Mangia!
Italian dining culture is more than checkered tablecloths and wine bottles covered in candle wax. Visiting a true Italian eatery can give you a chance to really get into the food, as well as learn about Italian society through it!
1. Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana
Michael Anthony’s, celebrating 20 years as Hilton Head’s premier culinary destination, presents a truly moveable feast. They offer fine dining, a casual cafe and trattoria, a cooking school and an Italian specialty shop.
- Orleans Plaza, 37 New Orleans Rd.
- (843) 785-6272
TripAdvisor Review:
“Great food, great fun”
2. Flora’s Italian Cafe
Enjoy your meal in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with the feeling of being in an intimate cafe. Coupled with an excellent menu and an extensive selection of wines, you will leave with a sensational dining experience. Truly one of Hilton Heads best kept secrets!
- South Island Square, 841 William Hilton Pkwy.
- (843) 842-8200
TripAdvisor Reviews:
“Fantastic Italian restaurant”
“Great food”
3. Pomodori
Inspired by Chef Amanda’s southern Italian culinary training in Calabria, Pomodori serves traditional Italian food. Pomodori is an all-occasion restaurant where everyone will find something they crave. There’s house-made gnocchi and tagliatelle, sausages and delicate sauces, ultra-fresh seafood and salads and extraordinary olive oil. Reservation requests recommended 2-3 weeks in advance.
- 1 New Orleans Rd.
- (843) 686-3100
TripAdvisor Review:
“Great Food Homemade Pasta”
4. Ombra Cucina Italiana
Executive Chef Michael Cirafesi now brings one of the area’s most acclaimed Italian restaurant and bar, OMBRA Cucina Italiana. Since opening, OMBRA has quickly become a local favorite and top rated restaurant destination for its regional Italian cooking, contemporary style, and true to the Italian culinary traditions.
- Village at Wexford, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy., G #2
- (843) 842.5505
TripAdvisor Reviews:
“Absolutely delicious Italian food!”
“Always wonderful food and service”
5. Gusto Ristorante
The executive chef and owner Giancarlo Balestra with his wife Nancy bring the vibrant flavors of his native hometown of Rome, Italy to Hilton Head. The couple fell in love with Hilton Head while visiting the island serendipitously at the moment the former 843 restaurant location became available. They decided to jump into this new exciting culinary adventure, hence the name Gusto, which means flavor and taste but also means a zest of enthusiasm for a delicious taste of life.
- Sea Turtle Marketplace, 430 William Hilton Pkwy.
- (843) 802-2424
TripAdvisor Reviews:
“Eat Here for Real Italian!”
“Absolutely wonderful”
6. Stellini Italian Restaurant
- 15 Executive Park Rd.
- (843) 785-7006
TripAdvisor Reviews:
“We will be back”
“Stellini’s is absolutely fantastic”
7. Bella Italia
Since 1993, Bella Italia has been committed to satisfying our customers with some of the best food on Hilton Head Island and excellent customer service. Come in for authentic recipes in a warm, family friendly atmosphere.
- 95 Mathews Dr.
- (843) 689-5560
TripAdvisor Reviews:
“Kudos from Longtime HHI Residents”
“Best Pizza on the Island”