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Best Authentic Restaurants in South Carolina

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant restaurant
1. Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(5054)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 16 times today
Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant, dropped its anchor in the Fall of 2017 and forever changed the culinary landscape of the Lowcountry. In early 2017 the partners of the restaurant began to transform it into their vision for Hilton Head's newest waterfront dining destination. This restaurant, which resembles an old-style river house, is full of authentic architecture, reclaimed wood, and nautical accents that leave you feeling like you've stepped into a Melville novel. The sweeping waterfront view is showcased by full pane glass windows throughout the restaurant which you can enjoy no matter where you dine. The covered patio dining area, and massive outdoor bar, the shark bar, allows patrons to enjoy the Lowcountry climate and serve to further highlight the amazing sunset views over skull creek. If you are concerned about long wait times, the good news is the restaurant accepts reservations and provides a family recreation area between dockside and boathouse. Kids and adults can enjoy a variety of games, the very popular shark bar and 'shrimp boat' playground. Kids can play while families are waiting for a table, or simply enjoying the amazing waterfront views.
A photo of Gusto Ristorante restaurant
2. Gusto Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(1831)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hilton Head Island
Booked 11 times today
Gusto Ristorante is a Northern Italian restaurant with a touch of the South at the Sea Turtle Marketplace in Hilton Head Island.The executive chef and owner Giancarlo Balestra with his wife Nancy bring the vibrant flavors of his native hometown of Rome, Italy to Hilton Head. The couple who met in Rome 28 years ago discovered their shared passion for food and adventure and have since owned and operated restaurants in Aspen, Co, Winter Park, Fla and Saratoga Springs, NY. They fell in love with Hilton Head and decided to jump into this new exciting culinary adventure, hence the name Gusto, which means flavor and taste in Italian but also means a zest and enthusiasm for a delicious taste of life. The restaurant has a full bar, extensive wine list.
A photo of OKKO Hilton Head restaurant
3. OKKO Hilton Head
4.6
Exceptional(1850)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Hilton Head Island
Booked 12 times today
⚠️❗️❗️PLEASE READ!! Please leave a note to tell us if you would like HIBACHI GRILL or REGULAR TABLE. If you did not make the reservation at least 14 DAYS PRIOR or did not specify what kind of table you want, we CANNOT guarantee a hibachi grill table for you. Default seating would be regular tables.We have a 15-minute cancellation policy with no exceptions.Hibachi tables are set at 30-minute time slots4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:30pm, 9:00pm.If you reserve a time slot that is booked up, we will call you.All parties with 1-13 people (including infants and children) will have a 1.5hr turn overtime.OKKO Hilton Head specializes in contemporary Japanese and Thai cuisine. The atmosphere is sleek and upscale. We offer the best authentic Asian cuisine on Hilton Head. We offer a wide array of choices from sushi and sashimi to Thai curry. Or watch our hibachi chef prepare your meal to order from a selection of fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables.
A photo of Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana restaurant
4. Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana
4.8
Exceptional(5842)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Hilton Head Island
Booked 45 times today
For over 20 years, Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana has been Hilton Head’s premier culinary destination, featuring award-winning regional Italian cuisine, impeccable service and warm hospitality. Our innovative culinary team prides itself on sourcing local fresh products and the finest imported ingredients. Menu choices include homemade pasta dishes, delectable veal, prime meats, fresh seafood and house-made desserts. We are also renowned for our extensive yet approachable wine list. We invite you to enjoy a definitive dining experience amid an ambience that is at once modern, chic and welcoming. "Hilton Head Monthly" readers have voted Michael Anthony’s their “Favorite Fine Dining” restaurant offering their “Favorite Dessert Menu.” Michael Anthony’s Cooking School pairs our chefs’ passion and creativity with weekly demonstration-style or hands-on classes. Here you will interact closely with our cooking staff.Please call or visit our website for reservations and class schedule.
A photo of Olive & Fig Mediterranean Kitchen restaurant
5. Olive & Fig Mediterranean Kitchen
4.9
Exceptional(407)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Hilton Head Island
Booked 2 times today
It was Chef Munjid and his wife Tammy’s dream to one day be able to open their own Mediterranean restaurant and share his cuisine with the world. That dream is now a reality with Olive and Fig Mediterranean Kitchen. Together they take great pride in making each plate transport you to the Greek Isles or the banks of the Mediterranean Sea where some of the finest cuisine is served. We are excited to bring you some flavors from the Mediterranean and we hope you enjoy!As we are in our peak season we are requesting that you have patience as our cuisine is made to order. You will find no precooked items and we do not use microwaves or steam tables to heat or store food. In addition, no frozen items except those that should be such as French fries or ice cream desserts. We take pride in our quality and request if have any concerns or not satisfied please ask to speak with Tammy the owner. Thank you for choosing us as part of your dining experience. We look forward to serving you!
A photo of Pomodori - Hilton Head restaurant
6. Pomodori - Hilton Head
4.9
Exceptional(1853)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Hilton Head Island
Booked 16 times today
Pomodori - Hilton Head is widely acclaimed for its authentic Italian cuisine. As one reviewer mentioned, it reminds them of a 'little quaint place in southern Italy', while others commend its 'authentic and homemade Italian' menu. The freshness of the food and the variety of choices are consistently praised in reviews. This small, family-owned restaurant is known for its consistently good quality and friendly service, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
A photo of OMBRA Cucina Italiana restaurant
7. OMBRA Cucina Italiana
4.7
Exceptional(5967)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hilton Head Island
Booked 64 times today
Top chef Michael Cirafesi, voted Best Chef Hilton Head Island seven years in a row, brings to Hilton Head Island and the low country region one of the area’s most acclaimed Italian restaurant and bar, OMBRA Cucina Italiana, located in the beautiful Village at Wexford on the south end of Hilton Head Island. Come and enjoy innovative Italian cuisine along with an extensive wine list including Italian Benchmark wines. Stop by to relax at our bar and lounge with a spectacular selection of Italian specialty cocktails, apertifs, and digestivos. Our pasta entrees can be made with gluten free pasta upon request to accommodate customers with allergies. We also have vegan/vegetarian options upon request.
A photo of Chez Georges Bistro & Bar restaurant
8. Chez Georges Bistro & Bar
4.9
Exceptional(1242)
Price: Expensive
• French • Hilton Head Island
Booked 26 times today
Chez Georges is a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors located on the South End of Hilton Head Island.We serve traditional bistro staples, incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the Lowcountry. Our spirits are high quality and hand picked and our wine list is carefully curated of French imports and French-style selections.Reservations recommended. Indoor & outdoor dining available.
A photo of Madre & Mercado restaurant
9. Madre & Mercado
4.5
Awesome(186)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Hilton Head Island
Booked 2 times today
We are excited to be open and bring you a taste of our take on Latin American Food.Proudly brought to you by the owners of Jane Bistro and Bar
A photo of Coastal Capri Ristorante restaurant
10. Coastal Capri Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(46)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hilton Head Island
Booked 12 times today
At Coastal Capri, we believe that dining is always more than just good food; it's about creating memorable moments and cherished experiences. Our passion for hospitality and dedication to quality ensure that every visit to Coastal Capri is filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of savoring exceptional food in a welcoming atmosphere.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • paulaVIP
    Charlotte •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Michael Anthony’s is the penultimate culinary experience! We first enjoyed our blessed times here in this amazing restaurant when we lived in HHI from 2004-2008. Our favorite then and now, again during this current visit. Wait staff: highly customer-focused, present, courteous, knowledgeable, helpful, and very capable, able to take high-level care even during busy moments. Manager checked in on us and ensured that our expectations were being wildly exceeded! Chef: scrumptious butternut squash soup with sausage was light, exquisite, and unforgettably delicious! My wife’s go-to favorite in all restaurants - the evening recipe salmon, stood out, cooked to her exact requirements & was her all-time favorite. My lasagna was extraordinary. Our evening here is now entered into our all-time hall of fame! Ron MacV (843)290-3670
    More info
    Michael Anthony's Cucina ItalianaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Hilton Head Island
    •
    4.8
  • Karon
    Nashville •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had a wonderful family dinner at this restaurant. The hibachi experience was outstanding, and the food was delicious. Our chef was wonderful and made us feel welcomed and appreciated. I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone!
    More info
    OKKO Hilton HeadPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Hilton Head Island
    •
    4.6
  • Chris
    Wisconsin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Ally was wonderful! Super attentive and Very helpful with helping us select our meals! Great experience, we’re just traveling through the area but will be back again!
    More info
    Skull Creek Dockside RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Hilton Head Island
    •
    4.5
  • JoeVIP
    New York City •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    From the welcome to the end of dinner, it was excellent as usual…Antonio is the best Host and Server by far! Excellent food and service!
    More info
    Gusto RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Hilton Head Island
    •
    4.6
  • AmyVIP
    Central Kentucky •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 24, 2024
    Wonderful and delicious! We’ll be back! Thank you for a warm and cozy Christmas Eve experience.
    More info
    Olive & Fig Mediterranean KitchenPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Hilton Head Island
    •
    4.9

Discover best authentic restaurants in South Carolina

Discover a curated selection of authentic dining experiences in South Carolina's exclusive locales, each offering distinct flavors and impeccable service. These restaurants showcase the essence of authenticity, whether through traditional culinary delights or innovative dishes that stay true to their roots. Patrons can expect high-quality ingredients, expertly crafted menus, and environments that enhance every meal. The dining scene here is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of South Carolina, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking genuine flavors. Each establishment prides itself on creating unforgettable dining experiences, ensuring every meal is not just eaten, but savored. Dive into the heart of South Carolina's culinary excellence and discover why these restaurants are celebrated for their authenticity. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these dining spots promise an authentic taste that resonates with everyone who walks through their doors.

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