Jekyll Island Restaurants Guide

Look no further for the best Jekyll Island Restaurants including the best places to eat on the island.  This complete restaurant guide breaks down all the dining options on this Georgia island including seafood restaurants, waterfront dining, breakfast restaurants, and kid-friendly dining.  Start planning your trip to the Golden Isles here!

Planning a trip? Also, read my Top 15 Things to Do in Jekyll Island,  Top 15 Moments from my Jekyll Island Vacation, Georgia Sea Turtle Center Visitors Guide & Guide to Visiting Driftwood Beach.

Jekyll Island Restaurants Guide

Jekyll Island Restaurants are eclectic, interesting, and delicious.  Whether you are looking for seafood on a pier overlooking the water, fine dining, Mexican food on the beach, or southern low-country favorites, this charming Georgia island has something to eat for everyone.

This small 5,500-acre island, along the south Georgia Coast, is near St. Simons Island and Amelia Island.  It's known for being a unique, undeveloped spot that's actually a state park.  The island limits development and therefore doesn't have the typical beach town stuff you might expect.  It's filled with natural beaches, marshes, and sprawling live oaks. Despite the limited development, there are still a number of restaurants o the island and more than enough to fill your vacation with delicious eats.  The food choices aren't as diverse as some of the nearby islands, but there is still something for everyone.  Plus Jekyll Island restaurants are almost entirely local!

One thing that may surprise you is that many of the restaurants on the island are in some way connected to the small number of resorts and hotels.  I made notes below on which eateries are connected with which resorts so you can plan accordingly.

Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert (hello ice cream!) I've got you covered with this complete Jekyll Island Restaurants Guide.

 

Visiting St. Simons too? Check out my St. Simons Island Restaurant Guide and St. Simons Island Travel Guide.

 

Jekyll Island Restaurant Guide: A complete look at dining on the island! Share on X

 

Top Jekyll Island Restaurants

The Wharf

The Wharf is one of the top Jekyll Island restaurants.  This lovely seafood-forward dining spot is on a historic pier connected and owned by the Jekyll Island Club Resort, which is in the Historic District.  They have inside and outside seating on the pier and it is a super charming and delicious spot to eat on the island.

The outside tables have a gorgeous sunset view and they have live music on Wednesday through Saturday evenings.

We ordered the House Smoked Fish Dip and loved it!  So flavorful.  Their oysters were also fresh and tasty.  You've got to love fresh local seafood.

Our favorite dish was the Redfish seared with linguine and crawfish crème sauce.

They also had delicious cocktails.

This spot is popular on the island with visitors and locals because of the tasty food and gorgeous views.  Even with the more upscale presentation, they were kid-friendly and accommodating for our lively twins.  They are open for lunch and dinner.  This was our favorite spot to eat on Jekyll Island.  You will not be disappointed!

 

Zachry's Riverhouse

Zachry's Riverhouse is another fabulous Jekyll Island Restaurant.  They specialize in American fare and seafood with a gorgeous view overlooking Jekyll River.  The casual vibe is charming and the food is absolutely delicious.  This was probably our second favorite spot to eat on the island.

They also have inside and outside seating, but most folks come for the gorgeous water views which are gorgeous at sunset.

A few of our favorites were the local peel-and-eat shrimp with an incredibly addictive sauce.  We quickly discovered that if Georgia Wild Shrimp are on the menu, you should order them.

We also love their Shrimp Salad Sandwich.  So tasty!

Plus, you can't beat cocktails with these views!

Zachry's Riverhouse is near the marina so you can also watch the boats, which is great for kids.  They are open for lunch and dinner.  This is another spot we really enjoyed and know you will too!

 

Tortuga Jack's Baja Mexican & Tiki Bar

Tortuga Jack's Baja Mexican & Tiki Bar is another must-eat out of the Jekyll Island restaurants.  This dining venue is on the opposite side of the island, located right on the ocean with an ocean-view tiki bar.

They also have indoor and outdoor dining, but you can't beat these views.   We tried their margaritas which were tasty.

We also really enjoyed their locally caught peel-and-eat wild Georgia shrimp.  Super flavorful and fresh.

The tacos were delicious too and served with rice and beans.

They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  This kid-friendly popular spot is famous for its views and location adjacent to the Great Dunes Beach Park, making it a wonderful spot to get food after enjoying some beach time.

 

Beach House

Another iconic and of the best Jekyll Island Restaurants is Beach House.  This spot is adjacent to the Holiday Inn Resort but is locally owned.  It features seafood, pizza, and a wide selection of craft beers on tap.   They have indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Atlantic.

We tried Calamari, which was delicious.

Our favorite dish was the Blackened Gulf Grouper with Vegetable Cous Cous and Garlic Baby Bok Choy.

The Beach House also offered takeout, which was fabulous.  This casual dining spot is another favorite on the island.  They are open for lunch and dinner.

 

Driftwood Bistro

Driftwood Bisto is another top-rated place to eat out of the Jekyll Island Restaurants and is best known for its southern cuisine.  Located in The Villas by the Sea Resort and Conference Center and right on the famous Driftwood Beach, this unique dining spot features made-from-scratch Southern comfort food including Blue Ribbon Meat Loaf, Wild Georgia Shrimp and Grits, Stuffed Flounder (covered in roasted red peppers, scallions, and breadcrumbs,) and Pot Roast.  You'll also find southern sides like sweet potato souffle, cheese grits, Lynn's squash casserole, and OG's fried okra.  Plus their famous bread pudding.

The restaurant was awarded Georgia's 100 Plates distinction for having some of the best food in the state!  This is another must-dine spot on the island.  They are open for dinner only.

 

Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint

Looking for more Jekyll Island Restaurants?  Try Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint which is located in Beach Village which is the "downtown" area of the island near the Westin Resort.  Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint features Southern cooking and live music.

Favorites on their menu include cajun crab dip, bbq pork sandwich, shrimp and grits, and chicken and waffles.

They serve lunch and dinner.

 

 

Sunrise Grille

Looking for Jekyll Island Restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner?  The Sunrise Grille is a fabulous spot for everything from classic breakfast fare to, tasty lunch, or a more high-end dinner.  They make everything fresh to order.

We got the most delicious breakfast sandwiches - eggs and cheese-  to-go but their impressive lunch and dinner menu included homemade crab bakes, salads, hamburgers, shrimp and grits, scallops, snow crab legs, and steaks.

Located right in Beach Village, this is another spot with a great location for dining on the island.

 

Love Shack BBQ, Shrimp & Yardbird

Looking for super casual or takeout local Jekyll Island restaurants?  Try Love Shack BBQ, Shrimp, and Yardbird.  This unique counter-service takeout restaurant is located in the Jekyll Market.  It's the far corner of the market, so keep walking to find it.

They feature rotisserie chicken, slow-cooked bbq pork, and some seafood including wild Georgia shrimp and fried oysters.

This popular and beloved spot is great for taking your food to go and enjoying it on the beach.  They are open for lunch and dinner.

 

 

Red Bug Motors Pizza & Pub

Red Bug Motors Pizza & Pub is another one of our favorite Jekyll Island restaurants.  This adorable pizza spot is located across the street from the Great Dunes Beach Park and adjacent to the mini-golf course and kid's playground.  It's a great spot for families! They feature tasty Italian and American cuisines and lots of pizza.

They also offer free delivery for Jekyll Island, which there isn't much of at all on the island!  They had speedy service, kind people, and tasty food.  I can't recommend them enough.

 

Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar

Located in the Jekyll Ocean Club, Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar is another one of the tops of the list of Jekyll Island Restaurants.  This lovely spot is oceanside with a Lowcountry and coastal menu featuring wood-fired artisan pizza and fine dining items like fresh catch fish, clams, pork, and steak.

This delicious spot is a favorite on the island!

 

Jekyll Market

Jekyll Market isn't technically on the list of Jekyll Island restaurants, but it is one of the only places to get groceries and food on the island itself. It's a boutique gourmet grocery store with lots of restaurant-style foods like a deli, called Boardwalk Deli, a salad bar, a coffee shop, Good Day Coffee and Baker, and an ice cream shop, A Sweet Shop Named Sprinkles.  If you are looking for food to take to the beach for the day or back to your hotel or condo this is a great option.

It's located in Beach Village.  If you need to pick up beer and wine, this is also your spot.

 

 

Fuse Frozen Yogurt

Looking for Jekyll Island restaurants for ice cream?  Try Fuse Frozen Yogurt for a customizable frozen treat.  They have a DIY yogurt bar with frozen yogurt and toppings.

It's also in Beach Village and a great spot for kids for dessert and for your own sweet tooth.

 

More Jekyll Island Restauants:

• Tribuzio's Grille - Located centrally on the island near the Jekyll Island Golf Club, this local's favorite spot features American fare like burgers, pasta, fish, and a full bar.
• The Shore Restaurant - Located in the Courtyard/ Residence Inn this casual oceanfront dining spot is great for indoor and outdoor open-air dining with a view.  They have sandwiches, salads, pizzas, beef, and small plates.  Open for lunch and dinner.
• Northshore Coffee & Cocktails - Northshore is part of the Holiday Inn Resort and has a coffee and cocktail bar with daily happy hour. They also have light breakfast items.
• The Anchor - The tiki pool bar at the Holiday Inn Resort which serves lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
• The Beach Pavilion - The Beach Pavilion is a beachfront restaurant that's part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort.  It's not located on the historic property, but across the island on the beach.  They are only open in summer but offer burgers, salads, ice cream, and drinks.
• Grand Dining Room - A historic and memorable dining experience inside the Victorian Jekyll Island Club.  An experience just to see the building!
• The Bar and Alexander Lounge - The signature historic bar inside of the Jekyll Island Club.
• The Pantry - An easy spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner that's part of the Jekyll Island Club.  You can dine in or get takeout to enjoy on the veranda.
• Island Sweets Shoppe - Located in the historic district this charming spot is the place to get homemade fudge, old-fashioned candy, and hand-dipped ice cream.
• Doc's Snack Shop - A great super casual place in the historic district to get a quick bite.  They have counter service hot dogs, bbq, chicken, and lunch specials.
• Salty's Oceanside Bar & Grill - Salty's Oceanside Bar and Grill is the poolside restaurant at the Westin.
• Harry's Lounge - Harry's Lounge is also located in Westin and offers cocktails and a dinner menu with ocean views.
• The Reserve Steakhouse - The Reserve Steakhouse is the main restaurant at the Westin serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  They are best known for dinner and as a modern oceanfront steakhouse with sides and a lovely wine list.
• Wee Pub Beach - A fun Irish-themed bar located in Beach Village with sports bar tv screens, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, wings, and beer.

 

So What Are the Best Jekyll Island Restaurants?

Jekyll Island Restaurants are so tasty, it's hard to pick a favorite!  You can't go wrong with any I listed above in my restaurant guide but my favorites were The Wharf, Zachry's Riverhouse, and Beach House.  You also can't go wrong with Red Bug Motors Pizza & Pub with their fast local delivery, which is hard to find on the island.  Plus, the fun vibe at Tortuga Jack's is great for the family.

If you have a favorite, please feel free to share it in the comments below.  There are so many fabulous options.

If you see the Georiga Wild Shrimp on the menu, order them!  It's a favorite on the island and you will not be disappointed.

I hope this Jekyll Island Restaurant Guide helps you plan your upcoming trip to the island.

 

More Jekyll Island Travel Infromation:

• Top 15 Things to Do on Jekyll Island
• Driftwood Beach Visitors Guide
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center Visitors Guide
• Top 15 Moments - Jekyll Island Family Vacation

 

Jekyll Island Restaurant Guide: A complete look at dining on the island! Share on X

 

More Nearby Island Restaurant Guides:

• Top St. Simons Island Restaurants
• Top Hilton Head Restaurants
• Amelia Island Dining Guide
• Where to Eat on Kiawah Island
• Isle of Palms & Wild Dunes Restaurant Guide

 

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