We are known for a few things at Hilton Head Boat Charters. Our Private Hilton Head Boat Tours, two-hour Hilton Head Dolphin Tours, the ever-popular Hilton Head Sunset Cruise, and our new offering the Hilton Head Bachelorette Party Cruise. But did you also know that we are a wealth of information regarding local restaurant recommendations? The #1 question we get after “Will we see dolphins on our charter” is – “where should we eat on the island”?
Our last article on restaurant recommendations (click here) identified 14 of our most popular local eateries. Based on our positive feedback on it, we decided to go deeper and provide 11 more of our favorite places to eat here on the island. Below you will find, in no particular order you will find out top choices.
Sunset Grille
This picturesque seafood-based restaurant has some of the best food and sunset views. But what do we love it for? It is their incredible brunch menu. There isn’t a single thing I wouldn’t be happy choosing on their brunch menu. The challenge becomes narrowing it down. Insider tip: reserve your spot ahead of time, as the Sunset Grill is popular and has a limited number of tables.
Fiesta Fresh
Need excellent authentic Mexican food and need it fast? Fiesta Fresh is your spot. Our kids absolutely go bananas over this restaurant. Given any choice for dinner, our kids will pick Fiesta Fresh 100 times out of 100. The food is excellent, the service is unbelievably fast, and their prices are reasonable.
Yummy House
No self-respecting Best Of list would be complete without an excellent Chinese restaurant recommendation. Yummy house – I am a total sucker for their General Tso’s chicken dish. This recommendation is perfect for one of those days when you are rolling off the boat or beach in the early evening and don’t want to deal with making dinner for everybody. Just give Yummy House a call – they deliver!
Jinya
New to Hilton Head Island, Jinya is a fantastic ramen/noodle bar located mid-island near the airport. The menu here is extensive, the ambiance is terrific – not something you think we would have here on the island, and the service is excellent. If you want to try something slightly different from your standard restaurant fare– Jinya is a perfect choice.
The Old Town Dispensary
Yeah, I know it is in Old Town Bluffton – but we play fast and loose with the rules. The Dispensary is fantastic for lunch or early dinner. They are known for their Hamburgers, and I’m either going that route, or they have a fabulous chicken cobb salad that I am constantly dialing up when we go there for lunch. The Dispensary also has indoor and outdoor seating and also has live music every now and then.
The Bluffton Room
For my money, the best pound-for-pound steak around. This upscale eatery is one of our favorites in the Bluffton Promenade. Their menu and wine list are extensive; they even have a rooftop bar – a rare find. Insiders tip – call weeks ahead for a reservation because you aren’t just going to walk in off the street and get a table.
Bad Biscuit
Tucked away on the south end, this classic southern low-country breakfast place has something for everybody. This is the spot for you if you like your biscuits smothered in pretty much anything. We’re talking Sausage and Bacon Gravy, Sauteed Shrimp and Country Fried Steak, Eggs, and Thick Cut Bacon, and many more. If biscuits aren’t your thing – they have Brunch and Bowl items too.
Ela’s On the Water
Located mid-island, Ela’s overlooks the Shelter Cove Marina. The views at this restaurant are stunning. This is hands down the spot that if you want to take family or guests to when they visit, you enjoy fantastic seafood and a view. Ela’s is definitely upscale, and you will definitely need a reservation. For us – we either like to take our guests to them at the beginning of their stay to set the tone for the rest of the week or save it for their last night and have them leave the next day wanting more.
Nectar Farm Kitchen
We love this place – and their menu has something for everybody. They source their fresh ingredients from Lowcountry farms. Nectar has one of the most extensive menus around, and if you have a wide variety of palates to please – Nectar more than have you covered! Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Nectar is an absolute home run for anyone visiting the island.
The Smokehouse
If you are looking for a southern-inspired wood-fired BBQ on the south end, this local institution delivers a mouth-watering menu that is sure to please. The Smokehouse’s menu is broad, from wings to smoked chicken and Texas-style beef brisket and beyond. They have a fantastic happy hour, a wide selection of ice-cold beers on tap, and indoor and outdoor seating. This is our 100% go-to BBQ spot for when we have guests in town.
The Quarterdeck
Located in Sea Pines directly next to the Harbour Town Lighthouse, is hands down one of the most popular restaurants on the island. The seafood-inspired menu is fantastic, and what they have done here with their nautical décor is impressive! Hands down, they have the best views on the island. Insiders tip – reserve your table MONTHS in advance of your stay.
So, there you have it, 11 more of our favorite local restaurants. Now, once you have eaten to your heart’s content, feel free to give us a holler over at Hilton Head Boat Charters for a private Hilton Head Dolphin Cruise that you won’t soon forget!
