The Coastal Isles and the Okefenokee Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Coastal Isles and the Okefenokee - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Grand Dining Room

    $$$$

    This colonnaded restaurant inside the Jekyll Island Club maintains a tradition of fine dining first established in the 19th century. Signature dishes are the rack of lamb, duck breast, and the filet mignon, all seasoned differently depending on the season. Offering unique twists on Southern classics, the menu also includes local seafood and upscale takes on regional dishes such as shrimp and grits. A huge fireplace, views of the pool, and sparkling silver and crystal all contribute to the old-world atmosphere. While there is a "jacket preference" for male dining guests, there is not an official dress code.

    371 Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, Georgia, 31527, USA
    912-635–5155

    Known For

    • Grand historical architecture
    • Super Sunday brunch spread
    • Victorian tea service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential, Jacket required
  • 2. Halyards

    $$$$

    Chef-owner Dave Snyder's devotion to quality and homemade dishes (everything but the ketchup is made on the premises) has earned this elegant but relaxed restaurant a faithful following of discerning locals. Halyards, his flagship, is focused on the finest seasonal and local ingredients. Headliners of the changing menu include Georgia white shrimp and grits, and "The Burger," featuring grass-fed beef, blackened tomato, and caramelized onion.

    55 Cinema La., St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522, USA
    912-638–9100

    Known For

    • Signature coffee
    • Vanilla bean crème brûlée with fresh strawberries
    • Superb wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 3. B & J's Steak and Seafood

    $$

    While it's nothing fancy, this small and simple joint is beloved by locals for its fried shrimp, generous portions, and down-home country fare. The weekend seafood buffet is especially popular and is loaded with the freshest of local fish, shrimp, and other seafood staples. During the week, B & J's offers a lunch buffet with fried chicken and other Southern specialties. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

    901 North Way, Darien, Georgia, 31305, USA
    912-437--2122

    Known For

    • Homestyle country fare
    • Fried seafood and steaks
    • Buffet-style dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 4. Coastal Kitchen and Raw Bar

    $$$

    The fresh, locally sourced seafood at this spot overlooking the Morningstar Marina on the Frederica River, just inside the St. Simons Sound, is among the best on the island and perfectly complements the sunset views from the outdoor dining patio. The banks scallops and shrimp are a crowd-pleaser, perfectly paired with a butternut squash puree with hints of ginger and pistachio. Seafood lovers shouldn't pass up the raw oysters; Georgia's own are in season during months that include the letter r. The turf dishes are equally satisfying, with options such as pork tenderloin with wild mushrooms and house-made gnocchi.

    102 Marina Dr., St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522, USA
    912-638–7790

    Known For

    • Waterfront views
    • Sunday brunch
    • Fresh from the docks seafood
  • 5. Driftwood Bistro

    $$

    On-site at Villas by the Sea, Driftwood Bistro is an island favorite for its Lowcountry Southern cuisine and friendly, laid-back environment. Try the shrimp and grits, pork tenderloin, and crab bisque. Reservations are not accepted.

    1175 N. Beachview Dr., Jekyll Island, Georgia, 31527, USA
    912-635–2521

    Known For

    • Lowcountry cuisine
    • Vegetarian options
    • Outstanding seafood dishes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Sun.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Island Sweets Shoppe

    $

    Head to this cute little cottage in Jekyll's historic district when the sweet tooth hits for handmade fudge, pralines, truffles, and other goodies made on-site. There's also ice cream and slushies. Gift baskets and prepackaged treats are available to take home.

    150 Old Plantation Rd., Jekyll Island, Georgia, 31527, USA
    912-635--3135

    Known For

    • Chocolate confections
    • Ice cream
    • Take-home treats
  • 7. Okefenokee Restaurant

    $

    Everything's home-cooked at this half-century-old local institution, and it's all good—from the fried shrimp to the black-eyed peas. It opens early for breakfast and has a daily lunch and dinner buffet piled with Southern favorites.

    1507 3rd St., Folkston, Georgia, 31537, USA
    912-496–3263

    Known For

    • Breakfast buffet
    • Country-style fare
    • Peach cobbler

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted
  • 8. Palm Coast Coffee

    $ | Coffee

    The coffee is always on at this café in the Village where you'll also find delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Breakfast and lunch are served daily, and there's ample outdoor seating for relaxing and watching the world go by. There's even a pub on-site serving wine and beer.

    318 Mallery St., St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522, USA
    912-634--7515

    Known For

    • Great coffee
    • Tasty breakfast and lunch entrées
    • Pet-friendly outdoor seating
  • 9. Porch

    $

    Located in a coastal-style shack on the edge of the Village, the porch is always packed at this casual order-at-the-counter eatery specializing in Nashville hot chicken, fried catfish, and fried local shrimp. Wash it all down with some Southern sweet tea or a chilly "frosé." There's tons of outdoor seating on the screened-in porch and at picnic tables on the lawn, making it popular with families and those with pups in tow.

    549 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522, USA
    912-634--5168

    Known For

    • Nashville hot chicken
    • Frosé and craft beer
    • Large lawn and outdoor seating
  • 10. Riverside Cafe

    $$

    Go for the authentic Greek food at this cozy café right across from the Cumberland Island Ferry. There's indoor and outdoor dining with great waterfront views. The menu features soups, sandwiches, pasta, and Greek fare like moussaka, lamb chops, and pasticcio (Greek lasagna) as well as crab cakes and fried seafood specialties.

    106 St. Marys St., St. Marys, Georgia, 31558, USA
    912-882--3466

    Known For

    • Greek-American specialties
    • Fried seafood
    • Family-friendly dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 11. Skipper's Fish Camp

    $$$

    This upscale take on the fish camp theme lies at the foot of a public dock on the Darien River, where working shrimp boats moor. It has a beautiful courtyard pond and an open-air oyster bar. Popular menu items include Georgia white shrimp, ribs, and fried flounder. Arrive early on weekends, when there's usually a wait.

    85 Screven St., Darien, Georgia, 31305, USA
    912-437–3474

    Known For

    • The views
    • Catching the game
    • Seafood and barbecue

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
  • 12. Southern Soul Barbeque

    $

    This retro-inspired indoor-outdoor establishment with a more-than-12-hour hardwood-fired barbecue occupies a former gas station at a five-points crossroads in the heart of St. Simons Island. Locals claim this as the area's best barbecue, and diners flock here for the brisket, pulled pork, Brunswick stew, and homemade sauces and side dishes. It's a great option for large parties with family-style appetites.

    2020 Demere Rd., St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522, USA
    912-638–7685

    Known For

    • Retro atmosphere
    • Sizable portions
    • Southern-style sides
  • 13. The Fish Dock Bar & Grill

    $$$

    A local staple, this quintessential coastal restaurant, which overlooks the Sapelo River as it runs to the Sapelo Sound, offers fresh-from-the docks seafood dishes and surf-and-turf specialties. Menu favorites include the seafood linguine with Sapelo Sea Farms clams and whole fried Altamaha River catfish with hush puppies, local shrimp, and deviled crab.

    1398 Sapelo Ave., Crescent, Georgia, 31304, USA
    912-832–4295

    Known For

    • Classic steak and seafood dishes
    • Waterfront dining with deck seating
    • Fresh Georgia oysters, shrimp, and clams

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 14. The Half Shell at the Pier

    $$

    On an island chock-full of seafood establishments, the Half Shell rises above the competition. It's beloved by locals and visitors alike for the combination of laid-back atmosphere, fresh seafood, and quality preparation and presentation—this is not the stereotypical fried-shrimp shack. If seafood isn't your thing, there's also tasty American fare like the Half Shell burger or the Cajun pork chops. Four-legged family members are welcome.

    504 Beachview Dr., St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522, USA
    912-268–4241

    Known For

    • Fresh oysters—raw, shucked, or steamed
    • Local Georgia shrimp and grits
    • Crab cakes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Thurs.
  • 15. The Wharf

    $$$

    This casual waterfront spot, operated by the Jekyll Island Club, is a popular destination for fresh seafood, live music, and an alfresco lunch or cocktail hour. Bar snacks, raw oysters, and Lowcountry boils dominate a menu that also offers landlubber's choices like burgers and grilled steak. The full bar specializes in frozen drinks, and local bands play every weekend, giving the Wharf a lively and authentic beach-town feel.

    370 Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA
    912-635–3612

    Known For

    • Gumbo
    • Live music
    • Waterfront location
  • 16. Tramici

    $$

    Although it's in a shopping center, this Italian eatery with the same owner as the more refined Halyards bills itself as a neighborhood restaurant. It has spaghetti and meatballs and pizzas piled with favorite toppings, as well as a remarkable antipasto with prosciutto and various cheeses and a superb take on braised short ribs over goat cheese ravioli, with sun-dried tomatoes as the mystery ingredient.

    75 Cinema La., St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522, USA
    912-634–2202

    Known For

    • Kid-friendly dining
    • Authentic flatbreads
    • Hearty Italian entrées

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, No lunch weekends
  • 17. Courtyard at Crane

    $$$$
    Closed Permanently

    When it was built in 1917, Crane Cottage—actually an elegant Italianate villa—was the most expensive winter home on Jekyll Island. Now, as part of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the Courtyard at Crane offers casual alfresco dining in quirky little dining areas. The menu, which changes twice a year, has a Mediterranean flair with salads and sandwiches at lunch and more substantial dishes in the evening. Previous dinner offerings have included a bacon-wrapped filet mignon and a pan-seared duck breast with plum cherry chutney. The bread served at dinner, a warm loaf speckled with vegetables, is especially tasty and made in-house.

    375 Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, Georgia, 31527, USA
    912-635–5200

    Known For

    • Courtyard dining
    • Delicious salads
    • Great service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, No dinner Fri. and Sat., Closes periodically on the weekends for weddings
  • 18. 401 West

    $$$
    Closed Permanently

    With spectacular views overlooking the marsh, this St. Marys eatery specializes in local farm-to-table cuisine including a relaxing weekend brunch. The menu ranges from burgers to house-made pastas to the quintessential shrimp and grits. There's a nice selection of wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails with two full bars on the property.

    401 W. St. Marys St., St. Marys, Georgia, 31558, USA
    912-333--9515

    Known For

    • Sunset views
    • Inventive cocktails
    • Weekend brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 19. Borrell Creek Landing

    $$$
    Closed Permanently

    Time your meal to coincide with the sunset at this upscale restaurant on the fringe of St. Marys, where the dining room and outdoor patio face west, overlooking the salt marshes of Dark Entry (formerly Borrell) Creek. The fairly traditional, seasonal menu is a mix of seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes, along with some local favorites like fried alligator and blue-crab cakes. The seasame-crusted ahi tuna and the Southern caprese salad with fried green tomatoes make great starters. As a main, try one of the rotating fish dishes, served in Borrell's signature style: blackened and seared, then topped in a decadent crab, mushroom, and white wine sauce.

    2715 Osbourne St., St. Marys, Georgia, 31558, USA
    912-673–6300

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 20. The Rah Bar

    $$
    Closed Permanently

    A tiny swamp shack right on the end of the Jekyll Island Club Wharf, the Rah Bar is the place for a hands-on experience. It's elbow-to-elbow dining—unless you eat at the tables outside on the wharf—with "rah" oysters (get it?), "crawdaddies," and "u peel 'em" shrimp. As you eat, you look out on the beautiful salt-marsh sunsets. Live bands on the weekends.

    370 Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, Georgia, 31527, USA

    Known For

    • Cold beer; no frills seafood; expansive views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

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