Lowcountry Food Scene

UNIQUE, FLAVORFUL DISHES

A hidden gem located off the beaten path, Olive & Fig Mediterranean Kitchen offers a delectable menu of Middle Eastern, Lebanese and Greek cuisine.

Located in Moss Creek Village, Olive & Fig is not just a restaurant but an experience. The décor includes beaded lights imported from Turkey, a copper bar and authentic Middle Eastern music. A belly dancer performs once a month and on special occasions.

A FAMILY TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

Crane’s Tavern and Steakhouse on Hilton Head Island has a pedigree that goes back for more than a century. Frank Crane, an immigrant from Ireland, founded Crane’s Tavern in Philadelphia in 1908 and ran it until forced to close during Prohibition.

After the restaurant reopened in 1933, his sons and a grandson continued to operate the tavern into the 1970s. His son Hank worked at the original tavern until 1969, when he opened a Crane’s Tavern north of Philadelphia, then bought and renamed the Surf City Hotel on Long Beach Island, N.J.

A FAVORITE LOCAL’S SPOT

When Leslie and Paul Stewart opened Palmetto Bay Sunrise cafe in 2002 they committed to making great breakfast fare starting before the sun rises, from 6 a.m.

Known as the Islands’ “go to” breakfast spot, Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café’s menu offers traditional breakfast and lunch items with a Hilton Head twist: eggs benedict (homemade hollandaise sauce), the best smoked salmon bagel, she-crab soup, shrimp and grits with gravy, and crab cakes. There are variations of eggs Benedict, including city ham, crab cake, smoked salmon or shrimp and spinach. Quiches and stratas along with biscuits and gravy, pancakes, French toast and omelets. Specials offered include blueberry cream cheese and country fried steak.

GREAT SEAFOOD IN A RELAXED WATERFRONT SETTING

Fishcamp on Broad Creek offers an extensive menu and has stunning views of Broad Creek. The venue is the same location of the embarkation dock that Charlie Simmons Sr. transported passengers and produce from Hilton Head to the Savannah City Market for nearly 30 years before the island gained a bridge in 1956.

The restaurant honors this history and the rich Native Islander culture of Hilton Head Island. The menu features southern classics like fried green tomatoes, Daufuskie Island crab cakes, and blackened Carolina catfish to more regional dishes including a seafood risotto with a Maine lobster tail, Prince Edward Island mussels and seared Maine scallops.

Oktoberfest is best known as a time of beer and brats, but there are plenty of tasty dishes to enjoy. Annually a two-week event, Oktoberfest is a celebration of Bavarian culture. Food and beverages are heartily enjoyed. From sauerkraut to schnitzel and strudel and suds, here are a few ideas to keep the festivities fun. 

HINCHEY’S CHICAGO BAR & GRILL A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

The place was packed, infused with excitement. Surrounded by family, overjoyed patrons and meaningful memorabilia, the Hinchey family was submerged in the delight of what had been previously unimaginable: the Chicago Cubs had won the World Series. 

The celebration that October night in 2016 was euphoric, with the family reveling in the championship with many faithful customers at the restaurant they opened on Hilton Head Island in 1996. 

FOOD. FAMILY. FRIENDS. 

Jane Bistro & Bar is all about family and friends sharing time together and meals created from recipes passed from one to another. The family-owned business is named to honor the many generations of great cooks in the family and their shared passion for good food, family and friends.

In 2016, the owners of Wren Bistro in Beaufort opened Jane Bistro & Bar in Shelter Cove Towne Centre on Hilton Head Island and since then it has been the place where people come together to enjoy classic bistro fare with a modern twist. The restaurant is designed for relaxed, comfortable gatherings.

Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, locally owned and operated since 1977, is an upscale seafood restaurant featuring locally caught seafood and many locally sourced ingredients.

Executive Chef Sean Carroll introduces an updated menu which pays tribute to many classic Lowcountry and Alexander’s favorites such as Baked Flounder Imperial, Shrimp and Grits and Wiener Schnitzel.