Hilton Head Travel Guide

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What to Eat in Hilton Head

While in Hilton Head, there are two dining experiences you absolutely cannot forgo. The first, dine on as much low country cuisine as you can. Second, make sure you do so alongside some water views. Skull Creek Boathouse offers both. Located in northern Hilton Head, the Skull Creek Boathouse dishes up classic low country dishes, such as Carolina shrimp and grits and the low country boil. The low country boil is a big dish that is meant to be shared, featuring a mash up of red potatoes, corn on the cob, spicy sausage and shellfish (usually shrimp or crab) all of which are boiled in a giant pot. Once the ingredients have cooked to perfection, they are then traditionally served in one big pile on a picnic table covered in newspaper. From there, patrons are encouraged to pour on the sauces, which typically include cocktail sauce, hot sauce and tartar sauce.

If you aren't traveling with a big party, grubbing down on any seafood will get you the proper low country foodie experience you're looking for. The cuisine's identity is based entirely on the bounty of the coast, which technically stretches 80 miles from the Savannah River in Georgia to Pawleys Island in South Carolina. Seafood reigns supreme, by default, as well as grits and rice, which, due to the climate, flourishes in the surrounding region. You'll find these staples at A Lowcountry Backyard, which features a cozy, backyard-style outdoor eating area with small stage for live music. Here, you'll find low country-style sandwiches and burgers as well as fried green tomato dishes and fresh catches from the nearby Calibogue Sound. Another popular spot for seafood is The Crazy Crab, which boasts locations in both Harbour Town and Jarvis Creek. For some South Carolina-style barbecue, hit up One Hot Mama's for wings and ribs, or Bullies BBQ for some pulled pork sandwiches.

If it's fine dining you're after, head to The Quarterdeck, located along the water right next to the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse. Though southern cuisine is the backbone of Hilton Head's dining scene, other flavors are represented here, including Italian. Heed the advice of past visitors and try Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana or OMBRA Cucina Italiana. There's also The Sage Room, which has its own chef's table, an on-site sommelier and hearty dishes that range from a house filet and champagne poached scallops.

Find the Best Restaurants in Hilton Head

#1
The Jazz Corner
#1 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1870)
$$ | American
1000 William Hilton Pkwy Ste C1, Hilton Head, SC 29928-6136
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#2
Sno Cones by Chris
#2 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (140)
$ | American, Fast Food
114 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head, SC 29928-3238
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#3
Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana
#3 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1834)
$$ | Italian
37 New Orleans Rd Suite L, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4747
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#4
Ombra Cucina Italiana
#4 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1525)
$$ | Italian
1000 William Hilton Pkwy Ste G-2, The Village at Wexford, Hilton Head, SC 29928
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#5
Hilton Head Social Bakery
#5 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (258)
$ - $$ | Cafe
Harbourside Ln Building 1, Hilton Head, SC 29928-3547
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#6
Charlie's L'Etoile Verte
#6 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1244)
$$ | French, Seafood
8 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4715
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#7
Java Burrito Company
#7 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1083)
$ | Mexican, Southwestern, Cafe, Fast Food, Healthy
1000 William Hilton Pkwy The Village at Wexford - J6, Hilton Head, SC 29928-6110
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#8
Vine
#8 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (996)
$$ | International, Mediterranean, European
1 N Forest Beach Dr Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head, SC 29928-6478
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#9
Delisheeyo
#9 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (230)
$ | Healthy
32 Palmetto Bay Rd Suite A1, Hilton Head, SC 29928-7300
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#10
Trattoria Divina
#10 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1060)
$ - $$ | Italian, Seafood, Bar, Pub, Healthy, Wine Bar
33 Office Park Rd Ste 224 Outside of Sea Pines Gate!, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4612
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#11
WiseGuys
#11 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (2725)
$$ | Steakhouse, Seafood, American
1513 Main St, Hilton Head, SC 29926-1608
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#12
Sage Room Restaurant Bar
#12 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (739)
$$ | American
81 Pope Ave Suite 13 Heritage Plaza, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4769
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#13
Poseidon Coastal Cuisine
#13 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (3869)
$ - $$ | American, Bar, Seafood
38 Shelter Cove Ln Suit 121, Hilton Head, SC 29928-2008
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#14
Pomodori
#14 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (937)
$ - $$ | Italian, Asian
1 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4714
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#15
Palmetto Bay Sun Rise Cafe
#15 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (926)
$ - $$ | American, Cafe
86 Helmsman Way Ste 302, Hilton Head, SC 29928-3206
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#16
Jane Bistro & Bar
#16 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (618)
$ - $$ | American, Bar
28 Shelter Cove Ln Suite 109, Hilton Head, SC 29928-2007
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#17
Low country Backyard
#17 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (3213)
$ - $$ | American
32 Palmetto Bay Rd Suite 4A, Hilton Head, SC 29928-7300
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#18
Frankie Bones Restaurant and Lounge
#18 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (2854)
$ - $$ | Italian, American
1301 Main St, Hilton Head, SC 29926-1630
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#19
Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill
#19 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (634)
$ | Mexican, Southwestern, Fast Food
51 New Orleans Rd Ste 4, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4782
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#20
Ocean Lounge
#20 of 401 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (252)
$ - $$ | American, Bar, Seafood
87 N Sea Pines Dr The Sea Pines Beach Club, Hilton Head, SC 29928-6002
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