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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 or 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
- #1The Jazz Corner#1 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1924)$$ | American1000 William Hilton Pkwy Ste C1, Hilton Head, SC 29928-6136Read More » - #2Sno Cones by Chris#2 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (142)$ | American, Fast Food114 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head, SC 29928-3238Read More » - #3Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana#3 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1892)$$ | Italian, Tuscan, Central-Italian37 New Orleans Rd Suite L, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4747Read More » - #4Charlie's L'Etoile Verte#4 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1294)$$ | French, Seafood8 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4715Read More » - #5Delisheeyo#5 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (249)$ | American, Healthy, Medicinal foods32 Palmetto Bay Rd Suite 1a, Hilton Head, SC 29928-7300Read More » - #6Hilton Head Social Bakery#6 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (295)$ - $$ | CafeHarbourside Ln Building 1, Hilton Head, SC 29928-3547Read More » - #7Ombra Cucina Italiana#7 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1580)$$ | Italian1000 William Hilton Pkwy Ste G-2, The Village at Wexford, Hilton Head, SC 29928Read More » - #8Java Burrito Company#8 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1128)$ | Mexican, Southwestern, Cafe, Healthy1000 William Hilton Pkwy The Village at Wexford - J6, Hilton Head, SC 29928-6110Read More » - #9Vine#9 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1012)$$ | International, Mediterranean, European1 N Forest Beach Dr Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head, SC 29928-6478Read More » - #10WiseGuys#10 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (2817)$$ | Steakhouse, Seafood, American, Contemporary1513 Main St, Hilton Head, SC 29926-1608Read More » - #11Sage Room Restaurant Bar#11 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (759)$$ | American81 Pope Ave Suite 13 Heritage Plaza, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4769Read More » - #12GT International Cafe#12 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (100)$ | American, Cafe, Colombian807 William Hilton Pkwy Suite #1600, Hilton Head, SC 29928-3414Read More » - #13Trattoria Divina#13 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (1094)$ - $$ | Italian, Seafood, Healthy33 Office Park Rd Ste 224 Outside of Sea Pines Gate!, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4612Read More » - #14Pomodori#14 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (969)$ - $$ | Italian1 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4714Read More » - #15Gusto Ristorante#15 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (193)$ - $$ | Italian890 William Hilton Pkwy Suite 1, Hilton Head, SC 29928-3418Read More » - #16Poseidon Coastal Cuisine#16 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (4310)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Seafood38 Shelter Cove Ln Suit 121, Hilton Head, SC 29928-2008Read More » - #17Ocean Lounge#17 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (292)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Seafood87 N Sea Pines Dr The Sea Pines Beach Club, Hilton Head, SC 29928-6002Read More » - #18Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill#18 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (650)$ | Mexican, Fast Food51 New Orleans Rd Ste 4, Hilton Head, SC 29928-4782Read More » - #19Frankie Bones#19 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (2938)$ - $$ | American, Bar1301 Main St, Hilton Head, SC 29926-1630Read More » - #20Low country Backyard#20 of 403 Places to Eat in Hilton Head
TripAdvisor (3276)$ - $$ | American, Seafood32 Palmetto Bay Rd Suite 4A, Hilton Head, SC 29928-7300Read More »
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