Where To Eat: Late Summer 2023 Edition Where To Eat Right Now

The only thing hotter than Hilton Head in August is the Island’s food scene. Thanks to local chefs like Amanda Cifaldi (Pomodori Italian Eatery) and Orchid Paulmeier (One Hot Mamas) who whipped up success and fame on the Food Network, as well as entrepreneurs like Billy Watterson (The Bank) and local generational restauranteurs like Andrew Carmines (Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks), Hilton Head has cooked up quite a name for itself in terms of being a destination for foodies. To take a bite out of the guesswork, we’ve broken it down into six categories and listed the best places for you to eat in the Hilton Head area in 2023.

Best New Hot Spot

The money spot for locals and visitors alike is The Bank. With 55,000 exterior square feet, 17,000 interior square feet, six eateries, three bars, food trucks that offer both cigars and ice cream, live music, activities like cornhole, a retail shop and long business hours, you can max yourself out with food, drink and fun at The Bank. Highlights include build your own pizza (with a gluten-free crust option), as well as build your own tacos and burgers, and the lobster roll from All About The Benjamins Seafood.

Best Lowcountry Fare

One of the longest-running restaurants in Hilton Head, Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks is where to go to get authentic, local seafood. Hudson’s uses one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head Island to bring in fresh-caught seafood from their dock to your table and the waterfront seating provides some of the best views in Hilton Head.

Best Drinks and Apps

The newly renovated Quarterdeck also offers amazing views and is a favorite for those of you who like a classy bar scene. Menu must-haves include the charcoal-roasted local oysters with lemon, butter, garlic and Parmigiano Reggiano and the Cajun-fried gator bites with QD comeback sauce, pickled pepperoncini and Cajun seasoning.

Best Italian

If you like a quaint place with authentic, homemade Italian cuisine, you have to reserve a table at Pomodori Italian Eatery (and do it in advance, the place books up quickly). Chef Amanda truly pours her soul and Italian heritage into the menu and wine selection. (Note: Many of her dishes are from recipes that have been passed down for generations, like her famous housemade meatball.)

Best New Lunch Spot

A family-owned business, Sprout Mama is another new on the food scene favorite. Everything here feels artisanal and like the owners spent years perfecting the recipes. You can get breakfast, lunch and dinner here, as well as hire Sprout Mama for catering.

Best Dinner and a Movie

 If you like dinner and a movie, Park Plaza Cinema is your one-stop shop. In addition to movie theatre fare like sodas and candy, you can get an array of adult beverages, flatbreads, burgers, and dogs. Note: The truffle curly fries are just as good as Park Plaza’s award-winning popcorn and the Greek Plate is great for charcuterie/moviegoers.