Recently updated on December 20th, 2024
When you take a trip to St Simons Island, you don’t have to worry about going hungry! From casual southern cooking to fine dining, you’ll find some of the most delicious food on the Georgia coast right here in these St. Simons Island restaurants.
We’ve made a list of the best restaurants on the island, whether they’re right in the pier village or off the beaten path, to make sure you have great food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your vacation to the Golden Isles.
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Southern Soul Barbeque
Built into a former gas station, this is probably the most iconic restaurant on the island, but certainly not the fanciest! The atmosphere is fun and casual with outdoor picnic tables under a tin roof in front of the 1940’s building.
Here you’ll find the smoky pulled pork and tangy Brunswick stew famed by Southern Living Magazine as well as ribs, beef brisket, collard greens, and so much more. The meat is some of the best around and the soul food sides are just like Mama used to make.
Insider Tip: Southern Soul will also come to your vacation rental on St. Simons and cater barbecue or a low-country boil outside!
Del Sur Artisan Eats
Located on a prime corner in the village of St. Simons, you’ll find this small but mighty eatery. Owned and run by two friends who met at Le Cordon Bleu in Miami, the menu choices are fresh, inventive, and perfectly prepared.
The cuisine is a combination of Argentinian and Italian, and the two complement each other in ways you may find surprising. The service is friendly and efficient, and the love of good food and drinks is obvious in every dish that comes out of the kitchen.
Reservations are recommended, but if you’re strolling down Mallery Street and the aromas draw you in, it’s worth taking a chance to get a table or a seat at the tiny bar.
Join the Facebook group Coastal Georgia Foodies! It’s where everyone with an interest in Coastal Georgia food can share their favorite places to eat, food events, resources for buying local and restaurant news.
ECHO St. Simons
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.
Not only do 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: The King and Prince is also on our list of our favorite places to stay on St. Simons Island!
Halyards
This high-end restaurant is owned by the same people as La Plancha and Tramici. You’ll find it near the Sea Island Causeway, making it convenient if you’re staying on Sea Island.
It’s also walking distance from the Inn at Sea Island, which is one of the best places to stay on Saint Simons Island!
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 ideal 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 the bacon wrapped-green beans are well worth the wait.
Catch 228
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 often have live music on the dog-friendly outdoor patio, happy hour specials (including specials on oysters!), and their peel-and-eat shrimp is arguably the best on the island.
Insider Tip: If you sit outside, be sure to check the board inside to find out about the fresh catch and specialty oysters they have available.
Brogen’s
If you’ve been to Saint Simons Island before, you might have noticed there are actually two Brogen’s on the island. Don’t be confused- they’re actually not even owned by the same people.
You’ll find Brogen’s South in the pier village. It’s a great place to watch a game or eat a fried seafood basket, and the shuffle board table is an added bonus. If you’re looking for a view, take your drink or bites to the upstairs deck to look out oven the water.
Brogen’s North, on the other hand, is more of a local’s spot known for their delicious Prime Rib Sandwich as well as the seafood. You’ll probably find the owners, Mark and Bill behind the bar. They’re a friendly duo and if they’ve met you once or twice, they’ll know you forever.
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 the fresh seafood catch, which can be prepared in a variety of ways, the crab stuffed hush puppies, and the herb-crusted lamb racks.
Insider Tip: Be sure to let them know if it’s a birthday or anniversary. They won’t do anything embarrassing, but you will find a card signed by tonight’s staff at your table when you arrive, and they’ll offer you a free dessert at the end of your meal, which is a sweet touch.
Bennie’s Red Barn
This restaurant near Sea Palms is a quirky spot! It’s been there forever and you can tell- The dining room has a huge fireplace that makes it cozy in the winter. The Sunday brunch buffet is an island favorite with Southern cooking favorites like fried chicken.
The attached bar is one of my favorites on the island, too. Known as “tree bar” for the huge live oak that grows right through the middle of the building, the live music here is top-notch. It is definitely one of the best bars on St. Simons Island.
Insider Tip: Skip the cover charge at Tree Bar by eating dinner at Bennie’s first and going through to side door that connects the restaurant to the bar.
Coastal Kitchen
I’ll be honest – 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 marsh – 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.
Golden Isles Olive Oil
This olive oil and balsamic vinegar market with bistro-style dining is one of the best on the island. They have indoor and outdoor seating, afternoon live music, and are so dog-friendly they actually have a special canine menu just for your fur baby.
Hit the olive oil and vinegar tasting bar and enjoy a laid-back meal of charcuterie, sandwiches and salads, and handmade pasta.
Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria
This homey Italian eatery on Frederica Road is a favorite of our family. We were honored to know the late owner, professional New York boxer Sal. He was a lively character who was full of stories, and his spirit lives on in the pizza shop.
Here, you’ll find classic Italian dishes and the best brick oven pizza around.
Mellow Mushroom
I know what you’re thinking. Mellow Mushroom? That’s not very beachy. Well, you’ve never been to the SSI Mellow Mushroom!
We love this spot for getting together with the whole family because it’s right in the pier village, so it’s the perfect spot for everyone to meet up no matter where they’re coming from.
The back porch is enormous (seriously- there are gorgeous Spanish moss-covered live oak trees growing through the middle of the porch), and the TVs inside and out make this a popular spot for watching a football game.
Tara Thai
Located near Red Fern Village, Tara Thai is where you’ll find authentic Thai food like Nam Sod and Pad See Ew, as well as sushi rolls and sashimi!
The service is quick, and the atmosphere is laid back, making this the perfect spot to stop by and grab something different during your stay.
Barbara Jeans
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!
Barrier Island Brewing Company
This restaurant is on the newer side, but it has quickly made its way into our hearts as one of the best St. Simons Island restaurants. By the name you can tell that they have tons of unique brews, but the cocktails are also out of this world, which is why we included it on our list of the best bars on St. Simons Island.
The food is absolutely incredible (I highly recommend the pork chop sandwich and the bacon-wrapped dates), and this is the perfect restaurant for any season because of the pleasant covered patio and the cozy fireplace inside.
Palmer’s Village Cafe
This cute little restaurant in the pier village has arguably the best breakfast on the island. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, so be sure to stop by early in the day!
We love the “Surf Squared,” which has two poached eggs on top of a smoked gouda cheese grits cake with crab cakes and spiced hollandaise. The banana pudding pancakes are out of this world, too!
Frederica House
The Frederica House has been serving up seafood and steaks on the island since 1980. Even the building has a unique history. It was built with white cedar logs, originally used as fencing timbers to corral huge cypress logs floated from the Florida swampland.
We recommend reservations here, but they do have a small bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail while you wait for a table.
Iguanas
Iguana’s is a favorite for visitors to the island. Known for their fried shrimp baskets and snow crab leg deals, this lively restaurant is not just kid-friendly- Your meal actually comes with free self-serve 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.
Gnat’s 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 hangout on Saint Simons Island, which is why we also included it on our list of the best bars on St. Simons.
Beachcomber BBQ
We know Beachcomber’s to have the best barbecue on the island, but if you tell Southern Soul we said that, we’ll deny it!
Walking distance from the King and Prince Resort, this relaxed spot has a fantastic bourbon selection. They even have bourbon tastings periodically!
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.
Before You Go…
If you haven’t found your place to stay on SSI yet, be sure to check this map to get the best deals on hotels and vacation rentals!
If you’re planning a trip to St. Simons Island, you’ll want to check out these other great articles about the area:
- Great Breakfast Spots on St. Simons Island – 2025
- 12 Best Seafood Restaurants in St Simons Island GA (2025)
- St. Simons Island Beach Guide (2025)
- Best Places to Stay at St. Simons Island (2025)
- Top 15 Things to Do on St Simons Island (2025)
- 14 Best Bars on St Simons Island (2025 Nightlife Guide)
- The Best Sea Island, GA Places to Stay 20245
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