Here is my curated list of where to go for some of the most magical dining experiences on Hilton Head Island.
The Lowcountry is buzzing with eateries and so many choices, it is overwhelming even to those of us who live here. There are great ones I'd love to try, but the following are ones I choose most often.
Fried shrimp with home made potato salad and coleslaw.
Anytime is a great time to take a drive across the Broad River from Beaufort to Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks. I've been enjoying fresh seafood at Hudson's for decades and now it's world famous. Sitting right at the edge of Port Royal Sound, the tables feature extraordinary views making it a truly special Lowcountry dining experience.
Hudsons uses one of the only two local fishing fleets on Hilton Head to bring in fresh-caught seafood straight to their docks and then to your table. I've even been there during the excitement as fishing crews unload thousands of fresh oysters, shrimp and soft shell crabs from the day's catch. There is no doubt this is the freshest seafood you can get with seasonal catches such as swordfish, mahi-mahi, grouper, tilefish, and black sea bass. All fish are brought in whole, filleted in-house and added to the daily lunch and dinner specials. And they are delicious whether fried and piled high or baked. It just doesn't get any better than this!
Folks in the Lowcountry await soft-shell crab season with enormous anticipation. Soft shells are like little pied pipers leading visitors and residents into places where they know they will find them. Each spring Hudsons has their own soft shell crab shedding operation. Once the crabs are out of their shells, they are immediately removed and served to hungry guests. If you want a true Lowcountry experience, you will love Hudson's.https://www.hudsonsonthedocks.com/
Chez Georges Bistro and Bar at 37 New Orleans Road is a popular gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors where you will find delicious bistro staples, incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You might say it's a French Bistro with a Lowcountry accent. On my last visit I enjoyed a salmon filet steamed in parchment, ratatouille vegetables, basil and garlic butter creamed spinach and Pernod gratin. Fabulous! I found it to be a culinary jewel in the island's crown.
Beef lovers will not be disappointed. Boeuf Bourguignon is a specialty of the house and they take great pride in serving the finest hand cut New York strip steaks.
A sense of community is fully intact at Chez Georges. "If you want a burger and a beer, you're in. If you want a bowl of mussels and a glass of wine, that's fine too. If you come for an anniversary, we can do that," said owner George Casalicchio. This charming bistro is all about community.
The world is your oyster at Poseidon's raw bar. Located mid island in the heart of dining, shopping and entertainment. Poseidon is one of the famous Serg group restaurants. Enjoy oysters, sushi, shellfish and more! Fried seafood never disappoints at Poseidon. You may wish to take in one of their rooftop concerts where you can choose what suits your fancy. There's Coastal Country Night, The Dueling Pianos plus Ladies Night. Check their website for times.https://www.poseidonhhi.com/entertainments/
One of my favorite dinners is their incredible Cioppino. I can guarantee you will be back for more! Chef Chris Carge is trained in the classic European style of cooking and is committed to using as many of our local producers as possible. Local, seasonal ingredients for the highest quality and the finest health benefits - if this is what you love, Poseidon is your place.
Cozy and happy as an Italian baby, Pomodori is an all-occasion restaurant where everyone will find just what they love. At Pomodori you will find traditional, lovingly prepared Italian food served in an intimate setting. Inspired by Chef Amanda's southern Italian culinary training, their goal is to nourish both your body and soul, one dish at a time. https://www.gopomodori.com/. Prepare to be delighted with housemade gnocchi and tagliatelle, sausages and delicate sauces, along with ultra fresh seafood and salads made with extraordinary olive oil. Wine will be served from an eclectic boutique list or served Italian style in carafes.
https://www.thesageroom.com/
The Sage Room stands for fine dining since 2002. It offers elegant palate-pleasing fare from the four corners of the globe.
Enjoy fine dining is a casual atmosphere with unique appetizers, diverse cuisine, and a nightly innovative list of specials. Best of all, sit at the bar and enjoy your meal in the presence of their open kitchen and chef's table. A picture is worth a thousand words. Their ten person bar is called the Chef's Table and wraps around the kitchen for the eager diner to sit and watch the chef's culinary skills. You may also dine at any of their many tables just steps away from the kitchen.
You will be sure to come back here again and again for the finest in food and service.
When in season, sit at the bar and enjoy some of the Lowcountry's finest oysters served on the half shell or anyway you want them. You can be sure they are fresh from the banks of our local waters.
