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.
Extraordinary Wines at Extraordinary Prices*
Reserve a table between 5:00PM and 5:30PM and enjoy a truly memorable meal featuring select high-end wines at concessionary prices, reflecting a 50% reduction from regular menu pricing. These carefully-curated bottles include Chardonnays, Merlots, Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, Amarones, Brunellos, Barolos, Barbarescos and Super Tuscans. We guarantee these wonderful wines will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level!
*This experience is for regular dine-in service only, between 5:00PM and 5:30PM only, and all bottles must be opened tableside. Not available for takeout orders or retail purchases. Also not applicable during special events or other promotions.
Sips and Bites at the Bar
$30.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Join us for our weekly small bites menu consisting of three dishes each expertly paired with wines from around the world. Please select a high top table or bar seat for the Sips & Bites menu.
Cooking Demonstration
$75.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Our Demonstration Cooking Classes are presented classroom style, where you will watch the chef prepare his menu, providing step-by-step procedures and helpful hints for each dish. The class includes a welcome glass of Prosecco, a generous tasting of all the dishes prepared, a glass of wine and a recipe booklet to take home. Our classes are always fun and informative and the company is always congenial. All seats are assigned based on party size and in the order the reservation was received so we can accommodate everyone.
https://www.michael-anthonys.com/cooking-school
Popular dishes
Menu
Offered at the BAR only from 5:00pm to 5:45pm, enjoy three small plates paired with three premium wines for $30.00. Menu changes weekly. Reservations are strongly suggested by calling the restaurant directly at 843.785.6272.
SIPS & BITES, Monday February 24th - Saturday March 1st
Caprese Salad paired with Cascina La Doria Gavi
Veal Ravioli with Parmigiano Mushroom Cream Sauce paired with Silvio Grasso Nebbiolo
Braised Pork Rib with Balsamic Glaze paired with Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico
What 5,915 people are saying
Overall ratings and reviews
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value
Noise • Moderate
Loved For
Hilton Head
Great for fine wines
Hilton Head
Romantic
Hilton Head
Good for special occasions
Hilton Head
Most Booked
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana is a standout on Hilton Head Island, known for its "authentic Italian cuisine" and inviting atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the "top notch" service and "delicious" food, including fresh, house-made pasta. The wine selection impresses, and the consistent crowds reflect a loyal following.
5,915 Reviews
D
Dena
VIP
New York City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
We always make it a point to dine at Michael Anthony's anytime we visit HHI. They truly serve authentic Italian cuisine! Their food & drink options, service, and cleanliness are top notch! They never disappoint and we highly recommend sitting in the bar at a high top.
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M
MICHELE
VIP
Charleston
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
Overall 4
Food 5
Service 4
Ambience 4
There were 4 of us in the party. Took over an hour to get the entrees. Three were served warm, the 4th, the filet was cold. They seemed short staffed on the 2nd dining floor.
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C
Carolyn
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
We always enjoy a delicious meal at Michael Anthonys! The calamari was perfection!
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C
Cheryl
VIP
New York City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Delicious food and excellent service. Warm friendly staff. Highly recommend
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K
Ken
VIP
Columbus
47 reviews
3.0
47 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
Overall 3
Food 4
Service 4
Ambience 3
Food was good very limited menu.
Over priced for the setting.
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J
John
VIP
New York City
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2025
Overall 4
Food 3
Service 5
Ambience 4
This is a very good restaurant. Food is usually excellent but this time one dish was not the best.
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S
Stuart
VIP
Orlando
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana is a true gem on Hilton Head Island. The atmosphere is lively yet refined, with an inviting, well-appointed dining space that feels like part of a family-run establishment. Given the consistent crowd, it’s clear this restaurant has built a loyal following—and for good reason.
My wife requested a custom Pasta Primavera with added chicken, and it was excellent. I had the Veal Scaloppini, which was also very well executed. In past visits, I’ve tried the lasagna, and I’d say it’s among the best I’ve had anywhere. Everything we ordered reflected the kitchen’s commitment to fresh ingredients and careful preparation.
We started with a prosciutto Caprese salad, featuring dark red, perfectly ripened tomatoes, a balsamic glaze, and arugula. The flavors balanced beautifully, and the fresh bread served alongside it was a great touch. One of the things that sets Michael Anthony’s apart is their in-house pasta, made fresh daily—it makes a noticeable difference in the quality of their dishes.
Their wine list is impressive, with a strong selection of authentic European and Italian wines. While they offer a few Napa options, the list leans heavily toward Old World wines, which makes sense for an Italian restaurant.
Service was attentive throughout the meal, despite how busy they were. And they are always busy. Even on a Monday night, the place was packed, and when I asked if that was normal, I was told it’s the standard here. Reservations are definitely a good idea.
Across the way, they also run a specialty grocery store and café, which adds to their appeal. Everything about Michael Anthony’s shows a dedication to high-quality, authentic Italian food. If you’re in Hilton Head and enjoy Italian cuisine, this place is well worth a visit.
1 person found this helpful
JJ
JackJ
Charleston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Another great night at Michael Anthony's. We were seated in a booth on the first floor and had Sergio as our waiter, who was excellent, as usual. We both had the spaghetti with seafood, and it was prepared perfectly. A true gem on Hilton Head Island!
1 person found this helpful
S
Sharlene
Charleston
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Loved our dinner! Great service, amazing food! Would absolutely come back!
1 person found this helpful
T
Tim
VIP
Louisville
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great evening out! New favorite restaurant in Hilton Head Island!
1 person found this helpful
FAQs
Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana is rated 4.8 stars by 5915 OpenTable diners.
Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.