Kiawah Island is only 25 miles south of Charleston and has all the best aspects of a great vacation: beaches, spas, golf, and most importantly delicious food. While it may be a small island, there is no shortage of amazing food to keep you satisfied during every meal. Here’s a few of the can’t-miss options.
1. California Roll at the Sushi Lounge
Photo by Perry Eisemann
While the California Roll is the most basic thing on any sushi menu, I promise the freshness of the ingredients at the Sushi Lounge will outdo any authentic Japanese restaurant.
2. Lobster Mac & Cheese from The Ocean Room
Photo courtesy of @kitaugust on Instagram
This decadent dish is the definition of soul food and will definitely refuel you after a long day of golfing or biking around the island.
3. Ribs from Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House
Photo courtesy of Cherrywood BBQ
The ribs at Cherrywood are so tender and juicy. The sides are incredible too, so make sure to get a couple orders of the four cheese mac and the onion rings.
4. Fig Pizza from La Tele Pizzeria
Photo courtesy of @xo.rachelpitzel on Instagram
The fig and the prosciutto provide the perfect sweet and salty mix that it’s almost impossible to not eat the whole pie.
5. Spiked Hot Chocolate from Tom’s Bar
Photo by Perry Eisemann
This spiked Hot Chocolate will warm your insides no matter how cold the Island gets. The bartenders even spike the whipped cream and make it homemade each day, so all the ingredients are fresh.
6. Short Ribs from Voysey’s
Photo courtesy of @tastezings on Instagram
Topped with a poached egg and served with a warm, buttery biscuit, your breakfast will be the envy of everyone at the table.
7. Kiawah Chicken Salad Sandwich from Tides
Photo courtesy of @stayhungry101 on Instagram
This chicken salad sandwich has the perfect amount of crunch with grapes, pecans, apple and bibb lettuce mixed in with the chicken. They use just the right amount of mayo, and it’s all served on a flaky croissant.
8. Shrimp & Grits from Jasmine’s Porch
Photo courtesy of @corksandforksbrunch
You can’t vacation in South Carolina without trying this classic southern dish, and Jasmine’s Porch is the best place to get it.
8. Jumbo Lump Crab from The River Room
Photo courtesy of @eattastedine on Instagram
This dish comes off the Wellness menu, but there is so much flavor you can’t even tell it’s less than 250 calories. The mixture of fresh crab, vine ripened tomatoes and avocado, with a splash of lemon vinaigrette, makes my mouth water every time I order it.
9. Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast from Ryder Cup Bar
Photo courtesy of @bakemore on Instagram
This french toast is Cinnamon Toast Crunch encrusted and served with Vermont maple syrup. Your sweet tooth will definitely be satisfied for days.
10. Cheeseburger from Hege’s
Photo courtesy of @gothamburgersocial on Instagram
Hege’s has all-American food, and it doesn’t get any better than their juicy burger.
#SpoonTip: Add sautéed onions for extra deliciousness.
11. Low Country Cuban from Southern Kitchen
Photo courtesy of @jfrederick_las_vegas on Instagram
Packed will pickled okra, braised pork belly, eggs over easy, swiss cheese, ham and all loaded on to jalopeno corn bread, how can you say no?
12. Grilled Fish Tacos from The Night Heron Grill
Photo courtesy of @toopreciousforprocessed on Instagram
These grilled fish tacos are the perfect refreshing treat to eat poolside.
13. Chicken Tenders from Vincent’s Drug Store
Photo courtesy of @burrrsolo1017 on Instagram
The tenders from Vincent’s are a classic, fried to order, and you can even pick up the sunscreen you forgot to pack while you’re there.
14. Mango Lava Flow from Loggerhead Grill
Photo courtesy of @alice_mason1987 on Instagram
The mango lava flow is so unbelievably refreshing to drink by the pool or by the beach, especially when the Kiawah humidity gets intense.
15. Gnocchi from Tomasso
Photo courtesy of @mischi_maus on Instagram
Mixed with jumbo lump crab and smothered in white wine sauce, this gnocchi will rival that of any Italian grandmother.
16. Fried Chicken from The Market
Photo courtesy of @amy_eataround on Instagram
It may seem weird to buy food from a gas station store, but this is some of the best fried chicken you will ever experience.
17. Duck Rolls from The River Room
Photo courtesy of @ausbillyeats on Instagram
These fried nuggets are some of the best things you will ever put in your mouth. Period.
Honorable Mentions: Super Seven Salad from the River Room, Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches from Tom’s Bar, Green Tomato Appetizer from Tides, and the Bread Basket from the Ocean Room (you’ll thank me later).
#SpoonTip: If you’re looking to take a day trip into Charleston from Kiawah check out this eating guide: 27 Things You Need to Eat in Charleston Before You Die