You simply can’t make a trip to the Georgia coast without taking advantage of the fresh local seafood!
Whether you want to eat on Jekyll, want to head over to the mainland, or are even planning on eating at one of the delicious restaurants on St. Simons Island, there are plenty of opportunities to get your fresh seafood fix.
Here are our top picks for the best seafood restaurants near Jekyll Island, GA.
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If you’re just getting started planning your Jekyll trip start here with the Jekyll Island Quick Guide.
On Jekyll Island
Let’s start out with the options that are right here on Jekyll Island. There are several good restaurants that are convenient whether you’re camping on Jekyll or staying in a hotel, or private rental.
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Zachry’s Riverhouse
This is a casual coastal restaurant with great marina views and is one of the few located on Jekyll Island that focuses on seafood.
There are a few choices available like burgers and philly sandwiches if you have non-seafood eating people in your group. They’re most standout menu items, though, are the shrimp dishes like Shrimp Po’Boys, Shrimp & Oysters, and Shrimp and Grits. And, of course, they serve only Georgia wild caught shrimp.
For sides, you’ll not want to miss the Southern favorites like cheese grits and hush puppies!
Zachry’s does not take reservations and they are open every day except Tuesday for lunch and dinner. There is a full bar with a lively crowd of regulars. This is a good place to watch a game and grab a bite.
Beach House
An upscale casual restaurant with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Beach House has a bar, a patio and a dining room.
Their menu has a wide variety of choices including many items that are not seafood. They serve fresh oysters on the half shell, Georgia wild caught shrimp and fish. Blackened grouper is one of their most popular dishes and the sides like the collard greens and the saffron grits are incredible.
Beach House is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Love Shack BBQ Shrimp & Yard Bird
Located at the back of the Jekyll Market Love Shack has a simple, but consistent menu. The name pretty much says it all. You can get barbecue, shrimp and oysters, and chicken here.
This is a walk up and order type place. Many customers take their food to go, but there are a few outside tables if the weather is nice.
Driftwood Bistro
While not strictly seafood, Driftwood Bistro gets some of the best reviews of any restaurant on Jekyll.
They call themselves a “unique low country restaurant” and the menu items reflect this theme. They serve shrimp and grits, stuffed flounder, collard greens, fried okra as well as meatloaf, and chicken and pork tenderloin.
The name comes from their location right down the road from the eerily beautiful Driftwood Beach. The bistro is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
They do not take reservations but you can put your name and number on a list and then grab a drink at the bar or go for a walk on the beach until your table is ready.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
The most famous accommodations on the island include several dining options. They range from very casual to upscale “date night” options and there are numerous seafood choices, all with a southern flair. Visit the resort’s website to check them out and, if you’re feeling fancy, book a stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort!
Looking for somewhere to stay on Jekyll Island?
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In Brunswick
Just across the beautiful Sydney Lanier Bridge from the Jekyll Island causeway you’ll find several excellent seafood options in the town of Brunswick.
Check here for a full rundown on the best restaurants in Brunswick.
Marshside Grill
This is a large casual spot with beautiful views of the marsh. Seafood is the star here but you will find options on the menu for any non-seafood eaters in your group as well. As is the case with all local restaurants here, the shrimp is wild caught. We have never been served farm raised shrimp anywhere in Brunswick, or the rest of the golden isles for that matter.
You can get the seafood cooked a variety of ways, and the salads are fresh and the sides good. You may have to wait for a table at Marshside. They don’t take reservations, but the crowd just means it’s a popular joint, and with good reason.
There is a full and lively bar with a loyal group of regulars. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Sunday and then it’s lunch only.
Jinrights Seafood House
Just a little ways north on U.S. Highway 17 (Glynn Ave.) you’ll find the small, non-descript building that houses Jinrights. They’ve been there for 36+ years, and this is a favorite of my 90-something year old mother-in-law who has lived most of her life in Brunswick. That should tell you something.
There is nothing fancy about Jinrights, but the seafood is fresh, cooked to order and amazing! The service here is full of good old down home southern charm. Your seafood can be prepared fried (go for it!), blackened, grill or broiled. Your non-seafood eating friends can get a good burger or chicken. There is a small bar.
Jinrights is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and lunch only on Sunday.
Mr. Shuck’s Seafood
The casual eatery is a local favorite, with some of the best food around. Known for their garlic blue crabs and classics like fried shrimp and crab legs, you’ll find everything here is seasoned to perfection.
You’ll find this little spot off Altama Avenue in Brunswick.
On St. Simons Island
Just past Marshside on U.S. Highway 17 you will take a right onto the F.J. Torras Causeway to St. Simons. Altogether it will take you about 20 minutes to make the drive from Jekyll to St. Simons, but there are some awesome seafood restaurants there. Below are a few highlights.
Check here for the full list of our 20 St. Simons Island Restaurants you need to try.
Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar
An upscale “date night” type restaurant is what you’ll find here. Dorothy’s menu has fresh seafood with an Asian influence with interesting dishes like Ora King Salmon, Tuna Tartare, and, of course, raw oysters on the half shell.
They’re open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and they do take reservations. There is a full bar, too, with classics like mojitos and old fashioneds being served up at happy hour.
The Crab Trap
The Crab Trap has been serving consistently good seafood on St. Simons for over 45 years. The atmosphere is casual and there is a full bar with a group of regulars who will welcome you with a smile.
While seafood is definitely the star of the menu there are a few items to satisfy those who don’t partake. If you love battered french fries, this is your place. They are open for dinner every evening.
The Half Shell
One of our family favorites is 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 wild Georgia shrimp (served a variety of ways, but the peel-and-eat is our favorite) and the bacon-wrapped green beans are well worth the wait.
They’re open for dinner only Monday through Thursday and for lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday.
Insider Tip: If you love a dog-friendly spot, you’ll want to check out our post on pet friendly Jekyll Island places to stay and things to do.
Georgia Sea Grill
This is a personal favorite restaurant on the island for special occasions. Reservations are highly recommended for this fine dining restaurant, and I promise you’ll be glad you made the effort.
The menu changes pretty regularly, but it never disappoints, and the craft cocktails are out of this world. If you sit in the bar, enjoy being serenaded by the live music being played at the piano!
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 the 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.
Currently planning a trip? Here are some helpful resources:
- Find the best hotel options here.
- Book the cheapest flight here.
- Find tons of tours and activities here.
- Book your rental car here.
Before You Go…
If you haven’t decided where you’re staying yet, enter the dates of your trip and the number of people in your party in the map below to find the best deals on hotels and vacation rentals!
If you’re planning a trip to Jekyll Island, you’ll want to check out these other great posts about the area:
- Pet Friendly Jekyll Island – 2025
- Jekyll Island Tide Chart
- Your Guide to Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island (2025)
- The Ultimate Guide to Jekyll Island Camping (2025)
- Top 16 Jekyll Island Things To Do (2025)
- Jekyll is one of the 15 Must Visit Barrier Islands Off the Coast of Georgia
- Jekyll Island is one of the top spots for Georgia Beach Camping
- Art Scene of the Golden Isles: Galleries, Events & Classes
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