com/

Kenny B's......beyond casual, great seafood and Cajun cuisine! Good prices, really fun. always busy but worth the wait. also, breakfast.
http://www.eatatkennybs.com/



.......................................................................................................................
Not Recommendations per se, but a few Mentionables below:

1. Aunt Chilada's...not my favorite, but ....listed because it's always hailed as a fun place for kids and young families. always crowded and located in a convenient spot .... the "default last-minute restaurant of choice", so to speak. I suppose it's just OK. Not my recommendation unless you want over-the-top casual atmosphere, decent prices, and average food. Just sayin'.

2. Hudson's Seafood...listed because it's often mentioned and even recommended, but again, not my favorite....have tried a few times over the years, always disappointed, very inconsistent. I consider it at best an average experience, but every now and then I'm hearing a few more good recommendations. If it's gotten better, I apologize. For me, there are too many great other places to visit, so you won't see me there.

3. Marley's Island Grille.....was great, then reported mediocre, now back as good....??? We used to be regulars there, was very fun for whole family.....haven't been in a while, but could be on it's way back!! Worth a try!

.................................................................................................................



VARIED MENUS (not just seafood):
These are ALL quite SPECIAL; most are in the Fine Dining Category.
(*= fine dining )

Frankie Bones*...very large menu, really fun... "Sinatra cool"....reservations a MUST, best at least 2 days in advance maybe more. tall-back maroon leather booths, low lights, Club atmosphere, love it!!! .... casual..... busy bar scene, has high-tops available next to bar area.
http://www.frankieboneshhi.com/
Not for kids really, but they do have a few items that work...have "S'mores" dessert with a small Hibachi for cooking marshmallows! also great appetizers.

RedFish*....very popular...unique menu items.... Not really for kids. https://www.redfishofhiltonhead.com/ordereze/default.aspx

Alexanders*....fine dining, quiet, intimate, white tablecloth, good wines.
http://www.alexandersrestaurant.com/ Not for kids.

Wiseguys*..fine dining, great steaks & seafood...http://www.wiseguyshhi.com/ Not for kids.

Charlie's L'Etoile Verte*.....fine dining, new fresh menu daily (many fish selections)...
perhaps the best all-round restaurant on island, romantic, quiet but good ambiance.
http://charliesgreenstar.com/ Not for kids.

Crane's Tavern*...fine dining, quiet, steak & seafood, white tablecloth.
http://www.cranestavern.com/ Not for kids.

Old Fort Pub**....very fine dining...maybe best VIEW on island, small, intimate, romantic, for special occasions or just a really great meal, white tablecloth,candles...ask for window table. nice wine list. Not for kids.
http://www.oldfortpub.com/

Sunset Grille**....fine dining, forget where it's located, it's wonderful. Fantastic sunset view, romantic, great Chef, locals' favorite, great wine list. Not for kids.
http://www.sunsetgrillehhi.com/

The Studio**.....very fine dining, interesting mix of fine food & visual art.
expensive but good. Not for kids.
http://www.studiodining.com/

Santa Fe Cafe*... (fwiw, my personal favorite restaurant on the island).
Our first and/or last meal whenever we visit HH.
"Fine dining" but slightly more casual.
I love the window tables in the back room on RIGHT SIDE, near Chef's grill.....Southwestern flair to seafood and steaks...
Signature dishes are the Cowboy Cut Rib Chop and the Grouper. (wow)
http://www.santafehhi.com/ not for kids.

Tapas.....a different kind of dining experience, but a good one... many items from which to choose, family-owned restaurant with loyal following.
http://www.tapashiltonhead.com/

Jazz Corner.....live Jazz entertainment, good food, a fun evening. Cover charge of $10 required...a bit loud, but fun if you're in the mood.
http://www.thejazzcorner.com/

.............................................................



A few more Mentionables (this time they're better):
Good solid restaurants for a typical dinner out with the family. Not fine dining, just good... on rare occasion inconsistent but still worth considering.

Steamer's.....good basic seafood, located in Coligny Plaza.
http://www.steamerseafood.com/

Jump & Phil's....very casual, very good food with wide selection of menu items, fun laid-back atmosphere, advertises the "best burger on the island" (and it is good).
http://www.jumpandphilshhi.com/

Hilton Head Brewing Company.....popular & fun place, lots of good starter selections, good sandwiches, good beer selections.
http://www.hhbrewingco.com/

Smokehouse....fun, very kid-friendly, wide variety of food selections--- great BBQ, sandwiches, seafood, steaks..... yum.
http://smokehousehhi.com/

Bonefish Grill.... probably one of the best chain restaurants on the planet, exceptionally consistent, always good food & service. Large booths as always....Nice bar scene.
https://www.bonefishgrill.com/Locator/details/hilton-head-south-carolina

CharBar Co......haven't tried, but reputed to offer highly rated gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads, etc...very casual. Sounds very good....
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/164/1705955/restaurant/CharBar-Co-Hilton-Head-Island
http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/dining/restaurants/charbar-company/

Wild Wing Cafe.....THE original..."crazy fun", busy, 1 hour waits in summer, but fantastic wings and other things. (try "Wild West" wings----not hot, not too sweet, just right!!!) active bar scene, many TVs, young locals' hangout, favorite of college kids and teens. Great T-shirts. Really fun!!!
http://www.wildwingcafe.com/locations/hilton-head-island-sc




LUNCH:

A Low Country Backyard....
my newest favorite lunch spot, maybe best lunch menu on the island !!! (also open for dinner).. "down home Southern Cooking"... really an awesome cafe, great service....a top-rated hot spot on the island and it's well-deserved.
http://www.hhbackyard.com/


Truffles*: 2 locations, identical menus, but we like the decor & atmosphere much better at the Pope Avenue location---more contemporary (actually off Pope, on Executive Park Rd) ....very cozy.... also good for dinner.
http://www.trufflescafe.com/

Main Street Cafe & Pub...really fun little cafe, good menu, extremely popular with locals.
http://www.hiltonheadcafe.com/
menu....http://www.hiltonheadcafe.com/menu/

Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe---casual, for a good sandwich, salad, or other specialty item in Harbour Town----located on right upon entering Lighthouse parking area, just short of Marriott Harbour Club Resort, it's a small cottage, inside or 2 tables on front porch.
https://www.seapines.com/dining/the-harbour-town-bakery.aspx



ITALIAN:

Vine Bistro & Wine Bar***....need reservations way in advance (maybe before your trip).......new hot spot, very fine dining, very expensive....
(863) 686-3900.....
No official website. NOT for kids! Some have reported a snobby attitude by owner and staff, but cannot confirm.
http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/dining/restaurants/not-just-pasta-and-wine-bar/
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/164/1685082/restaurant/Vine-Hilton-Head- Island

Michael Anthony's Italian*...fine dining Italian...sort of expensive, but excellent, see guide. Not for kids.
http://www.michael-anthonys.com/

Ombra Cucina Rustica*...fine dining Italian...sort of expensive, but excellent, see guide. Not for kids.
http://www.ombrahhi.com/

Giuseppe's: casual, kid-friendly, great menu, great pizza....try only the Shelter Cove location next to TJ Maxx (other location not owned by same people).
http://www.giuseppispizza.com/menus/hilton-head-menu/



PIZZA:

Mellow Mushroom.....brand new building in a totally renovated shopping plaza......great Harris Teeter Grocery Store next door.
http://mellowmushroom.com/store/hilton-head

Giuseppe's at Shelter Cove (see above under "Italian")

Breakfast:
Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe...best by far, no comparison, great menu with a couple of extra daily specials, best service on island, a locals' favorite...tables, only 2 booths, a popular breakfast bar w stools, inside/outside dining.
http://palmettobaysunrisecafe.com/

Signe's....a locals' favorite, small cafe-like, not the usual "same-old" breakfast, specialty dishes.
https://www.signesbakery.com/Defaul...m/images/contentimages/Signes_InstoreMenu.pdf

Southern Coney.....typical non-fancy hole-in-wall diner but really good basic breakfast, good service, in shopping center where Wild Wing Cafe is located, across from New York Pizza on Pope Ave...known for fantastic pancakes, good prices.
no website, but location: https://plus.google.com/118437648503921409663/aboutgl=us&hl=en

Skillets...basic menu, standard breakfast, in Coligny Plaza. average but OK.
http://www.skilletscafe.com/

Hilton Head Diner.......menus for all meals, but breakfast is best. Has large selection of breakfast items, and they are pretty good. Nothing really special but average to good. Open 24 hours.
http://www.hiltonheaddiner.com/


This "Restaurant Guide" is derived from my personal research and testing, and reflects my own personal opinion. The perfect day for us (if truth be known) would include Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe for breakfast, Low Country Backyard for lunch, and Santa Fe for dinner.


A typical WEEK for us might include dinners at Santa Fe, Old Oyster Factory, Frankie Bones, Mellow Mushroom, Black Marlin Bayside Grill, Charlie's L'Etoile Verte, & Wild Wing Cafe; 2 breakfasts at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe and one at Southern Coney, and the others in the villa; lunches at Truffles, A Low Country Backyard, 2 or 3 at the Grande Ocean outdoor Poolside Grill or at the Marketplace Deli, Main Street Cafe and Pub, homemade sandwiches in the villa, and maybe one at the Harbour Town Bakery and Cafe.

However, check the menus in lobby's "MENU GUIDE" found in the magazine rack, and other information found in various pamphlets, and decide for yourself. Choosing where to dine out remains my only mental exercise of each day at Hilton Head.
It's a tough life. Enjoy!!!


.
 
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I am getting hungry just reading Marty's post! Can't wait to get back to HHI
 
If you like gyros/Greek food, we like It's Greek to Me. It's in Coligny.
 
One more to try

Hard to argue with Jme's list or any of the other great recommendations here, in fact it's hard to to have many great restaurants on HHI. I have one more that hasn't been mentioned and was one of our favorites during our first visit there last Aug. We are going back again this aug. Here is my review which is posted on Trip Advisor....
Flora's Italian Cafe
841 William Hilton Pkwy
Posted Aug 28, 2013
"Great NJ Italian in Hilton Head"
There are tons of great restaurants in HH, but I have to give you one recommendation to try during your stay. Flora's Italian Cafe is a hidden gem that's not on any of the concierge recommended lists but you should definitely try. It is a NJ Italian restaurant (they bill themselves that way) as the owners operated a restaurant in a nearby town to us in NJ for many years before moving down to HH 9 years ago. It is run by a husband and wife team who oversee everything and assure a great dining experience. Branco the husband is the chef and Flora his wife runs the front and makes all the desserts herself. We had a great dinner topped off by the best and freshest cannoli we have ever tasted (and we have eaten many including in Little Italy in NYC). Floras is located in a small strip mall along Wm Hilton Parkway, near Palmetto Dunes. It is directly across from Stacks, the pancake/ breakfast place. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed!

Brian
 
Luvtoride said:
Hard to argue with Jme's list or any of the other great recommendations here, in fact it's hard to to have many great restaurants on HHI. I have one more that hasn't been mentioned and was one of our favorites during our first visit there last Aug. We are going back again this aug. Here is my review which is posted on Trip Advisor....
Flora's Italian Cafe
841 William Hilton Pkwy
Posted Aug 28, 2013
"Great NJ Italian in Hilton Head"
There are tons of great restaurants in HH, but I have to give you one recommendation to try during your stay. Flora's Italian Cafe is a hidden gem that's not on any of the concierge recommended lists but you should definitely try. It is a NJ Italian restaurant (they bill themselves that way) as the owners operated a restaurant in a nearby town to us in NJ for many years before moving down to HH 9 years ago. It is run by a husband and wife team who oversee everything and assure a great dining experience. Branco the husband is the chef and Flora his wife runs the front and makes all the desserts herself. We had a great dinner topped off by the best and freshest cannoli we have ever tasted (and we have eaten many including in Little Italy in NYC). Floras is located in a small strip mall along Wm Hilton Parkway, near Palmetto Dunes. It is directly across from Stacks, the pancake/ breakfast place. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed!

Brian
Click to expand...

Thanks ---- always open to undiscovered ones. I'll put my best man on it, and will make a comment asap. In the meantime, I will accept your hearty recommendation ---- it's difficult to keep up with everything, and each time we return, seems like something has closed and more have opened. It's that kind of place.....always dynamic, never static.

As of now, Trip Advisor and Yelp give Flora's Italian Cafe 4.5 stars, and Urbanspoon (my favorite and most reliable) gives it 4....that's a great confirmation that it's right up there, so it's a definite try next trip. Perhaps the Italian places escape my notice more often, because when we think "beach", we seldom think Italian unless it's a cold off-season. In warmer times, we're thinking seafood!!!! just sayin'. but I'll give it a shot nonetheless.
Again, many thanks.
 
A few we have liked, not mentioned above - all very casual:

French Kiss Bakery - Coligny - for pastries
Asian Bistro (Chinese, Japanese) - New Orleans Rd - for buffet lunch, 7.50 pp
Market St Cafe - Coligny - for key lime pie
Jim n Nick's BBQ - if you're in Bluffton at lunchtime
 
Thanks to all your suggestions, and the list from jme. I really appreciate it. This will be our second time on Hilton Head Island, but our first without the boys (more like young men, but will always be boys to me), so husband and I will eat out more then our first visit. Looking forward to a week of relaxing and eating good seafood.
 
Thank you for the restaurant information... I will be at Hilton Head over July 4th with my family and really need ideas of where to eat for the week.... Dave...
 
We just got back from HH yesterday....we ate for the first time at Ombra Cucina Rustica. It was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. ..highly recommend!
Deb from NC
 
I highly recommend Roastfish and Cornbread, but be prepared to wait an hour or more if you arrive much after opening.

Jazz Corner is another favorite whenever we visit the island.

I would never recommend Frankie Bones as we were treated very badly on our last visit. We asked for a booth and the hostess proceeded past every empty booth and seated us at a table at the back of the restaurant (not a booth) in front of the restrooms! There were only a few other diners and booths were plentiful, so I don't know what the problem was.
 
We spent an evening at the Jazz Corner as well. Very good food, great music. We usually go to Red Fish when we're on the island, but they were closed for a private function on the only night we had free, so we'll have to wait 'til next trip !
 
Like others have mentioned this is a great list, we are off to Barony for 10 nights on Tuesday so searched the threads, seems far too many to eat at, especially as we tend to eat at the apartment most of the time, only eating out 2/3 times. looking forward to first visit to HH, clubs in the luggage.
 
Jme's list is excellent. I too would add Daniel's to it. A heads up there are always coupons on restaurant.com for the Studio. Redfish is one of our favorites and I have no problem taking my 6 year old grandson there.
 
Laurie said:
A few we have liked, not mentioned above - all very casual:

French Kiss Bakery - Coligny - for pastries
Asian Bistro (Chinese, Japanese) - New Orleans Rd - for buffet lunch, 7.50 pp
Market St Cafe - Coligny - for key lime pie
Jim n Nick's BBQ - if you're in Bluffton at lunchtime
Click to expand...

I too love French Kiss Bakery. I'm gonna have to try Asian Bistro...thanks Laurie! ()Maybe today! :cool:

P.S. My faves include Jump N Phil's with excellent burgers and shrimp salad. Nice outdoor patio is doggie friendly. (Near SeaPines gate in same shopping center as Reilly's.) I'm a big fan of Santa Fe Cafe for lunch. I've also enjoyed Alexander's and also Stellini's for early bird deals. And I love the Jazz Corner's food and of course all that jazz!
 
Poette said:
If you like gyros/Greek food, we like It's Greek to Me. It's in Coligny.
Click to expand...

I was just going to post this :whoopee:

We were there last summer and enjoyed it. We liked sitting outside on the patio. Parking was a challenge though.

Casual. And we had our young daughter with us.

Debi
 
Ate @ Old Fort Pub last night. Great recommendation and definitely a top 10 view and top 20 food in terms of restaurants for me, and I've eaten at some great ones.
 
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