10 best-rated beachfront & waterside restaurants in Hilton Head, SC, according to Google reviews
Heading to the beach soon and want the best spot to eat at without having to sacrifice a waterside view?
Hilton Head is home to dozens of restaurants that have a variety of ever-changing and mouthwatering dishes. No matter if you’re searching for Lowcountry seafood, fine dining or American cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
From coastal views, riverside tranquility, upscale and casual flip-flop spots, here are the top 10 waterfront restaurants in Hilton Head with a 4.3 star rating or higher, according to Google reviews.
87 N. Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head
4.5 stars with 1,391 Google reviews
Located inside the popular Sea Pine Resort, Coast offers a true Lowcountry seafood dining experience with an upscale and classy atmosphere for you to enjoy. With beachfront views, Coast is the perfect spot for a nice dinner after a beach day, a fancy date and all things in between. Sea Pines does require a $9 gate fee for entry.
“Gorgeous location, right on the beach! Food was fresh, flavorful and came out promptly,” a visitor wrote.
101 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head
4.5 stars with 2,879 Google reviews
The Sandbar is conveniently located inside Coligny Plaza, another hot spot for locals and tourists heading to the beach. With a more casual dining vibe, The Sandbar offers a mix of Southern and Caribbean cuisine and comfort foods, including burgers, tacos, seafood and more. Just a few short steps away from the beach, The Sandbar has been welcoming beachgoers for years.
“This is our favorite place to eat on Hilton Head,” wrote one reviewer. “Seriously, you have to try the giant pretzel and cheese. Go now!”
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks
1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head
4.6 stars with 7,867 Google reviews
A can’t-miss spot for any seafood lover is Hudson’s Seafood House. From menu items including shrimp, swordfish, crab, scallops, hush puppies and more, Hudson’s has been serving up Lowcountry favorites since 1975.
“We love eating outside at Hudson’s. The view is so beautiful, the sunsets are amazing, and the food is great,” a reviewer wrote. “We live on Hilton Head Island, and every time we go to Hudson’s, we feel like we’re on vacation.”
397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head
4.5 stars with 7,489 Google reviews
Skull Creek Boathouse is the place to be for Lowcountry cuisine. As a bustling waterfront spot with a menu full of seafood, sushi and Southern classics, it’s a perfect location for families, date night, or a sunset dinner by the waterside. An added plus is being able to watch nearby boaters come in and out of the warehouse to the water.
“We really enjoyed our dinner,” a reviewer posted. “A great way to spend an evening looking out over the bay while dining!”
2 Hudson Road, Hilton Head
4.5 stars with 4,070 Google reviews
The location neighboring Skull Creek Boathouse is Skull Creek Dockside. This separate dining location offers a relaxed spot with local charm that specializes in seafood and barbecue dishes. Known for the burgers, flatbreads, cocktails and Sunday brunch, Dockside is perfect for visitors and locals to the island.
“This was a really amazing waterfront experience,” one reviewer wrote. “Waterfront dining is always an awesome feature, and this particular restaurant was located on the north end of the island, so you can see the bridge that connects the island to Pinckney Island across the water!”
18 Simmons Road, Hilton Head
4.5 stars with 1,088 Google reviews
Up the Creek Pub & Grill is known for its relaxed, casual and affordable waterfront deck dining experience. From oysters, burgers, tacos and a full bar, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation no matter when you visit. Located right on the Broad Creek Marina, diners are bound to see a boat (or a few) passing by.
“Our new favorite place, such a beautiful hidden gem,” a visitor wrote. “The food was delicious and the view was so amazing.”
11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head
4.5 stars with 3,461 Google reviews
Serving up Southern–style seafood and Lowcountry dishes, Fishcamp is another top spot for any seafood connoisseur. Giving a true waterside dining experience, Fishcamp is located in a cabin-like space, fully equipped with a patio and fire pit area where visitors can enjoy the view of Broad Creek.
“I’ve visited Fishcamp multiple times, and I have to say, their hush puppies are hands down the best I’ve ever tasted,” wrote one reviewer. “The atmosphere is fantastic and the service is equally impressive. It’s a five-star experience all around! We’ll definitely be returning soon.”
75 Shrimpers Row, Hilton Head
4.6 stars with 410 Google reviews
One of the newer dining locations on the island is Benny’s Coastal Kitchen, which opened its doors in early 2024. With a main focus on seafood, their dishes add a unique twist of flavor and excitement to Lowcountry classics. Located right along Skull Creek, no matter where you sit, you’ll have an unforgettable view.
“This place is amazing,” wrote one visitor. “The food is absolutely delicious. It has a unique mix of flavors and the menu plays with your senses, combining colors and smells.”
101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head
4.3 stars with 4,150 Google reviews
With a menu inspired by some iconic Lowcountry lingo, including Broad Creek gumbo, oysters Savannah, dayboat scallops and more. The Old Oyster Factory is a fan favorite for seafood and waterside dining. With rustic-chic style atmosphere, The Old Oyster Factory is the perfect spot for any beachgoer or local.
“The mussels and clams were some of the best in the Carolinas I’ve ever had,” one reviewer wrote. “Beautiful atmosphere and great service.”
38 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 120, Hilton Head
4.3 stars with 3,906 Google reviews
Tucked inside Shelter Cove, Poseidon offers a one-of-a-kind coastal dining atmosphere. This waterfront location is known for its seafood, steaks and rooftop bar area. A go-to spot for visitors and locals in need of a night out, Poseidon has an extensive food and beverage menu that you can savor while soaking in the views of Broad Creek.
“The food and the service was first rate,” a reviewer posted. “We ordered every kind of seafood we could think of and they did a great job with the presentation. Their quality of food and service has remained consistently good over the years. Make sure to stop by!”
This story was originally published April 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
