The sound of waves, the scent of salt in the air, the soft glow of candlelight reflecting on the water — Hilton Head Island knows how to turn dinner into an experience. While most visitors come for the island’s famous seafood, true food lovers know that Hilton Head’s steakhouses rival the best in the South. Here, hand-cut prime beef meets coastal sophistication, creating meals that are equal parts indulgent and unforgettable.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, sharing a quiet date night, or simply chasing that perfect ribeye with a glass of cabernet and a view of the water, these restaurants prove that steak and sea are a match made in Lowcountry heaven.
When it comes to steakhouses with a view on Hilton Head, these waterfront favorites bring together the island’s finest cuts, coastal flavors, and timeless ambiance.
WiseGuys
Upscale, Intimate, and Unmistakably SERG
A proud member of the SERG Restaurant Group, WiseGuys feels like the kind of place where every detail matters — the lighting, the music, the way your glass never seems to empty. It’s modern, sleek, and quietly confident — Hilton Head’s ultimate destination for those who believe steak should be an event, not just an entrée.
From the first pour of wine to the final bite of dessert, WiseGuys delivers a dining experience steeped in polish and passion. Each cut of beef is hand-selected and aged to perfection, while sides like truffle mac and cheese or parmesan creamed spinach elevate the meal to pure indulgence.
We recommend: The Bone-In Ribeye — thick, marbled, and seared to that deep mahogany crust only a true steakhouse can achieve. Finished with a touch of roasted garlic butter, it’s tender enough to cut with a sigh.
Why we chose this spot: Because WiseGuys captures the heartbeat of Hilton Head dining — cosmopolitan style wrapped in island soul. It’s refined without being pretentious, romantic without being fussy, and always a sure bet for an unforgettable night.
WiseGuys Hilton Head
1513 Main St,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 842-8866
https://www.wiseguyshhi.com/
Frankie Bones
Vintage Glamour, Timeless Steaks
If WiseGuys is the island’s sleek modern steakhouse, Frankie Bones is its elegant classic. Also part of the SERG family, this restaurant brings a touch of mid-century class to the Lowcountry. Think Frank Sinatra crooning softly in the background, martinis glinting in the dim light, and the savory aroma of steak and rosemary wafting through the air.
It’s the kind of place that takes you back — not just to another era, but to another pace of dining. Every dish is crafted with intention, every sauce reduced with care. The menu is a blend of traditional steakhouse favorites and Italian-inspired comforts, all delivered with a coastal twist.
We recommend: The Filet Mignon with Cabernet Demi-Glace — impossibly tender, perfectly pink at the center, and finished with a silky wine reduction that lingers long after the last bite. Pair it with Lobster Mac & Cheese or the signature Lyonnaise potatoes for pure perfection.
Why we chose this spot: Frankie Bones is a love letter to timeless dining. It’s where elegance meets ease — a place that proves the best meals aren’t rushed, they’re remembered.
Frankie Bones Hilton Head
1301 Main St,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 682-4455
https://frankiebones.com/
Quarterdeck
Harbour Views and Modern Steakhouse Style
Reimagined in 2022, the new Quarterdeck sits proudly beneath the Harbour Town Lighthouse, offering what might be the most breathtaking dining view on the island. With its open-air design, floor-to-ceiling glass, and panoramic views of Calibogue Sound, Quarterdeck turns dinner into a cinematic experience.
The menu is both classic and contemporary — fresh seafood, artisan cocktails, and steaks crafted with expert precision. As day turns to night, the lights from the marina shimmer across the water, setting the stage for one of the island’s most beautiful meals.
We recommend: The Center-Cut Filet with Red Wine Reduction — smooth, velvety, and balanced by just the right touch of oak and fruit. It’s not just dinner — it’s a performance.
Why we chose this spot: Because Quarterdeck represents Hilton Head’s evolution — timeless flavor with a modern heartbeat, all served with a view that could stop conversation mid-sentence.
Quarterdeck Hilton Head
160 Lighthouse Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-1999
https://www.seapines.com/dining/quarterdeck
Old Oyster Factory
A Classic That Balances Sea and Steak
There’s something about the Old Oyster Factory that makes every dinner feel like a celebration. Maybe it’s the way the golden light filters through the windows at sunset, or how the marsh grass seems to glow as the tide rolls in. Known for its oysters, yes — but this Hilton Head classic also knows its way around a steak.
Each cut is expertly grilled and plated with sides that feel both comforting and refined. It’s a place where time slows, laughter carries, and every meal feels like a reward at the end of a beautiful day.
We recommend: The 16-oz Ribeye with House Compound Butter — rich, juicy, and kissed with a subtle hint of smoke. The butter adds a coastal flair that ties the flavor back to the Lowcountry.
Why we chose this spot: Because the Old Oyster Factory is what Hilton Head does best — effortless charm, elevated dining, and a view that makes you pause mid-bite.
Old Oyster Factory
101 Marshland Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-6040
https://oldoysterfactory.com/
ELA’s on the Water
Romance, Refinement, and the Perfect Filet
Set along Shelter Cove Harbour, ELA’s is the definition of romantic dining on Hilton Head. With floor-to-ceiling windows, candlelit tables, and a menu that reads like a love poem to coastal cuisine, this spot offers elegance that’s understated yet deeply felt.
It’s where locals go to celebrate, where visitors toast anniversaries, and where every table feels like it was reserved just for you.
We recommend: The Filet Oscar — tender beef crowned with lump crab, asparagus, and velvety béarnaise. It’s rich, balanced, and utterly unforgettable, especially when enjoyed with a glass of champagne as the marina lights flicker outside.
Why we chose this spot: Because ELA’s reminds us that true fine dining is about emotion as much as flavor. Every dish, every detail, every view feels intentional — and that’s what makes it magic.
ELA’s on the Water
1 Shelter Cove Ln,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-3030
https://www.elasgrille.com/
The Crazy Crab – Jarvis Creek
Casual Comfort, Beautiful Backdrop
Not every great steak needs to come with fine linens and white tablecloths. Sometimes, it’s best enjoyed under the open sky, with the sound of crickets and the sparkle of sunset reflecting off the creek. That’s The Crazy Crab — laid-back, inviting, and delicious in all the right ways.
Though best known for its seafood, this family-favorite spot also serves hearty steak dinners that rival more formal settings — the kind that fill you up and warm your heart.
We recommend: The Surf & Turf Combo — juicy sirloin with broiled shrimp and garlic mashed potatoes. Simple, satisfying, and the kind of meal that feels like home even when you’re miles away.
Why we chose this spot: Because The Crazy Crab is Hilton Head in its purest form — unpretentious, welcoming, and made for good company.
The Crazy Crab – Jarvis Creek
104 William Hilton Pkwy,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-5021
https://thecrazycrab.com/
The Last Course
Steakhouse dining on Hilton Head is an experience that lingers long after the last bite. From the moody sophistication of WiseGuys to the golden-hour glow at Quarterdeck, each restaurant tells its own story — of craft, community, and the irresistible beauty of the Lowcountry.
It’s in the sizzle of the grill, the hum of conversation, and the view that reminds you to slow down and savor the moment. Because on Hilton Head, dinner isn’t just a meal — it’s the art of living well, one perfect cut at a time. And when the night ends, it’s the sound of the tide and the taste of the wine that stay with you — long after the plates are cleared.
