The communities that make up Georgia’s Golden Isles are a treasure trove of coastal culinary treasures – especially those of the edible variety. From upscale eateries to unassuming island shacks, the barrier islands of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island host an array of tantalizing treats and the freshest seafood around.
It’s no wonder that the region known for tasty events like the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival and the Saint Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast would also be home to the most innovative coastal menus and extravagant island landscapes.
St. Simons Island, the largest of the Golden Isles cluster, is the ideal place to find the best of Southern Georgia’s coastal cuisine. Those in the know love to pay a visit to St. Simons Seafood – a fresh seafood market dedicated to fresh, top quality seafood.
What’s even better than eating seafood at the beach? Eating seafood at the beach from one of St. Simon’s waterfront restaurants.
The market also offers prepared seafood dishes to go, that you can cook and serve in the comfort of your vacation rental, such as crab cakes, devil crab,crab au gratin, cooked shrimp, smoked salmon, creole sauce crab quiche, seafood soups, and Georgia white shrimp. When the time comes to let someone else do the cooking, check out these top seafood restaurants on St. Simons Island.
Barbara Jean’s
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214 Mallery Street, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 291-4300 • http://www.barbarajeans.com/
Barbara Jean’s is a family run restaurant opened in 1998. Specializing in seafood and from-scratch southern favorites, this homey eatery is best known for its legendary crab cakes, but don’t overlook the She Crab Soup, the “Chocolate Stuff” dessert, and the famous homemade Barbara Jean’s breads.
Bennie’s Red Barn
5514 Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 638-2844 • http://www.benniesredbarn.com/
Longstanding Golden Isles tradition housed in a classic rustic barn. Serving steaks, seafood, pasta, and Southern Sunday Brunch, this is the oldest privately owned restaurant on the island. Fresh, local seafood is supplied daily. Adjacent to the Barn, The Club @ Bennie’s is an indoor/outdoor establishment offering cocktails and good times.
Bonefish Grill
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202 Retreat Village, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 634-0246 • https://www.bonefishgrill.com/
Modern, popular chain restaurant launched in Florida in 2000, centered around innovative seafood dishes. Menu highlights include seasonal fresh fish, and the signature Bang Bang Shrimp. Serving dinner, lunch, and brunch in a high energy, family-friendly environment.
Catch 228
228 Redfern Village #100, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 634-6228 • https://www.facebook.com/Catch228/
Soak up the casual island vibes while feasting on fresh seafood classics and shellfish favorites like crab legs, and crab cakes. Menu highlights include raw, steamed, and baked oysters – offered on special for only 75 cents each from 4-6 PM daily. The great food is only topped by the friendly service. Full bar on-site featuring live music!
Coastal Kitchen
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102 Marina Drive, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 638-7790 • https://www.coastalkitchenssi.com/
Casual waterfront eatery overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Simons Sound. Features a unique, fresh surf ‘n’ turf menu, raw bar, and live music. Coastal Kitchen holds claim to being St. Simons Island’s only “dock to table” restaurant. You can even bring your own catches for cleaning and cooking! Brunch is offered on Saturdays and Sundays, accompanied by live entertainment.
The Crab Trap
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1209 Ocean Blvd, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 638-3552 • https://www.crabtrapssi.com/
Unassuming canteen and bar beloved by locals and tourists alike for more than 35 years. Serving up locally-sourced shrimp, scallops, oysters, and fish alongside coastal comfort favorites like battered fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, and cheese grits – as well as world-famous crab soup. The full bar boasts specialty margaritas and the famous “Blue Crab” cocktail.
Crabdaddy’s Seafood Grill
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1217 Ocean Blvd, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 634-1120 • https://www.crabdaddysgrill.com/
Savor the catch-of-the-day, blackened, grilled, and fried at this longstanding St. Simons Island favorite. Named Elegant Island Living’s Best Dinner, Desserts, Seafood, Place to Take Visitors, and Best Overall Restaurant in 2019, as selected by readers. Crabdaddy’s is famous for their spicy shrimp and grits and fresh catches with signature cream sauces.
Delaney’s Bistro
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3415 Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 638-1330 • https://delaneysbistro.com/
New American bistro offering local seafood, prime steaks, and an enticing tapas menu for more than 20 years. The rotating menu features 15-17 specials conceived by Executive Chef Tom Delaney based on locally-sourced ingredients, but you can always count on the famous sauteed crab cakes and peppered shrimp! Menu items pair well with an extensive wine menu and innovative craft cocktails.
ECHO St. Simons
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101 Downing Street, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 268-5967 • https://www.echostsimons.com/
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort serves classic coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere at ECHO St. Simons. Bask in sweeping views from both indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The original menu focuses on locally-sourced, seasonal dishes like shrimp and grits, and fried green tomato napoleon.
Frederica House Restaurant
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3611 Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 638-6789 • http://fredericahouse.com/
Delight in the modern-rustic of this log cabin eatery, featuring upscale American fare and high quality seafood straight from the Georgia coast. Menu highlights include king crab, scallops, oysters, and fresh, hand cut steaks. Early-bird and happy hour specials nightly!
Georgia Sea Grill
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407 Mallery Street, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 638-1197 • https://georgiaseagrill.com/
The Georgia Sea Grill is a locally-owned casual-fine dining eatery and wine bar in Pier Village specializing in fresh seafood and innovative, seasonal dishes. Nightly piano music and specials featuring $5 appetizers and discounted drinks.
Gnat’s Landing
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310 Redfern Village, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 638-7378 • http://www.gnatslanding.com/
A “Flip-Flop Friendly” environment serving up seafood platters, sandwiches, and more in casual island style with live music and a full bar. Standout options craved by locals and tourists alike include their famous fried pickles, and the “$8,000 Margarita” (and no – that’s not the price tag, but the estimated amount the original owner spent in researching and sourcing the perfect margarita). Live music most Sunday nights!
The Half Shell
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504 Beachview Drive, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 268-4241 • http://thehalfshellssi.com/sample-page/
Local hot spot on the Village Pier serving up contemporary American-coastal cuisine amid a casual, nautical atmosphere. Patio seating is available to take in the salty sea air. Menu highlights include the crab cake BLT, and BBQ shrimp and grits.
Halyards Restaurant
55 Cinema Lane, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 638-9100 • https://halyardsrestaurant.com/
Innovative American fare in an elevated-casual grill with an outdoor lounge showcasing local fish and produce, paired with an extensive wine and cocktail list. From-scratch, seasonal menus. Sister restaurant, Tramici, is just next door, offering brick-oven pizzas and pasta as well as seafood staples like mussels, salmon, and lobster rolls.
Iguanas Seafood Restaurant
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303 Mallery Street, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 638-9650 • http://www.iguanasseafood.com/
Rustic nautical canteen in the Pier Village with open-air seating. Specializing in Wild Georgia fried shrimp harvested right off the coast and hand prepared fried, blackened, or broiled. Voted Best Fried Shrimp by Elegant Island Living readers from 2013 through 2017. Don’t forget to sweeten up your visit with a bowl or cone of complimentary soft serve ice cream!
Mullet Bay Restaurant
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512 Ocean Blvd, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 634-9977 • http://www.mulletbayrestaurant.com/
For a casual, intimate dining experience with a strong side of island vibes, head to Mullet Bay! Outdoor seating available on a spacious open-air deck with covered patio. Daily specials, refreshing cocktails, and the finest fish tacos around.
The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge
935 Beachview Drive, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 • (912) 291-4300
Kick back and enjoy traditional coastal cuisine with a Southern twist, complimented by stunning Atlantic Ocean views on the rooftop of the Ocean Lodge. Offering a full bar and small plates in the most breathtaking setting on the island.
