Every year there are numerous new places to dine in the Bluffton, Lowcountry and Hilton Head Island area. We have described most of them here. For more information, please refer to their listings on this website. Please note that, although we believe this material and that elsewhere on this website to be accurate, we rely on the owners of restaurants for much of the information herein.






ISLAND BISTRO - Hilton Head

We love both really good food and the American entrepreneurial spirit. So, it's great to see another long time Island chef embark on an exciting new venture.

Chef Eric Roberts opened what he refers to as his "unique little restaurant called Island Bistro" in mid-February. It is in Heritage Plaza (Pope Ave.), behind New York City Pizza, near Sage Room and Flavors. The atmosphere is intimate, laid back, casual, and very pleasant!

Island Bistro, Roberts says, focuses on unique boutique wines and beers, and flavors from around the world. Whenever possible, fresh local ingredients will be used. He and his staff, he promises, will make a major effort to keep prices on their eclectic menu reasonable.

The kitchen at Island Bistro offers both upscale, "gourmet" fare and relatively simple food, both in our admittedly limited experience at Island Bistro (it just opened) just about perfectly prepared. The spinach salad was "one of the best ever," according to our salad-lover. The beautiful, large Kobe Beef burger was prepared to perfection, thick and juicy with accompaniments, but not so juicy that the bun fell apart as happens so often with really upscale burgers. One the more complex side, the Trio of Cakes appetizer (Black Bean & White Cheddar, Truffled Lobster and Corn & Crab) was outstanding, as was the Duck Timbale (wonderfully tender and juicy).

The wine list is large, and boasts lots of boutique wines as promised. We ordered the first French white bordeaux that we have tried for some time, and it was superb. At $32, the price also made us smile!

It is worth noting that prices in general, especially in view of what one receives for one's money, are remarkably reasonable.

Roberts, a 1991 graduate of Johnson and Wales culinary school, has worked in some of the best kitchens in the lowcountry. He has been associated with The Westin, Sea Pines Resort, South Carolina Yacht Club and McCrady's in Charleston, to name a few.

The menu at Island Bistro offers a remarkable combination of simple and complex fare. Lunch includes salads, sandwiches and wraps, and a nice selection of lunch entrees. For dinner, Chef Eric keeps some of the relatively simple items from the lunch menu, but augments them with a good selection of choices that showcase his excellent culinary skills.

Island Bistro is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Call and ask about their multi-course early bird and their happy hour. Reservations, carry-out (a specialty at lunch) and a children's menu are available.

For more information, visit islandbistrohhi.com, or call 785-4777.


GRUMPY GROUPER - Hilton Head

What are the chances that two talented local chefs would open their new restaurants the same week? Not very great, but that's what happened in mid-February!

Culinary Institute of America grad Mark Christian, who has been an integral part of some of Hilton Head's most popular restaurants since 1980, recently opened the Grumpy Grouper on Pope Avenue, just a short distance from Coligny Circle. The resident grouper will be the only one who is grumpy, though. Customers, we think, will be very happy with their meals.

affordable prices." Fresh seafood is available fried, broiled, grilled or blackened.

Located on the same thoroughly redecorated premises formerly occupied by Evelyn's, Grumpy Grouper's menu at lunch continues the Evelyn's tradition of great specialty sandwiches, soups and salads. It also offers some simple, inexpensive seafood items. There is a new lunch counter, and much more.

Chef Mark serves up a whole new very reasonably priced menu for dinner. Diners may choose from lots of fresh seafood, either fried or broiled, or numerous Italian specialties. We can attest to the excellence of the broiled scallops. There were lots of them, they were perfectly broiled, and accompanied by a baked potato (fries are available). The fried seafood platter, which included shrimp, oysters, scallops and grouper fingers, plus a baked potato, was huge and everything was perfectly prepared. Following a shared fried calamari appetizer, there was so much food that it actually was hard to finish. The dinner menu also includes some lunch-style choices and lighter entrees for folks who prefer smaller amounts of food.

Specialties at Grumpy Grouper include Evelyn's "famous Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich" for lunch and Grumpy's Friday Fish Fry, jumbo Fried Seafood Platter, Lowcountry Boil, and 1 1/4 pounds of steamed crab legs at dinner. Average prices are $7-$10 for lunch, and $11- $15 for dinner.

Grumpy Grouper is located at 71 Pope Avenue, across from Wild Wing Cafe and just east of Aunt Chiladas (on the same side of the street). Lunch is served from 11-3:00, and dinner from 3:00-9:00 Monday through Saturday. Patrons may eat indoors, or under umbrellas in the pleasant courtyard. Take-out and a children's menu are available.

In summary, Grumpy Grouper is casual, bright and light, perfect for the entire family! For more information, please call 842-2455.


REMY'S - Hilton Head

Remember the popular Remy's that was located near Sea Pines Circle for well over a decade? When the doors closed several years ago, numerous people were genuinely sad.

We are happy to tell you that, after their sabbatical, many of the same folks who brought you the original Remy's have opened a larger, spiffy new version.

The folks at Remy's invite everyone to "come and see your old friends from the Remy's of the past. Your new Remy's," they promise, "will be just as comfortable as the old one, and you are guaranteed to feel at home!"

The new Remy's is located in the thoroughly remodeled premises formerly occupied by The Sandbar, between New York City Pizza and Murphy's Irish Pub, right next to the large courtyard in the middle of Heritage Plaza (on the north side of Pope Avenue, near Coligny Circle). A large covered patio will allow service to be available both indoors and outside. There even are plans for cookouts and oyster roasts!

As in the past, Remy's will be operated very much in the tradition of Hilton Head Island and the lowcountry, serving the "very best of true Southern low country cuisine." The menu includes fresh seafood, beef, a salad bar, salads, sandwiches, omelettes, steamed clams, oysters and shrimp, burgers, wraps and wings. Remy's even will bring back their popular "meat and three" lunches.

Remy's also will feature live entertainment, video games, dart boards, a pool table, happy hour food and drink specials, bar munchies, and lots of tv's both inside and on the patio.

Kitchen hours are from 11:00 am until late seven days a week. A children's menu and take-out are available. There is lots of parking behind Murphy's Irish Pub. For more information, please call 842-3800.


PLANTATION CAFE & DELI - Hilton Head

What could be better than visiting a restaurant that has been serving and pleasing Islanders and visitors alike since 1974? Being able to choose among two great restaurants offering the same menu and friendly service!

Plantation Cafe & Deli's Heritage Plaza location on Pope Avenue has been a genuine favorite of locals since 1974. Now Plantation Cafe has opened a second location at Port Royal Plaza, at the north end of the island. Just about everyone on the island now is only a few minutes from Plantation Cafe!

The folks at Plantation Cafe like to say that their establishment is "More than a New York Deli." It is, and we love their food!

The Cafe traditionally was well-known for outstanding breakfasts. More recently their lunch specialties also have earned lots of praise. Signature lunch items include chicken wraps, cobb salads, and tempting soups. "Country Blue Plates," which are available for lunch Monday through Friday, allow diners to choose among numerous meats and vegetables for a very reasonable price. Delicious, and an excellent value!!

Family friendly Plantation Cafe and Deli is open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday, and breakfast and brunch Sundays. Beer, wine, and carry-out are available. There is an extensive kid's menu.

For more information, please call 342-4472 for their Port Royal Plaza location or 785-9020 for their Pope Avenue location.


XO LOUNGE - Hilton Head

The Hilton Oceanfront Resort on Palmetto Dunes Resort has revamped, remodeled, and substantially upgraded its entertainment venue...and opened the new XO Lounge! The Hilton's new lounge was under construction for several months before opening recently.

XO Lounge features a premium wine selection, a trendy champagne collection, and nightly entertainment throughout the year. The new lounge also offers a creative appetizer menu and an extensive drink menu. The latter will include imported liquors from around the world, plus wine & champagne flights, creating a great interactive experience for Island connoisseurs.

The 2008 entertainment schedule for XO Lounge features Scott Morlock and will, we are told, include numerous Island favorites, such as Deas Guyz, The Headliners, Target Band, The Simpson Brothers and Bobby Ryder. Additional performers still are "in the works."

As this is written, plans are for Scott Morlock to play nightly Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 pm until 1:00 am. Established as a regional favorite pianist, Morlock's following stretches well beyond the region. He brings a unique Vegas style of entertainment to the Island.

It is clear that the XO Lounge plans on offering an outstanding entertainment package, maintaining the Hilton Oceanfront Resort's tradition of great entertainment!

For more information about the Lounge or its entertainment schedule, please call 341-8080 or visit www.xohhi.com. The Lounge is open nightly from 5:00 pm until late.


THE ZONE - Hilton Head

The Zone, Hilton Head's newest sports bar, is scheduled to open in mid to late March. However, the Zone's full menu is being served in "Beach Billiards Cafe," the Lagoonside Bar, and on the deck.

The Zone welcomes visitors and Islanders alike to enjoy lots of good food in an entertaining atmosphere, including seafood, ribs, steaks, and other dishes created with a flair. Also pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and lots of appetizers. Kitchen affairs are orchestrated by Chef Brad Terhune, formerly Executive Chef for 13 years at popular Fitzgerald's.

There are lots of new flat screen plasma televisions, and an outstanding billiards hall with brand new Brunswick Pro tables. Tables are available between 10:00 am and 2:00 am daily.

Dine indoors in the Tavern or outdoors on the expansive deck that surrounds the large lagoon. A children's menu is available. Bring your camera to capture the wildlife, including some nice size gators!

Lunch is served from 11:00 am. Happy Hour begins at 4:00 pm. Dinner service is from 5:00-9:00 pm, with a late night menu available until midnight.

The Zone is located at the entrance to Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Resort, on Folly Field Road, mid-Island off William Hilton Parkway. For more information, please call 686-5464 or 842-0043.


PIZZA ROMA - Hilton Head

Pizza Roma, in its recent reincarnation, is a new restaurant that really is not entirely new. Let us explain.

Last year, Pizza Roma was located in Coligny Plaza. It was similar to other restaurants specializing in pizza in that it was open for lunch and dinner, and patrons could either dine in, take out, or ask for delivery.

The "new" Pizza Roma is located in Ryder's Lounge, and specializes primarily in take out and delivery. Late night island-wide delivery, until 3:00 am, is a specialty. Or, "have a slice and hang out," starting at about 5 pm.

As in the past, Pizza Roma serves pizza, sandwiches, wings, salads and much more. They buy "the highest quality ingredients they can find."

Pizza Roma is located in Ryder's Lounge, 7 Target Road, just off Palmetto Bay Road, near Sea Pines Circle. For more information, please call 842- 7662.


TRUFFLES GRILL - Hilton Head

There is a new Truffles in town!

Price Beall, owner of the popular Truffles Cafes in Sea Pines Center and the Belfair Town Village in Bluffton, has opened Truffles Grill just off Pope Avenue on Hilton Head Island.

Truffles Grill is located in the thoroughly rebuilt premises formerly occupied by The Hofbrauhaus. The Grill is a bit more upscale than its cafe cousins. Its objective is to offer "fine food, great service and a unique comfortable atmosphere." There are lots of booths for intimate dining.

In summary, Truffles Grill is intended to take the Truffles concept to a new level. Although many of the items on its menu may be similar to those of the cafes, its china, extensive wine list (many available by the glass), white tablecloths, service and adult orientation distinguish it from the other Truffles and, for that matter, from the majority of other restaurants on Hilton Head Island.

Truffles Grill serves dinner Monday through Saturday. For more information, please visit trufflesgrill.com, or call 785-3663.


TRINITY - Hilton Head

All good things must come to an end, they say, and such is the case with Serge Prat's Island favorite Rendezvous Cafe. Chef/owner Serge has retired but, happily, not before sharing some of his knowledge with his successors at Trinity Restaurant & Bar.

Trinity serves "American/Eclectic" cuisine, which includes "traditional American, Italian, French and even some sushi." Chef Jay Walsh, who graduated from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts, worked with several of the Island's well-recognized local chefs before spending some time with Rendezvous's chef Serge.

Trinity Restaurant & Bar serves lunch Monday-Friday, from 11-2:00, and dinner every night from 5-10:00. The bar remains open late. Ask about their three course Early Dining Special, including a choice of seven entrees, and their Happy Hour at the bar.

Trinity is located in the Market Place, on Greenwood Drive, just off Sea Pines Circle. For more information, please call 785-5070.


TAKES TWO TO TANGO - Hilton Head

Argentina is justly famous for its beef, so we were delighted to learn that an Argentine steakhouse has opened on Hilton Head Island.

When we asked chef/owner Carlos Ortiz to describe Argentine cuisine, he responded that it is a combination of the cuisines of Italy, Spain, France, Latin America and South American Indians. There even is a touch of German. He observed that the folks in Argentina think like Italians, live like the French and try to be like an English gentleman (or lady). Fascinating!

The menu at Takes Two to Tango not only is unusual and interesting, but prices are very reasonable.

Takes Two to Tango serves lunch Monday-Saturday from 12:00 until 3:30. Dinner, when Tango becomes a "white tablecloth" restaurant, is served from 4:00 until late seven nights a week.

Takes Two to Tango is located on Mathews Drive adjacent to Port Royal Plaza. For more information, please call 342-3330.