Back by popular demand - Chart House Restaurant

The Chart House re-emerged last month, opening in the former location of Charley’s Crab, 2 Hudson Road, which boasts stellar views of Skull Creek. Both restaurants share the same corporate ownership, h made the transition quite quick. The Chart House on Hilton Head is one of the chain’s 27 locations, but its connection with the island’s early days makes it feel truly local.

Menu highlights include New England clam chowder, prime rib, shrimp and grits, Lobster Francese, macadamia-crusted mahi and, of course, Mud Pie.

Family feasts for the seafood lover - Flying Fish Seafood 

Located at 32 Office Park Road (across from Park Plaza) on the south end of the island, they serve lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday - 843-686-3100. 

Flying Fish Seafood combines a seafood market with delicious take-out and casual dining. The market features a mix of wild-caught seafood, farm-raised fish, Lowcountry marinades and side dishes, including curry chicken salad, a killer barbecue bean recipe and comfort foods like mac-n-cheese, broccoli salad and corn soufflé. Also, Flying Fish serves up Po Boy sandwiches, “tipsy” scallops prepared in a champagne citrus reduction, lobster and shrimp pot pie and addictive fish tacos.

The restaurant really throws down the gauntlet with “The Mega Monster,” a pound-and-a-half of fried cod, shrimp and clam strips covered with steak fries and onion rings on a large Cuban loaf. If you’re able to finish it in one sitting, Doc rewards you with a special T-shirt. Many have tried, but no one has walked away with the coveted prize.

Old chef, new joint - Roastfish and Cornbread

Located at 70 Marshland Road in mid-island, they serve lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and brunch on Sundays - 843-342 2996.

Chef David Young became well-known as the cook with the Rastafarian hat behind the grill at the Sea Shack. But it’s not that experience at such a popular restaurant that makes him a rising star; the reason he’s so good can be found in his family tree.

Young, a 39-year-old native islander, learned how to cook by watching his great-grandmother, Mary Cohen, who was an expert at using the Lowcountry’s bounty of shellfish and fresh produce. The family has worked the waters and land around Hilton Head for generations, long before the term “farm-to-table” became fashionable.

Dining with a view - JP's Beach Cafe at Aqua

Located at 10 North Forest Beach (behind The Sea Crest) in the Coligny town center. they serve lunch and dinner daily - 843-341-3331.

There’s a new place to eat and drink on the beach that’s casual fare as only a fine dining restaurant can pull off. The family that owns Aqua Grille & Lounge recently opened JP’s Beach Café, located a couple hundred feet from Coligny Beach Park, the epicenter of the island’s tourist district.

JP’s has a raised seating area that overlooks the ocean and a pool. Part of the café is covered with a clear roof that blocks the sun. “It acts like a pair of nice sunglasses,” said Chris Katon.