The Best Places To Eat In Bluffton, South Carolina | The Ultimate Guide On Where To Eat
The Lowcountry Style & Living team scoured Bluffton the last 6 months, and we had the distinct pleasure of sampling the culinary delights that our coastal gem has to offer. We are thrilled to share our insider knowledge with you, transforming your next visit to Bluffton into an unforgettable culinary journey.
From mouthwatering seafood fresh from the Atlantic, to our heartwarming southern comfort food, to our unique Lowcountry cuisine that’s as full of history as it is of flavor, Bluffton is a food lover’s paradise. And no matter if you’re a discerning food critic or just someone who appreciates a good meal, I’m sure you’ll find something to tickle your taste buds here.
Beside just picking our favorite restaurants, we also picked our favorite dish at each location that you must try. Coming up with our favorite Bluffton dishes just may be one of the hardest tasks we have ever set out to do, but here it is. Our list of best local places to eat in Bluffton and the dish to order!
So grab a glass of sweet tea, sit back, and prepare your palate. Together, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Bluffton, South Carolina. From hidden local treasures to acclaimed gastronomic landmarks, this is your ultimate guide on where to eat in our beloved town. Let the feast begin!
{Please note that this in no way is a restaurant ranking (nor are the dishes in any particular order) but it’s simply a list of memorable things we ate that we believe you will enjoy too. See what strikes your fancy!}
Jump Directly To Different Restaurants
Nectar Farm Kitchen
Picture from: Facebook.com
Nectar Farm Kitchen is the quintessential farm-to-table restaurant in Bluffton, serving breakfast, lunch, and supper. Full bar featuring creative and interesting cocktails and amazing beer from the onsite Nectar Brewing Company.
Favorite Dish: Dr. Joe’s Duck Hash
A complete and hearty meal that will elicit a happy hum when placed in front of you. Hash has never been so decadent as this offering. Perfect for breakfast and brunch. Did I hear someone mention a mimosa?
Nectar Farm Kitchen
207 Bluffton Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-2337
https://nectarfarmkitchen.com/
Corner Perk
Image from: order.cornerperk.com
The Corner Perk is a fashionable coffee shop and cafe serving breakfast and lunch. All coffee drinks are made from house beans.
Favorite Dish: Bacon Basil Biscuit
A taste delight. Bacon, provolone cheese, spinach, and basil blend seamlessly with a firm but fluffy biscuit. As one of our tasters said, “This might be the best biscuit I ever had.” Amen!
Corner Perk
1297 May River Road #101
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 816-5674
https://cornerperk.com/
Saigon Cafe
Image From: saigoncafebluffton.com
Saigon Cafe is a very cozy spot serving traditional Vietnamese fair with a well-crafted beer menu.
Favorite Dish: Pho w/ Seafood
Seafood (shrimp, scallops, squid) was steaming hot and very tasty. The seafood was tender, the vegetables. crisp, and the noodles…let’s just say we could have eaten them alone and been happy
Saigon Cafe
1304 Fording Island Road, Suite E
Bluffton, SC 29910
https://www.saigoncafebluffton.com
One Hot Mama’s
Image from: opentable.com
One Hot Mama’s is a family-friendly restaurant serving classic South Carolina barbecue and award-winning wings. Well-constructed cocktail menu.
Favorite Dish: Pulled Pork Sandwich
There are so many delicious, mouthwatering offerings at One Hot Mama’s, but if I had to pick one (do I have to pick only one?) it would be the outstanding pulled pork sandwich. This is a heavenly “porky” dish. Meaty rich, slightly sweet, with a moist textured, all encased in a distinctive yeast roll. Douse some Perfect 10 BBQ Sauce on your sandwich and accompany it with some crunchy coleslaw. Eating can’t get better than this.
One Hot Mama’s
104 Buckwalter Parkway, Suite 1A
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 815-6262
https://onehotmamas.com/
Frankie Bone’s
Image from: Frankie Bones Official FB Page
Frankie Bones is a chic, trendy place with inspired food and inventive libations.
Favorite Dish: Rainbow Trout
Frankie Bones has delectable pasta, mouth-watering veal, signature steaks, and more. But for our taste, the consummate highlight was the sauteed Rainbow Trout. Using a deft hand and a few prompts, the kitchen allows the fish to shine. A coating with egg and a lemon butter sauce, the simplicity is spot on. Savory, moist, and delicate converge to create a culinary delight. Can’t ask for more. Kudos to the chef.
Frankie Bones
26 Discovery Drive
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-3423
https://www.frankiebones.com
Guiseppi’s Pizza & Pasta House
Image from Facebook
Guiseppi’s is a family-friendly spot featuring pizza, pasta, hoagies, and burgers. Full bar.
Favorite Dish: Homemade Zeppole
You don’t have to wait for the next Italian festival or county fair to enjoy some fried dough. Guiseppi’s has you covered; lightly fried dough that is crispy on the outside while light and fluffy on the inside. Airy, melt-in-your mouth texture. Covered with vanilla, raspberry, and caramel sauces. Finished with powdered sugar. Our team was all in with the caramel.
Irresistible!
Guiseppi’s Pizza & Pasta House
25 Bluffton Road, #106
(843) 815-9200
https://www.giuseppispizza.com/
Sakehouse
Picture from: nytimes.com
Sakehouse serves traditional and innovative Japanese cuisine in a classy reserved setting. Full bar.
Favorite Dish: Fried Oysters
Salty, silky, slightly sweet, deep-fried oysters encased in a crispy, perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust with spicy mayo. With a rich combination of textures and flavors, every bite is pure oyster bliss!
Sakehouse
1017 Fording Island Road, F104
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-9222
https://www.sakehousebluffton.com
Wasabi
Image from: Facebook
Wasabi is a small spot serving bento boxes, sushi, and other Japanese dishes. Wine and beer.
Favorite Dish: Tempura Fried Ice Cream
What an impressive dessert: creamy vanilla ice cream, wrapped in pound cake, dipped in tempura batter, and coated with panko bread crumbs for the ultimate crispy shell. Combines an external crispy hot bread crust with an inner sweet and cool icy center. A hot and cold guilty pleasure that we all deserve. At least sometimes. Right?
Wasabi
103 Buckwalter Place Blvd.
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-8855
https://wasabibluffton.com/
Bricco Ristorante Italiano
Photo credit: Google Review
Bricco Ristorante Italiano serves upscale Italian offerings in an engaging room with beautiful decor. Attentive professional service. Full bar.
Favorite Dish: Polpo alla Griglia
Grilled octopus can taste like vacation, usually because that’s the only time most people eat it. But no worries, Bricco brings all the flavor of the Mediterranean right to you, no passport needed. Fresh, tender, smokey, and delicious!
Bricco Ristorante Italiano
27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive #105
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-1419
https://www.briccobluffton.com
Agave Sidebar
Picture from: agavebluffton.com
Agave Sidebar is a laid back, unassuming “cantina” with a taco bar and tequila-based drinks.
Favorite Dish: Shrimp Ceviche Stuffed Avocado
Bright, full of zesty lime and buttery avocado. The lime, lemon, orange juice is what makes it so refreshing and tangy (and “cooks” the shrimp). The pico de gallo is a stroke of genius as the juicy tomatoes and serrano peppers give this dish more kick and a better flavor.
Agave Sidebar
13 State of Mind Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-8226
https://agavebluffton.com/
Local Pie
Image from: Tripadvisor
Local Pie serves Neapolitan-style wood fired pizza and more in a lovely, fun setting. Bar.
Favorite Dish: Margherita Pizza
Pizza always makes a bad day feel better and there’s nothing better than a perfect slice of Margherita pizza. When done right, margherita pizza features a bubbly crust, crushed San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. That is all. Our team agreed that Local Pie is right or point. Case closed.
Local Pie
15 State of Mind Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 837-7437
https://www.localpie.com
Calhoun Street Tavern
Picture from: epicurious.com
Calhoun Street Tavern serves Southern-influenced comfort food, craft beers & cocktails in a welcoming environment.
Favorite Dish: Southern Pickled Shrimp
I am a fan of anything pickled, the salty brine just does something for me. Let me tell you the pickled shrimp at Calhoun Street Tavern did not disappoint. Seasoned with tomato, avocado, onion, cilantro, and citrus – every bite was fantastic. So if you’ve never had pickled shrimp, do yourself a favor and give them a try. This is one southern dish that will soon become one of your favorites.
Calhoun Street Tavern
9 Promenade Street #201
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-4334
https://calhounstreettavern.com
The Cottage Cafe
The Cottage Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea in a restored 1868 cottage. Old world charm and Southern hospitality. Comfy porch dining. Cocktails.
Favorite Dish: Crab, Corn & Bacon Pot Pie
The creamy creme fraiche filling is deliciously savory from the smoky bacon, meaty crab, and sweet corn and pairs perfectly with the crisp and buttery puff pastry. This dish speaks of home and comfort.
The Cottage Cafe
38 Calhoun Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-0508
https://thecottagebluffton.com/
Alvin Ord’s
Photo credit: Alvin Ord’s Official FB Page
Alvin Ord’s is a no frills spot serving a variety of sandwiches and sides.
Favorite Dish: The Salvation, Alvin Ord’s
If you’re really hungry this sandwich will be your salvation. Two cheeses, ham, salami, and lunch meat on a roll. Reliable choice for locals and visitors alike.
Alvin Ord’s of Bluffton
1230 May River Road
Bluffton,SC 29910
(843) 757-1300
https://alvinordsofbluffton.com/
Burnt Church Distillery
Image from: Burnt Church Distillery Official FB Page
Burnt Church is a stylish distillery serving signature cocktails and small plates.
Favorite Dish: Arancini Plate
Creative spin on the classic Sicilian dish of breadcrumb-coated, deep-fried rice balls with egg, cheese, and sauce. The Burnt Church kitchen baked risotto balls and tossed them in a garlic butter and truffle parmesan blend. Topped with marinara. Traditional is great, but innovation is delicious.
Burnt Church Distillery
120 Bluffton Drive
(843) 872-0158
https://burntchurchdistillery.com/
Chow Daddy’s
Source: Chow Daddy’s Official Website
Chow Daddy’s is a casual, homey cafe serving bowls, burgers, and tacos. Full Bar.
Favorite Dish: Ice Cream Sandwich
Homemade chocolate chip pecan cookies bookending haagen dazs vanilla bean ice cream. A specialty of the house. The cookies are scrumptious. One of our team actually ate two.
Chow Daddy’s
15 Towne Drive
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 508-6182
https://www.chowdaddys.com/
Okatie Ale House
Picture from: kpseafood.com
The Okatie Ale House is a casual pub with a full bar. TV, sports, live music, and patio dining.
Favorite Dish: Seafood Pot Pie
A delicious medley of shrimp, lobster, scallops, and crab in a creamy, chowder-inspired sauce with loads of veggies and topped with a flaky puff pastry that’s baked until bubbling and golden. The ultimate comfort meal.
Okatie Ale House
25 William Pope Drive
Bluffton, SC 29909
https://www.okatiealehouse.com
British Open Pub
Photo credit: delish.com
The British Open Pub is a casual, golf-themed pub serving traditional British and American pub food with a creative twist. Full Bar.
Favorite Dish: Scotch Egg
A quintessential British snack food. A hard-boiled egg, encased in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked. Served chilled with tomatoes and dressing that adds acidity which brings out the spice of the savory sausage. A self-contained sensory experience.
British Open Pub
1 Sherington Drive, Ste. G
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 815-6736
https://www.britishopenpubhhi.com/bluffton-pub
Farm
Image from: cameronsseafood.com
Farm serves seasonal food with wine and craft cocktails in country chic digs with a vibrant atmosphere.
Favorite Dish: Soft Shell Crab
Soft shell crab may seem like they’re a different species due to their unique deliciousness, however, they are simply crabs caught between shedding their old shells and the hardening of their new ones. Chefs love to saute them which bolsters their crackly, crunchy texture while preserving the sweet, slightly briny meat inside. At Farm you’ll want to get your claws on their sophisticated rendition which is enhanced by spring pea puree, leeks, farrow, cabbage, fennel and aleppo. It’s difficult to improve on a classic taste, but the kitchen has succeeded. Each bite yields sweet and savory tones.
Farm
130 May River Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-2041
https://www.farmbluffton.com
Southern Barrel Brewing Company
Source: paleorunningmama.com
Southern Barrel Brewing is a relaxed spot with a state-of-the-art brewing facility, spacious tavern, and beer garden.
Favorite Dish: Crispy Sprouts
When you deep fry brussel sprouts you create some magic. A nutty aroma, a mildly sweet flavor, a tender but still crisp interior. Couple that with crispy frazzled edges and pockets for the balsamic vinegar glaze – Southern Barrel has created a flavor bomb.
Southern Barrel Brewing Co.
375 Buckwalter Place
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 837-2337
https://www.southernbarrelbrewing.com
Red Stripes
Picture from: gracefoods.com
Red Stripes serves Caribbean comfort food in a tranquil setting with a full bar.
Favorite Dish: Curried Goat
There are a lot of great Caribbean offerings on the menu, but the curried goat is head and shoulder above the rest. An insanely delicious, slow-cooked, spiced dish, with full flavor which is tender to the bone. Some of our team were reluctant to sample, but once they did their satisfaction was complete. Don’t pass on this mouthwatering dish.
Red Stripes
8 Pin Oak Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-2041
http://www.redstripessc.com/
Mi Tierra
Image from: Mi Tierra Official FB Page
Mi Tierra is a relaxed, festive restaurant serving a large selection of Mexican dishes and well-crafted margheritas.
Carne Asada
A simple dish? Yes, but if not done right you’ll end up with a disappointing, dry, chewy piece of meat lacking in flavor. The best carne asada combines dried chilies, citrus, spices, and skirt steak, grilled over ripping hot heat. Mi Tierra hits all the right notes and their carne asada is not to be missed.
Mi Tierra
27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive #101
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-7200
https://www.mitierrabluffton.com
Old Town Dispensary
Photo credit: Old Town Dispensary FB Page
Old Town Dispensary serves well-thought-out pub food in an energetic bar setting. Live music, fire pits.
Favorite Dish: French Onion Soup
The smoked provolone atop the crock is bolstered beautifully and once you get through that cheesy layer a soothing flavor broth to be enjoyed with wonton crisps is awaiting you.
Old Town Dispensary
15 Captains Cove
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 837-1893
http://www.otdbluffton.com/
The Bluffton Room
Source: thespruceeats.com
The Bluffton Room serves upscale American offerings in a contemporary setting with an open-air bar and patio.
Favorite Dish: Croque Monsieur
The king of grilled cheese sandwiches, the Bluffton Room’s version with Black Forest ham and white cheddar in a griddled brioche covered with cream is an indulgent treat. Just thinking about it excites my tastebuds. A world with a Croque Monsieur in it is a happier place. Thank you Bluffton Room.
The Bluffton Room
15 Promenade Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-3525
https://www.theblufftonroom.com
The Pearl Kitchen & Bar
Picture from: The Pearl Kitchen & Bar Official FB Page
The Pearl Kitchen is a casual spot serving well-prepared coastal cuisine and signature cocktails.
Favorite Dish: Crab and Shrimp Piccata
Chicken Piccata, Yes.
Veal Piccata, Yes.
Shrimp Piccata, Yes.
Crab and Shrimp Piccata, Not sure? Tomatoes, capers, lemon, white wine, and garlic butter sauce create a heady experience. Verdict? The dish is a culinary success. But now I’ve been spoiled. Why would I ever want just shrimp piccata again?
The Pearl Kitchen & Bar
55 Calhoun Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-5511
https://www.thepearlbluffton.com/
Dolce Vita Italian Ristorante
Dolce Vita is a charming restaurant offering authentic Southern & central Italian dishes. Full Bar.
Favorite Dish: Gnocchi Alla Casalinga
We died and went to gnocchi heaven. That was our team’s reaction after our first taste of the chef’s hand-cut ricotta gnocchi at Dolce Vita. Plump, cheese-filled dumplings in a near perfect pomodoro sauce – goodness gracious!
Dolce Vita Italian Ristorante
103 Bluffton Road, Ste F
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 815-6900
http://www.dolcevitadipalermo.com/
