News Summary
Hilton Head’s culinary landscape is expanding with the introduction of new restaurants and the relocation of existing dining spots in 2025. Renowned for its diverse offerings and fresh ingredients, the Lowcountry continues to attract food enthusiasts. Notable chefs are leading restaurants across the area, including authentic Southern Italian cuisine and modern American dishes. New openings like Culver’s and Starbird aim to diversify the local dining experience while some establishments have unfortunately closed. The ongoing evolution of the culinary scene seeks to boost both tourism and local appeal.
Hilton Head’s Culinary Scene Expands with New and Relocated Dining Options in 2025
Hilton Head, SC – The culinary scene in Hilton Head is on the rise with the introduction of new restaurants and the relocation of existing dining spots in 2025. Renowned as a vibrant culinary hub, the Lowcountry continues to attract food enthusiasts with its diverse offerings, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table ingredients. Notably, the area is celebrated for Southern-inspired dishes, leading to numerous complimentary reviews from various culinary publications.
Among the culinary highlights are several notable chefs and their restaurants positioned across Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort. Chef Amanda Russ Cifaldi spearheads Pomodori Italian Eatery, where diners can savor authentic Southern Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta at two locations: 1 New Orleans Road in Hilton Head and 1253 May River Road in Bluffton. Craig de Villiers, as Culinary Director at WiseGuys, is recognized for modern American dishes and hand-cut steak, situated at 1513 Main Street in Hilton Head.
Featured Restaurants and Chefs
One Hot Mama’s, run by Chef Orchid Paulmeier, offers a delicious selection of barbeque, specifically wings and ribs, at locations in Hilton Head (35 Office Park Road) and Bluffton (104 Buckwalter Parkway). Chef Brandon Carter focuses on farm-to-table practices at FARM in Bluffton, where guests can enjoy a mix of seafood and steak dishes at 1301 May River Road. Coastal cuisine is a specialty at The Pearl Kitchen & Bar, which is helmed by Chef Glen Benskin and located at 55 Calhoun Street in Bluffton, while Chef Jeff Congdon serves American cuisine at The Bluffton Room at 15 Promenade Street in Bluffton. Not far in Beaufort, Chef Brian Waters offers delightful seafood dishes at Saltus River Grill (802 Bay Street), and Chef Gary Lang provides modern Southern cuisine at Breakwater Restaurant & Bar (203 Carteret Street, Suite 102). Longstanding chef Lantz Price has been serving local ingredients and seafood at Plum’s Restaurant (904 Bay Street) since 1986.
New Additions to the Dining Scene
The year 2025 has welcomed several new restaurants that further diversify Hilton Head’s culinary landscape. Notable openings include:
- Culver’s – A Midwest cuisine establishment specializing in burgers and custard at 2338 Boundary Street, Beaufort (opened May 2025).
- Starbird – A speakeasy-inspired venue featuring cocktails and sharing plates at Villages at Wexford, Hilton Head (opened May 2025).
- The Palmetto Room – A beer and wine lounge at 841 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head (opened May 2025).
- Bullies BBQ – Focused on Southern BBQ, located at 3 Regency Parkway, Hilton Head (opened May 2025).
- Casablanca Cuisine Bluffton – Mediterranean dishes served at 108 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton (opened April 2025).
- Starbucks Bluffton – Located at 379 Bleecker Street South (opened April 2025).
- 843 Korean BBQ & Hot Pot – Opened at 95 Mathews Drive, Hilton Head (April 2025).
- T Baquette & Boba – Specializing in bubble tea and bakery items at 321 Hope Pond Way, Bluffton (opened April 2025).
- Radici – Italian classics offered at 4376 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton (opened March 2025).
- Local Legend Brewing Co. – Brewpub that opened in March 2025 at 1014 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head.
Changes in the Dining Landscape
As the dining landscape evolves, some establishments have regrettably closed their doors, including Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen (closed December 2024), Hook and Reel (closed January 2025), and Which Wich (closed May 2025). Notably, the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island has transformed its dining offerings, introducing new venues such as Seacrest Restaurant & Terrace, Driftwood Rum Bar, and The Patio. This transformation aims to enhance the dining experience for resort guests and locals alike.
Enhancing Tourism and Culinary Appeal
With these changes, Hilton Head Island seeks to bolster its appeal as a desired destination for visitors in 2025. The anticipated growth in culinary options is expected to enhance local tourism while creating a lucrative and experiential dining environment for both residents and vacationers.
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Additional Resources
- Eat It and Like It
- MSN: Best Outdoor Restaurants
- Travel and Tour World
- Michigan Daily
- MSN: Best Fine Dining Restaurant
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island culinary scene
