Saint Helena Island

Isolated island surrounded by marshes and considered a center of African-American Gullah culture.
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Top places to eat

4.6
(401)
4.5
(54)
Mentioned on 
Restaurant
Bar
Seafood restaurant
Taco restaurant
I was visiting Beaufort after not being here since 2017. I noticed this restaurant and knew I had not been here before. I had planned to get a taco to go (it was a beautiful day to sit outside near the waterfront) but the bartender convinced me to go with the special due to crab shell being in season. I’d like to go back and try the tequila flight.
J M — Google review
Came in for a quick lunch and some margaritas. Tacos were tasty, I really enjoyed the fried oyster special. Margaritas were decent, the spicy margarita was the best out of the two. My skinny mezcal margarita was overly sour. We sat at the bar and the server was very attentive despite covering tables on the floor and making drinks which I appreciated. The only complaint was that with only a few other tables the restaurant was very noisy making it difficult to have a conversation and hear the other party. Worth the trip for the tacos just lacking in the atmosphere department.
Catherine C — Google review
What a great little spot to stop in for a quick taco and drink or full bar margaritas tequila shots from pineapple or an ice cold ipa of your choice plenty to choose from. Definitely recommend
Nick S — Google review
Great local spot for tacos and drinks. The perfect margarita is great! The chip and queso starter was super tasty and the bacon on top was delicious. The Mac chicken taco was 10/10. The pineapple vanilla bean infused tequila was unique and delicious. The chocolate cake was a great way to end the night and had a couple different layers with a raspberry sauce. I would highly recommend checking Lost Locals out! 🌮🥂
Sydni C — Google review
I’ve recently moved here from Texas so I can tell you, with great authority, these tacos and margaritas are AWESOME. Atmosphere is fun, service was wonderful, location is good….but I crave these tacos and it’s the best margarita I’ve had since leaving Texas. Highly recommend!
Holly P — Google review
From the moment you step into Lost Local, a trendy and lively taco bar tucked away in charming Beaufort, South Carolina, you’re greeted with an energy that’s almost as tantalizing as their menu offerings. Let me tell you about their Boom Boom Shrimp – its a show-stopper. It’s not just food, it’s a revelation. Delivered fresh daily, never frozen, these nuggets of delight redefine the standards of shrimp tenderness and freshness. The spicy chipotle aioli that comes with it adds a rich, spicy kick that will leave your palate dancing with delight. It’s so phenomenal that it transcends being merely a dish – it’s an experience I would willingly relive every day. It’s a masterclass in taste and texture. It’s a dish that haunts your culinary dreams. Life-changing seems an understatement - it’s transformative! When it comes to the heart of their menu - the tacos - Lost Local doesn’t disappoint. They’re a harmonious orchestra of flavors, each one worthy of an encore. The ones I had the pleasure of sampling were Mac Chicken, Carnitas, Ahi Tuna, Pork Belly, Beef Barbacoa, Fish, Fried Island Shrimp, and Blackened Island Shrimp. My personal favorites, however, were the Ahi, Pork Belly, and Fried Island Shrimp. Each bite is a testament to Lost Local’s dedication to freshness and flavor. The one aspect where some taco aficionados might take issue is the choice of corn tortillas as the sole option. Given the robustness of the fillings and their sauces, it’s understandable, but for a flour tortilla lover like me, I found myself savoring the contents sans tortilla at times. That said, the quality of the ingredients overshadows this minor quibble. Lastly, no taco bar is complete without a beverage menu to match, and Lost Local doesn’t disappoint. The margaritas I tried were beautifully crafted and delicious. Although they were all served on the rocks, I can’t help but dream of a frozen variety making an appearance. In summary, Lost Local is more than a restaurant - it’s a culinary experience that excites the senses and leaves a lasting impression. It’s an absolute must-visit in Beaufort, where the Boom Boom Shrimp alone is worth the trip.
Gabriel P — Google review
If you find yourself in Beaufort, South Carolina and are looking for a great meal, look no further than Lost Local. This cozy little restaurant is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit. One of the things that stands out about Lost Local is that you can seat yourself. This gives the restaurant a relaxed, casual vibe that is perfect for a meal with friends or family. It also means that you don't have to wait for someone to show you to your table, so you can get started on your meal right away. The service at Lost Local is fast, which is especially great if you're short on time. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that you have everything you need to enjoy your meal. Whether you have questions about the menu or need a drink refill, they're always there to help. Now, let's talk about the tacos. They are absolutely delicious. The menu features a variety of tacos, from classic beef and chicken to more adventurous options like shrimp and pork belly. The tacos are served on soft corn tortillas and are topped with a variety of fresh ingredients, such as avocado, cilantro, and lime. Out of all the tacos, the pork belly taco is my absolute favorite. It's a perfect combination of savory and sweet, with tender pork belly that is cooked to perfection. The taco is topped with pickled red onion, cilantro, and a delicious pineapple salsa that adds a pop of brightness and acidity to the dish. The pork belly taco is so good that I would give it five stars without hesitation. Overall, I highly recommend Lost Local to anyone who is visiting Beaufort. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, fast service, and some of the best tacos you'll ever taste. If you're a fan of pork belly, make sure you try the pork belly taco - it's truly a standout dish. Whether you're in town for a day or a week, Lost Local is a must-visit destination.
Ryan L — Google review
Pretty easy review here! A simple restaurant with a simple straight to the point menu! I enjoyed myself. The staff handles being very busy very well. Shout out to the bartenders for being down to earth and having senses of humor while serving! The tacos were great! 3 should be more than enough for anyone! Definitely recommend trying this place out!
Draiden — Google review
4.2
(1602)
3.8
(826)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Seafood restaurant
Foolish Frog is a popular restaurant located in St. Helena Island, South Carolina. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including American and Mexican cuisine. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals such as scallops and shrimp with grits. The restaurant has received positive reviews for its food quality and is known for its fantastic dining experience. Additionally, there are other dining options nearby offering American, Italian, and Mexican cuisines to cater to different tastes.
This café is perfect for a family outing or even bringing along your pets. They’ll be treated to a bowl of water and a cozy spot. The terrace offers a stunning view of the lake, with fresh air, delicious food, and incredibly friendly staff. My husband and I had a wonderful experience. It’s easily one of the best places we’ve discovered recently!
Natalia M — Google review
This place was great from top to bottom! Jasmine was incredible and so pleasant when making the reservation and even remembered us when we came in. We’ve never seen such good customer service. Deena, our server, was awesome!! She made sure to explain anything we were confused about and checked in on us frequently. We cannot wait to come back and cannot recommend this place enough! 5-star experience for sure.
Lauren R — Google review
Our experience here was actually awful. The first disappointment was the HOUR wait to get appetizers after ordering. We watched tables get seated and leave before getting any food. All the manager had to say for this? “The kitchen is swamped.” Maybe don’t seat more people than you can reasonably handle. On to the quality of the food, also awful. You know it’s bad when the best part of the night was fried okra. And $40 for mid crab cakes? Audacity. They’re trying to be a quality of restaurant they can’t reach. The cherry on top was two rude servers (not ours, though, whose name was Cindy and was the best part of our night). All that the manager offered after us presenting our complaints was 25% off just the appetizers, taking our bill down to a small amount of $390 for 5 people.
Wriley J — Google review
Always love a good boil! I'd recommend asking for some extra seasoning, but other than that, it was delicious. The gator bites were well seasoned, and the ribs are to die for. I'll definitely be back to try the snow crab!
Ogeid — Google review
Stopped here for lunch and the food was excellent. Mahi mahi BLT was cooked perfectly. The service was great and the place inside was nice and cozy. They offer outside dining as well overlooking the marsh and inlet. If you go for dinner, expect a wait!
Lisa G — Google review
When you walk into the foolish frog it feels inviting with a nice view of the marsh lands and warm lighting to complement it. Seeing this i felt as though i picked a good placed to have a bite to eat and relax a bit i walked in and it was busy a good sign i thought. after a few minutes of being seated a waitress approached my table gave me a menu and informed me there would be a long wait time. I was okay with this being it was busy and i had time. I ordered a corona light and an appetizer, the FOOLISH fried frog legs. I enjoyed the view while i waited. i was getting bitten up a bit as to be expected with the outside seating but the view made it worth it. After waiting a while i was finally served the frog legs i ordered and upon grabbing them and the first bite i was immediately disappointed the breading just fell off and it was mushy and just barely warm. I ordered the fried flounder as well and once it came out it looked good. But this was also mushy and just barely warm as well as the fries served with it. the breading on the flounder was just a shell and my flounder just flopped out of it. So i ordered desert. a coconut key lime pie. It came out and appeared to have been sitting a while as the whipped cream was melted almost all the way down but the key lime pie was the only truly palatable thing i received that evening besides the corona light once i finished i was brought a check for $62 i put the appropriate funds on my card and proceeded to place my card in the check book to pay. after the waitress grabbed my card To my surprise a notification popped up on my phone for a $132 charge being declined she brought the card back and left as i sat there i watched her have a conversation with her coworkers about what she had just attempted. She then saw me still sitting there and comes back out to me and asked if i was okay i then popped the question about the $132 charge and she proceeds to tell me that she charged my card to the wrong table and that she cancelled it so it wouldnt have gone through anyway i then say thats ok its paid for now and thank you ill be going now. As i walk away she says your not gonna leave a tip and i replied absolutely not have a good night. And over my shoulder she leaves a snarky toned comment saying oh you have a real good night too this was the worst dinning experience ive had in a very long time and i would be foolish to return to this establishment
Andrew C — Google review
An amazing experience, a hidden gem 💎 indeed. We sat outside and had the best experience. It was quiet, and our server was the absolute best. Our food was DELICIOUS as well. We didn't get the marsh view at night, but the vibe was on point!! Many locals recommended this place to us, and we fell in love with it! Thank you for the great service, frog legs and atmosphere. we will be returning 🥰 I absolutely loved the snow crab legs.
Brittany H — Google review
Excellent‼️ Try the Greek Salad, and be sure to try the Sweet Potato fries. Also, do not forget the fried green tomatoes, with pimento cheese. Mmm Good 💯
John H — Google review
4.3
(572)
4.5
(762)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
Market
Nestled in the beautifully renovated Old Beaufort City Hall, Lowcountry Produce Market & Café is a delightful blend of café and general store that celebrates the essence of local food culture. This charming spot offers an array of delicious breakfast and lunch options, from hearty biscuits and gravy to flavorful she-crab soup. The menu also features fresh sandwiches and seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite is a taste of the Lowcountry.
We came here whilst visiting my Sister and Brother in law last month. My sister loves the fried green tomatoes as you guys catered for their wedding a couple of years ago, so she recommended them as a starter, they were delicious. My main was delicious as well.😋 The atmosphere and service was very good, plenty of staff and customers, that's always a good sign in my book. Parking was easy, plenty of space round they back. Outside eating as well. Thank you for a wonderful first time experience. ❤️
Yvette O — Google review
On recommendations from our tour guide Janet we stopped for lunch at the Market & Cafe. It is a casual eatery for lunch as well as a market. Initially, we were didn’t feel welcome for stopping in for lunch. While our waitress and staff were nice, there was a lack of warmth. After ordering waitress was friendlier. Being from the South,I was disappointed in the welcome. The Cold Sandwich with their homemade Pimento Cheese is HEARTY. A lot of Pimento. Their Broccoli Raisin salad was good. The Oyster PoBoy was very good as was the pasta salad with cheese. Good lunch overall.
Charlene M — Google review
This place is a gem. We liked it so much, we ended up eating there most mornings during our recent trip. The biscuits are great and the grits are the second best i’ve ever had! It definitely gets busy, but the staff is great and kept up with the rush. No complaints at all!
JD T — Google review
We came in and were immediately greeted with happy faces and got allergy menus as soon as we asked! Staff was incredibly kind and knowledgeable of the menu and was able to recommend items for me and my four kids as well as able to handle my husband's gluten and dairy restrictions. (Husband had no reactions.) Our kids have stated it has to be our new goto place when we are in town visiting family and I agree. If you aren't eating here you are missing out on some of the best food in town.
Lydia N — Google review
Celiac review. Had the frankfurter. Hot dog on toast with onions and relish. Side of potato salad. Both were excellent. Waiter accidentally sent out a non gluten free sandwich and when I asked if it was gluten free they replied no. When it was taken back the did ask if it needed to completely remade. It’s been hours and no reaction. Two thumbs up.
Dan R — Google review
Really cool place for brunch and lunch in the old post office building. Servers are great, food is fresh and delicious and the coffee is rich.
Steven W — Google review
Lovely place, very lively this morning. I had the Traveler's Breakfast with a cup of black coffee, and my wife had the Biscuits and Gravy. I enjoyed my sunny side up eggs with my avocado toast, and crispy bacon. One of my wife's biscuits were hard and cracked when I put my fork in it, but the other one was delectable. The servers got very busy and occupied as more customers came in, I was about to miss my meter time. It's not their fault, but it had been some time. Everyone should eat here, it's amazing.
Alan T — Google review
Delicious food. Highly recommend. The Veggie Omelette was full of freshness and the fruit was perfectly sweet. Crispy Chicken sandwich was very juicy and full of flavor and the homemade fries were very good. Great service. Felt a little rushed due to the restaurant being busy but the staff was friendly.
G Q — Google review
4.1
(1296)
4.0
(2006)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Southern restaurant (US)
Plums Restaurant in Beaufort, South Carolina is a casual down-home eatery that offers American cuisine and seafood. It also transforms into a live-music venue on certain nights. Located in downtown Beaufort, this waterfront dining spot provides a relaxed atmosphere and scenic views, making it an inviting destination for visitors. The restaurant has received praise for its delightful culinary offerings and inviting ambiance.
This was the first time my husband & I visited Plums. The atmosphere over looking the beautiful waterfront park added so much to the experience. "Ji" was our waiter & he was amazing... Super friendly, efficient & very accommodating! It was a bit cool out so we opted for the open air heated covered porch seating area, which overlooks the patio & the gorgeous waterfront as well. My husband had the flounder po boy sandwich w/chips. I had the So Gouda roasted turkey sandwich w/ bacon, lettuce, tomato & mango chutney. Both meals were delicious. Prices very reasonable. We will DEFINITELY be back! Thanks for helping to make our day even better with your delicious food & friendly staff.
Gina H — Google review
Our first night in Beaufort only a few restaurants were open. We stopped for a light dinner at Plums. Amy our waitress was very good. Their beer was good and I was pleased with the Wente Chardonnay. Their Peel ‘n Eat Shrimp was okay but disappointing compared to other restaurants near I-95 in Georgia featuring fresh Peel n Eat shrimp. The shrimp had too much sauce on them which took away the freshness. The Gumbo was good and hearty.
Charlene M — Google review
Got the peach pecan salad that was delicious, full of candied pecans. Nice fresh salad with cornbread croutons, creamy goat cheese and tasty peach vinaigrette. Got seated quickly and waited on right away. Sat on the back porch overlooking the water, beautiful setting. Being a vegetarian I do wish they had a veggie sandwich like fried tomatoes . But the salad was very good.
Terrie W — Google review
If you are in Beaufort around dinner time, don't miss Plums. The less fancy sister restaurant to Saltus River Grill, but we imagine just as tasty. Don't miss the classic shrimp and grits which is the one of our favorite dishes in the South - and this was pne of the best we've ever tried. The shrimp burger also was amazing as was the massive Greek salad which easily could be shared. The waitstaff was friendly as family, in particular our burgeoning private pilot, Chris.
Anna B — Google review
Such a refreshing restaurant experience!! Food amazing, service great, and atmosphere on point!! Courtney served us pork wontons, a bowl of gumbo and a fried flounder po boy (subbed chips for fries). Courtney offered her favorites and served us with a smile. We had a beautiful view on the back porch with a nice spring breeze over the nearby water. Plums is a MUST STOP if you’re in Beaufort!!! Ps: if you’re a Bloody Mary fan, theirs does not disappoint!! 10/10 Will forever come here when in town!!!
Melissa C — Google review
I recommend Plum’s Restaurant in Beaufort, SC. The food is good quality at reasonable prices. The restaurant has dog-friendly seating in the patio area. The patio area is highly desirable on days of temperate weather. My wife requested the chicken salad plate but it had sold out by 1:00PM. She had the curried chicken salad which she said was excellent. I had the fried shrimp and an appetizer. It was good. The view from the patio was very nice.
Bob W — Google review
5 star experience! Our Half moon Cobb salad and the egg salad plate were delicious. The portions were great. The terrace view was wonderful! Service was prompt and friendly. We parked in the paid lot at the start of the block.
Marianne W — Google review
Always a great experience and well worth the wait! It's so good that it's hard to want to go try anywhere else out in town. I've had the shrimp burger, shrimp salad, and the founder PO boy. The flounder sandwich is absolutely top knotch and was executed perfectly. I don't think I'll ever get anything else there. Please keep motivating the cooks to pump out that quality of food.
Adam G — Google review
4.5
(903)
4.5
(1426)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Fine dining restaurant
Saltus River Grill, located in Beaufort, South Carolina, is a sophisticated dining destination known for its wood grill, extensive wine list, and elegant bar. The restaurant offers a blend of steak, seafood, and sushi dishes that promise to delight the senses. With an emphasis on exceptional service and culinary finesse, Saltus River Grill aims to set the standard for dining experiences in Beaufort.
We had a reservation for five, which is when they opened. We were greeted right away by the host and promptly sat. Bre was our server and took great care of us. She is a master craftsman as a server and very meticulous. I appreciated her attention to detail and her knowledge of the menu. She had some great recommendations, and all the food turned out amazing!
JD T — Google review
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Saltus. Carson was very good and flexible with our orders. Since I dint have a big appetite I was thrilled with the FRESH shrimp Cocktail appetizer and the Caesar Side Salad.the Hahn Chardonnay was very good. My husband truly enjoyed all the flavors of the Ossobuco. Their Chocolate Pot Dessert is decadent. A special and relaxing evening,
Charlene M — Google review
This upscale restaurant has a large outdoor seating area with a fire pit that can accommodate large and small groups. The low country baked oysters were incredible - know there are only 5. There was a mishap with our waitress going home and a different waiter, Chris, saved the day. The steak and green beans were cooked well. We were surprised with a delicious cheesecake at the end of our dinner.
Rachel L — Google review
Choosing four stars because our food either had too much salt on it or too much pepper. I feel like crab soup is an easy dish to make, but somehow it was messed up here with flavoring and I wasn’t able to finish it. The best thing we tried (and we ate a lot) was the steak tartare. So good! On another positive note, our waiter and bar tender were extremely attentive and nice! I’d go back for an appetizer and drink at the bar as it has a nice ambiance to it.
Katie F — Google review
Beautiful interior and incredible menu. I thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp and grits and had creme brulee for dessert. Definitely will be going back to try more items on the menu.
Chris B — Google review
Love this place! It is upscale but not stuffy. Th outdoor patio is gorgeous and the indoor space is airy and welcoming. The bartenders are first rate and the food is outstanding. Definitely the best overall dining experience in Beaufort!
Sarah — Google review
Usually love Saltus. My go-to for a nice night out. But lately the service has been terrible. Twice in the last month, the bar service has been awful. I didn't leave a review the first time because we can all have an off day. But the second time was just too much. I ordered a glass of wine while I was perusing the menu. The bartender asked me if I would be ordering food. I guess asking for the food menu wasn't a clue. I replied that yes, I would. Normally, I order the sushi, which is always excellent. But it being Easter, I was looking to order an entree. He attended those around me and then didn't come back. I was almost through my glass of wine, and he came back attended to those around me as I waited patiently for my turn. He again disappeared and didn't come back. He returned to the couple of the corner of the bar and entered a conversation with them. I sat at the bar for almost 40 minutes, and not once was I asked for my order! Not even another glass of wine! The woman next to me, who told me she was dating someone in the kitchen, who also arrived after me, had two drinks and a food order! I tried saying excuse me multiple times, to which he'd say, "I'll be right with you". I paid for my wine, and took my business elsewhere. In a town where there are many choices, I was greatly disappointed to lose one of my favorites.
Sue C — Google review
This is a must-go in Beaufort. We were at Old Bull Tavern and the waitress and host recommended Saltus for our next stop. The atmosphere is loud, fast paced and inviting in the best way. We sat at the counter and got to watch the sushi chefs create the most beautiful rolls. One of the sushi chefs offered to do a Chef Special roll which turned out to be one of the most decadent, flavorful sushi rolls I’ve ever had. It had homemade chili crisp oil and wasabi tobiko. The tuna nachos are the best I’ve ever had. The seaweed salad and thick pieces of ahi tuna had our group raving about Saltus all the way home. We’ll be back!
Hannah W — Google review
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