South Carolina has a seafood scene that rivals anywhere in the country, and locals know exactly where to go for the freshest catch. From the marshes of the Lowcountry to the shores of the Grand Strand, the state is packed with restaurants that have been serving up incredible dishes for generations.
Whether you crave steamed oysters, fried shrimp, or a classic she-crab soup, these spots deliver every single time. Here are 15 legendary seafood restaurants that South Carolina locals consider the absolute best in the state.
Bowens Island Restaurant – Charleston, South Carolina
There is no place quite like Bowens Island. Tucked along a winding road off Folly Beach, this legendary spot has been roasting oysters since 1946, and the experience feels like stepping back in time.
Guests sit at communal tables while buckets of steamed oysters arrive straight from the fire. The walls are covered in decades of graffiti left by happy visitors.
No frills, no fuss — just pure, honest seafood served the old-fashioned way.
Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Named after a shrimp boat that once ran aground nearby, this Mount Pleasant gem has built a fierce reputation for no-nonsense, dock-fresh seafood. Locals swear by the fried shrimp and the laid-back creek-side atmosphere.
The menu keeps things simple and seasonal, relying on whatever local fishermen bring in each day. That commitment to freshness is what keeps regulars coming back year after year.
Arrive early — the wait can be long, but it is absolutely worth it.
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Sitting right on the working docks of Hilton Head, Hudson’s has been a staple since 1967. Fishermen unload their catch just steps away from the kitchen, which means the seafood here does not get any fresher.
The she-crab soup alone is worth the trip, and the views of Port Royal Sound during sunset are absolutely stunning. Families, couples, and solo diners all feel equally welcome here.
Hudson’s is the kind of place you remember long after the meal is over.
Hyman’s Seafood – Charleston, South Carolina
Walk past Hyman’s on Meeting Street and you will almost always see a line stretching out the door. Open since 1890, this Charleston institution has served presidents, celebrities, and everyday food lovers who all agree the seafood is exceptional.
The menu is enormous, featuring everything from blackened fish to steamed crab legs, but the she-crab soup and fried flounder consistently steal the show.
Hyman’s is loud, lively, and completely unforgettable — classic Charleston at its most delicious.
Lee’s Inlet Kitchen – Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Since 1948, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen has been the gold standard for seafood along the Murrells Inlet marshwalk. This family-owned restaurant has barely changed over the decades, and that is exactly why locals love it so much.
Everything is made from scratch, from the creamy hush puppies to the perfectly seasoned deviled crab. The recipes have been passed down through generations, and that heritage comes through in every single bite.
Consistency is Lee’s greatest superpower, and it shows.
The Crab Shack – Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach has a personality all its own, and The Crab Shack fits right in. This relaxed, colorful spot is the kind of place where you eat with your hands, crack open blue crabs, and forget about everything else for a while.
The steamed seafood platters are loaded and affordable, making this a favorite for both beachgoers and locals craving a casual meal. The outdoor seating fills up fast on warm evenings.
Fun, messy, and absolutely delicious — that is The Crab Shack experience.
Sea Captain’s House – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Few restaurants in Myrtle Beach carry the history and charm of Sea Captain’s House. Originally a beach cottage built in the 1930s, it became a restaurant in 1963 and has been wowing guests ever since with its oceanfront views and outstanding food.
The she-crab soup here is widely considered one of the best in the entire state. Watching the waves roll in while enjoying a seafood platter is a hard experience to top.
Old-school charm meets seriously good cooking at this beloved landmark.
Nance’s Restaurant – Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Nance’s has been quietly serving some of the best fried seafood in Murrells Inlet since the 1940s, and it has never needed flashy decorations or a trendy menu to keep people coming back. The food does all the talking here.
Locals rave about the fried oysters and the perfectly seasoned flounder, which arrive golden, crispy, and piping hot every time. Portions are generous, and prices remain remarkably reasonable.
Nance’s is the kind of hidden gem that regulars guard fiercely.
The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
When hunger strikes and variety is what you crave, Benjamin’s Calabash delivers in the biggest way possible. This Myrtle Beach legend is famous for its massive all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, which has been drawing crowds for decades.
Piles of fried shrimp, snow crab legs, clam strips, and fresh fish fill the buffet stations every evening. Whether you are feeding a family or just treating yourself, Benjamin’s makes sure nobody leaves hungry.
It is a Myrtle Beach rite of passage that never disappoints.
Shem Creek Crab House – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Shem Creek is one of the most scenic spots in all of the Lowcountry, and the Crab House takes full advantage of that breathtaking backdrop. Sitting over the water with shrimp boats bobbing nearby, this spot delivers a seafood experience that feels genuinely authentic.
Blue crabs, steamed shrimp, and cold drinks are the order of the day here. The outdoor deck is especially magical on a breezy evening when the creek lights up with the setting sun.
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar – Charleston, South Carolina
Housed in a beautifully restored 1940s naval building right on the Charleston waterfront, Fleet Landing brings serious history to the table along with seriously good food. The setting alone is worth the visit, with sweeping views of Charleston Harbor greeting you at every turn.
The raw bar is a local favorite, stacked with freshly shucked oysters and chilled shrimp. The shrimp and grits here are also among the best in the city, full of bold Lowcountry flavor.
Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing – Port Royal, South Carolina
Port Royal may be a small town, but Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing punches well above its weight when it comes to seafood quality. Nestled right at the marina, the restaurant offers stunning water views and a menu packed with locally sourced catches.
Regulars love the crab bisque and the grilled grouper, both of which highlight the kitchen’s talent for letting fresh ingredients shine without overcomplicating things.
Peaceful, scenic, and genuinely delicious — this spot is a true coastal treasure.
Hot Fish Club – Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
The Hot Fish Club has roots going back to the 1800s, when wealthy planters gathered along Murrells Inlet to feast on fresh-caught fish. That tradition of celebrating great seafood is still very much alive at this beloved restaurant today.
The menu leans into local flavors with standout dishes like grilled mahi-mahi and she-crab soup that remind you why the Lowcountry has such an incredible culinary reputation.
History, hospitality, and flavor all come together beautifully at Hot Fish Club.
Skull Creek Boathouse – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Skull Creek Boathouse has earned its spot as one of Hilton Head’s most beloved restaurants by combining spectacular waterfront views with a menu that genuinely excites. The sunsets from the outdoor deck are some of the most jaw-dropping on the entire island.
Beyond the scenery, the food holds its own with fresh seafood tacos, blackened shrimp, and an oyster bar that keeps things lively. The upbeat, social atmosphere makes every visit feel like a celebration.
The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Few South Carolina seafood spots carry as much local pride as this Mount Pleasant favorite. The story behind the name — a shrimping vessel that met its end nearby — adds a layer of maritime charm that makes the whole experience feel more meaningful.
Fresh, simply prepared seafood is the focus here, from the crispy fried shrimp to the buttery crab cakes. The no-pretense atmosphere is exactly what loyal regulars love most about this place.