The tides shift gently against the marsh, the last light of day slipping behind live oaks draped in Spanish moss. On Hilton Head, romance is written into the landscape — where the scent of salt air drifts across the docks and candlelight reflects on Broad Creek’s still waters. For couples, there’s something timeless about sharing a meal by the waterfront, where every detail — from the view to the menu — feels like part of the evening’s story.
Romantic dining on the island isn’t just about the food, though the chefs here prepare seafood, steaks, and Lowcountry favorites with care. It’s about slowing down, savoring each other’s company, and letting the setting frame the moment. Whether it’s an anniversary, a first date, or simply an evening away from the busy pace of life, Hilton Head’s waterfront restaurants offer the perfect backdrop.
From candlelit patios to oceanfront terraces, these Hilton Head waterfront restaurants turn dinner into a moment — where the food, the view, and the company all come together.
Poseidon
Sunset dining on Broad Creek with modern coastal style
Poseidon sits at Shelter Cove overlooking Broad Creek, and it has become one of Hilton Head’s go-to spots for couples who want a romantic evening with a modern edge. The restaurant’s design is sleek and coastal, with floor-to-ceiling windows, patio seating, and a rooftop bar that all showcase the water views. As the sun drops over the creek, the atmosphere turns from lively to intimate, making it a favorite choice for date nights.
The menu blends seafood and steaks with a raw bar and sushi offerings, giving couples plenty of options for sharing. Start with oysters or a sushi roll, then move to entrées like fresh fish or a tender filet. The wine list and handcrafted cocktails add to the upscale feel, and service is attentive without being intrusive. It’s the kind of place where the details — candlelight on the table, the glow of the sunset outside — come together seamlessly.
Couples love Poseidon because it feels more refined than many of the island’s waterfront spots. The energy is vibrant but not too casual, and the views over Broad Creek are some of the best on Hilton Head. Whether you choose the main dining room or the rooftop, the combination of food, service, and scenery makes it a memorable setting for two.
Why We Picked Them: Stunning Broad Creek sunsets, a modern coastal vibe, and an upscale menu that makes every date feel special.
Poseidon
38 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 121
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-341-3838
poseidonhhi.com
Black Marlin
Marina-side dining where romance meets waterfront views
Black Marlin, located at Palmetto Bay Marina on Hilton Head Island, sets the stage for a thoughtful romantic dinner with its expansive covered patio, upscale coastal cuisine, and sweeping marina views. Inside and out, the atmosphere combines relaxed elegance with that unmistakable island ease—perfect for couples who want a memorable evening without fuss.
The menu here impresses with fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, and shareable starters like sushi nachos or seared tuna—ideal for sampling together. Add in signature cocktails, a curated wine list, and attentive service, and you’ve got a smart date-night setting. The main dining room offers a quieter, more intimate space, while the patio and Hurricane Bar bring lively energy if you prefer to feel the marina’s pulse.
Couples gravitate to Black Marlin because it delivers both view and value—a glowing sunset, boats drifting past the windows, and a menu that accommodates both adventurous and familiar tastes. Whether it’s an anniversary, a special night out, or just a “we deserve this” dinner, it ticks all the boxes.
Why We Picked Them: Romantic coastal setting, upscale cuisine, and waterfront views that make any evening feel special.
Black Marlin
86 Helmsman Way
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-785-4950
blackmarlinhhi.com
Skull Creek Boathouse
Waterfront dining with unforgettable sunset views
Skull Creek Boathouse sits on the banks of Skull Creek, offering some of Hilton Head’s most scenic waterfront tables. Whether you choose to dine inside the glass-wall dining room or on the spacious patio, almost every seat lets you watch the tide roll in and the sun slip behind the marsh. The sweeping water views provide a naturally romantic backdrop for a date night.
The menu emphasizes fresh seafood, sushi, and Lowcountry-inspired cuisine — from raw oysters and ceviche at the Dive Bar, to shareable sushi rolls and fresh fish entrées. For couples looking to linger, the patio’s ambience and the dramatic sunset views make the moment feel as important as the meal.
What makes Skull Creek Boathouse especially appealing for a romantic evening is that while it’s lively and energetic, there are sections — particularly inside or on quieter parts of the deck — where the mood shifts to intimate. You get the sense of being in a special place without the pressure of being overly formal.
Why We Picked Them: Jaw-dropping water views, excellent seafood, and a setting that turns dinner into an experience for two.
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
843-681-3663
skullcreekboathouse.com
ELA’S On the Water
Award-winning waterfront dining with a romantic garden patio
ELA’S On the Water at Shelter Cove Harbour offers one of the island’s most romantic dining experiences. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, modern coastal décor, and a garden patio overlooking the marina, the setting is tailor-made for couples. The view alone — sailboats against the sunset sky — is enough to make dinner here feel unforgettable.
The menu features refined seafood and prime steaks, crafted with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Signature dishes like lobster-stuffed entrées, seared scallops, and seasonal specials pair beautifully with a glass of wine or a handcrafted cocktail. Each plate feels elegant yet approachable, creating a fine dining experience that doesn’t lose Hilton Head’s easy pace.
Couples choose ELA’S for its balance of sophistication and warmth. It feels like a place for celebrations — anniversaries, proposals, or simply a night that deserves something special. With a marina view that glows at sunset, the ambiance is hard to match anywhere else on the island.
Why We Picked Them: Elegant cuisine, breathtaking waterfront views, and an atmosphere perfect for celebrating love.
ELA’S On the Water
1 Shelter Cove Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-785-3030
elasgrille.com
Coast Oceanfront Dining
Beachfront terrace and sunset waves for a romantic escape
Coast Oceanfront Dining, located inside Sea Pines Resort, offers one of the island’s few true oceanfront dining experiences. The terrace opens directly to the beach, with wide views of the Atlantic and the sound of waves setting the mood. Couples come here for the combination of salt air, soft lighting, and an ambiance that feels both relaxed and elevated.
The menu highlights seasonal coastal cuisine, including fresh-caught fish, creative small plates, and shareable desserts. Wine pairings and handcrafted cocktails add to the experience, giving couples the perfect excuse to linger while the evening unfolds. Inside, large windows frame the ocean, but the terrace is where the romance shines — especially at sunset.
What makes Coast stand out for romantic dining is its balance of casual island atmosphere and refined service. It’s polished enough for a special occasion, yet easygoing enough to make any night feel like a celebration. The setting is simple, natural, and deeply tied to Hilton Head’s coastal beauty.
Why We Picked Them: Oceanfront views, refined coastal cuisine, and an atmosphere made for couples who want the sea as their backdrop.
Coast Oceanfront Dining
87 North Sea Pines Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-842-1888
coasthhi.com
Quarterdeck
Wrap-around deck and sunset views by Harbour Town Lighthouse
Quarterdeck, located next to the Harbour Town Lighthouse, offers some of the most breathtaking waterfront views on Hilton Head. Its wrap-around deck and rooftop oyster bar give couples the perfect setting to enjoy Calibogue Sound as the sun sets over the water. With modern coastal décor and an open, airy feel, the restaurant creates an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and intimate.
The menu emphasizes fresh seafood and Southern favorites, with oysters, shrimp, and daily catches prepared to highlight Lowcountry flavors. Large windows and outdoor seating ensure that no matter where you sit, the view is part of the experience. For couples, it strikes the perfect balance between upscale dining and the easy pace of island life.
Why We Picked Them: Exceptional views, refined seafood, and a romantic waterfront setting tied to Hilton Head’s most iconic landmark.
Quarterdeck
160 Lighthouse Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-842-1999
quarterdeckhhi.com
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Refined Lowcountry dining with an intimate atmosphere
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar offers a polished, intimate dining experience that appeals to couples seeking romance. Set along the waterways near Palmetto Dunes, the restaurant’s warm décor, candlelit tables, and water views create a setting that feels sophisticated but not pretentious. It’s ideal for quiet conversations and special evenings.
The menu features elevated seafood and hand-cut steaks, paired with an extensive wine list and curated cocktails. Shareable starters and indulgent desserts make it easy to craft a date-night meal that feels personal and memorable. With attentive service and a focus on detail, Alexander’s delivers an experience that feels both classic and timeless.
Why We Picked Them: Elegant menu, excellent wines, and a romantic setting that makes any evening feel special.
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
76 Queens Folly Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-785-4999
alexandershhi.com
Closing the Night by the Water
Romance on Hilton Head comes naturally when the evening includes a table by the water. These restaurants don’t just serve dinner — they frame the moment with candlelight, sunsets over Broad Creek, and the quiet rhythm of the tide. Whether it’s oysters shared on a deck, a fine steak paired with wine, or simply the hush of conversation under the stars, each of these spots offers more than food — they create memories.
Choosing one of Hilton Head’s romantic waterfront restaurants means slowing down to savor the island’s beauty together. It’s about watching the last light fade across the marsh, feeling the salt breeze, and remembering why some moments are meant to last.
