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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Hilton Head Island

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Charlie's Coastal Bistro (L'etoile Verte) restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5272)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 34 times today
Charlie's Coastal Bistro is a beloved local spot, known for its fresh seafood with a French Lowcountry flare. With its charming atmosphere, it's the perfect place for good food and wine. Reviewers praise the restaurant for its consistently great food and service, and one even called it a 'neighborhood gem'. The ambiance is described as warm, cozy, and relaxing, making it a great place to dine.
A photo of ELA'S On the Water restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6775)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 31 times today
Featured in Bon Appetit and the winner of numerous Open Table awards, ELA'S On the Water is a shining star on the Hilton Head scene. Fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality, artfully prepared by our culinary team of experts, compliment the extensive boutique wine selection. Located at Shelter Cove Harbour overlooking the marina and Broad Creek, ELA'S is known for the best water views on the island. A casual intimate interior, wrap around dining patio exterior, and nightly entertainment provided by local recording artists sets the perfect dining experience or location to host special events, private parties, or rehearsal dinners.
A photo of Red Fish - Hilton Head restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5566)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 13 times today
Red Fish specializes in excellent seafood and steaks. A recipient of Wine Spectator Magazine's Best of Award of Excellence since 2001, Red Fish offers over 1300 wines from around the world for you to choose in our retail shop to enjoy with your meal (with a small corkage fee) or to take home.
A photo of OMBRA Cucina Italiana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5924)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hilton Head Island
Booked 30 times today
Top chef Michael Cirafesi, voted Best Chef Hilton Head Island seven years in a row, brings to Hilton Head Island and the low country region one of the area’s most acclaimed Italian restaurant and bar, OMBRA Cucina Italiana, located in the beautiful Village at Wexford on the south end of Hilton Head Island. Come and enjoy innovative Italian cuisine along with an extensive wine list including Italian Benchmark wines. Stop by to relax at our bar and lounge with a spectacular selection of Italian specialty cocktails, apertifs, and digestivos. Our pasta entrees can be made with gluten free pasta upon request to accommodate customers with allergies. We also have vegan/vegetarian options upon request.
A photo of Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5794)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Hilton Head Island
Booked 24 times today
For over 20 years, Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana has been Hilton Head’s premier culinary destination, featuring award-winning regional Italian cuisine, impeccable service and warm hospitality. Our innovative culinary team prides itself on sourcing local fresh products and the finest imported ingredients. Menu choices include homemade pasta dishes, delectable veal, prime meats, fresh seafood and house-made desserts. We are also renowned for our extensive yet approachable wine list. We invite you to enjoy a definitive dining experience amid an ambience that is at once modern, chic and welcoming. "Hilton Head Monthly" readers have voted Michael Anthony’s their “Favorite Fine Dining” restaurant offering their “Favorite Dessert Menu.” Michael Anthony’s Cooking School pairs our chefs’ passion and creativity with weekly demonstration-style or hands-on classes. Here you will interact closely with our cooking staff.Please call or visit our website for reservations and class schedule.
A photo of Crane's Tavern Steakhouse & Seafood restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2894)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Hilton Head Island
Booked 15 times today
Hilton Head Island's destination for beef & seafood lovers, Crane's Tavern & Steakhouse serves only the finest USDA Prime Grade Beef & fresh local seafood. An old English bar & heart of pine floors create the setting with warm, inviting service & an award-winning wine list. The restaurant represents 4 generations & over 100 years of restaurateurs in the Crane family dating back to 1908, when an Irish immigrant, Frank Crane founded Crane's Tavern in Philadelphia. After prohibition Frank's son, Francis & his brothers opened the famed establishment at 333 Queen Lane, where his son, Hank worked until 1969. That year Hank ventured out on his own & opened a Crane's Tavern in Ambler, PA. & then purchased the Surf City Hotel on Long Beach Island, NJ creating yet another establishment with the Crane namesake. In 1999 he & his daughter, Beth Anne opened Crane's Tavern & Steakhouse on Hilton Head Island, SC where it has become a local favorite
A photo of Lulu Kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(845)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Hilton Head Island
Booked 12 times today
Welcome to LULU KITCHEN, where exquisite cuisine it’s paired with exceptional service and eclectic ambiance!Open Monday through Saturday for Lunch and Dinner, and Sunday for Brunch.Lulu Kitchen Dinner Service is intended as an adult dining experience. Respectfully, children under 12 years old are welcome only for patio dining after 4:00pm.Until we see you again, stay well and be sure to eat well!!-Chef Scott Hastings
A photo of Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3520)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 20 times today
Alexander’s, an upscale seafood restaurant and long-time Hilton Head Island favorite on the dining scene since 1977. It features seasonally-inspired cuisine, locally-caught seafood and many locally-sourced ingredients.Our menu pays tribute to many classic lowcountry and Alexander’s favorites such as Seafood Pasta, Shrimp and Grits, and Wiener Schnitzel. Reservations are highly encouraged. Alexander’s offers dinner nightly from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM with seasonal early dining from 5:00 PM-5:45 PM.
A photo of Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4996)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 29 times today
Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant, dropped its anchor in the Fall of 2017 and forever changed the culinary landscape of the Lowcountry. In early 2017 the partners of the restaurant began to transform it into their vision for Hilton Head's newest waterfront dining destination. This restaurant, which resembles an old-style river house, is full of authentic architecture, reclaimed wood, and nautical accents that leave you feeling like you've stepped into a Melville novel. The sweeping waterfront view is showcased by full pane glass windows throughout the restaurant which you can enjoy no matter where you dine. The covered patio dining area, and massive outdoor bar, the shark bar, allows patrons to enjoy the Lowcountry climate and serve to further highlight the amazing sunset views over skull creek. If you are concerned about long wait times, the good news is the restaurant accepts reservations and provides a family recreation area between dockside and boathouse. Kids and adults can enjoy a variety of games, the very popular shark bar and 'shrimp boat' playground. Kids can play while families are waiting for a table, or simply enjoying the amazing waterfront views.
A photo of Alfred's Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2179)
Price: Expensive
• European • Hilton Head Island
Booked 11 times today
For an unforgettable evening on Hilton Head Island, head to Alfred's Restaurant for German and European cuisine by chef Heath Prosser and his team. Care has been taken to bring a wide wine selection from around the world-France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, California, and of course Germany to pair with the menu. Nothing is overlooked to ensure the globally-inspired dishes at Alfred's Restaurant go beyond expectations. Along with many entrées from the land & sea, we also offer German selections, including sauerbraten, jaegerschnitzel, roasted duckling and the popular German mix platter. With indoor dining as well as our new covered and heated outdoor courtyard, you are sure to find the right seat in the house. Reservations highly recommended. Due to increased no show and last minute cancellation activity, you may be asked to provide a credit card when making your reservation. Charges will only be processed for no shows and last minute cancellations that cannot be re booked.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Robert
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Thursday night was the second time we dined here, after an outstanding experience on Tuesday night. The restaurant was much busier than Tuesday night with 2 private parties. The food once again was outstanding, but the service was not as good as Tuesday night. We had 2 servers, one tall guy and a shorter guy. The shorter guy was very cordial, professional and friendly. He took very good care of us. The taller guy was not as attentive, and we overheard him talking to the longtime customers who were once locals, that tourists don't tip well. This is a slap in the face since WE ARE TOURISTS! Suggest that management caution their wait staff regarding that tourists come to their restaurant too and our money can be spent at other places. That said, the food was the star of the show both nights. Talented chef who creates outstanding specials and a solid regular menu. Backed up by a solid kitchen team, they turn out dishes quickly and with great execution. Thanks for 2 great meals!
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    Michael Anthony's Cucina ItalianaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Hilton Head Island
    4.8
  • Janice
    South Carolina •172 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Service is always outstanding, atmosphere and views are inviting. Food, cocktails and wine list always very good. My husband loves the scored fish.
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    ELA'S On the WaterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Hilton Head Island
    4.6
  • CMvip
    South Carolina •66 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our Anniversary dinner was delicious. Gaston, the server we had was terrific. He was attentive, knowledgeable of the menu, personable and efficient. My Osso Buco, recommended by Gaston, was great and on par with my wife’s which is wonderful. Thanks Gaston and Ombra for helping us celebrate our 41 anniversary.
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    OMBRA Cucina ItalianaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Hilton Head Island
    4.7
  • CMvip
    South Carolina •66 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had a delicious dinner, my swordfish was great. My wife LOVED the sheepshead fish and was very very pleased, still commenting it was so good. Our server, Lauren, was terrific. She was efficient, professional, friendly and perfectly attentive. Great night to celebrate our 41 anniversary. Thank you Margaret.
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    Charlie's Coastal Bistro (L'etoile Verte)Price: Expensive• Seafood• Hilton Head Island
    4.9
  • Larryvip
    Southwest Florida •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    A must stop for our annual HHI vacation. Never disappoints. We always visit Red Fish on Wednesdays so we can enjoy the live jazz. The food, ambiance, and music makes for a perfect evening. We love Red Fish and tell all our friends about it.
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    Red Fish - Hilton HeadPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Hilton Head Island
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Hilton Head Island

Discover the charm of Hilton Head Island's dining scene through its hidden neighborhood gems, where each restaurant offers a unique blend of local flavors, warm ambiances, and exceptional service. These culinary spots, nestled in various parts of Hilton Head Island, are celebrated for their ability to provide a memorable dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. From the cozy settings of historic Harbour Town to the beachside vibes near the coast, each location promises a distinctive atmosphere that complements their menu offerings. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, expertly prepared steaks, or a taste of local Lowcountry cuisine with a modern twist, these neighborhood gems are sure to delight. Patrons consistently praise these eateries for their friendly service, delicious food, and the ability to maintain high standards of quality and consistency. It’s not just about dining; it’s about the experience, where food and ambiance converge to create lasting memories. Hilton Head Island is renowned not only for its beautiful landscapes but also for a vibrant dining scene that captures the essence of both tradition and innovation. This makes it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts looking to explore flavors in a setting that's as inviting as the meals served. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these neighborhood gems are must-visit spots on your culinary journey through Hilton Head.

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