The Kiawah Island Food Guide

Kiawah Island is home to picturesque nature and award-winning golf courses; however, its culinary offerings might be one of its biggest draws. With mouth-watering cuisine in the Kiawah Island community, Freshfields Village, and other surrounding areas, the options are endless for grabbing a delicious bite to eat. While we won’t be able to cover all of the exquisite dining options in this article, we will highlight some of our favorite Kiawah Island food spots. So, bring a big appetite and come along as we dive into our official Kiawah Island food guide.

Dining In Our Community

The Island is home to some of the freshest seafood on the East Coast, including fresh oysters, blue crabs, and a variety of fish. These ingredients combine to create some of the most delicious dishes in the Lowcountry. Paired with pristine views, they create an unparalleled dining experience for the Island’s residents and guests.

The Ocean Room

Built prominently on the famous Ocean Course, The Ocean Room is a premier steakhouse serving quality cuts of meat overlooking the Atlantic. With a seasonal, locally sourced menu, you can be sure your food is prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Pair your steak with a wine from the extensive 1,000+ wine list and choose from a host of expertly-selected sides. Head chef Steven Brooks, a native of Germany, ensures a top-notch steakhouse experience for every guest who walks through The Ocean Room’s hallowed doors. 

Related: The Ocean Course and The History of Golf on Kiawah Island

B-Liner

As an exclusive Kiawah Island Club dining option, B-Liner at The Beach Club is a truly unique dining experience. The menu, crafted by Chef Mike Lata, honors Southern traditions while also incorporating light and coastal influences. By partnering with local vendors, B-Liner is able to serve dishes not found elsewhere in a coastal chic environment. This restaurant is ideal for enjoying a meal while watching and listening to waves crashing onto the shore. 

River Room

For a family-friendly dining experience, look no further than River Room, nestled along the famous Tom Fazio River Course. Known for its progressive American cuisine, River Room is a go-to spot for Kiawah Island Club Members. Enjoy a cocktail on the expansive terrace, and indulge in a delicious wine and food pairing inside the restaurant, encapsulating a perfect Lowcountry night out on the Island.

Voysey’s

Located at the Cassique clubhouse, Voysey’s is a staple on the Island. This Members-only amenity offers a constantly evolving menu featuring inventive cuisine and an unparalleled dining experience. Executive Chef Michael O’Shaughnessy and his talented culinary team orchestrate the menu, which features local seafood and produce bursting with flavor. Club Members enjoy dry-aged striploin and ribeye, seafood paella, and locally sourced oysters while taking in the views of the Kiawah River and the picturesque Cassique Golf Course.

Freshfields Village

Freshfields Village offers residents and visitors a comprehensive shopping and dining experience right at the heart of the Island. With 50+ local and high-end shops and a host of delectable dining options, Freshfields Village has something for everyone. 

FortyEight Wine Bar and Kitchen

Offering 48 wine selections, 48 craft beers, and 48 menu items, FortyEight Wine Bar and Kitchen has something for everyone. Famous for its seasonal menu, this must-visit restaurant features lump crab cakes, steak nights, and eye-catching (and stomach-grumbling) charcuterie boards. Guests can sample the wines of their choosing using their own WineStation SmartCard.

FortyEight also features a private gathering space called the Reserve Room, which guests can reserve for bridal showers, birthdays, rehearsal dinners, and other special occasions. On the nights that the room isn’t reserved for an event, it will be open for dinner reservations. For more intimate events, the Estate Room can be reserved for 6 to 20+ guests.

Café Eugenia

Café Eugenia features an ever-evolving menu of innovative and classic dishes, all curated from locally sourced ingredients. With dishes ranging from colorful salads to sandwiches and charcuterie boards, guests can find something for everyone in the family. The café also serves a variety of baked goods, along with gluten-free dessert options, for those looking for a sweet treat. 

The Co-Op

The Co-Op is a grab-and-go bodega serving breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, and its famous house-made frosé. A favorite among Charleston locals, The Co-Op features a few standout items, including the California Turkey and Cowboy Chicken sandwiches, which pair perfectly with one of their frosés.

Cantina 76

Specializing in Mexican-inspired cuisine, Cantina 76 offers tasty meals and fresh margaritas. This innovative restaurant uses fresh, unique ingredients and locally sourced produce. The tacos range from traditional chicken and ground beef to more imaginative creations such as BBQ brisket and buffalo chicken. After a long day of shopping, stop off at Cantina 76 for a refreshing margarita!

Learn More: Kiawah Island Shopping at Freshfields Village

A Few Charleston Gems

While there are many spectacular dining options on Kiawah Island, the historic city of Charleston is only 45 minutes away. This famous Lowcountry city offers its own collection of unique culinary experiences. Check out a few of our favorites below!

Lowland

Located in a historic house in Charleston, behind The Pinch Hotel, Lowland is a modern and elegant tavern built in the classic roadhouse style of 19th-century England. Only a year old, this restaurant already has a few hits, including the Cheryl Day biscuit and the Tavern burger. The crispy quail is delectable for those looking for something a little more refined, especially when your meal is finished with the scrumptious blueberry pie. 

Pink Bellies

Chef Thai Phi has been wowing Charleston foodies since his days working for a food truck parked right next to the College of Charleston campus. His menu at Pink Bellies features Vietnamese-American fusion at its best, with crowd favorites like the Animal Burger and the “OG” garlic noodles. Additionally, there is a strong cocktail offering, from classics like the smoked whisky cocktail and the more exotic pho cocktail, which features gin, a dash of siracha, and fish sauce. 

Leon’s Oyster Shop

Since opening its doors in 2014, Leon’s Oyster Shop has attracted customers by the bucketful. With a chicken sandwich known all throughout the South for its seafood breading, Duke’s mayo, and an Asian slaw tossed with fish sauce, this local favorite does more than just oysters. However, don’t forget about the oysters; after all, they are in the name! The grilled oysters are a perfect addition to any meal, which will surely have you coming back for more.

Indulge in Culinary Delights on Kiawah Island

We love our Island, and we think you will, too. With an assortment of fine and casual dining both on the Island and just down the road, the culinary experiences are endless. Experience all the island has to offer and view our available properties below. We look forward to welcoming you to our Island!