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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Hilton Head Island

Discover the best restaurants in Hilton Head Island

Explore must-try spots, new openings, and hidden gems.

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19 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant restaurant
1. Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5197)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 99 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 ELA'S On the Water restaurant
2. ELA'S On the Water
4.6
Exceptional(7020)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 70 times today
Featured in Bon Appetit and the winner of numerous Open Table awards, ELA'S On the Water is a shining star on the Hilton Head scene. Fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality, artfully prepared by our culinary team of experts, compliment the extensive boutique wine selection. Located at Shelter Cove Harbour overlooking the marina and Broad Creek, ELA'S is known for the best water views on the island. A casual intimate interior, wrap around dining patio exterior, and nightly entertainment provided by local recording artists sets the perfect dining experience or location to host special events, private parties, or rehearsal dinners.
A photo of Frankie Bones Restaurant & Lounge - Hilton Head Island restaurant
3. Frankie Bones Restaurant & Lounge - Hilton Head Island
4.7
Exceptional(6032)
Price: Moderate
• American • Hilton Head Island
Booked 49 times today
A walk through the doors into the fabulous Frankie Bones Restaurant & Lounge takes you back to the carefree style of the early 1960s and t's restaurants in the big cities across America. Frankie Bones serves coveted American-Italian cuisine seven days a week and is located next to WiseGuys on Main Street on Hilton Head Island and off Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton. Lunch at Frankie Bones is about signature sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh seafood, crisp flatbreads, entrée salads, and premium pasta dishes. Always fresh and always fabulous! Served from 11 AM until 4 PM, Monday through Saturday, Frankie Bones is the perfect atmosphere for a business or family lunch.
A photo of WiseGuys Steak & Lounge restaurant
4. WiseGuys Steak & Lounge
4.6
Exceptional(5306)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Hilton Head Island
Booked 49 times today
WiseGuys features several small plates including pizzettas, sliders, nightly specialty items, not to mention our steaks! Highlights of the menu include local seafood creations and hand selected premium steaks from sterling silver. Our steaks are aged a minimum of 28 days for maximum flavor and tenderness in every bite. An aged steak is not just an aged steak at wiseguys; it is a wiseguys prepared steak, and is truly the best on hilton head. In fact, WiseGuys has such a strong menu and following that we were voted "Best Martini Bar," "Best Steak," and "Best Tapas" in recent years.
A photo of OMBRA Cucina Italiana restaurant
5. OMBRA Cucina Italiana
4.7
Exceptional(6105)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hilton Head Island
Booked 42 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 Charlie's Coastal Bistro (L'etoile Verte) restaurant
6. Charlie's Coastal Bistro (L'etoile Verte)
4.8
Exceptional(5619)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 36 times today
Charlie's Coastal Bistro is a quaint French country restaurant with a local seafood focus. It's a go-to spot for special occasions as per multiple reviews, with many customers praising its excellent food, service, and ambiance. It's been described as a place where 'various occasions are never disappointed at the service, menu selection or quality of the food'. It's the place for good food, good wine, and unforgettable memories.
A photo of Bowdies Chophouse - Hilton Head restaurant
7. Bowdies Chophouse - Hilton Head
4.8
Exceptional(1050)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Hilton Head Island
Booked 24 times today
Bowdie's Chophouse is a quaint and cozy chophouse featuring prime steaks, gourmet cocktails, and a delicious wine list! Situated in the heart of Hilton Head Island, Bowdie’s delivers exquisite steakhouse cuisine, exceptional drinks, and unparalleled service for a luxury experience you won't forget. Ideal for date nights, business dinners, late night cocktails, and a great meal after a round of golf, it’s the type of high-class steakhouse that will leave you wanting more. Our new steakhouse in Hilton Head, South Carolina has quickly become rated as one of the best steakhouses in the area, thanks to not only our high-quality, hand-cut prime steaks and seafood, but the high-class experience we strive to offer with every visit. Our Hilton Head steakhouse offers indoor seating only, private dining (up to 30), wine lockers, bar seating (full service), and booth and table seating.
A photo of Red Fish - Hilton Head restaurant
8. Red Fish - Hilton Head
4.6
Exceptional(5682)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 37 times today
Red Fish specializes in excellent seafood and steaks. A recipient of Wine Spectator Magazine's Best of Award of Excellence since 2001, Red Fish offers over 1300 wines from around the world for you to choose in our retail shop to enjoy with your meal (with a small corkage fee) or to take home.
A photo of Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar restaurant
9. Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar
4.7
Exceptional(3635)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hilton Head Island
Booked 52 times today
Alexander’s, an upscale seafood restaurant and long-time Hilton Head Island favorite on the dining scene since 1977. It features seasonally-inspired cuisine, locally-caught seafood and many locally-sourced ingredients.Our menu pays tribute to many classic lowcountry and Alexander’s favorites such as Seafood Pasta, Shrimp and Grits, and Wiener Schnitzel. Reservations are highly encouraged. Alexander’s offers dinner nightly from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM with seasonal early dining from 5:00 PM-5:45 PM.
A photo of Jane Bistro & Bar restaurant
10. Jane Bistro & Bar
4.5
Awesome(3124)
Price: Moderate
• American • Hilton Head Island
Booked 31 times today
Jane Bistro & Bar, voted Favorite New Restaurant AND Favorite New Chef , is the perfect place for friends and family to gather. Delicious food, creative cocktails and interesting beer and wines are served in an urban coastal comfort, inside and out. Join the Jane Family to celebrate lowcountry living in style!

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Discover best special occasions restaurants in Hilton Head Island

Discover the charm of Hilton Head Island with its range of restaurants perfect for celebrating special occasions. Whether you seek a luxurious steakhouse, a unique Brazilian Churrascaria, or a cozy French bistro, the island caters to every taste and celebration need. Each restaurant prides itself on delivering exceptional food quality, from USDA Prime Grade beef to fresh local seafood, complemented by impressive wine selections and full bars. The dining scene in Hilton Head is renowned for its blend of sophistication and local charm, providing an ideal backdrop for memorable celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. Guests consistently praise the attentive service, beautiful ambiance, and the personal touches that make each dining experience uniquely special. So, whether it's a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a festive group event, Hilton Head Island's restaurants promise an unforgettable culinary journey tailored for any special occasion.

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