You don’t have to look far to find great food on St Simons Island, but chances are you’re here for the seafood! That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best seafood restaurants in St Simons Island GA- So you can make the most of your golden isles vacation!
The beautiful beaches of the Georgia coast can’t be beat, but the good seafood is what will make you come back again and again.
Be sure to check out our list of all the best restaurants on St Simons Island, and if you’re looking to grab a drink before of after dinner, you’ll want to check out our list of the best bars on Saint Simons, too!
Coastal Kitchen
I’ll be honest that I’ve never actually sat inside this restaurant, and that’s because the outdoor seating on the porch is so perfect! Sipping a cocktail and munching on lobster nachos on the dog-friendly porch looking out over the salt marshes- this is island living at its finest.
Overlooking the marina, this laid back restaurant has surf ‘n’ turf entrees, a raw bar and a focus on locally caught, grown, and harvested ingredients.
Insider Tip: If you call ahead, Coastal Kitchen will cook what you caught on your fishing trip. For a very reasonable fee per person, you choose two sides to go with your “fresh catch” and they will prepare the fish up to 3 different ways.
Georgia Sea Grill
This is my personal favorite restaurant on the island for special occasions. Reservations are highly recommended for this fine dining restaurant and I promise you it’s worth it. The menu changes pretty regularly, but it never disappoints and the craft cocktails are out of this world.
Check out out the fresh seafood catch which can be prepared in a variety of ways, the crab stuffed hush puppies, and the herb crusted lamb racks if you have non-seafood eaters in your crew.
The Half Shell
We love The Half Shell in the pier village! It’s a great place to grab a quick dozen oysters and a glass of wine at happy hour. The dog-friendly outdoor seating is also great for people-watching.
During the busy season, there can be a bit of a wait for lunch and dinner so get there early to put your name on the list. The crab cakes BLT, the peel-and-eat shrimp (locally sourced!) and sides like the bacon wrapped-green beans and cheese grits are well worth the wait.
Insider Tip: If you love to bring your dog on vacation with you, you’ll definitely want to check out our post on pet friendly accommodations and things to do in Jekyll Island.
Halyards Restaurant
This high-end restaurant is owned by the same group as La Plancha and Tramici. You’ll find it near the Sea Island Causeway, making it convenient if you’re staying on Sea Island.
Halyards is also walking distance from the Inn at Sea Island, which is one of the best places to stay on Saint Simons Island!
We recommend the shrimp and grits, the Summer Seafood Stew, and the fresh catches like flounder and yellowfin tuna.
Fiddlers
A newer spot near the King and Prince Resort, this great restaurant has something for everyone. From the cozy fireplace inside to the cornhole and marsh views outside, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.
The cocktails are delicious and the entrees like blackened redfish etouffee and shrimp and grits are out of this world.
Crabdaddy’s Seafood Grill
Over near the King and Prince you’ll find Crabdaddy’s, an old time local favorite on Ocean Blvd. This place is serving up all your seafood favorites, from shrimp and grits and crab soup to blackened scallops and fresh catches.
Be sure to get the bread pudding for dessert!
Barbara Jean’s
This classic restaurant has been in the pier village for over 25 years serving up fresh local seafood and Southern home-style cooking.
They are best known for their she crab soup and crab cakes which are both to die for!
Catch 228 Oyster Bar & Grill
Located in Redfern Village, this casual eatery is a lively spot at happy hour! You won’t find many tourists here- this is more of a locals spot.
They have live music on the dog-friendly outdoor patio, happy hour specials (including specials on oysters!), and their peel and eat shrimp (made with wild Georgia shrimp, of course) is arguably the best shrimp on the island.
Insider Tip: If you sit outside, be sure to check the board inside to find out about their fresh catch and specialty oysters they have available.
Wolf Island Oyster Co.
Tucked back in Redfern Village is Wolf Island Oyster Company, a favorite of our family for their incredible seafood, outdoor seating, and great cocktails.
We love the oysters here (obviously), but the seared diver scallops, the shrimp and grits, and the carpetbagger ( a 6 oz. filet with semolina fried oysters over mashed potatoes with a low country butter sauce) are out of this world.
Be sure to stop by here for brunch, too, for the Southern Crab Omelet and the Texas French toast with bourbon butter and roasted pecan syrup.
Iguanas Seafood Restaurant
Iguana’s is a favorite for visitors to the island. You’ll find it right on Mallery Street in the village.
Known for their fried shrimp baskets and snow crab legs deals, this lively restaurant is not just kid-friendly- You meal actually comes with free ice cream, which the kids will adore!
The dog-friendly patio is great for people watching, too, since it’s right in the pier village
ECHO
We just love ECHO at the King and Prince Resort. Inside you’ll find an upscale dining experience that is laid-back enough to bring the whole family to.
We recommend the grouper tacos or fried grouper sandwich and, of course, the shrimp and grits.
Not only to they have a killer menu full of locally-sourced seafood, but their beachfront veranda is the perfect place to enjoy one of their craft cocktails at happy hour while you watch the waves roll in.
Insider Tip: You’ll also find the King and Prince Resort on our list of the best places to stay on St Simons and best bars on St. Simons Island.
Gnats Landing
This laidback seafood joint is everything you want out of a Southern coastal restaurant. Fried seafood baskets, hush puppies, burgers, and beer. What could be better?
Stay after dinner for the live music, or come early to watch the Georgia game in the bar. Gnat’s is bound to be your new favorite hang out on Saint Simons Island.
Insider Tip: You’ll also find this spot on our list of the best bars on St Simons Island!
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