French Restaurants in Hilton Head, SC
Chez Georges and Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte serve French dinners on New Orleans Road, and Bistro 17 is on the Shelter Cove marina.
French bistros for dinner
A classic French bistro with steak frites, oxtail onion soup, beef bourguignon and mussels, a sommelier and Sunday brunch. Dinner nightly from 4:30; book on OpenTable.
A cottage bistro with a hand-written daily menu of a dozen or more fresh fish, escargot and a big wine list. Lunch on weekdays, dinner Monday to Saturday.
A French-leaning bistro with a terrace over the Shelter Cove marina: seared scallops, duck confit and crème brûlée at dinner, crêpes and croque monsieur at lunch. Books online.
French bakeries and cafés
Crepes, omelettes, quiche and French toast in a European café since 1998, with pastries baked on site and mimosas. Breakfast and lunch; walk-in.
A French bakery from a former Taillevent pastry chef: croissants, kouign-amann, tarts and macarons, with a second shop at Shelter Cove Harbour.
French-style breads, croissants and cakes from a South Korean bakery chain, open from 7 a.m. daily.
A European menu with French dishes
German at its core, with French and continental dishes such as scallops Florentine and seafood mornay. Dinner from 5 p.m., closed Sunday; book on OpenTable.
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.
Every French restaurant and bakery on the island in one list, with ratings, phone numbers and how to reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated
What is the best French restaurant in Hilton Head?
Chez Georges and Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte are both highly rated. 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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