From a Lowcountry shrimp boil to fresh oysters to she-crab soup, a visit to the Charleston coast isn’t complete without enjoying a spectacular seafood dinner. It’s no surprise Isle of Palms has an array of restaurants offering seafood harvested from local waters.
Locals and visitors flock to Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, a longstanding favorite for fresh seafood and a beer selection to complement each dish. Acme Lowcountry Kitchen serves brunch, lunch, and dinner in a casual, chic setting. Enjoy a seafood omelet, shrimp and grits, or delicious crab cakes.
One of the newest seafood spot on the island is Islander 71 Fish House & Deck Bar. Opened in May 2022, Islander 71 is a nod to the easy-going, laid-back lifestyle found on Isle of Palms in the 1970s. The restaurant, located in the former Morgan Creek Grill location, serves casual Southern seafood and cold drinks. What more could you ask?
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet prepares choices of fresh shrimp, scallops, Mahi Mahi, swordfish, salmon and Ahi tuna, prepared grilled, blackened or pan seared. Choose your sauce. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, which offers a scenic waterfront view.
Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill at the Isle of Palms Marina boasts some of the best seafood and killer views in a casual yet refined dining space. Order the soft-shell crab sandwich, which isn’t on the menu but is available in season. Start with their cold crab dip, made with fresh claw meat. You can’t go wrong with the Atlantic grouper and shrimp dinner. Coconut Joe's is the spot to order a frozen concoction with your meal.
Long Island Cafe serves a traditional creamy and rich she-crab soup, local flounder, jumbo lump crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and other favorites. Don’t let the strip mall setting fool you. Long Island Cafe has been a staple for locals and tourists since it opened more than 30 years ago. A new owner in 2012 inspired a new iteration of island classics.
Even the name of Italian restaurant Coda del Pesce, translated to “tail of the fish,” shows the influence of the ocean on its menu. Located on the main street of Front Beach, the restaurant offers an impressive backdrop, and most every dish on the menu features fresh, locally sourced, or sustainably caught seafood.
Small Bites: The menu at Smugglers Island Eats & Rum Shack includes a half-pound of chilled peel ’n eat shrimp, fried seafood baskets and a smash burger that is the bomb. And, of course, plenty of rum drinks. Smugglers is a walk-up to order spot that's perfect for people-watching and chilling with a cold drink.
Bonus: They make the fish tacos at Poe’s Tavern on Sullivan’s Island with citrus marinated Mahi Mahi, spiced Yellowfin tuna, Buffalo shrimp and the local market fresh catch. This relaxed watering hole offers a menu of American grub in a spot devoted to author Edgar Allan Poe.