Hilton Head Island Real Estate Blog

Well, hello there. Fancy meeting you here! You’re obviously hungry and I can’t blame you. With so much belly-rubbing good food here in our beloved Hilton Head, it’s impossible not to want to take advantage of it at every turn. I mean, we’re Southerners. Great food is what we do. 

I received so many great reviews (and a few sauce-laced handshakes) from my SC BBQ Trail post that I’ve decided to give the people what they want again, and that’s referrals for more legendary eats. This time we’re going to go swimming in the best seafood you’ve ever had the pleasure of placing on your tongue. 

Something Fishy Is Goin’ On Here

I can say unequivocally and without bias* that Hilton Head has the best seafood in the world. By the way, that asterisk indicates there may actually be some bias. Okay, you pulled it out of me. There’s bias. I admit it. However, the reviews of thousands of others that agree with me shows I’m on to something here. 

The fact is what we have here in Hilton Head is some of the top seafood in the country and if you don’t believe me, I challenge you to visit “Rick’s Top Ten” and leave without a smile and a tummy full of excellence. Because I love my fellow South Carolinians so, I’ve personally put each of these through my rigorous taste test to bring you only the best. It’s a dirty job but I do it for the people. Enjoy!

Don’t Be “Food” by the Rest, These Are The Best 

Quartdeck: At the base of the Harbour Town Lighthouse, you’ll find this unbelievable restaurant that has served some of the freshest and well-prepared seafood in Hilton Head for decades. And as if great blackened fish wasn’t enough, you get to eat it while enjoying hands down the best view in all of Hilton Head. Now that’s a fin-fin. I mean, a win-win.

Kingfisher: Never to be outdone, Kingfisher is located on Shelter Cove Harbour and serves you great beer along with legendary seafood and even has LIVE entertainment to boot. Enjoy some free (what a terrific word) jazz, acoustic, country, and even soft rock Wednesday - Friday and get both yours and the crab’s legs working.

Alexander's: What a sight. The moment you walk into Alexander’s you’ll feel each of the “5 stars” carry you over to your table. With a beautiful layout and over 100 hand-selected wines to choose from while you enjoy your tasty stuffed shrimp, this is an establishment that has one goal in mind: to spoil you. You should let it!

Red Fish: One fish, two fish. Red Fish, blue fish. Sorry. I couldn’t resist. Here you’ll not only have your choice of fresh seafood, but, you can also have a tender steak to add to the already mind-blowing flavor of your grilled sea bass. Live entertainment keeps your head nodding and it’s unbelievable wine list has even won the “Best of Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator. Wow. 

Aqua Grille and Lounge: Stylish and breathtaking, Aqua Grille and Lounge brings to Hilton Head the beauty of seafood done with an Asian flair. Dishes are delivered in a way that displays them for the pieces of art they are. A 2-story establishment that is a visual masterpiece with huge windows overlooking the beach and even an indoor waterfall. It’s beauty and the quiche. 

Alligator Grille: Eclectic seafood dishes presented in a elegant setting that relaxes the senses and pleases the palette, Alligator Grille prides itself on creating dishes that are different from the norm and are guaranteed to have you smiling from ear to ear and leaning back in your chair to help with your digestion. Always the sign of a great meal.

Hudson’s On the Docks: You’re in for a very special treat at one of the best restaurants in all of the Low Country. The seafood gets no fresher than actually watching the fishermen unload hundreds of pounds of oysters, shrimp, and crabs as you enjoy the gorgeous views of Port Royal Sound. Hudson’s has the largest fishing fleet in Hilton Head and uses it to keep you coming back for more dining greatness.

Catch 22: Hand-cut steaks compliment your great seafood experience here at Catch 22. Locally owned and operated, this restaurant delivers pure Palmetto tastes as one of the owners is actually a local resident and the chef! Using only the best quality ingredients and catch, it’s understandable why so many get “hooked” at Catch 22. 

Sea Shack: The Sea Shack restaurant has one mission and that’s to serve you the most breathtaking seafood around. It’s “no frills all flavor” approach lets you know that they focus on what they do best and that’s having you cut into a tender blackened, fried, or grilled meal. A very laid-back dining experience is just to thing you need sometimes after a long day. Come as you are, leave if you can (the salmon will hold you hostage!).

Chart House Restaurant: There’s absolutely nothing better than enjoying Hilton Head’s top fresh seafood with the Skull Creek sunset as your backdrop. Long revered for some of the most succulent dishes around, Chart House aims to please and always hits the bullseye. Grab some friends and come enjoy happy hour by the fire pits for a real taste of South Carolina living.

Hook, Line, and Sinker

So there you have it. The world-class seafood restaurants of Hilton Head are officially your oyster. Head out and enjoy all they have to offer. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better eating experience anywhere else*. Oh my, there’s that asterisk again. I guess you’ll have to try and prove me wrong. Good luck!

My name is Rick Turner and I invite you all to come on out and have some great seafood at some of my favorite Hilton Head restaurants. Wow, typing this sure has made me hungry and there’s I think I hear some alligator meat calling me. Cover me, I’m going in!

Until next time,