French Restaurants in Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head has three French restaurants for dinner, two on New Orleans Road on the south end and one on the water at Shelter Cove.
French bistros for dinner
French bakeries and cafés
A European menu with French dishes
About this list
Every French restaurant in Hilton Head is small and independent, and there are three of them for dinner. Chez Georges is the classic bistro, with steak frites, beef bourguignon, mussels and a sommelier on the floor. Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte, down the same road, writes its menu by hand each day around the fish that came in, cooked with a French and Lowcountry touch. Bistro 17 is the one on the water, with a terrace over the Shelter Cove marina.
All three take reservations, and in season it is worth booking. Charlie’s is closed on Sunday, and Chez Georges serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For breakfast and lunch the French cooking moves to the bakeries: crepes and quiche at The French Bakery, croissants and tarts at Hilton Head Social Bakery, and Paris Baguette on the north end. See Hilton Head bakeries for the rest.
Kenny B’s French Quarter Cafe, a Cajun spot rather than a French one, has closed. Alfred’s, on William Hilton Parkway, is German at heart but puts French and continental dishes on its menu.
More ways to choose where to eat
Hilton Head Island bakery guide: French croissants and tarts, a Mexican bakery, a gluten-free bakery, donuts and cookies, with hours and where each is.
Sunday brunch Hilton Head Island: restaurants serving brunch, with hours, what to order and which ones take reservations. Weekend brunch too.
Upscale casual dining on Hilton Head Island: celebration dinners, bistros and harbor views, with what each restaurant is known for and how to book.
The best restaurants in Hilton Head Island, sorted by dinner, lunch and breakfast, with the area, phone number and reservation link for every listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best French restaurant in Hilton Head?
Chez Georges and Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte both hold a 4.7 on Google. Pick Chez Georges for classic bistro dishes and Sunday brunch, Charlie’s for fresh fish, and Bistro 17 for a table on the water.
How many French restaurants are on Hilton Head Island?
Three for dinner: Chez Georges, Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte and Bistro 17. The French Bakery, Hilton Head Social Bakery and Paris Baguette cover breakfast and lunch.
Do Hilton Head’s French restaurants take reservations?
Yes. Chez Georges and Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte book on OpenTable or by phone, and Bistro 17 books through its own site. The bakeries are walk-in.
Where can I get crepes on Hilton Head?
The French Bakery at Shelter Cove serves sweet and savory crepes every morning, Bistro 17 has crêpes at lunch, and Chez Georges’ crepes turn up on reviewers’ lists of favorites.
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