7 Must-Visit Kiawah Island Restaurants

With a plethora of options available, it can be challenging to choose where to dine on the idyllic Kiawah Island. Living on a private island affords one-of-a-kind dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From seafood served from our coast to farm-to-table fare served fresh in Charleston, there is so much to discover when dining in the Lowcountry.

For your next five-star fine dining experience, here is our handpicked selection of the most luxurious Kiawah Island restaurants.

1. The Atlantic Room

The Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course provides Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh coastal catches made possible by regional fishermen. Classic seafood options offer a variety of fresh local catches for dinner, including the signature dish: seafood stew comprised of shrimp, mussels, clams, crab, Island curry broth, and Carolina gold rice.

An excellent wine list featuring traditional classics and innovative new selections can perfectly match all cuisine.

2. The Ocean Room

This Kiawah Island steakhouse offers exquisite meals made with locally sourced beef, chicken, and produce served farm-to-table. Enjoy the flavors of the Lowcountry with its ever-changing menu paired with more than 1,000 wine selections. With views of the Atlantic Ocean combined with unmatched cuisine, The Ocean Room is a continuous recipient of both Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond ratings, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Further enhance your dining experience by enjoying the inviting ambiance of The Ocean Room Lounge, where you may order off the entire menu and sip on specialty cocktails.

3. Jasmine Porch at the Sanctuary

If you want to indulge in upscale Lowcountry cooking, choose to dine at Jasmine Porch. Offering a menu of Southern staples, including baked oysters and shrimp and grits, you will be astounded by culinary excellence!

Set along breathtaking ocean views, enjoy dishes influenced by locally grown produce and seafood derived from the local waters. For this reason and more, Jasmine Porch is known as the “Best Downhome Cookery” by the highly esteemed Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report.

4. Tomasso at Turtle Point

Known as Kiawah Island’s Italian Gathering Place, Tomasso at Turtle Point specializes in authentic Italian cuisine combined with traditional Lowcountry ingredients. Immerse into the warm and cozy atmosphere by ordering homemade pasta, bread, and sauces — all carefully crafted by culinary experts.

Whichever pasta dish you select for the night, pair it with a complimentary drink from the diverse wine list, ranging from aromatic Reisling to robust Barolos. Finish the night with a decadent dessert such as tiramisu or ricotta cheesecake.

5. Hege’s French Bistro

Offering French cooking in a curtain-framed setting, Hege’s is an authentic French bistro located in Freshfields Village on Johns Island. The menu is available for dinner six days a week and incorporates local Island ingredients served with homemade sauces.

Enjoy a night of three courses, including soups, salads, French specialties, steakhouse classics, and delectable seafood. Whether it’s from the extensive wine list or a handcrafted cocktail, your meal will surely be enhanced by a delicious beverage.

6. FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen

Visit another Freshfields Village favorite, FortyEight – Wine Bar & Kitchen, to savor high-end dishes while sipping on an extensive selection of wines. The restaurant’s seasonal menu is renowned on the Island for its excellent crab cakes, steak dinners, and savory charcuterie platters. Known for its name, customers can sample up to 48 wines using their WineStation SmartCards, making it more convenient than ever to participate in a wine tasting.

To upgrade your luxurious dining experience, ask about the Reserve Room. If not in use, the space may be used for a private dinner reservation or booked in advance to celebrate a special occasion.

Suggested: The 8 Best Restaurants at Freshfields Village

7. High Cotton

Take a drive to historic Downtown Charleston to visit High Cotton, a sophisticated seafood restaurant serving Lowcountry cuisine prepared with ingredients from neighboring farms in an elegant atmosphere. Alongside regional classics such as buttermilk fried oysters, Carolina peach salad, and pan-seared swordfish are various inventive cocktails.

Elevate your experience at this refined establishment by reserving one of the three private dining rooms. The hospitable atmosphere offers exceptional service and live music to create an unforgettable evening.

Enjoy the Flavors of the Lowcountry at Kiawah Island

These Kiawah Island restaurants offer the most luxurious dining experiences in the region. Locals and visitors enjoy exploring the Lowcountry flavors as every gourmet dish served at Kiawah Island has a unique southern twist.

Now that you know how to dine like a local, it’s time to settle in the Lowcountry and make your forever home on Kiawah Island! Members of the exclusive Kiawah Island Club have access to even more fantastic culinary fare at the Club’s private dining venues including B-Liner, Voysey’s, River Room, and so much more! In addition to providing luxury eating options, our exclusive community offers a blissful Island getaway you can enjoy every day. As a Kiawah Club Member, you have endless opportunities to enjoy the finer things.

Our coastal oasis is the perfect place to create lifelong memories with friends and family due to its opulent Club amenities, spectacular vistas, and highly-sought after location. All you have to do is purchase a qualifying home to make this dream a reality! Click the button below to contact us and learn more about joining our community.