10 Best Seafood Restaurants In Hilton Head, SC

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The enchanting island of Hilton Head is tucked away in the warm embrace of the Atlantic. Hilton Head is the ideal holiday spot because of its unmatched natural beauty and laid-back attitude.

For the benefit of the town’s foodies, the oceans surrounding Hilton Head are never short of fish, and there are always eateries willing to slice, dice, and prepare them into something genuinely delectable.

No matter what your taste buds desire, whether it’s hearty home cooking or incredibly upscale French cuisine, you’re sure to find it here.

You can experience the very best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head, South Carolina, by checking out my top ten list.

The 10 Must-Try Seafood Restaurants in Hilton Head 

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

1 Hudson Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States // +18436812772

The Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is the ideal dining destination in Hilton Head for any occasion, whether you’re dining with loved ones or your significant other.

With a view of Port Royal Sound, you can enjoy some mouthwatering classic low country specialties. The restaurant collaborates with Charleston, Georgia, and Northern Florida fishermen to obtain the freshest catches.

Visit this diner after a day of visiting the local areas of Hilton Head since it is believed to be the oldest restaurant on the island with its 50 years of dining experience.

Enjoy the portions of fried oysters and blackened shrimp served with red rice and freshly cooked broccoli while enjoying a good bottle of wine at this establishment that offers fresh catch seafood at very affordable costs.

I ordered the tuna sandwich. You know you are at a fine seafood restaurant when you can have it grilled, blackened, fried, etc. 

I appreciated that they provided a variety of sides besides just fries. Their hushpuppies, coleslaw, and rice were all delicious. A dozen fresh oysters were also consumed, which was definitely worth it.

We enjoyed a delicious crab cake and a slice of mud pie for dessert while taking in the breathtaking vistas of passing boats in the Intercoastal Waterway.

The waitress was excellent; she gave us a lot of background information on the establishment, was really educated about the cuisine and the several ways it could be prepared, and kept us happy the entire time.

It was a wonderful experience because she was so knowledgeable about the island and the things we should see. I heartily recommend going to this restaurant for some of the best seafood in Hilton Head!

Fishcamp on Broad Creek

11 Simmons Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States // +18438422267

At Fishcamp on Broad Creek, you and your family can relax and take in some live music performed by local musicians while you eat delicious food in Hilton Head! Embrace the allure of Fishcamp with its intimate indoor space and breathtaking outdoor seating area that overlooks Broad Creek.

I suggest beginning your lunch with one of their delectable appetizers, such as calamari and pickles. This appetizer consists of dill pickles, crisped calamari, lemon aioli, and spicy tomato sauce. 

Then, you can pick from various main meals, including Seafood Pasta or Roasted Flounder.

Pick a seat outside for the most pleasing experience. There are many heaters there to assist in keeping you warm while you enjoy a bottle of wine.

Have a chocolate peanut butter mousse or a slice of creamy key lime pie for dessert while circling the oyster roasting pit for a full-on sugar high.  Fishcamp is the place for fine dining in Hilton Head.

Skull Creek Boathouse

397 Squire Pope Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States // +18436813663

You’ll be happy you went to Skull Creek Boathouse, one of the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head, even before you look at the menu. The nautically inspired interior décor of the old-style river house is delightful and full of authentic elements.

The outside patio and bar are a terrific site to catch the sunset over Skull Creek on a sunny evening.

Among the menu offerings are house-smoked barbeque and perfectly prepared seafood dishes, all made with love and served with pleasure.

We had handmade hush puppies with spicy honey butter on the side as an appetizer.

We had the Wild American Shrimp as our entrée, which came with a side of Savannah red rice and string beans, while I had the blackened local wreckfish, which was served with crawfish étouffée and Savannah red rice. The wreckfish was outstanding, and the sauce was excellent!

I love fish, but I had never had wreckfish before. My waiter suggested it and assured me I wouldn’t regret it, and he couldn’t have been more accurate!

The next time I visit, I hope it will be on the menu again, and make sure to check out this restaurant if you’re on Hilton Head Island!

The Crazy Crab

104 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926,  United States // +18436815021

The Crazy Crab in Sea Pines’ Harbour Town offers a wonderful waterfront dining experience with a perfect view of the magnificent Lowcountry sunset. Need a few more reasons why it’s one of the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head?

Both tourists and locals agree that the crab legs at this eatery are some of the best in town.

Kids love exploring the playground on-site and gazing at the biggest saltwater fish tank on Hilton Head. Even live music is performed there throughout the summer.

Before you tuck into a plate of fried flounder, shrimp and grits, and the all-time favorites, the Alaskan snow crab legs, work up an appetite by taking a quick tour through the shops or attempting to climb to the top of the lighthouse.

My choice was the fried shrimp, which was gently breaded and cooked to perfection. My friend had the shrimp and grits and was just blown away by how smooth, creamy, and delicious the grits were.

We chose the key lime pie for dessert and were amazed by the nautical décor of the room. I understand why people want to come here. We had fantastic food and a fantastic atmosphere. A must-try restaurant in Hilton Head!

Black Marlin Bayside Grill

Bay Marina, 86 Helmsman Way, Palmetto, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States // +18437854950

According to its slogan, the Black Marlin Bayside Grill offers “the Island’s Best Selection of Fresh Seafood, Hand-Cut Steaks, and Cool Libations all in a peaceful Key West setting.” And who am I to argue?

The prices were reasonable, and the menu was large and varied enough to feed an entire family.

My friend ordered the Buffalo shrimp, which had just the proper amount of heat without being overpowering, and the side order of hush puppies with pimento cheese spread was delectable.

I ordered a cup of fish chowder, which was piled high with fishy delicacies. The grilled Mahi-Mahi tacos were also delicious.

Very wonderful atmosphere, and everyone looked to be having a good time. I really like looking at the ocean and the marina. Definitely, a must-see visit amongst the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head.

Old Oyster Factory Restaurant

101 Marshland Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States // +18436816040

With breathtaking views, a wide selection of classic and contemporary seafood dishes, and an unparalleled level of service, the Old Oyster Factory is a dining experience not to be missed when eating in Hilton Head.

This waterfront dining offers one of Hilton Head’s best panoramic views of the marshland scenery. It is one of Hilton Head’s greatest seafood restaurants, serving meals to people of all ages.

Shellfish is unquestionably a specialty, as the name implies. But, even if its specialty dishes don’t appeal to you, there’s much to enjoy on a menu that includes other specialties like Almond Crusted Mahi Mahi, Key Lime Salmon, and Blackened Carolina Catfish.

We ordered Fried Green Tomatoes, Key Lime Salmon, Pecan Grouper, Dinner Salad, Low Country Boil, and a half dozen Rockefeller Oysters.

The oysters were provided fast, hot, and well prepared. My Low Country Boil was delicious and filling.

The seafood entrees were absolutely delicious. Deliciously made, served at the appropriate temperature, beautifully decorated with fresh vegetables, delicious, and with a generous piece of fish and rice.

Also, try to save room for their signature desserts, which include creme brulee, cheesecake, and chocolate mousse. We most certainly enjoyed them!

Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte

8 New Orleans Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States // +18437859277

Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte is unmatched for fresh seafood with French flair. No wonder it’s one of the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head. The environment is almost as outstanding as the food, which is both high-end and warmly intimate at the same time.

Meanwhile, the food is nothing short of outstanding: the menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh off the boat that day, but the emphasis on fresh, locally sourced products, exceptional cooking, and innovative plating remains consistent.

I started with escargot and finished with local swordfish. The fish, with a light cream tomato sauce, was great, but the Dauphinoise potatoes and freshly prepared fresh mixed vegetables truly stood out.

To begin, my friend ordered the crab salad with basil lime cream sauce atop fresh scallops. Charlie’s delicious caramel cake was served for dessert. Words cannot adequately describe this amazing lunch.

I cannot recommend this place highly enough and can’t wait to return on my next trip to Hilton Head.  It clearly is the place for fine dining in Hilton Head. 

The Sea Shack

6 Executive Park Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States // +18437852464

The Sea Shack is a family-friendly and one of the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head where diners can customize how their meal is prepared.

Don’t be put off by the Sea Shack’s exterior; it may look like a shack, but the cuisine was wonderful!

Among the options are shrimp, popcorn scallops, frog legs, crab cakes, calamari, oysters, and alligator. You did read that right. Alligators are also offered at the restaurant.

After placing our order at the window, we had to wait a short while before finding a seat behind one of the tents. The crew called out names when the food was done and presented it in take-out containers.

I didn’t know what to expect, but everything was fantastic! Everything was cooked to perfection, and the serving sizes were generous.

Everyone at our table enjoyed a little bit of everything, and there were no complaints, only raves about the food. I tried the fried grouper, which was very delicious, lightly fried, and bursting with flavor. Seriously, just visit this place!

ELA’S On the Water

1 Shelter Cove Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States // +18437853030

One of the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head, ELA’S On the Water serves steaks and seafood with a Southern flair. It has received several Open Table Awards.

It has beautiful water views, a modern design, a stylish bar, and a garden patio, all of which complement the exquisite meals offered here.

All the seafood served on the menu is freshly caught, so you can be sure it will be delicious and fresh.

The menu was largely seafood, with almost everything produced from scratch. We first had mussels in a delicious marinara sauce, crab cakes, fresh oysters, and ahi tuna.

The flash-fried flounder was the standout of the dish, and it was delicious. The desserts were also excellent. They had a good wine list and big martinis. Service like you remember it from your childhood. Definitely worthwhile to pay a visit!

Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar

76 Queens Folly Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States // +18557064319

Enjoy an upscale dining experience in Hilton Head at Alexander’s, which features seasonally-inspired cuisine, locally-caught fish, and many locally-sourced products.

While sitting on the lagoon, have a wonderfully cooked prime rib or a flounder stuffed with crab and topped with outstanding sauce and flavor.

For dessert, get a crème Brulee with a crisp top and a citrus flavor added to the custard while enjoying a glass of house wine from the extensive menu.

And, if you just want to hang out in the bar, buy a grapefruit martini and feel out the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with the locals. Definitely one of the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head.

Final Thoughts About The Best Seafood Restaurants In Hilton Head

Now that you know where to find the best seafood in Hilton Head, it is time to start making travel arrangements!

With a location bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, it is no surprise that Hilton Head is home to an incredible selection of seafood, including juicy crab, fresh-caught fish, delectable lobster, and other ocean favorites.

Unleash your inner seafood lover as I’ve compiled a list of the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head to satisfy your desires after a long day of playing in the sand on South Carolina’s coast.

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