Eating Locally on Seabrook, Kiawah, and Johns Islands

The islands of South Carolina are home to some of the most beautiful and exclusive residential communities you will ever find. Each island offers a unique neighborhood experience with endless beaches, resort features, and exquisite golf courses. In addition to these gorgeous views and relaxing pastimes, the cuisine available across these three luxurious islands is a delight to residents and visitors alike. If you are new to the South Carolina islands and communities, Michelle Wiedemuth has the local expertise to recommend the top local restaurants on Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, and Johns Island.

Seabrook Island is home to a private beachfront community where residents share a peaceful life and state-of-the-art beach club amenities. Among these amenities are three wonderful places to eat: Pelican's Nest, Bohicket Lounge and the Palmetto Room.

Located right on the beach, the Pelican's Nest is a gorgeous terrace restaurant with tented dining surrounding a stylish circular pavilion. The menu offers a classic blend of seafood and American comfort food. You can also ask about daily specials that take advantage of fresh seasonal ingredients. Residents and vacationers can book a table or walk up directly from a day on the beach for beautifully plated meals, fresh smoothies, and beachside cocktails.

At the heart of the Seabrook community is the clubhouse, known as the Seabrook Island Club. The vast and elegant venue is a favorite spot for celebrations, including weddings, family reunions, and community holiday festivities. An inherent part of the club is the Bohicket Lounge, Members and their guests enjoy Southern cuisine for lunch and dinner in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a fun round of golf! Or meet up with friends for happy hour.

The Palmetto Room exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and recreation. With its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the swaying palmetto trees, this inviting space offers a serene backdrop for both residents and visitors alike. The Palmetto Room captures the essence of Seabrook Island's natural beauty, creating an unforgettable experience for all who step foot within its walls. Dishes are inspired by local seafood, proteins, and fresh produce whenever possible. Featured dishes change daily.

Kiawah Island is home to the Kiawah resort community. The centrally located hotel, The Sanctuary hosts three different restaurants. Residents can also explore more casual dining at The Nest Market, The Atlantic Room, Cherrywood BBQ, and a few other gourmet spots across the elongated island and gorgeous Atlantic coast beaches.

The Sanctuary Resort provides three of the top restaurants on Kiawah Island: Jasmine Porch, The Ocean Room, and Loggerhead Grill. Each offers a unique ambience and menu, inviting resort guests and community members alike to tailor their culinary experience. Jasmine Porch at the Sanctuary offers elegant Southern cuisine in an ornate ocean-view dining room. The Ocean Room is an opulent classic steak and seafood restaurant.  Loggerhead Grill is located off the main resort building, with a more relaxed vibe and terrace dining for your bar grill beachside experience. There is also an ice cream shop called Beaches Cream.

If you're looking for a casual lunch spot, swing by The Nest Market and Café. This little grocery store is the perfect place to pick up delicious luncheons and pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach or nearby island nature trails. The ambience is bright, airy, and welcoming. Exploring the menu, you will find fresh and flavorful classics such as salmon wraps, tuna salad, breakfast sandwiches, and delicious salads.

Kiawah Island also has several gourmet restaurants away from the resort. The Atlantic Room is a gourmet seafood restaurant located at The Ocean Course clubhouse. This is the perfect place for dinner after a long day on the fairway. The dining room is decked in gold and dark polished wood with lamp chandeliers above and a panoramic view of the coast.

Another local favorite is the Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House. This is the perfect place to satisfy your craving for a superb barbecue in a more relaxed environment. Cherrywood BBQ offers the perfect blend of luxurious surroundings and an easy atmosphere. The menu includes perfectly cooked and seasoned ribs, steak, wings, surf and turf, brisket sandwiches, and all your favorite sides. Don't forget an amazing beer selection, cocktails, and a great dessert experience.

Hege's is a French culinary treasure trove where the flavors of the region come to life. The restaurant's menu is a celebration of locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the bounty of the nearby sea and fertile land. From succulent shrimp and grits to savory she-crab soup, every dish tells a story of the South, prepared with impeccable craftsmanship and an artful touch. Hege's promises a delectable journey through the heart and soul of Lowcountry cuisine, leaving an indelible mark on your culinary palate.

48 Wine Bar is a gem for oenophiles and gastronomes alike. This intimate wine bar offers a curated selection of wines from around the world, each carefully chosen to complement the flavors of the island and beyond. Paired with a delectable assortment of charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and small plates, every visit to 48 Wine Bar is a delightful journey of the senses, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a refined and memorable culinary experience on Kiawah Island. I highly recommend their food and wine paired dinners!

Johns Island is the largest island in South Carolina. As a result, Johns Island offers both a greater variety of housing options and local restaurants to explore.

KISS Cafe on Johns Island, SC, is a casual dining venue known for its New York-style bagels, breakfast, lunch, and brunch offerings. The cafe emphasizes fresh, chef-inspired dishes cooked to order in an open kitchen setting. They also focus on sourcing local products to support the Johns Island and Charleston communities. Patrons have praised the cafe's friendly staff, delicious entrées, and unique dishes like the Korean Bahn Mi​.

For the best Italian food on Johns Island, you simply must try the Wild Olive Restaurant. The menu features delicious classics cooked to perfection. Delight in the delicate blend of flavors in your fresh pasta, handmade ravioli, or mouthwatering steak. Don't forget to leave room for dessert because the slices of cake and beautifully topped scoops of ice cream are surprisingly large.

Situated in the heart of the serene Johns Island, The Royal Tern boasts a menu that's a veritable love letter to the region's culinary heritage. Chef Kyle Kryske provides guests with an array of freshly prepared seafood and steaks paired with carefully selected wines. From traditional shrimp and grits to mouthwatering crab cakes, each dish is a testament to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Lowcountry.

Those exploring the beautiful and exclusive communities of South Carolina's islands will find plenty to love. The endless beaches, vibrant nature walks, and masterfully designed golf courses set the perfect scene for the islands' fantastic cuisine. You will find both relaxed beachside terraces and formal dining rooms. Whether you're craving Southern comfort food, wonderfully fresh seafood, perfectly cooked steak, or international dishes, you're sure to find something to sate your palette among the Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, and Johns Island restaurants.

The islands of South Carolina are home to a delightful array of farmers' markets that showcase the region's rich agricultural heritage. Some of the most popular include the Sea Island Farmers Market, Rosebank Farms, Storey Farms, and the Goatery at Kiawah River. Visitors and residents alike can browse through colorful stalls brimming with plump peaches, ripe tomatoes, and a wide variety of vegetables, often grown just a stone's throw away. Handcrafted items, from handmade jams to locally caught seafood caught by local fisherman, also find their place at these markets. Whether you're in search of farm-fresh flavors or simply looking for a taste of Southern hospitality, these island farmers' markets are a must-visit destination.

Experience the seclusion and luxury of South Carolina's unique islands. Many people fall in love with South Carolina island life on vacation and eventually plan to put down permanent roots in a beautiful seaside home. The best way to find your new home on Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, or Johns Island is by working with a local real estate agent experienced with these exclusive communities. Michelle Wiedemuth lives on Seabrook and has the insights and network required to find you the perfect home in one of these superb communities.