Best-Kept Island Secrets

By Linda Lanier

When you cross the bridge to Hilton Head Island, surrounded by waters filled with amberjack, cobia and Spanish mackerel, you know great food awaits. Scattered among the bustling seafood restaurants and fine dining establishments are some quieter, under-the-radar favorites, beloved by locals.

Lowcountry boil at oceanfront vacation home

ANNIE O’S KITCHEN

Fried chicken and barbecue sandwiches make for a delicious lunch, and the all-natural menu features a local seafood catch and wild-caught shrimp. annieohhi.com

BESS’ DELICATESSEN & CATERING

For more than 30 years, the turkey salad and Reuben sandwiches have been local favorites. For a quick supper, check out their take-out entrees, soups and desserts. bessdeliandcatering.com

FIESTA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL NORTH END

Order at the counter for Mexican specialties like tasty tacos and chimichangas. fiestafreshnorthend.com

HEALTHY HABIT

For breakfast, try the yummy vegan cinnamon buns, and for lunch, order the plant-based poke bowl and house-made kimchi. healthyhabithhi.com

IT’S GREEK TO ME

Gyros, grilled fish, baklava and flaming saganaki cheese are served tableside to the accompaniment of “oohs and aahs.” itsgreektomehhi.com

SEA GRASS GRILLE

Fresh tomatoes, gruyere, mozzarella and asiago cheeses combine in a savory tomato pie. Fish, beef and duck entrees along with a bottle of Cakebread Napa or a glass of Chateau Ste. Michelle makes for a simple but delicious Lowcountry dinner. seagrassgrille.com

JANE BISTRO & BAR

For an indulgent Sunday brunch, order the apple bourbon baked French toast or salmon frittata. janehhi.com

Bistro With Soul

Recently reopened Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar continues to wow with its impressive menu and rustic-chic vibe. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner six days a week, Lucky Rooster offers refined comfort food with Lowcountry and Southern influences and highlights seasonal and local ingredients. Equally tantalizing are the cocktails, extensive craft beer selection and expertly chosen wines. Stop by for happy hour 4–6 p.m. daily and check online for upcoming events. luckyroosterhhi.com 843.715.3215 F d luckyroosterhhi

Live Music and More

Escape to Big Bamboo for live music, relaxed dining and excellent beachside cocktails. This local hot spot serves a variety of delicious food along with more than 20 draft beers. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating and entertainment nightly. bigbamboocafe.com • 843.686.3443 F d bigbamboocafe

PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT

Dining at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

Enjoy a wide range of international and gourmet cuisine while overlooking the scenic harbour at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Fuel up for shopping and exploration with local Hilton Head Island favorites such as San Miguel’s Mexican Cafe, Scott’s Fish

Market, ELAʼS On the Water, Hilton Head

Social Bakery, Bistro 17, The Other Sister’s

Wine Bar and Top Dawg Tavern. sheltercovehiltonhead.com 877.567.6506

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PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT

Alexander’s Restaurant and Wine Bar

Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, located in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, is an upscale seafood restaurant and wine bar featuring seasonally inspired cuisine and locally caught seafood, as well as many locally sourced ingredients. The menu pays tribute to many classic Lowcountry and Alexander’s favorites such as Baked Flounder Imperial, Shrimp and Grits and Wiener Schnitzel. Guests continually return for the intimate, elegant atmosphere and extensive wine and cocktail lists. The expanded bar area, porch with lagoon view and early dining menu are also particularly popular year after year. alexandersrestaurant.com • 877.567.6506 F alexandersrestaurant d alexandershhi

Italy Meets Lowcountry

The elegant simplicity of southern Italian cuisine meets Lowcountry hospitality at Nunzio Restaurant + Bar. Chef and owner Nunzio Patruno hails from Puglia, on Italy’s Adriatic coast; his creative flair and embrace of quality and the regional bounty shines throughout the menu.

“The simplicity of Italian food comes from letting ingredients and flavors stand out,” says Chef Nunzio. “In the Lowcountry, there’s lots of pride in local ingredients and how they’re prepared.”

Traditional Italian dishes and desserts make use of what’s in season. The antipasti stand out, from the delicate grilled Spanish octopus with Sardinian farro to Polpette di Nonna Angelina — Mamma Angelina’s Pugliese style meatballs floating in tomato sauce. One constant is wine, for what is Italian food without it? Nunzio’s impressive wine cellar represents Italy and other winemaking regions around the world.

A warm, casual atmosphere prevails, from the bar and daily happy hour to early dining offerings. Nunzio Restaurant + Bar can host any special occasion, from a formal wine dinner to a wedding rehearsal or shower luncheon. Gift cards make it easy to treat family or friends to this gem on the Hilton Head Island dining scene. nunziohhi.com • 843.715.2172 F nunziohhi d nunzio_hhi

Fresh, Local Seafood

A historic landmark born in the 1920s, Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is committed to serving the freshest local seafood along with offering stunning waterfront views of Port Royal Sound. Hudson’s prides itself on providing seafood that is harvested mere hours before being served in the restaurant. Hudson’s farms and harvests local oysters, sheds out soft-shell crabs in the spring and harvests stone crab claws. The restaurant has three 80-foot shrimp trawlers that catch all of the shrimp served in the restaurant, as well as a network of fishing vessels that provides them with dozens of species of fish. hudsonsonthedocks.com • 843.681.2772 F d hudsonsseafood

Let’s Dine In!

Enjoy your vacation by hiring Chef Lynn Michelle as your personal chef. Whether it’s preparing healthy, gourmet family meals or expertly creating elaborate dinner parties, The East Coast Chef TM does it all — planning, shopping, cooking and cleanup. All you have to do is relax … and experience delicious cuisine prepared and served in the comfort of your home away from home. cheflynnmichelle.com 843.422.5480 F cheflynnmichelle d chef_lynn_michelle

Food With a View

Waterfront dining is yours to enjoy at Up the Creek Pub & Grill. Sit on the deck overlooking the water, Lowcountry marshes and a daily parade of boats, and feast on the famous Creek burger or other delicious favorites. upthecreekpubandgrill.com • 843.681.3625 F upthecreekpub

Kid-Friendly Dining, Redefined

Rockfish Seafood & Steaks at Bomboras is your family-friendly dining destination on Hilton Head Island. This family-owned restaurant takes pride in its menu of the freshest seafood and steaks, with many ingredients sourced locally. Dine on Lowcountry seafood specialties and the freshest catch, steaks and burgers and other delicious dishes, along with craft beers, cocktails and wine. The children’s menu satisfies younger diners, plus little ones can get creative upstairs at the Art Cafe during special Kids Night Out events. The friendly vibe and setting near Coligny Beach can’t be beat. rockfishhhi.com • 843.689.2662 F d rockfishhhi

Delicious for Decades

When it comes to Hilton Head Island dining, Steamer Seafood is a local legend. For 30 years, this beloved restaurant has been dishing out Lowcountry classics and fresh seafood with friendly service. You’ll find plenty of delicious options, from salads and sandwiches to Southern-fried seafood platters, plus craft beers and cocktails. House specialties like blue crab cakes and their famous seafood salad and house-made Carolina cornbread make Steamer Seafood the real deal. steamerseafood.com • 843.785.2070

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Fine Food and Views

Escape to Driftwood Eatery for fresh coastal dishes, including locally caught seafood, hand-cut steaks and locally sourced, sustainability-focused dishes that inspire Southern hospitality and fine dining. The new menu features vegan and glutenfree options, house favorites and Southern staples. Try the wine and spirits bar for a signature cocktail or wine pairing on the patio, where the view can’t be beat! Bringing your kids or a pet? Driftwood Eatery is family and pet-friendly and offers outdoor seating adjacent to the Skull Creek Area Marinas. Serving lunch and dinner daily and daily happy hours, plus weekend brunch. driftwoodeatery.com • 843.715.4030 F driftwoodeaterysc d driftwoodeatery

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE EVERYONE

Serving up coastal hospitality since 1984, SERG offers quality cuisine and exceptional service at these award-winning restaurants and exceptional service at these award-winning restaurants. .

SKULL CREEK DOCKSIDE

Inspired by the style of an old river house, this eatery’s reclaimed design elements create a beautiful atmosphere. Interior views are rivaled only by the breathtaking outdoor views of Skull Creek. Try signature seafood entrées, hand-cut steaks or fall-off-the-bone-barbecue, or enjoy the outdoor Shark Bar. Bringing the kids? Dockside has a fully equipped playground that will keep kids occupied for hours. Family-friendly, dog-friendly. Serving lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on Sunday. docksidehhi.com • 843.785.3625 F docksidehhi d skullcreekdockside

NECTAR FARM KITCHEN

Hilton Head Island’s newest all-day dining experience. From traditional Southern breakfast to a fresh local seafood supper, Nectar Farm Kitchen is the place to experience the tastes of the South in a farmhouse atmosphere. The chefs at Nectar Farm Kitchen prepare every dish using ingredients made and grown throughout the South, and work with farmers who are as passionate about food as they are. It’s a pleasure one can only experience in this corner of South Carolina. Be sure to try Nectar Farm Kitchen in Old Town Bluffton as well. Serving breakfast, lunch and supper daily. nectarfarmkitchen.com • 843.682.2337 (Hilton Head) 843.706.2337 (Bluffton) F d nectarfarmkitchen

FRANKIE BONES RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

A favorite for all ages, the fabulous Frankie Bones offers a one-of-a-kind American-Italian dining experience in a swanky joint that takes you back to the time of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Enjoy amazing pastas, mouthwatering steaks and classic libations in style. Be sure to check out their Bluffton location. Family-friendly. Serving lunch and dinner daily with brunch on Sunday. frankiebones.com • 843.682.4455 (Hilton Head) 843.757.3423 (Bluffton) F frankieboneshhi d frankiebonesrestaurant

WISEGUYS MODERN AMERICAN RESTAURANT

Consistently ranked No. 1 for steaks on Hilton Head Island by TripAdvisor and Yelp, Wiseguys Modern American Restaurant is a local take on the urban restaurant and lounge. Inside, find an upscale cosmopolitan atmosphere where city sophistication meets Southern charm. Share small plates in the lounge, or pair a hand-cut steak or locally caught fish entrée with a glass of wine from the extensive award-winning wine list. For events, WiseGuys now has an upscale private dining room nicknamed “The Vault” that’s perfect for an intimate private setting. Planning a bigger party? They have the space for that too! Serving dinner nightly. wiseguyshhi.com • 843.842.8866 F d wiseguyshhi

BLACK MARLIN BAYSIDE GRILL & HURRICANE BAR

Want to know where the locals go? The Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar is the place! Located at the newly renovated Palmetto Bay Marina, the Black Marlin is the go-to spot for delicious waterside dining. Stop by the Hurricane Bar for tasty island libations and live entertainment at happy hour as well. Family-friendly, dog-friendly, boater-friendly. Serving lunch and dinner daily with brunch on Saturday and Sunday. blackmarlinhhi.com • 843.785.4950 F d blackmarlinhhi

GIUSEPPI’S PIZZA & PASTA HOUSE

The original Hilton Head Pizzeria was founded in 1984 and continues to be a staple on the island’s dining scene. Bite into a delicious slice of pizza or a bowl of pasta at either the Hilton Head Island or Bluffton location. Delivery available. Familyfriendly, dog-friendly. Serving lunch and dinner daily. giuseppispizza.com 843.785.4144 (Hilton Head) F giuseppispizza d giuseppispizza 843.815.9200 (Bluffton) F giuseppisbluffton d giuseppispizza

CHARBAR CO. BURGERS & SUSHI

You read that right — Burgers & Sushi! Charbar Co. Burgers & Sushi is a fresh approach to better burgers and authentic style sushi. The chef-driven menu features gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads and of course, hand-rolled sushi and artfully crafted sushi bowls. This unique blend of flavors has something for everyone in the family. Check out the fully stocked outdoor bar and enjoy a game on TV or cornhole while you’re at it. Family-friendly, dog-friendly. Serving lunch and dinner daily. charbarhhi.com • 843.785.2427 F d charbarco

SKULL CREEK BOATHOUSE

This landmark waterfront restaurant features beautiful water and sunset views of Skull Creek. With an extensive menu of fresh seafood and hand-rolled sushi to sandwiches and pastas, there’s something for everyone. Grab a chair at the Marker 13 Buoy Bar for a waterfront cocktail and watch dolphins swim by or catch the game. Don’t overlook the Boathouse’s newest addition, Sunset Landing Pavilion. Adjacent to the restaurant, this waterfront venue shares the sweeping views of Skull Creek and is fully equipped with TV/AV, bar and gas fireplace. Create your next memorable event at Sunset Landing Pavilion. Family-friendly, dog-friendly. Serving lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on Sunday. skullcreekboathouse.com • 843.681.3663 F skullcreekboathousehhi d skullcreekboathouse

HOLY TEQUILA MEXICAN KITCHEN

From gourmet tacos and salads to the island’s best margaritas and inspired cocktails, Holy Tequila Mexican Kitchen is the destination for impeccable authentic Mexican food. With live classic Mexican music and a delightful outdoor dining patio, you may want to bring those dancing shoes as well. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. holytequila.com • 843.681.8226 F d holytequila

MARLEYS SHRIMP & BURGER SHACK

A fast-casual way to enjoy mouth-watering griddle burgers with all the fixins’, New England-style seafood rolls, fish ’n’ chips, deviled crab cakes, seafood baskets and more. Walk up and order takeout, dine inside at the counter or outside at the picnic tables. Family-friendly, dog-friendly. Serving lunch and dinner daily. hiltonheadshack.com • 843.686.5820 F marleysshrimpshack d marleysshrimpshackhhi

ONE HOT MAMA’S AMERICAN GRILL

For traditional barbeque, look no further than One Hot Mama’s American Grill. Dine on delicious barbecue and wings from Food Network Star and SERG chef Orchid Paulmeier. After dinner, stop by One Hot Mama’s Taproom, adjacent to the Hilton Head Island location for local craft brews or game of billiards. Family-friendly. Serving lunch and dinner daily with brunch on Sunday at Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Open late night. onehotmamas.com • 843.682.6262 (Hilton Head) 843.815.6262 (Bluffton) F onehotmamas d onehotmamassc

SIGNATURE CATERING & EVENTS BY SERG AND THE SERG TAKEOUT KITCHEN

Special occasions are the hallmark of our lives. From in-home private chefs to catered backyard barbeques to lavish weddings, Signature Catering & Events by SERG offers a wide range of creative options to make any event a memorable affair. signaturecateringhhi.com F d signaturecateringandevents

Don’t feel like cooking? SERG Takeout Kitchen offers chefprepared daily fresh-frozen, microwavable and hot meals. Spend that extra time on the beach or with family and let SERG Takeout Kitchen do the work. hiltonheadfoodtogo.com 843.682.3663 F d sergtakeoutkitchen

POSEIDON

Poseidon Coastal Cuisine has it all, with dining, shopping and entertainment all in one place. Savor the freshest seafood while overlooking Broad Creek, pick up the perfect gift at the Coastal Provisions retail shop, and head upstairs to the Rooftop Bar for a concert. Family-friendly, dog-friendly. Serving lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on Sunday. poseidonhhi.com • 843.341.3838 F poseidonhhi d poseidon_hhi

THE ROOFTOP BAR AT POSEIDON

When the sun goes down, the Rooftop Bar at Poseidon heats up. Enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun set over Broad Creek, or stay for a DJ dance party or one of the many live concerts. Live it up in style! Rent a VIP booth for your bachelor/ bachelorette party or special gathering and keep the party going all night long! Open nightly (seasonal). therooftophhi.com • 843.341.3838 F rooftopatposeidon d rooftophhi

Culinary Star

Locally owned and operated, ELAʼS On the Water serves freshly caught seafood, prime-cut steaks and high-quality, innovative dishes paired with a refined wine selection and award-winning views overlooking Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Bring the family and enjoy the casually intimate interior featuring local art or the wraparound patio and tunes by Lowcountry musicians. elasgrille.com • 843.785.3030 F d elasgrille

Brazilian Feast

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse is your perfect introduction to rodizio, Brazilian-style all-you-caneat dining. The fixed-price menu includes over 31 expansive salad bar items and six hot Brazilian dishes. The real standout is the churrascaria, featuring 16 cuts of rotisserie-cooked prime cuts of beef, lamb, pork and chicken, carved tableside by gauchos. While the dining is adventurous, the décor is all elegance, from the Chihuly glass lighting to the mother-of-pearl tile backdrop of the salad bar. Wines from Argentina, Chile and California or a classic Caipirinha cocktail complement your meal. cowboybraziliansteakhouse.com • 843.715.3565 F cowboybraziliansteakhousehiltonhead

Good Roots

Make yourself at home at A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant. Inspired by growing up on Hilton Head Island, owner Dave Peck has created a space that brings back the simpler times of our Lowcountry’s past. Dine on classic coastal dishes like shrimp and grits, shrimp BLT salad, homemade banana puddin’ and key lime pie. hhbackyard.com • 843.785.9273 F a-lowcountry-backyard-restaurant

Dinerʼs Choice

Four distinct dining options await you at Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort — there’s something for everyone. HH Prime is known for its quality steaks and fresh seafood. Catch the big game at XO Sports Spirits, get a quick bite at Palmetto Market or enjoy cocktails and light bites poolside at Breeze and Buoy Bar. omnihiltonhead.com 843.842.8000 F d omnihiltonhead

Classic Steakhouse

Experience family-owned Crane’s Tavern Steakhouse & Seafood’s warm hospitality and see why locals have embraced this restaurant for more than 20 years. Enjoy the famous prime rib, USDA Prime Grade steaks, local seafood and award-winning wine list in a smart dining setting complemented by a cozy Old English bar. cranestavern.com • 843.341.2333

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Always in Season

At Java Burrito Co., farm-tofork dining isn’t a fad. This Hilton Head Island eatery uses seasonal local ingredients and prepares them with traditional methods for its famous burrito bar. Build your perfect breakfast burrito, or pop in for lunch and customize a burrito, bowl or tacos. Refresh with fresh squeezed margaritas or a specialty brew from the coffee bar. javaburrito.com 843.842.5282 F javaburritoco d javaburritocompany