Hilton Head and the Low Country Restaurants

The number of fine-dining restaurants on Hilton Head Island is extraordinary, given the size of the island. Because of the proximity to the Atlantic and small farms on the mainland, most locally owned restaurants are still heavily influenced by the catch of the day and seasonal field harvests. Most of the fine-dining restaurants open at 11 and don't close until 9 or 10, but some take a break between 2 and 4. Most of the more expensive restaurants have an early dining menu, and this is a popular time to dine. During the height of the summer season, reservations are a good idea, though in the off-season you may need them only on weekends. There are plenty of great delis where you can pick up lunch, several locally owned breakfast joints, and plenty of sports bars. There are also numerous national chain and fast-food restaurants, including Panera Bread, Olive Garden, IHOP, Applebee's, Burger King, Wendy's, McDonald's, and Subway. Smoking is prohibited in restaurants and bars in Bluffton, Beaufort, and on Hilton Head Island. Beaufort's restaurant scene has certainly evolved, with more trendy restaurants serving contemporary cuisine moving into the immediate downtown area.