We Invite Y'All to Dig Into the New Food Scene in Myrtle Beach
Photo: Crooked Hammock Restaurant, Myrtle Beach
Throughout the last decade a culinary revival has been flourishing throughout the Myrtle Beach area. From large restaurants to locally owned gems – an endless variety of culinary delights, world-class chefs, elevated menus, international flavors and the freshest, farm-to-table/sea-to-table ingredients.
The culinary growth has been spurred, in part, to the talent graduating from the local International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach at Horry Georgetown Technical College
Myrtle Beach offers an unparalleled array of gastronomic delights where every dish is served with a helping of southern hospitality. Traditional recipes in the Myrtle Beach region are steeped in rich cultural history and handed down from the local Gullah community. Most Gullah foods are grilled, roasted or stewed and served with rice—the heart of Gullah dishes.
Dine amongst stunning waterfront views, beautiful inlets, bays and laid-back restaurants making Myrtle Beach the perfect destination to enjoy. Indulge in the ultimate seafood experience in Murrells Inlet, where the journey from sea to table is a celebrated tradition. Murrells Inlet, a waterfront fishing village on the south end of the Grand Strand, is South Carolina's seafood capital - with one of the richest histories in the state. Witness local fishermen bringing in their daily catch and dine on freshly prepared seafood dishes that showcase the bounty of the Atlantic Ocean in its purest form.
For the Beer Lovers the Myrtle Beach Beer Trail will take you on a tour of the area's best local breweries, brewpubs and craft brew experiences. As visitors sample their way across 10 breweries, they’ll not only get a taste of some of the best beverages The Beach has to offer, but also a taste for what makes The Beach such a unique place to visit — complete with amazing food, fun atmospheres and colorful personalities.
Experience why the culinary scene demands attention now more than ever and what sets it apart from regional culinary cities.
To make it easier for you decide where to start we’ve come up with a list of 20 restaurants to try during your next stay in Myrtle Beach based on reviews, personal recommendations and popularity.
Photo: Big Chill Island House Restaurant, Myrtle Beach
To make it easier for you decide where to start we’ve come up with a list of 20 restaurants to try during your next stay in Myrtle Beach based on reviews, personal recommendations and popularity.
1. Wicked Tuna @ 2nd Avenue Pier
Wicked Tuna took over the restaurant atop the Second Avenue Pier and has been serving the freshest seafood and sushi to happy customers ever since. Enjoy selections like Catch of the Day Piccata, Inlet Alfredo and Crab Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp just to name a few.
2. Hook & Barrel
Hook and Barrel prides itself on serving sustainable seafood and fresh, local produce. Take a seat at the bar and watch as it’s all prepared right down from the carefully shucked oysters to the enormous seafood tower. As they like to say, “one nibble and you’ll be hooked.”
Photo: Hook & Barrel
3. Sea Captain’s House
Sea Captain’s House is as close to a local legend as you can get and it’s famous to both visitors and locals. They offer fresh seafood, daily specials, oceanfront views from every table and a rich history of Myrtle Beach in their beach house setting.
Photo: Sea Captains Restaurant, Myrtle Beach
4. Big Mike’s Soul Food
Big Mike’s may not be what you’d consider fine dining, but the good eats here are hard to top! This meat and two sides-style restaurant is tucked away on a side street and serves up tasty southern food that’s out of this world. Try some of the best fried chicken or fish in town today.
5. The Cypress Room
Located inside Island Vista Resort, The Cypress Room has been under the careful hands of Chef Michael McKinnon for quite some time. Expect dishes like Citrus Crusted Grouper, Colorado Lamb Duo, Low Country Bouillabaise and a Cypress Seafood Trio with fresh, local fish.
6. 42nd Street Bar & Grill
42nd Street Bar and Grill may be a new kid on the block, but their unique offerings have already impressed locals and visitors according to the rave reviews online. Check out offerings like a Sweet Pepper Kabob with Filet Mignon, Beets Tartar, Pan Seared Snapper with Quinoa and Beef and Mushroom Wellington.
7. Aspen Grille
Owner Roland Sciotto is proud to serve only the top USDA prime steaks at Aspen Grille with the restaurant’s fresh Carolina cuisine. Try their Fried Gulf Oysters, Panko Crusted NC Mountatin Trout or the Crispy Long Island Duck Breast cooked to perfection.
Photo: Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, Myrtle Beach
8. Café Old Vienna
Café Old Vienna has been around the beach for more than 20 years serving authentic German and Austrian food. Check out their Beergarten for happy hour or dine on traditional potato pancakes, spaetzle, almost any kind of Schnitzel you can imagine, sausages, fish dishes and more.
9. Ciao Italian
Ciao Italian is a quaint Italian upscale bistro-style restaurant in the Pine Lakes section of Myrtle Beach. Their authentic cuisine includes traditional veal, chicken and eggplant dishes as well as spinach and walnut ravioli, Grouper Fancaise and Oysters Ciao style baked with carmelized onions, prosciutto and a parmesan sauce.
10. Drift Eatery
Drift – A Coastal Eatery – has quickly become one of the hottest brunch spots in all of Myrtle Beach. You’ll find a huge assortment of Eggs Benedicts, coffees, scramblers, brunch cocktails, lighter fare, sweet pastries and signature omelets among other brunch classics on the menu.
11. Fire & Smoke Gastrohub
This cozy gastropub is nestled in a shopping plaza on the northern avenues in Myrtle Beach and changes their menu seasonally to serve only the freshest ingredients. Unique menu items include Foie Gras, a Deconstructed Oyster Po Boy, Mountain River Elk Chops and a Lobster Pot with fresh shrimp and clams in a broth in a cast iron pot.
12. Johnny D's
Johnny D’s is headed by Chef Jamie Daskalis whose created some of the tastiest pastries, breakfast and lunch treats on the Grand Strand. You’ll need to plan more than one visit to tackle the menu that includes sweet and savory Belgian waffles, a dozen specialty omelettes and sizzling hot skillets with eggs, corned beef hash and anything else you can dream of.
13. The Library
Plan the perfect evening out at this delightfully formal restaurant in Myrtle Beach – a date night staple since 1974. Enjoy a Caesar salad prepared tableside followed by Duck L’Orange, Filet au Poivre or Twin Lobster Tails washed down with Bananas Foster (also prepared tableside).
14. The Melting Pot
Experience a dinner like no other at the top-rated Melting Pot in Myrtle Beach! Pick your favorite cheese fondue, entrees and chocolate concoctions and dip to your heart’s delight as you sip on one of their award-winning wine selections or hand-crafted cocktails. Reservations are highly suggested!
15. New York Prime
New York Prime is a premier a la carte steakhouse in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Each steak is aged 28 days and prepared “Pittsburgh-style” and served with family sized side dishes like creamed spinach and onion rings. Make your own seafood tower or try the thick cut sizzling bacon as a starter.
16. River City Cafe
Voted “Best Burger on the Grand Strand” for more years than we can count, River City Café is a must try when you’re visiting Myrtle Beach! Their world-famous burgers come topped with everything from pineapple and hickory smoked bacon to fried mac and cheese and Doritos.
17. Simply Southern Smokehouse
Grab a plate and load it up with your favorite Southern comfort foods at Simply Southern Smokehouse. They serve up daily specials like fried pork chops and hamburger and gravy plus classics like Chicken Bog, fried chicken, sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, collards and so much more.
18. Sole Italian Restaurant
This popular Italian restaurant in Myrtle Beach started off on the ground floor of an oceanfront hotel and now has its own spot along Kings Highway. Expect great, authentic Italian classics like Eggplant Rollatini, crabmeat stuffed mushrooms, Veal Marsala, Lasagna Tradizonale and a 12-ounce Ribeye over risotto.
19. Sun City Cafe
Myrtle-Mex at its best. Sun City Café opened its doors in 2001 and has quickly become a go to for locals in the area and a Myrtle Beach favorite. Many people have enjoyed their unique approach to delicious food which is referred to as 'Myrtle-Mex'. Sun City café is famous for its margaritas! The bar offers cerveza (beer) and mix drinks in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Salsa is prepared daily and gluten-free chips are made with yellow corn tortillas!
20. Villa Romana Italian Restaurant
You’re part of the family once you enter the doors of Villa Romana Italian Restaurant in Myrtle Beach! The chefs prepare fine Italian cuisine right in house with options like Stuffed Zuchinni a la Bolognese, Veal Saltimbocca (a house favorite), Salmon a la Vodka and hand rolled gnocchi with tomato or meat sauce.
