Delicious dining and iconic views, what's not to love? When traveling to Kiawah Island, we know that it's hard to pick and choose where you'll want to be dining each day of your trip. Our local foodies guide to South Carolinaâs Kiawah Island highlights the best places to grab a bite to eat for every occasion â" a quick break from the beach, poolside snacks, fun family feasts, alfresco romance, and special occasions that call for classic Lowcountry luxury. Read on to learn about these 14 local establishments not to miss while vacationing on Kiawah Island.
Restaurants in Night Heron Park
Night Heron Park in East Beach Village is Kiawah Islandâs hub of local activity and a haven for families with kids looking to fill their vacation itinerary! The 21-acre nature park features fishing ponds, bike trails, sports facilities, playgrounds, a pool complex, a nature center with eco-tours and activities, an art studio, and casual eateries to take a break and refuel.
Open only in high season, the Poolside Grill & Bar at Night Heron Park is another top choice for families to enjoy a casual lunch or dinner. Relax around the pool and enjoy everything from specialty wraps, sandwiches, salads, and snack baskets to local seafood fresh from the Lowcountry waterways. And, itâs always happy hour at the beverage bar!
The Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ is not only Kiawah Islandâs top foodie experience, itâs the islandâs longest-standing tradition and a Lowcountry lifestyle experience thatâll leave lasting memories for the whole family! Situated on the banks of the Kiawah River (another insta-worthy sunset spot!), this local event will satisfy every southern craving from classic BBQ and roasted oysters to live music and dancing under the stars. The Mingo Point experience takes place every Monday evening all through summer and over most major holidays like Easter, Memorial Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend.
Cantina 76 is an award-winning taqueria and bar renowned for its relaxed and lively atmosphere, imaginative Mexican-inspired cuisine, and the best handcrafted margaritas and mimosas in town - by the glass or pitcher! Over 21s can find a spot at the bar for happy hour and the football game, the indoor dining area is perfect for families, or find a table on the pet-friendly patio overlooking Andell Lake.
Hegeâs Restaurant is an inviting chef-owned French Bistro thatâs always a favorite for casual fine dining in Freshfields Village. Savor classic French cuisine with fresh farm to table Lowcountry fusions and a wide selection of top shelf spirits, handcrafted cocktails, and wines and beers from around the globe. Dine indoors or in the cozy outdoor courtyard - well behaved pets welcome.
At Freshfields Village, FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen is a stand out for its exceptional selection of wines, along with 48 varieties of craft beers and an impressive range of cocktails. A unique Wine Station Smart Card system allows guests to effortlessly indulge in tastings of 48 rotating wines with small plates and charcuterie platters that perfectly complement the wine tasting experience. FortyEight Wine Bar offers wine tasting and dining packages and hosts fabulous wine events throughout the year.
Whether youâre in the mood for something familiar or want to try something new, Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill has something for everyone. Choose from traditional sushi rolls, hibachi entrees, and sake, or sample creative Asian fusion dishes paired with an ice cold beer or chardonnay. Fuji Freshfields has a full-service bar area, indoor seating, and a pet-friendly patio for outdoor dining.
Java Java is your local Kiawah Island coffee shop with award winning King Bean coffees, seasonal fruit smoothies, delicious sweet and savory breakfasts, and light lunches made to order. Grab a morning coffee to sip on Freshfields grass patio furniture or browse the cool cars at the monthly Cars & Coffee, or start you day with breakfast and people watching on the patio.
Proud to be a stop on the South Carolina BBQ Trail in the state that invented the slow-and-low cooking method, Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House serves up top-quality meats smoked over local hardwoods, rubbed with signature seasonings and dripping with tangy, house-made sauces. The restaurantâs selection of more than 60 local, imported, draft and craft beers are the perfect complement to the authentic BBQ dishes. Rounding out the menu are hearty appetizers, soups, salads and desserts.
For an all Italian affair, La Tela Pizzeria is unbeatable! This traditional family-run Italian eatery serves Neopolitan style wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, delicious Italian ice creams and desserts, espresso, and fantastic local and Italian vinos. La Tela is great for a lazy lunch after shopping, a relaxed family dinner, or a romantic date night on the cozy outdoor patio.
Every Thursday evening youâll find a bevy of locals and tourists listening to the soothing sounds of jazz at the Porch Bar overlooking the lake in Freshfields Village. Sip on a Kiawah Sparkler or Seabrook Manhattan while snacking on light fare like cheeses, sliders, and fresh gourmet flatbreads while enjoying tranquil Lowcountry views and live music.
Take a trip down memory lane with PB&Js, burgers, chili dogs, banana splits, soda floats, and vacation sundaes on swivel stools or tucked in an old fashioned booth at Vincentâs Soda Fountain. Whether youâre shopping the village or farmers market, attending a local event, or making a pit stop on a bike ride from Kiawah Island, a stop by Vincentâs Soda Fountain is a slice of nostalgia you donât want to miss.
STAY with Kiawah Exclusives
Put your personal spin on Lowcountry cooking from the comfort of a Kiawah Exclusives vacation home. Whether youâre dreaming of dining with golf course views or surrounded by the sights and sounds of the ocean, youâll find the gourmet chefâs kitchen of your dreams with indoor and outdoor entertainment areas for Lowcountry boils, backyard BBQs, and classic South Carolina cuisine from the comfort of home!
