Food & Wine // 5 min Read

The Best Restaurants Near and Within Palmetto Bluff

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Dec 6, 2022


9 Must-Try Palmetto Bluff Restaurants

Not only is the Lowcountry known for its breathtaking scenery and rich history, but it is also known for the most inviting and delicious culinary experiences. In the heart of South Carolina, Bluffton offers some of the most authentic Lowcountry cuisines in the South. With the Atlantic Ocean just a couple miles away, the fresh waters bring an abundance of locally sourced fish, oysters, blue crabs, and shrimp for chefs to use in exquisite dishes. The Bluffton area is also known for its plentiful agriculture and cultivating homegrown produce that offers fresh flavor.

At any of the Palmetto Bluff restaurants, delight in delectable dishes with a Lowcountry influence and our welcoming southern hospitality. Below, you will find some top suggestions for restaurants near and within Palmetto Bluff.

1. River House

One of the most highly-acclaimed Palmetto Bluff restaurants, River House combines comfort and sophistication, demonstrated in the atmosphere and food offered. Chefs serve up a carefully curated selection of seasonal vegetables and fruits together with locally sourced meats and seafood. Hush, located within River House, provides customized cocktails and exquisite wines perfect for a post-dinner drink or a late Lowcountry night.

Related: Introducing River House, Palmetto Bluff’s Newest Culinary Experience

2. Bluffton Barbeque

You can’t visit South Carolina without getting a taste of authentic, Southern barbecue. In a quaint, rustic atmosphere, Bluffton Barbeque is a homestyle restaurant that serves slow-cooked barbeque and soul food side dishes. Providing both indoor and outdoor dining, Bluffton Barbeque has a very cozy interior perfect for unwinding, and the most gorgeous courtyard filled with the aroma of honeysuckle. Bluffton Barbeque is less than three miles from the Bluff, so be sure to stop by while you stroll around Bluffton.

3. Fore & Aft

Fore & Aft serves casual, Mexican-inspired meals while offering beautiful scenery and a relaxing environment along the inland canal near the Montage Palmetto Bluff pool, firepits, and gas lit lanterns along the overpass. You may see elegant egrets and herons soaring through the sky, as the restaurant boasts views of the avian sanctuary just beyond the Montage’s backyard.

4. The Pearl

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Bluffton, The Pearl Kitchen and Bar provides an attractive, contemporary approach to Lowcountry dining. The evening menu offers healthy and modern culinary dishes that use some of the best available local fish, certified meats, and fresh fruit and vegetables. The Pearl is the perfect spot for celebrating a special occasion or looking for a creative spin on Lowcountry cuisine.

5. Octagon

With a sweeping scenery of live oak trees along the inland waterways, Octagon replicates the feel of an old-fashioned Southern porch. This Palmetto Bluff restaurant offers gracious Southern hospitality while introducing visitors to seasonal cuisine. Using only the best fresh, local ingredients, chefs create a modern rendition of the history and flavors of the Carolinas. An award-winning sommelier pairs the cuisine with trademark drinks like the barrel-aged Artillery Punch and specialty brews.

6. The Bluffton Room

The Bluffton Room, located in the center of Old Town Bluffton, was founded to revitalize the art of Lowcountry dining. Eating at The Bluffton Room reflects the spirit and culture of the Lowcountry with classic Southern staples made with the tastiest in a cozy and lively setting. Complement your dinner with an expertly prepared cocktail or aged wine, making for an unforgettable evening.

Suggested: Ask the Locals: Our Favorite Restaurants Near Hilton Head

7. Cole’s

Offering regional cuisine matched with inventive drinks, regional breweries, and a carefully selected wine list, Cole’s is dedicated to serving only the best for Palmetto Bluff Club members. Culinary experts at Cole’s use only the freshest ingredients from nearby farmers, fishermen, and other vendors for every dish on our menu, so your dinner will be full of fresh flavors. While you dine, make sure to get a draft beer or a signature Cole's cocktail and take in the best marshland views of all the Palmetto Bluff restaurants.

8. The Cottage

A charming restaurant located in a renovated 1868 home in the historic district of Bluffton, The Cottage serves delectable cuisine, afternoon tea, and an abundance of baked pastries. Unlike any other eatery in the Lowcountry, The Cottage excellently prepares traditional favorites along with unique twists on Southern fare. Offering a variety of menus for all occasions, The Cottage also provides a menu for your furry friends, so feel free to bring the pups along for an unremarkable culinary experience.

9. Canoe Club

The Canoe Club, exclusively reserved for Palmetto Bluff Club members, embodies Southern comfort to a tee. Here, you may savor top-notch cuisine with panoramic views of the glistening May River and the wetlands on either side. The coastal menu highlights regional seafood, featuring classics like fresh shrimp and oysters, as well as ingredients and sources fresh produce and meats from local farms, including our very own Palmetto Bluff Farm, to produce meals that pay homage to the rich agriculture of the Palmetto State.

Get a Taste of the Lowcountry at Palmetto Bluff

Dining is only one of the many wondrous experiences you will enjoy at Palmetto Bluff. Along with our upscale dining experiences, we offer other opulent amenities and breathtaking natural scenery. Members savor every meal made with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients from the Palmetto Bluff Farm and other locally sourced meat and produce. It’s safe to say we only offer the best at Palmetto Bluff restaurants!

Come and get a taste of the Lowcountry by clicking the button below. We can’t wait to see you at the Bluff!