St. Simons Island is not only rich in history and culture, but the island also offers some of the best and most fresh food around. There is an assortment of delicious restaurants from American, Mexican, Italian, and even Southern cooking. You also can’t forget about the spectacular fresh seafood that almost every restaurant has to some capacity.
Enjoy a delicious meal and a beautiful ambiance while dining on the waterfront between Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Saint Simons Island. Although all of our vacation rental homes on the island offer fully stocked kitchens, you’ll want to treat yourself to a night out or two.
Here are a few of our favorite waterfront St. Simons Island restaurants.
The Half Shell
- Address: 504 Beachview Drive St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: (912) 268-4241
- Website: http://thehalfshellssi.com/
The Golden Isles are home to many wonderful restaurants, however, the Half Shell is one of the locals’ favorite seafood restaurants. Located directly on the water this eatery and raw bar allows you to enjoy a delicious meal while relaxing to the sound of the waves. They offer everything from starters to oysters, salads, entrees, sandwiches, cocktails, and desserts.
For those who are looking for a real seafood experience, this is the place for you. Specializing in everything oysters, you won’t be disappointed with their selection. This oceanfront restaurant at the pier is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious family dinner.
Iguanas
- Address: 303 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: 912-642-9190
- Website: https://iguanasseafood.com/
This seafood restaurant attracts folks with the beautiful outdoor covered patio that’s perfect for large groups. The food is perfect for the sunshine-soaked setting — think fresh shrimp, juicy oysters, and crispy calamari. Vegetarians are well catered for, too, with delights such as battered mushrooms and cheesy baked bread.
Tip: be sure to save room for dessert as Iguanas treats guests to complimentary soft-serve ice cream.
Coastal Kitchen
- Address: 102 Marina Dr. Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: (912)-638-7790
- Website: https://www.coastalkitchenssi.com/
The Coastal Kitchen Restaurant brings the best in casual southern dining and beautiful waterfront views together for one delicious meal. Coastal Kitchen serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour every day. They have a large private area that is perfect for any event that you may need to reserve such as receptions, business parties, birthday parties, and more.
The restaurant is conveniently located in the Morningstar Marina right off the FJ Torras Causeway. Serving everything from fried seafood platters, shrimp, and grits, to delicious pasta dishes. After dinner make sure to grab some ice cream to top off your dinner.
Palmer’s Village Cafe
- Address: 223 Mallery Street, St Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: 912-634-5515
- Website: https://www.palmersvillagecafessi.com/
For a perfect start to your day or a hearty lunchtime stop-off, head to Palmer’s Village Cafe. This popular spot is packed most days with tourists and locals alike who flock here for relaxed Southern fare and equally charming Southern-style hospitality.
For breakfast, why not sample some wild Georgia shrimp in the signature omelet with house-made tasso and herbed cheese? If you prefer to start your day with a sweet treat, the crispy French toast with mascarpone and honey will hit the spot. Lunch delights include fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches that can be ordered for takeout if you’d prefer to eat at your vacation rental.
The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge
- Address: 935 Beachview Dr. St. Simons, GA 31522
- Phone: (912) 291-4300
- Website: https://oceanlodgeresort.com/
The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge is casual island dining with a stunning ocean view. It is located on the 5th floor, creating a dining experience unlike any other. They offer romantic dinners under the stars, or cocktails with a group of friends or co-workers. The rooftop will quickly become one of your favorite restaurants on St. Simons Island for its wonderful outdoor seating.
Their menu offers a little bit of everything from burgers to pasta and seafood. Watch the sunset as you enjoy a lovely filet mignon dinner and outdoor dining experience. The rooftop has great food and a great atmosphere.
Barbara Jean’s
- Address: 214 Mallery Street, St Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: 912-634-6500
- Website: https://www.barbarajeans.com/
Barbara Jean opened their first restaurant on St. Simons Island in 1998 and the family-owned business has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Hearty appetizers include cheese fries, chicken fingers, and coconut shrimp, but be careful not to fill up because the huge menu of entrees is the real star of the show. Try the hand-battered catfish or for vegetarians, the squash casserole is a winner.
ECHO St. Simons
- Address: 101 Downing Street St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: 912-268-5967
- Website: https://www.echostsimons.com
Located inside The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort; ECHO serves classic coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere on the water in St. Simons Island. ECHO is the only detached restaurant that is oceanfront on the island. From their craft beer to their delicious wine, there is something here that everyone in the family likes.
Sit right in front of the ocean or sit in the dining room for larger parties, ECHO can accommodate all of your dining needs as you stare out into the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant has a long-standing relationship with coastal farmers and purveyors that have helped create a one-of-a-kind menu of seasonal favorites. Come in and enjoy live music while trying out the delicious crab cakes, grouper, scallops, a classic bowl of Brunswick stew, or their famous Georgia shrimp tacos.
Brogen’s
- Address: 200 Pier Aly, St Simons Island, GA 31522
- Phone: 912-638-1660
- Website: https://www.brogens.com/brogens-south/
Brogen’s is a bar and restaurant with heaps of personality and flavor, and the owners claim that a visit to their establishment is a rite of passage for visitors to SSI.
The burgers are the main draw of this popular establishment — try the Kokomo with thinly sliced ham, cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce piled high on an 8oz beef burger. It’s delicious! For a lighter bite, try their fresh Cobb salad or grab a selection of appetizers to split among your party.
There’s also a second branch further north on Frederica Road.
There’s Something for Every Appetite in SSI
There are many delicious restaurants in St. Simons Island as well as in Brunswick and Pier Village. Some of our other favorite spots that are not on the water are Cafe Frederica, Del Sur, and Georgia Sea Grill. From casual dining to fine dining. St Simons Island has the perfect restaurants to meet all of your needs. We hope to see you soon on the island.
With so many tasty delights on offer and so many beautiful beaches to explore, why not stay a while? Our waterfront vacation rentals make the perfect base to experience the best of St. Simons Island in comfort and style.
