Best Seafood Restaurants on Hilton Head Island, SC | Where Coastal Flavor Meets Island Charm

On Hilton Head Island, seafood isn’t just dinner — it’s a way of life.
Here, every tide tells a story, and every restaurant carries the island’s rhythm in its menu. The air smells of salt and sizzling shrimp, boats sway gently in the marina, and the day’s catch often travels straight from dock to table.

From iconic waterfront decks to resort dining rooms framed by ocean views, Hilton Head’s seafood scene captures what makes the island so extraordinary — its effortless mix of Southern warmth, coastal sophistication, and culinary craft.

These are the seafood spots that define island dining — where the oysters are local, the sunsets are golden, and every bite tastes like the Lowcountry itself.

Skull Creek Boathouse

The Island’s Seafood Landmark

If Hilton Head has a culinary heartbeat, it’s Skull Creek Boathouse. Sitting directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, this local icon buzzes with energy from brunch to sunset. The atmosphere is lively but never rushed — families laughing over seafood platters, friends clinking mimosas, and couples watching dolphins play along the docks.

Their menu is a love letter to the coast. You’ll find everything from oysters on the half shell to seafood towers stacked high with shrimp, crab, and clams. The blackened mahi tacos and the daily fish specials are local legends, and their sushi bar — yes, sushi with a view — is one of the island’s best-kept secrets.

We recommend: Start with a dozen fresh oysters shucked to order, followed by the Signature Boathouse Platter — a feast of grilled shrimp, flounder, and scallops served with lemon butter and coleslaw. Pair it with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or one of their tropical cocktails for the ultimate seaside lunch.

Why we chose this spot: Skull Creek Boathouse is more than a restaurant; it’s Hilton Head’s gathering place. Between the view, the freshness, and the feeling that everyone here is exactly where they’re meant to be, this spot captures the true soul of island dining.

Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-3663
https://www.skullcreekboathouse.com/

Skull Creek Dockside

Southern Seafood with a View

Right next door, Dockside offers the same sweeping water views with a slightly quieter, more refined touch. It’s the place for unhurried meals, great conversation, and dishes that let the seafood shine.

Dockside’s menu brings comfort and craft together beautifully — think Lowcountry crab cakes, buttery shrimp po’boys, and pan-seared grouper with lemon cream. Whether you’re inside by the windows or on the patio overlooking the harbor, every table comes with a front-row view of Hilton Head’s coastal charm.

We recommend: The Crab-Stuffed Flounder is a showstopper — delicate, flaky, and bursting with fresh crabmeat. Add a side of garlic mashed potatoes and a Dockside Bloody Mary for the perfect Southern brunch-meets-seafood combo.

Why we chose this spot: Dockside embodies the balance Hilton Head does best — friendly and familiar yet elevated in every bite. It’s seafood done the old-fashioned way: local, fresh, and seasoned with care (and a little sea breeze).

Skull Creek Dockside
2 Hudson Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 785-3625
https://docksidehhi.com/

Poseidon

Seafood, Sunsets & Shelter Cove Style

Over at Shelter Cove Towne Centre, Poseidon stands tall as Hilton Head’s modern coastal showpiece. With its two-level design and rooftop bar, it offers some of the best sunset views on the island — the kind that turn brunches into celebrations and dinners into memories.

Poseidon’s menu is bold and full of personality. From Crab Cake Benedicts and fried calamari to their signature Catch of the Day prepared three ways (grilled, blackened, or bronzed), every dish feels like a celebration of the sea. Add a live band and the gentle breeze from the marina, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a local favorite.

We recommend: The Seafood Tower for two — overflowing with oysters, crab claws, shrimp, and lobster — is perfect for sharing. For something warm, try the Blackened Grouper Sandwich with their house slaw and a side of truffle fries. Don’t leave without trying the Key Lime Pie Martini for dessert — trust us.

Why we chose this spot: Poseidon captures Hilton Head’s vibrant personality: upscale yet welcoming, refined yet fun. It’s where locals toast birthdays, visitors fall in love with the island vibe, and the sea becomes the star of every meal.

Poseidon
38 Shelter Cove Ln #121,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 341-3838
https://www.poseidonhhi.com/

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

Dock-to-Table Dining Since the 1960s

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a piece of Hilton Head history. Family-owned since the 1960s, it’s one of the island’s first true dock-to-table seafood houses, where much of the catch still arrives daily by boat. The result? Seafood that tastes like it came straight from the ocean — because it did.

The open-air deck, overlooking the Broad Creek, fills quickly every evening as diners gather for the sunset. Inside, the old dock planks and weathered décor tell a story of decades spent serving both locals and travelers who keep coming back.

We recommend: Order the Lowcountry Seafood Boil — shrimp, crab, corn, and potatoes simmered in Old Bay and love. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, even if you’re just visiting. Add a local beer and watch the sky turn pink as you eat.

Why we chose this spot: Hudson’s represents the heart of Hilton Head’s seafood heritage. It’s genuine, family-run, and timeless — the kind of place that proves good food never needs to be reinvented, only respected.

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
1 Hudson Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-2772
https://www.hudsonsonthedocks.com/

Fishcamp on Broad Creek

Where the View is as Good as the Seafood

A newer addition to Hilton Head’s waterfront lineup, Fishcamp on Broad Creek quickly earned its spot among the island’s top seafood restaurants. With a massive outdoor deck strung with lights and a menu that blends local flair with contemporary touches, it’s the kind of place that feels like summer all year long.

Guests come for the crab dip, stay for the live music, and linger long after dessert because the sunsets here are magic. The food is fresh, colorful, and cooked with precision — the perfect marriage of comfort and creativity.

We recommend: The Pan-Seared Scallops with creamy grits and sweet corn relish are divine. For something classic, try the Fishcamp Shrimp & Grits — spicy, buttery, and rich in Lowcountry flavor. Pair it with their Cucumber Mule for a refreshing finish.

Why we chose this spot: Fishcamp captures the easygoing side of Hilton Head dining — approachable, beautiful, and full of charm. It’s where you can arrive barefoot and still feel like you’re dining somewhere special.

Fishcamp on Broad Creek
11 Simmons Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 842-2267
https://www.fishcamphhi.com/

The Sea Shack

A True Local Legend

Tucked off Pope Avenue, The Sea Shack is one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” gems that locals guard like a secret. It’s casual, cozy, and always packed — because when the food’s this good, fancy isn’t necessary.

Serving fried, grilled, and blackened seafood by the basket, The Sea Shack proves that simplicity never goes out of style. Their fried shrimp and flounder sandwiches have a cult following, and everything comes out hot, crispy, and cooked to order.

We recommend: The Shack Attack Platter — a generous mix of shrimp, scallops, oysters, and fish — is the perfect introduction to their no-nonsense approach. Pair it with hush puppies and sweet tea for the full Lowcountry experience.

Why we chose this spot: The Sea Shack reminds everyone what Hilton Head food is really about — heart, heritage, and the joy of fresh seafood served without pretense. It’s the kind of place that feels like home the moment you walk in.

The Sea Shack
6 Executive Park Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-2464
https://seashackseafood.com/

Coast – The Sea Pines Resort

Oceanfront Dining with Style

Few places capture the romance of the sea like Coast at The Sea Pines Resort. Located right on the beach, it offers panoramic Atlantic views and a menu that celebrates seafood with modern flair. Inside, the design is light and airy; outside, you can dine with your toes almost touching the sand.

Coast focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients — from blackened mahi to seared tuna with citrus glaze. The service is refined but relaxed, and every meal here feels like a special occasion.

We recommend: The Shrimp & Crab Linguine — silky, rich, and perfectly seasoned — pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled Chardonnay. For an appetizer, the Oysters Rockefeller are indulgent and unforgettable.

Why we chose this spot: Coast is the definition of Hilton Head luxury dining — elegant but approachable, sophisticated but never stiff. It’s where you go when you want seafood with a view that stays with you long after you’ve left the table.

Coast – The Sea Pines Resort
87 N Sea Pines Dr,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-1888
https://www.coast-oceanfrontdining

Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar

A Palmetto Dunes Classic with Southern Grace

Elegant and understated, Alexander’s has been delighting guests for decades with its timeless take on Lowcountry seafood. Overlooking a peaceful lagoon in Palmetto Dunes, it’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and coastal sophistication.

The menu honors tradition while keeping things fresh — trout almandine, shrimp and crab cakes, and buttery lobster tails prepared to perfection. With soft lighting, white linens, and one of the island’s best wine lists, it’s the perfect spot for anniversaries, date nights, or just a quiet evening done beautifully.

We recommend: The Pan-Seared Sea Bass with lemon beurre blanc is a must. For dessert, their Key Lime Pie is the perfect sweet finish. Add a glass of Chardonnay or rosé for an unforgettable pairing.

Why we chose this spot: Alexander’s is what Hilton Head dining aspires to be — refined, graceful, and deeply rooted in Southern hospitality. It’s a restaurant that reminds you that seafood can be both comforting and elegant, all in one perfect bite.

Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
76 Queens Folly Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(855) 706-4319
https://www.alexandersrestaurant.com/

Lowcountry on a Plate

Seafood on Hilton Head isn’t just about flavor — it’s about connection. It’s the sound of waves at dinner, the glow of sunset on the water, and the knowledge that what’s on your plate was caught just hours before. From historic docks to oceanfront terraces, each restaurant brings its own story to the table — one of heritage, heart, and hospitality.

Whether you’re cracking open oysters at Hudson’s, savoring fine wine at Alexander’s, or eating fish tacos in flip-flops at The Sea Shack, one truth remains: on Hilton Head Island, seafood isn’t simply served — it’s celebrated.