South Carolina has a coastline packed with flavor, and the seafood here is something special. From Charleston’s historic docks to the laid-back shores of Murrells Inlet, local restaurants serve up fresh catches that keep people coming back for more.
Whether you love steamed oysters, buttery shrimp, or crispy fried fish, there is a spot waiting for you. These 12 restaurants prove that simple, honest cooking is often the most delicious kind.
Hyman’s Seafood – Charleston, South Carolina
Since 1890, Hyman’s Seafood has been a Charleston landmark that locals and tourists talk about for good reason. The menu is massive, featuring everything from she-crab soup to fried shrimp platters piled high.
You might spot a celebrity photo on the wall while waiting for your food.
The portions are generous and the flavors are unforgettable. Go early because the line can stretch around the block, especially on weekends.
Bowens Island Restaurant – Charleston, South Carolina
Bowens Island Restaurant feels like stepping back in time, and that is exactly the charm. Sitting on a marsh-side dock outside Charleston, this no-frills spot has been roasting oysters over open flames since 1946.
Graffiti covers the walls, picnic tables fill the room, and the atmosphere is wonderfully casual.
Fresh roasted oysters arrive by the shovelful, still steaming and briny. Bring cash, bring friends, and prepare for a truly unforgettable Low Country experience.
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar – Charleston, South Carolina
Perched on a historic Navy pier overlooking Charleston Harbor, Fleet Landing blends stunning views with seriously good seafood. The raw bar is a showstopper, offering oysters, clams, and chilled shrimp that taste like they were pulled from the water minutes ago.
The fish tacos and Low Country boil are crowd favorites worth ordering. Watching boats drift across the harbor while eating fresh seafood makes every bite taste even better than it already is.
Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Named after an actual shrimp boat that wrecked nearby, this Mount Pleasant gem has personality baked right into its bones. Locals love it for the no-nonsense seafood that highlights whatever the boats brought in that day.
The fried shrimp here have a cult following, and for excellent reason.
Outdoor picnic tables overlook the water, making it a relaxed and scenic place to eat. Skip the fancy tablecloths and enjoy real South Carolina coastal cooking at its finest.
Page’s Okra Grill – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Page’s Okra Grill is where Southern comfort food meets fresh coastal seafood, and the combination is absolutely winning. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all shine here, but the seafood platters at dinner are the real stars.
Fried flounder, hush puppies, and collard greens come together like they were always meant to share a plate.
The staff feels like family, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Regulars have been showing up here for years, and after one meal, you will understand why.
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks has been a Hilton Head tradition since 1967, and it earns every bit of that reputation. Real working shrimp boats tie up right outside, meaning the seafood on your plate is about as fresh as it gets anywhere in the state.
The steamed shrimp and oysters are outstanding, but the fried seafood platter is equally hard to resist. Watching the sunset over Broad Creek while eating here is a truly magical Hilton Head moment.
Skull Creek Boathouse – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Skull Creek Boathouse is equal parts lively hangout and fantastic seafood destination on Hilton Head Island. The outdoor decks fill up fast because the views of Skull Creek are simply gorgeous, especially during sunset.
Sipping a cold drink while watching boats pass by is a Hilton Head ritual worth experiencing.
The menu features everything from seafood nachos to whole steamed lobster. It is the kind of place that makes you want to linger long after the last bite.
Old Oyster Factory Restaurant – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Built on the site of an actual oyster cannery from the 1800s, the Old Oyster Factory Restaurant carries history in every beam and board. The setting alone is worth the visit, with sweeping views of Broad Creek and a warm, rustic interior that feels both elegant and relaxed.
Oysters prepared multiple ways anchor the menu, though the fresh fish specials always impress. Arriving for the sunset dinner seating turns an already great meal into something genuinely memorable and special.
Bluffton Seafood House – Bluffton, South Carolina
Bluffton may be a small town, but the Bluffton Seafood House punches well above its weight when it comes to fresh, flavorful seafood. Local shrimpers supply the kitchen directly, so the shrimp here taste noticeably sweeter and fresher than most places you have tried.
It is the kind of honest, unpretentious cooking that feels like a warm hug.
The portions are hearty and the prices are fair. First-timers almost always leave planning their next visit before they even reach the parking lot.
Sea Captain’s House – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Originally a 1930s beach cottage, the Sea Captain’s House is one of Myrtle Beach’s most beloved dining traditions. The oceanfront location is stunning, but what truly keeps people loyal is the consistently excellent seafood.
She-crab soup here is practically legendary, drawing visitors from across the country just for a bowl.
The grilled fish and Low Country dishes round out a menu built for seafood lovers. Watching the Atlantic Ocean roll in while you eat makes the whole experience feel wonderfully timeless.
Mr. Fish Seafood Market & Grill – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Half seafood market, half casual grill, Mr. Fish gives Myrtle Beach visitors the best of both worlds under one roof. You can browse the fresh catch display and pick exactly what you want cooked to order, which makes the whole experience feel incredibly personal and exciting.
The grilled mahi-mahi and shrimp skewers are popular choices that rarely disappoint. Prices are fair, portions are satisfying, and the relaxed vibe makes it a favorite for both families and solo seafood fans alike.
Lee’s Inlet Kitchen – Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Lee’s Inlet Kitchen has been feeding happy seafood lovers in Murrells Inlet since 1948, making it one of South Carolina’s true culinary treasures. The menu sticks to classic Low Country seafood done with care, consistency, and real flavor.
Fried shrimp, deviled crab, and the famous seafood platter have made generations of fans across the state.
The cozy interior feels pleasantly nostalgic, like visiting a favorite relative’s home. Every plate that leaves the kitchen carries decades of love and tradition.