The Best Hilton Head Restaurants on the Water

Look no further for the best Hilton Head restaurants on the water!  This is your complete guide to waterfront dining on HHI South Carolina including the absolute best restaurants with water views on the island.

Planning a Trip? Also read my, Hilton Head Travel Guide &  Hilton Head Restaurant Guide which covers all the best dining options on the island, waterfront or not.

 

Hilton Head Restaurants on the Water

Curious about Hilton Head restaurants on the water?  Nothing beats enjoying a plate of seafood or oysters with a view of the ocean or marsh in the Lowcountry.  Bonus points if you can watch the sunset.  When visiting an island like Hilton Head Island, there's no doubt you want to enjoy at least some of your meals with a view of either the bay, marsh, or ocean.  A few of the most popular ones are Hudson's Seafood on the Docks, Skull Creek Boat House & Salty Dog, but if you dig a bit deeper you can find some hidden gems on the island with a view.

Hilton Head has over 250 dining options and restaurants on the island, but you'd be surprised that there are only a few on the water with a view or are considered waterfront restaurants.  This guide will help you find the best match for the dining experience you are looking for whether it's fine dining, seafood dives, casual fare, or even sunset view.

Let's dive into the best waterfront places to eat on Hilton Head.  This list includes the recently opened 2024 Benny's Coastal Kitchen where you can dine with this spectacular view below.

Looking for ALL of the restaurants in Hilton Head? My complete Hilton Head Restaurant Guide is here.

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Best Hilton Head Restaurants on the Water

Hudson's Seafood on the Docks

Topping my list of the best Hilton Head Restaurants on the water is Hudson's Seafood on the Docks.  This iconic Hilton Head restaurant is a favorite for locals and tourists for good reason.  It's is features fresh and delicious seafood with some of the prettiest views on the island.

They do have indoor seating, but most people visit to eat on this waterfront deck overlooking the water.

The food and interviews can't be beaten and you can even watch a really pretty sunset from this very spot.

Everything on their menu is delicious, but they are especially known for their shrimp because they have their shrimp boat which catches them.  You also can't go wrong with the fresh catch seafood.

Order steamed shrimp, a fish sandwich, and chargrilled oysters for an unforgettable meal on the water in Hilton Head.

If you happen to visit in local oyster season or have a big bucket of their local oyster clusters.

They are located at 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926.  Check out their menus here!

 

Quarterdeck

Another top Hilton Head restaurant on the water is the newly renovated Quarterdeck restaurant in Harbortown at the lighthouse.  This restaurant got an amazing overhaul and reopened in 2022 with rave reviews.

The 270-degree sunset views from their first and second story are EPIC!  You can't beat these sweeping waterfront views. You can see the Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Calibogue Sound, and the 18th hole of the Harbour Town Golf links.

Their menu features lots of seafood, but also many other non-seafood and family dining options making it a great place to take the group.

Try their oysters.  You can get them at the rooftop oyster bar.

The Lobster Thermador with a Waterview is also a delightful choice.

Stop by for a fun shot of the Harbour Town lighthouse, enjoy dinner, and hopefully, you'll get a pretty sunset.

Another great thing about this spot is they do take reservations! Many of the best Hilton Head restaurants on the water do not.

They are located in the Sea Pines Resort, which requires an entry fee if you are not staying there.

The address is 160 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.  Check out the menu here.

 

Skull Creek Boathouse

Skull Creek Boathouse is another one on the top of the list for Hilton Head restaurants on the water.  It's another iconic Hilton Head restaurant that has been around for years and years.  It's a favorite for locals and tourists too.

The huge outdoor dining dock has a gorgeous Waterview overlooking Skull Creek.  It's shaded with gorgeous Live Oaks.  The setting is nothing short of idyllic.

Another fun feature of the restaurant is located next to a boat storage place and you can watch big forklifts carry boats to the water.  It also has a sunset view, although you have to walk in front of the trees to see it many nights.

Skull Creek is known for having fun drinks, beer, and an extensive menu including lots of classic seafood and some non-seafood options.

Don't miss the raw bar menu and try the tuna three ways and the ceviche.  They even have sushi.

Skull Creek Boathouse is located at 397 Squire Pope Road Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Check out their menu here.

 

Benny's Coastal Kitchen

A new option for waterfront dining in Hilton Head is Benny's Coastal Kitchen.  Opening in 2024 Benny's is a stunning property overlooking Skull Creek.  It's also home to the waterfront rooftop bar, 41 Up.

They have gorgeous tables outside with a grassy area with outdoor games for kids and adults while you wait.  They even have this huge swing that floats over Skull Creek.

This is the sunset view!

The food is delicious too and you can't go wrong with waterfront Hilton head oysters.

We also love the Lobster Thermador.  After visiting two times in one summer, I'm sold that this is now one of the best waterfront restaurants on Hilton Head island.

Plus, if you go during not-so-great weather they have an amazing indoor space too with huge glass windows to still see the water.

The Salty Dog Cafe

Looking for iconic Hilton Head restaurants on the water?  Then you have to try The Salty Dog Cafe.  The Salty Dog is another institution on the island and a must-stop for many tourists on their annual trip to the island.

The restaurant is on a dock right over the marshes of Calibogue Sound.  This busy spot is fun and vibrant, often hosting events and live music.  It's a cute area with a shopping village and in the summer you'll find other restaurants and ice cream.

They have yummy food and especially drinks.  Don't miss the Crab Dip.

They are located at the southern tip of the island in an area called South Beach, which is also in the gated community of Sea Pines.  There is an entry fee to get in if you aren't staying there.

The address is 232 South Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head 29928.  Check out their menu here.

 

Dockside

Skull Creek Dockside is another great option and on the list of best Hilton Head restaurants on the water.   They have a nice SHADED patio and a yummy menu featuring everything from seafood, pizza, salad, BBQ, chicken, and even steaks.

Their inside seating also has water views, which is wonderful.

You can't go wrong with their menu, but the seafood nachos are one of my favorites.

This restaurant is actually owned by the same people at Skull Creek and is in between Skull Creek Boathouse and Hudson's.  If you happen to visit either of those places and the wait is really long (non of these restaurants take reservations) you can try Dockside.

Their address is 2 Hudson Road, Hilton Head 29926.  Check out the menu here.

 

Fishcamp at Broad Creek

Another top Hilton Head restaurant on the water?  Fishcamp at Broad Creek!  They have another cool view that combines marshes through Broad Creek, live oaks, and a pretty sunset.

This gorgeous spot is a wonderful place to enjoy everything from brunch to seafood and steaks.

You can't go wrong with their lobster, which is incredible.

Also, try the Chargrilled Oysters.

They also have outdoor games and places for the kids to play while you wait.

They do take reservations but the reservations are just for indoor dining.  Outdoor dining is first come, first serve.

Fishcamp on Broad Creek is located at 11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head, SC 28826. Find their menu here.

 

Coast

Looking for an oceanview restaurant on Hilton Head?  Coast is the perfect spot.  Here's the gorgeous sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean.  This is a little more of a high-end swanky spot, especially in the evenings than some of the other choices AND they take reservations.  If you want fine oceanfront dining, this is it!

They have a great atmosphere and one of my favorite things is their fresh seafood platters including crab cakes.

Also check out the Ocean Lounge for drinks and live music.

Located in the Sea Pines Beach Club this spot is also in Sea Pines and requires an entrance fee if not staying in Sea Pines.  The address is 87 N Sea Pines Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.  Find the menu here.

 

Tiki Hut

There aren't a lot of restaurants right on the beach in Hilton Head, but Tiki Hut has to be the best.  It was recently redone in 2024 with a stunning makeover.  It's near Coligny Beach and you can walk in right off the beach for a fun drink or meal.

They have delicious drinks and live music, and the food is pretty tasty! We like the ceviche.

And the Mahi Mahi Fish Sandwich.  If you love a good feet in the sand bar, this is your spot on Hilton Head.

 

Dune's House

The other beach restaurant just over the dunes in Hilton Head is the Dunes House.  It's an oceanfront casual restaurant right on the beach (not too many of these on the island!) but it's only for residents and guests of Palmetto Dunes.

You can walk right up from the beach or bike over.  We loved the fish sandwich!

You can't beat these views too!

 

Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar

Another unexpected Hilton Head Restaurant on the water is Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar. It's not on the ocean or marsh but on a Lagoon in Palmetto Dunes.

It's such a pretty, peaceful spot and you can watch birds, turtles and even gators sometimes swimming by.

The food here is classic and delicious!  We loved their Redfish.

 

Harbourside

Looking for even more Hilton Head Restaurants on the water?  Harbourside is in Harbourtown and is a faster, casual, less fussy option that still has a pretty water view.  They feature steamer favorites like crab legs and shrimp but also have a very accommodating burger and hot dog baskets.  I like taking my kids there because they have live music and good kid options.

Once again, this is in Sea Pines so you'll have to pay the entry fee if not staying there.  You'll find them at 147 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island SC 29928.  The menu is here.

 

Scott's Fish Market

Scott's Fish Market is a fun spot that's waterfront in Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina.  It's a great spot to see boats in the marina and enjoy the water views.

They have lots of shaded tables and a covered patio, which is nice!  They feature lots of yummy seafood but also have chicken and steak on the menu.

My personal favorite is the char-grilled oysters.

The crab cakes are also a winning.  This spot has a super fun vibe and often live music.

Their address is 17 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Find the menu here.

 

Black Marlyn Bayside Grill

Still, looking for more Hilton Head restaurants on the water? Black Marlin Bayside Grill is another great pick.  This lively spot is attached to the Hurricane Bar which serves fun drinks and cocktails.  The bayside patio has pretty views and lots of shaded tables and live entertainment.

Try their fish sandwich or burgers.

They are located at 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head SC 29928.  Find the menu here.

 

Poseidon Coastal Cuisine

Poseidon Coastal Cuisine is another Hilton Head restaurant on the water.  It doesn't have the sweeping views as some of the other restaurants, but you can see a pretty sunset over the marsh from the second story.

They also have great food including their fish dishes.

They are part of the Shelter Cove Towne Center.  The address is 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 121, Shelter Cove Towne Center Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.  Find their menu here.

 

The Rest of Hilton Head Restuarant on the Water

• Crazy Crab: The Crazy Crab has two locations one in Harbour Town which has very slight water views, but the one on Jarvis Creek is known for its beautiful outdoor deck and sweeping views of the marsh.  Expect steamed seafood and delicious drinks.  If you are looking for a Hilton Head Restaurant on the water, pick the Jarvis Creek location.
• Carolina Crab Company: Famous for its crab cakes and water views, Carolina Crab Company or C3 is another delicious one to try located in Palmetto Bay Marina.
• Ela's on the Water: Located in Shelter Cover Harbor & Marina, Ela's on the Water is a second-floor restaurant that has pretty sunset views from its patio.  The food is super tasty and more high-end with beautiful plating.  They offer everything from seafood to prime-cut steaks.
• Old Oyster Factory: The Old Oyster Factory is located right on Broad Creek with gorgeous sweeping views.  It's got a great menu, live music, and a classy, yet kid-friendly vibe.  They do take reservations!
• Sunset Grille: Sunset Grille is a casual fine-dining restaurant with gorgeous views where you can spot dolphins.  Call for reservations.
• Up the Creek Pub and Grill:  Up the Creek Pub and Grill is a more casual spot on the marsh.  Known for their beer and burgers.
• San Miguel's: San Miguel's is the spot to go if you are looking for Mexican food on Hilton Head with a waterfront view.  This fun spot in Shelter Cove Marina often has live entertainment.

 

Happy dining! I hope you get to enjoy at least one of these Hilton Head restaurants on the water on your next trip.

 

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More Hilton Head Travel Information:

• Hilton Head Travel Guide
• Best Hilton Head Restaurants
• Best Hilton Head Takeout Eats
• Top Things to Do on Hilton Head
• Top Things to Do on Hilton Head in the Off-Season
• Hilton Head Babymoon

 

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