Hi, We'll be in Hilton Head for only a week. I have found lists of restaurants, but would love recommendations of people's favorites and "must go to". Thanks.

Marley's for Carribbean seafood.
Truffles for a variety menu and consistent quality. Just Pasta in Coligny is very good in a casual and small setting. On the upscale, CQ's near Harbor Town is always fine.

From a 27 year resident:

ALL UPSCALE:

Spice at the Village at Wexford (south end) for Indian and steaks. Best interior this side of NYC.

Riviera Oaks on New Orleans Road (south end) for Mediterranean. Engaging interior with trees.

Mulberry Street Trattoria in Bluffton. Take the first left after the Moss Creek light. Fine Italian.

(I don't think reservations are necessary at any.)

Hi - We've gone to HH for several years for our family vacation (though we'll be going to OBX this year). Since we have two young children we've stuck to places that are family friendly, which most places are (which is to say we haven't been able to check out the spots DRJ mentioned). I don't know if you have kids, but overall I've found the family friendly dining on Hilton Head (and it is mostly family friendly) relatively unimpressive.

We went to Marleys a few times but didn't on our last trip as we'd had two bad experiences on our last visits with the food itself. If I'm not mistaken, Just Pasta is closed (though we never went there). The places I would recommend are Kenny B's for their Sunday Brunch - get there early - it is small and fills up quickly. Their banana bread pudding is to die for!! We also REALLY like Smokehouse BBQ - great pulled pork and mustard bbq sauce - we get it in bulk to go. It's Greek to Me is good if you are a fan of Greek food and we've always enjoyed Crazy Crab North - nice view, decent food, and not as crowded as the location in Harbourtown.

Oh - we went to Franky Bones (I think that was the name) last year - it is pricey but worth it!!

That's too bad about Just Pasta. I heard Truffles has opened where the old Haufbrau House used to be? True? Anyone been there?

Other high-end dinner options: Antonio's at Wexford for Italian, Michael Antony's on New Orleans Rd and Sage Room behind Coligney.

Truffles has indeed opened a third restaurant in the old Hofbrau House. Have not been there, but assume the food is as good as the other two locations.

Frankie Bones is located in the Main Street shopping center, near Harris Teeter. Good food and not as pricey as some, especially if you order pasta.

For a setting with a view, plus excellent food, you can't beat the Sunset Grill in the Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort and Marina. It is excellent for Sunday brunch, as well as lunch and dinner every day, except Monday, when they are closed. It is small, so reservations are recommended.

Another favorite, though pricey, is the Old Fort Pub on Skull Creek in Hilton Head Plantation. It is owned by the same group as CQ's and Antonios, which were mentioned in other posts.

If you like BBQ, try Jim n Nicks, which is located off island on the south side of Rt. 278. One Hot Mama's is also good, and they have two locations.

Our favorite for seafood is Hudsons, which is one of the original restaurants on Hilton Head. It is located right on the docks on Skull Creek. Very casual, very popular. Their crab cakes are legendary.

The Truffles in the old Hoffbrau House location is Truffles Grill with a different menu. We've eaten there once and it was very good.

We ate at Antonio's once and found it totally ordinary.

These are not as nice or expensive as above but we visit HHI twice a year and always hit the Crazy Crab in Harbortown and Marley's for their early specials. Both just feel like vacation to us.

Any particularly family-friendly recommendations?

DancingBearMD,

Many Hilton Head restaurants have kids' menus. Two particularly casual, family oriented choices are Hudson's and Crazy Crab.

Try the Old Fort Pub around sunset - you won't be disappointed. Also Charley's Crab for the early bird specials. Enjoy!
Wendy
www.blowingrockcondo.com

Thanks for all the restaurant choices. We can hardly wait to get to Hilton Head and start eating!

If you are taking the kids to see Greg Russell at Harbor Town, that's a good night to do the Crazy Crab right by his stage. The only reason to go to Crazy Crab is that it's conveniet to his show and kid friendly. You're not going for a great meal.

Another family friendly is Captain Woody's. Water view, outdoor dining, super relaxed, modestly priced.