12 Seafood Restaurants In Hilton Head, South Carolina

seafood restaurants in hilton head
Angelyn
Angelyn 
Updated
| 5 min read

Blessed with a location surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, it is no doubt that Hilton Head is home to an awesome variety of seafood spanning from the meaty crab, freshly-caught fish, tasty lobster, and other ocean favourites. Exemption for those with allergies, a beach getaway is never complete with just a sun-kissed skin and usually, a room for seafood is always welcome in everyone’s plate. Hilton Head is also home to several great hotels and kid-friendly resorts that you can stay at. Unleash the seafood lover in you for here’s the list of the top seafood restaurants in Hilton Head, to satiate your cravings after a long day of playing out in the sand on the coast of South Carolina.

1. The Sea Shack

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Loving the new Lobster Roll! Large, generous chunks of fresh Lobster-Yum!

Posted by The Sea Shack on Thursday, January 10, 2019

The Sea Shack is a kid-friendly, made-to-order seafood restaurant that offers a wide variety of food that visitors can decide on how it is cooked. Among the ingredients to be chosen are shrimp, popcorn scallops, frog legs, crab cakes, calamari, oysters, and even alligators. You read that right. The restaurant also offers to cook alligators.

There are also platters such as shark attack combo, clams, calamari and salsa, tilapia, and catfish that have varying prices depending on whether or not it’s lunchtime.

The Sea Shack

Address: 6 Executive Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

Website: The Sea Shack

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)

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2. ELA'S On the Water

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Prepared with the highest level of opulence, the Crispy Diamond Scored Flounder is served over a bed of savory Sienna...

Posted by ELA'S On The Water on Thursday, February 3, 2022

Boasting numerous Open Table Awards, ELA’S On the Water is one of the best fresh seafood restaurants in Hilton Head and serves Southern-influenced seafood and steaks. It features wonderful views of the water, contemporary decorations, a chic bar, and a garden patio, which all complement the delectable meals served here. As for the menu, all the seafood served is freshly caught, which guarantees great taste and texture. Some examples of their dishes are honey-lime shrimp, lobster bisque, and pineapple tuna tartare.

ELA'S On the Water

Address: 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

Website: ELA’S On the Water

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm

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3. Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Considered as the oldest restaurant on the island with its 50 years of the dining experience, a visit to this diner is a must after a day of exploring the nearby areas of Hilton Head. Offering fresh catch seafood at very reasonable prices, indulge in the servings of fried oysters and blackened shrimp accompanied by red rice and freshly cooked broccoli while sipping a nice glass of wine. For dessert, have a slice of mud pie or the awesome crab cake which is the best you can ever have while overlooking the spectacular views of passing boats in the Intercoastal Waterway.

Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks

Address: 1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island

Website: Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday (11 am - 4 pm & 5 pm - 9 pm), Sunday (10 am - 3 pm & 5 pm - 9 pm)

Average price for two: 11 - 30 USD

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4. The Crazy Crab

Mahi Mahi at The Crazy Crab, Harbour Town
Source: Photo by Flickr user Todd Fowler used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Perched in the heart of Harbour Town in Sea Pines, the Crazy Crab provide diners with a spectacular waterfront dining experience with a perfect view of breathtaking Lowcountry sunset. Suitable for family gatherings, kids can enjoy the massive playground just outside the front door after having a grouper sandwich with fries and coleslaw. Work up your appetite with a quick stroll around the shops or try to climb the top of the lighthouse before digging in a serving of fried flounder, shrimp and grits, and the all-time favorites, the Alaskan snow crab legs. Make sure to have some dessert while waiting for the sunset or just admire the interior with very nautical decors.

The Crazy Crab

Address: 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island

Website: The Crazy Crab

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (11 am - 10 pm)

Average price for two: 11 - 30 USD

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5. Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The long wait is coming to an end... We're excited to announce we will be reopening on June 1st, 2020 at 5:00 P.M.! We...

Posted by Alexander's Restaurant on Monday, May 25, 2020

Promising an upscale dining experience, take delight in eating out at Alexander’s featuring seasonally-inspired cuisine, locally-caught seafood, and many locally-sourced ingredients. Have a perfectly cooked prime rib or a flounder stuffed with crab and topped with excellent sauce and flavour while relaxing on the view of the lagoon. Grab a serving of creme brulee for dessert which has a crisp top and a little citrus taste added to the custard while sipping a glass of house wine from the long list of drinks. If you just want to hang out in the bar, order a grapefruit martini and just enjoy the casual and friendly atmosphere with the locals.

Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar

Address: 76 Queens Folly Rd, Hilton Head Island

Website: Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (5 pm - 9 pm)

Average price for two: 31 - 60 USD

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6. Old Oyster Factory Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

•Charcuterie Board but make it Seafood, we call it our SeaCuterie Board! Have you had the chance to enjoy this?...

Posted by Old Oyster Factory on Thursday, May 6, 2021

Offering one of Hilton Head’s best panoramic views of the marshland landscape, this waterfront dining is one the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head and serves dinner that all ages will surely love. Ranging from fresh seafood and a wide array of steaks, even kids can enjoy both cooked and raw meals while feasting their eyes in the lovely sunset from a window seat. Make sure to come as early as 4:45 pm and take advantage of the early bird special complete with a soup, a salad, and a cup of coffee or tea. Try to leave room for specialty dessert for they have some terrific choices including creme brulee, cheesecake, and chocolate mousse.

Old Oyster Factory Restaurant

Address: 101 Marshland Rd, Hilton Head Island

Website: Old Oyster Factory Restaurant

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (5 pm - 10 pm)

Average price for two: 11 - 30 USD

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7. Fishcamp on Broad Creek

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Give in to the enticing atmosphere of Fishcamp with a small indoor seating and an amazing outdoor seating overlooking the Broad Creek. Unleash the glutton in you and order for your enjoyment a blackened salmon or a fried platter with flounder, shrimp, oysters, and scallops. Get the best experience and choose the seat outside for there are plenty of heaters to help take the chill off while you are sipping a glass of wine. For a complete sugar rush, have a slice of creamy key lime pie for dessert or the chocolate peanut butter mousse while standing around the oyster-roasting pit.

Fishcamp on Broad Creek

Address: 11 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head Island

Website: Fishcamp on Broad Creek

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (11 am - 10 pm)

Average price for two: 11 - 30 USD

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8. Scott's Fish Market Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


A seafood restaurant that also serves hand-cut steaks, chicken and homemade pasta, even your company who’s not into seafood will surely love Scott’s located on the docks of beautiful Shelter Cove Harbour. Have a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy the sunset while having a delicious full meal of grilled shrimp salad or have an order of scallops with a baked potato and mixed vegetables. Take advantage of the wine list that had a number of fairly priced options or the happy hour at the bar to chill off the cold nights in Hilton Head Island especially during the winter vacation.

Scott's Fish Market Restaurant

Address: 17 Harbourside Ln, Shelter Cove Harbour Shops

Website: Scott’s Fish Market Restaurant

Opening hours: Monday (4 pm - 10 pm), Tuesday (4:30 pm - 10 pm), Wednesday - Saturday (11:30 am - 2:30 pm & 4 pm - 10 pm), Sunday (11:30 am - 2 pm & 4 pm - 9:30pm)

Average price for two: 11 - 30 USD

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9. Skull Creek Boathouse

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Make your way to this waterfront restaurant in Skull Creek where you can enjoy the beautiful views whether you choose to dine indoors on the porch or outdoors on the waterfront deck. Dig in the wide variety of food selections in addition to great sushi such as the chicken sandwich, seafood pasta, and the seafood throwdowns with snow crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams, and oysters. Partner up the sushi rolls with a bottle of sake to complete your Japanese food adventure or order a sparkling wine from the enormous list of beverages for a romantic dinner while watching the colourful sunset.

Skull Creek Boathouse

Address: 397 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island

Website: Skull Creek Boathouse

Opening hours: Monday - Thursday (11 am - 10 pm), Friday (11 am - 11 pm), Saturday (10 am - 11 pm), Sunday (10 am - 10 pm)

Average price for two: 11 - 30 USD

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10. Red Fish Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Come taste our wonderful special entree tonight. We have a blackened Mahi, shrimp rice with GA shrimp and scallion, and orange fennel chili salad. Come joins us, we open every night at 5:00 pm.

Posted by Red Fish on Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Specializing in excellent seafood and steaks, this fish restaurant in Hilton Head serves delicious lunches and dinner, especially the salads and daily specials, with a long list of wines from around the world. Have divine dining of crab cake, prime rib, and salmon in a comfortable and welcoming dining room managed and served by the attentive chef and a very talented crew. Kids and people with a dietary preference can choose from the kids’ menu and gluten-free menu to satisfy your cravings and have an upscale dining experience. You can’t help but have a cocktail and a bottle of wine but make sure to have a room for desserts like some tart, lime pie or creme brulee for it will surely complete the experience.

Red Fish Restaurant

Address: 8 Archer Rd, Hilton Head Island

Website: Red Fish Restaurant

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday (11:30 am - 2 pm & 5 pm - 9 pm), Sunday (5 pm - 9 pm)

Average price for two: 31 - 60 USD

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11. Marleys Island Grille

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Satisfy your seafood cravings in Marleys Island Grille that features a casual, yet sophisticated, upbeat, fun tropical environment. You can’t go wrong with the salmon on the early bird menu or the finely grilled grouper with whipped potatoes so make sure to drop by before the sunset. Order the terrific appetizer of Thai chilli spiced calamari and shrimp and end the full course with a glass of house-made sangria or a tropical drink and a slice of key lime pie or a brownie sundae. Call out for servers who are great about allergens or take advantage of the gluten-free menu for diners with dietary preferences.

Marleys Island Grille

Address: 35 Office Park Rd, Hilton Head Island

Website: Marleys Island Grille

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (4 pm - 10 pm)

Average price for two: 11 - 30 USD

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12. The Salty Dog Café

The Salty Dog Cafe, South Beach, Hilton Head
Source: Photo by Flickr user Dan Costin used under CC BY 2.0

Indulge in the picturesque dining and unforgettable fun served daily on the docks in The Salty Dog Café overlooking Marina with great views of boats. If the weather is good, ask for an outside seating where you can enjoy your meal while watching the good views of the water and the pelicans. A hefty price for the entrance fee onto Sea Pines is definitely worthy once you enjoy the happy hour specials with great discounts on drinks and appetizer before having hush puppies, potato salad, and the divine she-crab soup for late dinner. Head over the covered bar for a long list of beverages ranging from house wines, tropical drinks, and the signature salty dog which is a premium grapefruit mix.

The Salty Dog Café

Address: 232 S Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island

Website: The Salty Dog Café

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (11 am - 9 pm)

Average price for two: 11 - 30 USD

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Seafood overload in Hilton Head Island

Seafood and chicken paella
Source: Photo by user pelican used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Have a feast of local seafood flavours served with southern hospitality and a warm smile when you stay for a weekend getaway in one of this waterfront dining around Hilton Head Island. Make sure to make a prior reservation or arrive early so you can have the perfect sitting of your choice especially during the Restaurant Week where locals and tourists alike are out for good seafood dishes. Don’t forget to try the wide array of drinks and desserts from each fish house for a complete coastal dining experience.

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Frequently asked questions about seafood restaurants in Hilton Head


  • Which seafood restaurants in Hilton Head are good for families?

    Many restaurants in Hilton Head are great places to take your family to. For some of the best restaurants you and your family can enjoy, we recommend The Sea Shack, ELA’S On the Water, The Crazy Crab, and Old Oyster Factory Restaurant.

  • Which seafood restaurants in Hilton Head have a bar?

    Hilton Head is home to a couple of seafood restaurants that also happen to have a bar for patrons to enjoy and these magnificent places are ELA’S On the Water, Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Scott’s Fish Market Restaurant, and The Salty Dog Café.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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An outdoor enthusiast who treats the summits and pristine beaches of the Philippines as her protected playground, Angelyn is used to traveling on a budget and is a certified travel deal hunter for...Read more

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