Here are the 13 best restaurants in Hilton Head for 2023, Southern Living says
Are you looking to expand your list of favorite restaurants on Hilton Head Island?
Southern Living, a popular lifestyle magazine that caters toward the Southern U.S., released a list written by Justine Harrington of the 13 best places for you to eat your way through Hilton Head Island this year.
Although many locals tend to have their predetermined eateries where they may even have a “usual” menu item and vacationers may come with a pre-planned itinerary of beach time, shops and widely known establishments, the two groups may find themselves in need of refreshing their list of restaurants.
If that’s so, here is Southern Living’s recent list of the “13 best places to eat in Hilton Head.”
Hilton Head Social Bakery
Hilton Head Social Bakery first originated at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina and later opened a second site near the Sea Pines Circle following the high demand and adoration for the locale.
The French bakery is owned and operated by award-winning French chef Philippe Feret and serves a variety of camera-ready pastries, desserts and breakfast items.
Last year, Hilton Head Social Bakery was found to be the best bakery in the state, according to Yelp.
Day-to-day hours of operation vary by location.
Lulu Kitchen
Lulu Kitchen, which can be found at 890 William Hilton Parkway in Fresh Market Shoppes, offers guests an eclectic ambiance with Southern-inspired, American-style menu items.
The restaurant is led by the award-winning Chef Scott Hastings, who opened the establishment in 2021.
Lulu kitchen is open daily.
The Sea Shack
The Sea Shack on Hilton Head Island is a local and tourist favorite that can be found at 6 Executive Park Road. The establishment serves a made-to-order menu that is prepared to your liking as either fried, grilled, or blackened.
During the summer months, The Sea Shack boasts long lines from those hoping to take home some of the locale’s coveted seafood menu items.
The seafood eatery is closed on Sundays and has different summer and winter hours. In the summer, the restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for lunch and 5-9 p.m. for dinner hours. In the winter, the restaurant is still open Monday through Saturday, with lunch hours at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5-8:30 p.m.
Chez Georges
Chez Gerges is a sophisticated French bistro located at 37 New Orleans Road in Hilton Head that serves a myriad of delightful menus for Sunday brunch, Aperitif hour, lunch and dinner along with a drinks menu and an upcoming whiskey tasting, which will take place on Aug. 8.
The establishment describes itself as a French bistro with a Lowcountry accent that serves as a gathering place for families, friends and neighbors.
Chez Georges is open daily and reservations are recommended.
Nectar Farm Kitchen
Nectar Farm Kitchen can be found at the south end of Hilton Head Island
The eatery is a place where “every dish is lovingly prepared with locally sourced ingredients,” as detailed by Harrington and serves guests a “fresh-off-the-farm-feast.”
Nectar is located at 35-A Office Park Road and is open daily.
Coast
Coast is located within Sea Pines at the south end of Hilton Head Island at the Sea Pines Resort and is open to the public daily.
The beachfront establishment offers guests stunning ocean views and an outdoor patio to enjoy the salty sea breeze. Coast’s Lowcountry menu features a variety of local seafood, a raw bar, cocktails and more while guests also enjoy the nearby live music at this family-friendly establishment.
Skull Creek Boathouse
Skull Creek Boathouse offers a waterfront experience with scenic views of Skull Creek, a relaxed atmosphere, an indoor sushi bar, local seafood, multiple dining areas, an outdoor bar and sunset views.
Guests are urged not to leave The Boathouse without trying the salt and vinegar crab cakes, according to Southern Living.
The popular restaurant is located at 397 Squire Pope Road and is open daily.
The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar
The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar features locally sourced Southern cuisine and creative cocktails.
The restaurant and bar can be found at 841 William Hilton Parkway Unit A on Tuesdays through Sundays from 5-9 p.m. as well as for Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + bar offers guests with a “rustic-chic” indoor environment and a heated outdoor bar and patio as well as a wine Wednesday event that features half-priced bottles of wine between 4-8 p.m.
Black Marlin Bayside Grill
The Black Marlin Bayside Grill at Palmetto Bay Marina in Hilton Head recently reopened earlier this summer after months of extensive renovations for your enjoyment.
The restaurant is located at 86 Helmsman Way on Hilton Head Island and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with brunch beginning at 10 a.m. during the weekend.
Southern Living wrote that, “whatever you do, be sure to try a cup of the seafood chowder” in addition to their fish tacos.
Burnt Church Distillery
Although located in Bluffton, which is adjacent to Hilton Head Island on the mainland, Burnt Church Distillery features a sophisticated atmosphere, authentic Lowcountry spirits, a varietal menu, a 7,000 square-foot tasting room, gift shop, humidor and on-site manufacturing facility.
The distillery can be found at 120 Bluffton Road and is open daily.
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar is open daily at 18 New Orleans Road on Hilton head Island offers guests the opportunity to experience homemade Italian cuisine through traditional meals and desserts.
The Italian restaurant offers fresh, simple and local dishes, according to Nunzio’s website, and displays a lively bar scene with Italian charm.
Nunzio is owned and operated by its executive chef, Nunzio Patruno, who designed the restaurant’s experience based on his love for the cuisine and wonderful wines.
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks
Hudson’s is located at 1 Hudson Road on Hilton Head and is open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.
Diners get the opportunity to experience scenic, waterfront views of Port Royal Sound at this iconic seafood joint, which has been around for over 50 years.
“Seafood doesn’t come fresher than this—Hudson’s sources its fish and shrimp directly from one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head,” wrote Harrington.
Johnson Creek Tavern
Johnson Creek Tavern, although not found directly on Hilton Head, can be found on Harbour Island at 2141 Sea Island Parkway in St. Helena Island.
“Satisfy your craving for pub grub at this low-key hangout on Harbor Island. Kick back with a cold beer or glass of wine and stay awhile,” detailed Southern Living.
The bar and grill is open daily and offers seafood and comfort food with a patio, live music and TVs tuned in to sports channels.
