The best restaurants in Bluffton

“Crafted by founders Rob and Breana DeLeo, Joelle brings a home away from home vibe to Italian classics with Lowcountry charm, fine wine and excellent cocktails. Make it your midweek treat, catch up with a friend, leave plotting what to order next.”

From the Bluffton newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Stylish option for modern Mexican fare & cocktails served in a bustling space.”

“This week, when the midweek blahs hit, Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant Hilton Head brings bright cantina energy, folk art on the walls, and a giant menu of tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas. They also claim the Best Margaritas on HHI... which sounds like a pretty good reason to test that theory.”

“When you want real-deal, made-from-scratch Italian without the fuss, Pomodori Too! turns out tender ravioli, pillowy gnocchi, and twirl-worthy pastas inspired by Chef Amanda’s training in Calabria. Easy counter service, legit takeout, and occasional live music make it a weeknight no-brainer.”

From the Bluffton newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Radici Italian Chophouse serves a true-to-its-roots Italian experience locals actually crave. Officially awarded the Italian Government’s Marchio Ospitalità Italiana, the first and only in South Carolina, every plate aims for that culture, land, and sea vibe...”

“Make a night of it at Ma Daisy's Porch, where curated cuisine, rich global flavors, historical storytelling, and immersive entertainment turn dinner into a celebration of Gullah heritage. Swing by Backus Bakery and De' Market for artisan treats and goods, then head home feeling a little more connected to Bluffton.”

From the Bluffton newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Craving something local and unfussy this week? Captain Woody's Seafood Bar turns out fresh, inspired plates like He Crab Soup, sesame seared tuna with ginger sriracha aioli, meaty crab cakes, even shrimp and watermelon salad... the kind of lineup that makes you remember why living in Bluffton tastes so good.”

From the Bluffton newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.”

“Casual chain dishing up seafood boils, fried baskets, crabs and other classic fare.”

“Laid-back chain known for slow-cooked BBQ & cheese biscuits, plus burgers, salads & classic sides.”

“This week, make River House your special-occasion move, where Chef de Cuisine Daniel Vesey sends out elevated Lowcountry steaks and seafood with May River views to match. Go for the sommelier-curated list and finish with the foraged pine needle dessert... it’s fancy without feeling fussy.”

“Fresh produce & Southern cooking featuring farm-to-table ingredients offered in a country cottage.”

“Family-friendly Italian spot featuring Pittsburgh-style pizza, pasta & sandwiches, plus sports TV.”

“Casual, Southern-inspired, local eats with outdoor seating served in a farmhouse-style setting.”

“Upscale steakhouse serving hand-cut prime meats, plus seafood and cocktails.”

“Higher-end sports bar with a barbecue/grill menu, live music & deck seating with a fireplace.”

“Neighborhood cafe serving American breakfast all day & lunch classics, with outdoor seating.”

“Upscale breakfast, lunch & dinner establishment serving classic fare & cocktails with links views.”

“Skull Creek Boathouse nails that after-work exhale with front-row water views, boats drifting by, even the occasional dolphin cameo. Go for market-fresh seafood or the Dive Bar’s sushi, linger at the Buoy Bar with seasonal live tunes, and call it your midweek mini-vacation.”

From the Bluffton newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Southern seafood favorites served in a waterfront, nautical-themed setting with outdoor seating.”

“Snug eatery featuring American-Creole staples like prime rib along with a full bar.”

“Relaxed eatery serving fresh Italian fare, plus a wine list, featuring homemade dishes and desserts.”

“Relaxed spot for local seafood, burgers, flatbreads & Sunday brunch with house cocktails & wines.”

“Casual eatery with multiple floors, including a rooftop bar, offering seafood, grilled dishes and cocktails.”

“Relaxed hangout serving barbecue & American pub eats in retro, brick-walled environs.”

“Dayboat seafood served in a 1912 factory, still partly used to process fish, with dockside seating.”

“Casual Lowcountry fare, from seafood to sandwiches, served in an atmospheric setting with a garden.”

“Snug, low-key eatery serving casual Vietnamese fare, including noodle soups & stir-fried dishes.”

“Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.”

“Relaxed choice for seafood classics and oysters amid live music, fried plates and steaks.”

“Seasonally inspired, locally sourced, and crafted right here, FARM Bluffton keeps the menu moving with what local farmers and fishermen bring in, including a vegetarian dinner menu. Hit brunch or the Chef's Sunday Supper this week, or keep it classic at dinner...”