Hilton Head, South Carolina, August 10, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head, South Carolina, boasts 15 restaurants ranked among the top 100 in the state according to Yelp’s August list. Renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, the island offers a diverse array of dining options, from live music at The Jazz Corner to unique coffee-infused dishes at Java Burrito. New openings like Local Legend Brewing Company and Tin & Tallow further enhance the dining landscape as the island attracts thousands of visitors each weekend during the summer season.
Hilton Head, South Carolina, is now home to 15 of the top 100 restaurants in the state, as ranked by Yelp in their August list. The culinary scene on the island continues to thrive, showcasing a diverse range of dining experiences that cater to both locals and the influx of visitors drawn to its beautiful beaches and seasonal attractions.
Among the notable establishments, The Jazz Corner stands out for its unique combination of live music and fine dining, a beloved spot since 1999, often labeled by patrons as a “hidden gem.” This restaurant helps create a vibrant atmosphere, enriching the overall dining experience on Hilton Head.
Another popular choice is Java Burrito, which creatively marries coffee culture with Mexican cuisine. Guests can enjoy traditional Tex-Mex offerings alongside this distinctive coffee-infused menu, making it a favorite for a quick yet flavorful meal. Following closely is Stu’s, renowned for its sandwiches. Yelpers frequently rave about their offerings, with some diners claiming they serve “the best sandwich I’ve ever had in my life,” showcasing the high standards maintained by local eateries.
Mexican cuisine fans will appreciate Fiesta Fresh, which serves authentic dishes such as chicken tacos and steak quesadillas. This restaurant is especially popular with vacationers seeking a taste of traditional Mexican fare. In the realm of Italian cuisine, Michael Anthony’s serves as a local hotspot ideal for romantic dinners, presenting a unique twist on classic Italian dishes that patrons find irresistible.
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar offers an upscale dining experience featuring favorites like chicken parmigiana, ravioli, and fresh salads, each crafted to perfection. For pasta enthusiasts, Pomodori is recognized for its handmade pasta dishes that have earned high praise from culinary reviewers and visitors alike.
Furthermore, Bad Biscuit has secured its status among the top biscuit restaurants, as highlighted by Southern Living, serving customizable Southern fare and generous biscuit servings, a must-try for comfort food lovers. Meanwhile, Dough Boys is known for its well-prepared pizza, consistently receiving commendations for taste and cooking quality.
Bullies BBQ gets accolades for its traditional BBQ dishes, served in an old-school counter-service style, while The Sandbar captures a laid-back beach vibe, specializing in seafood items like crab cake sandwiches and fish tacos. Hudson’s Seafood House impresses diners not only with its menu of fresh seafood but also with stunning waterfront views on Port Royal Sound.
For those at Sea Pines, The Quarterdeck offers a relaxed vibe with fried gator bites and crab sandwiches on the menu. The Sea Shack has become a must-visit destination for seafood lovers, often drawing long lines of eager patrons. Fishcamp on Broad Creek rounds out the list with its picturesque waterside views and specialties such as fried shrimp and ahi tuna poke bowls.
As Hilton Head welcomes around 100,000 new visitors each Saturday during the summer season, the local restaurant scene is evolving rapidly. Several new establishments have recently opened, including Local Legend Brewing Company, Tin & Tallow, and Masala Mantra Indian Bistro, which add to the island’s diverse culinary offerings. Dining options have expanded further with innovative spots like Uncle Billy’s Burger Bar, which allows patrons to enjoy items from both their own menu and that of adjacent Papi Tequila.
With additional openings such as Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Bar and many others offering everything from Southern fare to Italian and Indian cuisine, the restaurant landscape on Hilton Head is set for continued growth and transformation.
FAQ
- How many restaurants from Hilton Head made it to Yelp’s top 100 list for South Carolina? 15 restaurants from Hilton Head were featured in the list.
- What type of cuisine can I find at The Jazz Corner? The Jazz Corner offers a blend of fine dining and live music.
- Which restaurant is known for its sandwiches? Stu’s is famous for its sandwiches, with many customers calling them the best they’ve ever had.
- Are there any new restaurants opened recently in Hilton Head? Yes, new spots like Local Legend Brewing Company and Tin & Tallow have recently opened.
- Can you name a restaurant that focuses on seafood? Several, including Hudson’s Seafood House and The Sandbar, focus prominently on seafood dishes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Summer Sips: A Review of Top Drinks
Hilton Head Island Reflects on Summer’s Best Drinks and Eateries
Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Project Delayed
Dwight Yoakam to Perform in Savannah
Top Restaurants in South Carolina Highlight Coastal Cuisine
Surchero’s Fresh-Mex Expands to Boiling Springs
Hilton Head Island Emerges as Culinary Destination with Diverse Dining Experiences
Hilton Head: The Ideal Family Beach Escape for Charlotte Families
Hilton Head Island’s Bad Biscuit Celebrates Culinary Recognition
Hilton Head Expands Its Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Options
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Restaurants
- Stacker: Highest Rated Fine Dining Restaurants
- Travel Awaits: Best Fine Dining Restaurants
- Eat It And Like It: What’s New on Hilton Head Island
- MSN: Best Restaurant in Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Restaurants
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island Dining
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
