Hilton Head Island Restaurants

Hilton Head Island restaurants offer it all – crack crabs by the water, soak up a Caribbean vibe, or find a romantic dining spot just for two!

With over 250 options, Hilton Head Island restaurants are abundant and varied enough to suit every palate!

While just about every cuisine can be found on Hilton Head, I recommend taking the "when in Rome" approach and seeking out authentic Lowcountry cuisine, including blue crabs and fresh local fish and shrimp. The Salty Dog Café is a Hilton Head landmark. At the Salty Dog Hilton Head, you can sit outside over the water and enjoy casual fare, live music, and activities for the kids. For more fresh local seafood and spectacular views, check out either of the two Crazy Crab locations, one of which is right in Sea Pines Resort.

Another great choice is the Waterfront Cafe also in Sea Pines, which offers expansive water views and unique seafood dishes. I recommend the seafood pot pie!

Photo by Terren in Virginia

For the freshest catch of the day, head over to Skill Creek Marina where the local shrimpboats and fishermen unload their catches. You'll also find some of this fresh fare at Hudson's on the Docks, Charley's Crab or Boathouse II.

• Renting a villa? Cook up some fresh fish or shrimp at home after picking it up at Benny Hudson Seafood Market.

For true Lowcountry fare, including 'shrimp and grits', fresh fried catfish, and delicious crab cakes, check out the popular Dye's Gullah Fixins, found at 407 Pineland Mall. Tel: 843-681-8106.

For convenience to the Inn at Harbour Town in Sea Pines, the Habour Town Grill is located right next door to the Inn. A popular spot for golfers coming off the links, this restaurant has a great view of the course and well-prepared food with the usual hilton head offerings including several seafood dishes.

Looking for a spot with a bit more ambiance and upscale cuisine among Hilton Head Island restaurants? Try:

• Alfred's Restaurant – Small, intimate restaurant where you can watch Chef Alfred prepare the meals. Consistently gets rave reviews!

• Bistro 17 - Located in Shelter Cove, this small French restaurant with far more seating outdoors than indoors has wonderful food with traditional French flair and great service. Tel: 843-785-5517

• The Old Fort Pub at Hilton Head Plantation – In a beautiful setting by the water, surrounded by live oaks dropping with Spanish moss, this gourmet restaurant offers excellent (though pricey) fare. Sit upstairs to enjoy a spectacular sunset while you dine.

• Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana – Excellent Italian cuisine (including the wine!) with pleasant ambiance. Reservations are recommended.

• The Sage Room – A favorite among locals, the chef here uses fresh, local ingredients to create excellent (though a little pricey) meals in a quiet, intimate setting. Can be tricky to find – reservations (and directions) recommended.

• Topside at the Quarterdeck - This Sea Pines restaurant sits above the Quarterdeck bar below and offers beautiful water views, especially at sunset, and upscale seafood dishes. This restaurant can be a bit pricey, but the food, service, and views are all excellent. Reservations recommended.

• Wise Guys – Lounge-style restaurant offering delicious "small plates" (think tapas) and drinks. Wonderful flavors and ambiance. Best to leave the children with a sitter or in an activity program while you enjoy this spot though. Located at 1513 Main St. Tel: (843) 842-8866.

Another unique option is The Studio: An Artistic Dining Experience – Though a little pricey, this artsy spot serves excellently prepared meals, particularly seafood, in large portions. With no outdoor views to speak of, guests instead gaze upon the unique artwork inside.

Most hotels will have their own restaurants as well, ranging from a casual stop-in for lunch to an elegant dinner setting.

Photo by Terren in Virginia

Looking for a little nightlife? Try these after-hours hotspots:

• Callahans Sports Bar & Grill (843-686-7665) – 33 TVs, billiards, weekly karaoke.

• Casey's Sports Bar & Grill - Sports, sports & more sports.

• The Jazz Corner – Great live music - Check out their schedule!

• Montego Bay (843-785-3590) - Dining, live music, dancing & weekly karaoke

• Monkey Business (843-686-3545) – DJ's & live music, dancing. Mondays & Tuesdays in the summers host the very popular "Teen Nights."

• The Quarterdeck Restaurant & Lounge (843-671-2222) - Under Harbour Town lighthouse in Sea Pines. Offers indoor and outdoor seating by the marina, sports on the TVs, and live music.

• Regatta Lounge (843-341-8023)

• Signals Lounge – Daily happy hour, music, & dancing in the Crown Plaza.

• Turtles Beach Bar and Grill (843-681-4000) – Great ocean views, Caribbean vibe, live music in the Westin.

From fine dining in a romantic setting, to a Caribbean vibe with live music, to a laid-back feast of crabs and beer by the water – there's something for every palate and occasion among Hilton Head restaurants.