Kiawah Island sits 25 miles southwest of Charleston and is known for its excellent golf courses and pristine beaches. If you’re planning a trip to Kiawah Island, or if you’re shopping for Kiawah Island homes for sale, you may be curious about the area’s top restaurants. This article will introduce you to some of Kiawah Island’s most popular dining options for both locals and tourists. No matter what type of food you’re craving, you’ll find something that sounds appetizing in the list below.
1. The Ocean Room
Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean while dining on fresh sushi and sipping on their preferred option from the extensive wine list. Each dish uses locally-sourced meat and produce. Visit their website to make a reservation for your upcoming visit. There is a dress code in place, so it’s best not to arrive wearing the same shorts and flip-flops that you wore to the beach earlier in the day.
2. Tomasso at Turtle Point
Specializing in authentic Italian cuisine, Tomasso at Turtle Point is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
3. The Night Heron Grill
Night Heron Grill is as popular for its on-site pool as they are for its delicious local seafood and especially wraps. The atmosphere is more casual than other restaurants on this list, and it’s a great option for the entire family.
4. Cantina 76
Photo courtesy of Cantina 76
Cantina 76 serves authentic Mexican dishes and margaritas in a Cantina-style environment. They want to make their guests feel welcome, and they encourage visitors to plan extra time for their meals so that they can hang out before and after they eat. It’s a great choice for enjoying drinks with friends or grabbing a quick lunch before you head back to the beach. The restaurant features several TVs, so you never have to miss the moment of a big game. Make sure you try the Peruvian shrimp tacos if this is your first visit.
5. Jasmine Porch
Stop by Jasmine Porch to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner before or after you head to the beach. You’ll find plenty of delicious local seafood options on the menu, along with special selections for children. Featured dinner options include shrimp and grits, the local catch bouillabaisse, and the filet mignon. You’ll need a reservation if you plan to come for dinner or Sunday brunch, but you can usually find walk-up seating available for breakfast and lunch service.
6. Hege’s
Image courtesy of Hege’s
Richard Hege has worked as a chef for over 29 years, and his experience and expertise shine through every dish prepared at his restaurant. Hege’s is famous for its French and international cuisine. You’ll have to travel a little outside of town to enjoy Hege’s, but the trip is well worth it. The menu rotates based on the season because they only use fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Most dishes are finished with classical house-made sauces, and your server can help you pair your meal with the best option from their extensive list of wines and spirits.
7. Beaches & Cream at the Sanctuary
After a long day at the beach, make plans to enjoy ice cream or candy at Beaches and Cream. The dessert stop caters primarily to children, but they include specialty coffees and other simple menu options for adults. They serve only naturally-made ice cream, and this includes the ice cream they use in their malts, shakes, and floats. They are open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm. If you plan to shop for Kiawah Island homes for sale, you’ll likely find yourself making regular and frequent visits to Beaches & Cream.
8. Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House
Image courtesy of Kiawah Resort
Many people believe that South Carolina pitmasters perfected the low and slow cooking method, and Cherrywood BBQ is a great reflection of the difference that slow cooking makes when preparing meats. Cherrywood is known for its delicious Mac and Cheese along with its slow-smoked southern-style barbecue. All meat is coated with delicious housemade rub and cooked over local hardwoods. They also offer various specialties like shrimp and grits, pan-seared ribeye, and a local catch at market price. You can enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio, and you can pair your meal with one of their sixty beer selections. Cherrywood is open daily for lunch and dinner.
9. West Beach Catalina
Catalina’s delicious Mexican food is especially popular for golfers who have just finished a round at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. They are open daily from 11 am to 4 pm between May and September. Guests rave about their delicious fish tacos and their excellent housemade margaritas. You’ll love the fresh island twist featured in each of their dishes.
10. The Ryder Cup Bar at Ocean Course Clubhouse
The Ryder Cup Bar is a great place to stop after you finish your round to enjoy a drink with friends or to gaze at the sunset during a romantic dinner with your significant other. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to choose from. Wherever you choose to dine, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and delicious pub-style food. Many guests choose to start their meal with crab dip or fried green tomatoes. The main course consists of crab cake sliders or fish tacos, or you can pick from a list of entrees that includes the New York strip steak or the southern-style fish and chips. The Ryder Cup Bar is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 am until 9 pm.
With so many delicious restaurants in the area, you may find it hard to return home. If you get the urge to start shopping for Kiawah Island homes for sale, reach out to Shawn Kemp. Shawn Kemp served his country with honor and integrity, and he hopes to serve each of his clients in the same way. He is passionate about real estate, but he has an even greater passion for people. He would love to represent you along each step in the process of buying or selling a home in the Kiawah Island area.
