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Hilton Head is famous for its seafood restaurants and rightly so. Visitors should most definitely make it a point to get their fill of shrimp and other offerings straight from South Carolina waters. But eating like a local can be a culinary revelation, too. From global cuisine to satisfying snacks, Hilton Head offers an ocean of options for food adventurers. Here is a sampling of area restaurants with dishes that entice and delight.
2 Hudson Road
(843) 785-3625
Fan Favorite: Dockside Rockefeller
Fans of Oysters Rockefeller will adore this Hilton Head twist on the classic dish. Envision plump, baked oysters topped with smokey bacon, creamed collard greens and a Hollandaise sauce. Even better, imagine digging into a plate of them. Of course, you can’t go wrong with any of the dishes at Skull Creek Dockside, whether you lean toward their fresh seafood, juicy steaks or tangy barbecue. Bonus: Each meal is served with panoramic water views.
807 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 1200
(843) 920-3026
Fan Favorite: Bone-in Grilled Veal Chop
Alfred’s is where locals go when they get a hankering for German and European cuisine. Escargot, bratwurst, sauerbraten, scallopini—it’s all here and admirably executed by Chef Heath Prosser, who has more than three decades of experience in the kitchen. His bone-in veal chop served on spätzle and spinach with a mushroom cream sauce has won accolades as well as the hearts of Hilton Head gourmands.
70 Pope Avenue
(843) 689-2447
Fan Favorite: Pancakes
Famous for their scratch-made breakfasts, Southern Coney & Breakfast is a friendly little cafe serving breakfast and lunch. Folks flock here for the pancakes and one bite will tell you why. Golden, light and fluffy, these hot stacks are melt-in-your-mouth glorious, especially when topped with fruit and whipped cream. Mama couldn’t make them any better.
9 Harbourside Lane, Shelter Cove Marina
(843) 842-4555
Fan Favorite: Cabo Wabo Salad
While lovers of the Cabo Wabo salad are drawn to the fresh flavors, the healthy aspects of the dish make it even better. Since 1977, San Miguel’s has been dishing up Mexican dishes to appreciative islanders. Some come for the tacos and enchiladas, and others come to satisfy their craving for the Cabo Wabo: Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, black bean and corn salsa drizzled with a homemade cilantro lime vinaigrette. Topped with grilled chicken, shrimp or steak, it’s all the meal you need. Of course, chips and salsa and one of San Miguel’s Cadillac Margaritas are worthy accompaniments.
55 New Orleans Road, #114
(843) 842-6333
Fan Favorite: Watermelon Sherbet
When you think of ice cream, watermelon is probably not your first thought. But at Hilton Head Ice Cream, they have successfully culled the best qualities of fresh watermelon to create a refreshing and frosty treat. But it’s the unlikely addition of chocolate chips that has turned this flavor into a superstar. Then again, Hilton Head Ice Cream knows its business. After all, they’ve been at it since 1982. Availability of flavors may fluctuate, so call ahead.
811 William Hilton Parkway #A
(843) 715-3133
Fan Favorite: Soup Dumplings
Lots of locals consider this the best Chinese food in the area. Specializing in Szechuan dishes, E-Tang is a stand-out among Asian eateries and can aptly satisfy even the most discriminating big-city palates. Hands down, the pork soup dumplings are the hottest menu item. Made fresh daily, these meaty, juicy purses are bursting with deliciousness and waiting for you to tuck into them.
