Want some of the best food around? Try these top chefs in Hilton Head, Bluffton & Beaufort
The Lowcountry is no doubt a culinary hub with a vibrant and ever-changing dining scene. From fresh seafood, farm-to-table ingredients and Southern-inspired bites, there is no shortage of dishes to try and new cuisine to explore.
The Hilton Head area has long been known and recognized for its culinary scene, from magazines and review publications such as Wine Spectator, OpenTable, Southern Living, Eater Carolinas, Discover South Carolina, Local Life and more.
But with so many restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to decide which spot to visit.
Here is a curated list of some of the top chefs in Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort from top restaurant reviews in Discover South Carolina and featured dining locations from Local Life that may help make your dinner decision a bit easier.
Top Chefs in Hilton Head
Amanda Russ Cifaldi
Chef Cifaldi can be found at Pomodori Italian Eatery. With two locations, one on the island and the other in the heart of Bluffton, Pomodori specializes in authentic Southern Italian cuisine. The dishes are largely inspired by Cifaldi’s training in Italy, with her homemade pasta being a fan favorite.
Some of Chef Cifaldi’s top dishes include the ragu, linguini and gnocchi. If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian food, then Pomodori is the spot for you.
To see their full menu, click here. Pomodori is located at 1 New Orleans Road in Hilton Head and at 1253 May River Road in Old Town Bluffton.
Craig de Villiers
Culinary Director Craig de Villiers and Executive Chef Joel Guido can be seen crafting and preparing their iconic hand-cut steak dishes at WiseGuys.
Known for its modern American flare, WiseGuys offers a unique blend of Southern foods like sliders, ribs and pizzas with a sophisticated and upscale atmosphere.
WiseGuys also offers a notable drink menu that caters to all different flavors. To view their full menu, click here.
WiseGuys is located at 1513 Main Street in Hilton Head.
Orchid Paulmeier
Chef Paulmeier can be found whipping up her famous barbeque dishes at One Hot Mama’s.
Chef Paulmeier is a seasoned barbecue specialist known for her comforting Southern dishes crafted with handmade flare. A Lowcountry icon, Chef Paulmeier has made One Hot Mama’s a can’t-miss stop for barbeque lovers.
Some of her top dishes include wings, brisket nachos, fried chicken and ribs. To view the full menu, click here.
One Hot Mama’s has two locations: 35 Office Park Road in Hilton Head and 104 Buckwalter Parkway, Suite 1A in Bluffton.
Top Chefs in Bluffton
Brandon Carter
Chef Brandon Carter is known for his farm-to-table cuisine with undeniable Southern flare at FARM.
From seafood to steak, vegetarian dishes, pastas and a unique cocktail menu, FARM can cater to all diners looking for fresh bites.
Some of their top dishes include their steak, pork chop and Sunday brunch selections. To view their full menu, click here.
FARM is located at 1301 May River Road in Bluffton.
Glen Benskin
Chef Benskin is at The Pearl Kitchen & Bar, where he and his team craft fresh, innovative and seafood-focused dishes.
The Pearl Kitchen & Bar is known for its contemporary coastal cuisine, with some of their top dishes including shrimp piccata, Carolina Redfish and Lowcountry lobster. To view their menu, click here.
With outdoor seating, The Pearl Bar & Kitchen offers a relaxing atmosphere tucked right within Old Town Bluffton.
The Pearl Bar & Kitchen is located at 55 Calhoun Street.
Jeff Congdon
Chef Congdon and his team will be found cooking up American cuisine and Lowcountry seafood paired with a lively and intimate dining experience at The Bluffton Room.
With a wide variety of menu options and dishes to try, The Bluffton Room has been recognized as one of the nation’s best restaurants.
The Bluffton Room is known for its dishes like the New York Strip steak, longtime Southern favorites like gumbo and their bar menu. To see their full dining options, click here.
The Bluffton Room is located at 15 Promenade Street in Bluffton.
Top Chefs in Beaufort
Brian Waters
Chef Waters is a native Beaufortonian who brought his culinary talents to life with Saltus River Grill.
Chef Waters is known for his seafood-focused dishes, with his top menu items including things like shrimp and grits, oysters, tuna and sushi. To view the full menu options, click here.
Waters began his career at Plum’s Restaurant, which is another Lowcountry favorite dining spot.
Saltus River Grill is located at 802 Bay Street in Beaufort.
Gary Lang
Chef Lang is known for his focus on modern Southern cuisine while using local ingredients at Breakwater Restaurant & Bar.
Their seasonal menu offers elegant Southern dishes and seafood paired with a warm and inviting restaurant atmosphere.
Some of Chef Lang’s top dishes include lamb meatloaf, Lowcountry She-crab soup and a bacon pimento cheese burger. They also offer lively bar options. To view their full menu, click here.
Breakwater Restaurant & Bar is located at 203 Carteret Street, Suite 102 in Beaufort.
Lantz Price
Since 1986, a longtime Lowcountry favorite has been Plum’s Restaurant, guided by Chef Price.
With local ingredients, seasonal menus and waterfront views, Plum’s is a staple for locals and visitors to Beaufort.
Some of Chef Price’s top dishes include classic Southern seafood items like gumbo, burgers and sandwich options. Plum’s Restaurant also offers a drink menu. To see their full list of food options, click here.
Plum’s Restaurant is located at 904 Bay Street in Beaufort.
Other Notable Chefs:
A few other noteworthy chefs to visit are:
Mike Mulcahy from FISH
Michael Cirafesi from OMBRA Cucina Italiana
The Culinary Team from Palmetto Bluff Club
While this list highlights some of the most well-known and highly reviewed chefs in the Lowcountry, the area is bustling with culinary talent at every corner.
If there is a restaurant we missed or chef that you think should be featured, let us know by filling out this form:
This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
