As a foodie, there is one thing that makes my trips extra enjoyable … nice restaurants with good food where I can kick back and relax. I have very little patience for waiting on a table. Why waste precious vacation time standing in long lines? Enter my Kiawah Island Ultimate Dining Guide! With this Kiawah Island Ultimate Dining Guide, you can maximize vacation time!
Don’t Worry, Advance Reservations Available
Modern Empty Nesters need dining options with good quality food, great drinks and ideally advance reservations! When planning your stay, consider how many days you plan on eating out versus staying in. This way, you can make your reservations before you arrive so you’re all set!
Good news! Kiawah Island has several wonderful restaurants both inside the resort and nearby where advance reservations are accepted! Most restaurants listed in my Kiawah Island Ultimate Dining Guide are on Resy or Open Table reservation platforms. This makes it easy to reserve your table prior to your arrival. Once your restaurants are secured, you can kick back and enjoy the beach knowing you have a great dinner ahead. All you need to do is just show up!.
Kiawah Island Ultimate Dining Guide
Foodies are covered in Kiawah! Here are my top picks for dining in and around Kiawah Island. Advance reservations are accepted and definitely recommended during peak season due to their popularity.
Dining Inside Kiawah Island Resort:
Don’t feel like going too far for dinner? No worries, these dining options are located within Kiawah Island Resort’s property:
- The Ocean Room: Book your next special occasion at The Ocean Room located at the Sanctuary Hotel. Elegant dining overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
- Jasmine Porch: Experience delicious Lowcountry food at this restaurant located at the Sanctuary Hotel. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House: Dine inside on this delicious southern style barbecue or order carry out to take home! Available by the dish or by the pound if you order to go!
Dining in Kiawah Island’s Fresh Field’s Village:
Located a few miles outside the gates of Kiawah Island Resort is Fresh Fields Village — your go to shopping center for groceries (Harris Teeter), shops and dining. While Fresh Fields Village offers several dining options, here are my top recommendations:
- Hege’s Restaurant: Enjoy fine classic French dining at Hege’s in a relaxed atmosphere. They have a big menu with large portions and well executed entrees. It’s a bustling, popular restaurant that uses fresh, seasonal products. Open for dinner and weekend brunch. I recently had a birthday dinner here with fabulous food and robust drinks!
- FortyEight-Wine Bar & Kitchen: For a fun, relaxed evening out, head to FortyEight-Wine Bar & Kitchen! This restaurant is a wine lovers dream, with 48 different wine selections at wine stations! Take your wine glass, place under the spout and choose the number of ounces you want to try. A handy wine card keeps track of your pours! Additionally, craft cocktails, ciders and beer are available, along with a full food menu. Cheers!
- Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill: Delicious sushi, hibachi and other Asian inspired menu items are available at this popular restaurant. This restaurant is always on our list when we visit Kiawah and can be ordered as take out as well.
- Java Java: Great coffees, homemade baked goods and made to order breakfast/lunch dishes are available at this cute coastal coffee shop. No reservations are needed here and the lines move quickly!
- Ben & Jerry’s: Grab a post dinner treat at this ice cream shop right off the center of Fresh Fields Village (had to sneak this one in there :))
Dining in Nearby Johns Island:
These are my top picks for restaurants in nearby Johns Island. They are all within an easy 20 minute drive from Kiawah Island Resort. Interestingly, they are located within approximately 5 minutes of each other:
- Wild Olive Cucina Italiana: Wild Olive is one of our family favorites and always on our list when visiting Kiawah. This Italian restaurant is busy, yet food comes out quickly and the service is friendly. Try some of their specials, where the chef offers some creative dishes of the day. Of course, traditional Italian favorites are also on the menu. Cool cocktails and good wine round out the meal!
- Royal Tern: Seafood Towers are a highlight at this family run restaurant, which features fresh seafood and steaks. Enjoy oysters on the half shell, tuna tartare or the fresh catch of the day. It’s interior is light, bright and welcoming!
- Blu Oyster Sushi + Seafood: Just opened this past year, Blue Oyster is a welcome addition to the busy restaurant scene on Maybank Highway. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and sushi with whimsical decor. A large screen TV at the bar sets the relaxed tone of this neighborhood restaurant. Pick your fresh catch and have it prepared one of five ways. Or perhaps you’re in the mood for sushi or a fried seafood platter or shrimp and grits? There are lots of options that everyone will enjoy!
- Island Provisions: This local market and cafe offers made to order coffee with excellent authentic croissants, breakfast/lunch sandwiches and grab ‘n go items. No reservations needed and the line moves quickly!
Bon Appetit!
Simply use this Kiawah Island Ultimate Dining Guide when planning your next vacation! With one click, you can reserve your favorite restaurants and rest easy knowing your evenings are covered! Bon Appetit!
Where to stay on Kiawah Island? See Kiawah Island My Happy Place for a full list of lodging options!
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