If you’re planning on having a romantic dinner, there are plenty of Hilton Head restaurants waiting for your reservation. We rank our favorites based on good food, great views and outdoor seating.
Pomodori Italian Eatery
Located on New Orleans Road on Hilton Head, Pomodori offers exquisite Italian fare. Chef Amanda honed her culinary skills from her Grandma Capuzelli’s kitchen. She studied in Italy where she learned how to make pasta, sauces and sausages are made from scratch. Enjoy There’s housemade gnocchi and tagliatelle, sausages and delicate sauces. Don’t forget the fresh seafood and salads with extraordinary olive oil.
Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks:
An iconic restaurant on Hilton Head, Hudson’s has been a family-owned business since the 1920s, primarily as a seafood processing plant. Enjoy the romantic views at the edge of Port Royal Sound. This waterfront restaurant uses one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head Island to bring in fresh-caught seafood straight to their docks and to your table. Guests often get to share the excitement as fishing crews unload thousands of fresh oysters, shrimp and soft shell crabs from each day’s catch.
CQ’s Restaurant:
Located in Harbour Town, CQ’s was the FIRST building to grace Harbour Town’s landscape and was designed by Ralph Ballantine in 1970. They feature American cuisine with fresh ingredients sourced from local waters and the Lowcountry farms.
Links, An American Grill:
Enjoy delicious food with views of Sea Pines’ Harbour Town’ Golf Links. Conveniently located within the stunning new Harbour Town Clubhouse, steps from The Inn & Club at Harbour Town Links is open to the public and features an innovative menu with a signature style. Links’ menu, showcasing unique flavors, noteworthy grilled selections, including USDA prime beef and fresh seafood, is perfectly complemented by a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list, local craft beers, handcrafted specialty cocktails and other libations.
Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte:
Charlie’s serves “fresh local seafood with a French, Lowcountry flare.” The restaurant, located on New Orleans Road, is a great place for a romantic dinner. The building itself looks like an inviting Southern home, and they offer both indoor seating and heated, outdoor seating. Charlie’s menu varies weekly with a focus on fresh, local seafood and ingredients. They also have a rotating wine menu.
Sunset Grille:
Sunset Grille has its name for a reason: The restaurant boasts having one of the best waterfront, sunset views on the island. Pair the views with their elevated menu and rotating wine list, and you’re sure to have a romantic dinner.
The Jazz Corner:
The Jazz Corner serves up gourmet meals in an “intimate, elegant atmosphere” – and has two live jazz concerts each night. The menu includes a few seafood options, pomegranate duck, filet mignon and lobster mac & cheese.
Skull Creek Dockside:
Skull Creek Dockside features indoor seating with full-pane glass windows as well as covered patio dining with sunset views overlooking Skull Creek. The restaurant serves up fresh seafood and Southern favorites, and has a full bar menu.
Nunzio Restaurant • Bar:
Nunzio was recently opened by a family from the Puglia region of Italy. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, and the menu features fresh, local ingredients made into authentic meals from Southern Italy.
ELA’S, located in Shelter Cove Harbour, offers “water views, fresh catch seafood, prime cut steaks, and a sophisticated atmosphere.” The restaurant offers both indoor and patio seating.
Takeout options:
Would you rather have your romantic dinner at home? The below restaurants are all offering to-go menu options. (Pro tip: Pack some blankets, pick up your food and have a sunset picnic on the beach for a Valentine’s Day dinner you’ll never forget. You can also picnic at one of the island’s parks many of which have covered pavilions, or at a picnic table at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina).
