Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana is at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza, and it is Hilton Head Island’s dressy Italian dinner. The dining room has white tablecloths and warm walls, and the kitchen makes its pasta and desserts fresh every day. It opened in 2002, and the restaurant describes itself as sophisticated but approachable. Most people come for an anniversary or a night out, though the room is comfortable rather than stuffy.

Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana is open for dinner. The menu centers on Italian food, with fine-dining prices.

Antipasti

Antipasti della CasaSmall $26 · Large $52
Antipasti board of artisan meats and cheeses accompanied by house made mostarda
Caprese$19
Sliced heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, basil infused extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic glaze
Prosciutto$22
Thinly sliced prosciutto with roasted red peppers, burrata, arugula, olive oil and aged balsamic, served with toast points
Insalata di Barbabietole con Cipolle, Rucola e Caprino$16.50
Fresh red beet salad with balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and fresh mint, garnished with red onion, sliced oranges and arugula, topped with goat cheese
Insalata con Gorgonzola, Pera e Pignoli$17.50
Artisan blend lettuce, red wine poached pear, whipped gorgonzola and mascarpone, pine nuts and balsamic vinaigrette
Insalata Cesare$15.75
Hearts of romaine with classic Caesar dressing, Parmigiano frico, cracked pepper and anchovies
Profiteroles Salati$24
Hand made savory Italian crème puffs filled with smoked salmon, mascarpone, capers, red onion, pickled cucumber and dill with a balsamic drizzle
Carpaccio di Manzo$20
Thinly sliced raw Wagyu beef dressed with arugula, aioli and shaved Parmigiano
Raviolo al’ Uovo con Confit d’Anatra$19
Raviolo of duck confit, ricotta, Parmigiano cheese, egg yolk and wild mushrooms with a brown butter sauce
Cozze alla Marinara$22
Fresh mussels sautéed with tomato sauce, shallots, white wine, garlic, cherry tomatoes and arugula, served with toast points
Zuppa del Giorno$13.25
Seasonal soup of the day

What to Order at Michael Anthony’s

Fresh-made pasta is the draw. Reviewers keep naming the lasagna, the clam linguine, veal and seafood dishes, and the tiramisu, and profiteroles with smoked salmon turned up as a fun starter. Servers get praised for wine and dish suggestions, such as a splash of balsamic on the lasagna, and one reviewer had a gluten-free entrée built for her. The menu button above opens the dinner menu.

Reservations, Cooking Classes and Private Events

The restaurant strongly recommends reserving, and you can book online through OpenTable or by phone at (843) 785-6272. Parties of more than six need to call. Dinner runs Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. and the restaurant is closed on Sunday. Michael Anthony’s also holds cooking classes, both public classes and private ones for your own group, and hosts private events in the restaurant or caters them off-site.

The Market Cafe Next Door

The Market Cafe is Michael Anthony’s casual Italian restaurant and market, right next door in Orleans Plaza. It opened in 2021 and sells pasta, sauces and Italian pantry goods to take home. It is open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday:

Breakfast grab-and-go from 8 a.m.
Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Happy hour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Dinner from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Market Cafe dining room, with red-checked tablecloths and a wall of stacked wine barrels

Shelves of Italian pasta, sauces and pantry goods in the market at The Market Cafe

Getting There

Michael Anthony’s is at 37 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island. More places to eat are on the Hilton Head restaurants page, and the Hilton Head dining guide sorts them by meal and style.

What diners say

Guests describe Michael Anthony’s as authentic Italian cooking at its best, with fresh pasta, lasagna and tiramisu that people plan return trips around. Servers are knowledgeable and attentive, and they give good wine and pairing advice. The room feels upscale and romantic, and diners say the prices are fair for the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated November 2026

Does Michael Anthony’s take reservations?

Yes, and the restaurant strongly recommends them. Book online through OpenTable or call (843) 785-6272. Parties larger than six need to call.

What days is Michael Anthony’s open?

Dinner is served Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sunday.

Is Michael Anthony’s a casual restaurant?

The dining room is dressy and romantic, and it is popular for anniversaries. The Market Cafe next door is the casual option, with grab-and-go breakfast from 8 a.m., lunch, happy hour and dinner Monday to Saturday.

When did Michael Anthony’s open?

In 2002. The Market Cafe, its casual Italian restaurant and market next door, opened in 2021.

Does the Market Cafe serve breakfast and lunch?

Yes, Monday to Saturday: grab-and-go breakfast from 8 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., happy hour 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and dinner 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Does Michael Anthony’s offer cooking classes or private events?

Yes. It holds public and private cooking classes, and hosts private events at the restaurant or caters them off-site. Call (843) 785-6272.

What is Michael Anthony’s known for?

Fresh pasta made in house, lasagna, veal and seafood dishes and tiramisu, along with attentive service and wine recommendations.

What are the hours at Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana?

Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Sunday. Call (843) 785-6272 to check holiday and off-season hours.

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Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana