The Ultimate Myrtle Beach Food Guide: Restaurants Recommended by Local Food Experts
One of the best parts of any Myrtle Beach vacation is discovering the incredible local food scene. From oceanfront seafood restaurants and award-winning steakhouses to hidden neighborhood gems and unforgettable brunch spots, the Grand Strand offers hundreds of dining options.
But with so many restaurants to choose from, deciding where to eat can be overwhelming.
Rather than creating another generic “Top 10 Restaurants in Myrtle Beach” list, we researched recommendations from some of the area’s most respected food experts, travel writers, and local influencers. We combined their recommendations with our own firsthand experience and guest favorites to create this guide.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or an extended beach vacation, these restaurants deserve a place on your itinerary.
Why We Trust These Recommendations
When you’re visiting a new destination, finding great restaurants can be difficult. Instead of relying solely on Google reviews, we looked to trusted local voices that spend their time discovering and reviewing the Myrtle Beach dining scene.
Myrtle Beach Food Queen
One of Myrtle Beach’s best-known food influencers, Myrtle Beach Food Queen has built a loyal following by showcasing new restaurant openings, hidden gems, local favorites, and must-try dishes throughout the Grand Strand.
Her recommendations come from personally visiting restaurants and highlighting what makes each one unique.
If you’re looking for where the locals are eating, she’s one of the best resources available.
The Sophisticated Life
The Sophisticated Life publishes one of the area’s most comprehensive foodie guides.
Their Myrtle Beach Restaurants Guide for Foodies highlights outstanding restaurants based on food quality, atmosphere, and overall dining experience, making it an excellent planning resource before your vacation.
Southern Living
For decades, Southern Living has been one of the Southeast’s most respected travel and lifestyle publications.
When Southern Living recognizes a Myrtle Beach restaurant, it’s because it represents some of the best dining experiences the Grand Strand has to offer.
Our Approach
If multiple trusted food writers consistently recommend the same restaurant, there’s usually a good reason.
This guide combines those expert recommendations with our own local knowledge to help our guests spend less time searching and more time enjoying great meals.
Best Seafood Restaurants
Hook & Barrel
As highlighted by The Sophisticated Life, Hook & Barrel has become one of Myrtle Beach’s premier seafood restaurants.
Recommended By
- The Sophisticated Life
- Myrtle Beach Food Queen
Why You’ll Love It
- Sustainable seafood
- Beautiful coastal-inspired architecture
- Craft cocktails
- Date-night atmosphere
Sea Captain’s House
Featured by Southern Living, Sea Captain’s House has been serving Myrtle Beach visitors for more than sixty years.
Recommended By
- Southern Living
- Myrtle Beach Food Queen
Don’t Miss
- Award-winning She-Crab Soup
- Oceanfront dining
- Fresh local seafood
The Wicked Tuna
Frequently mentioned by both Myrtle Beach Food Queen and The Sophisticated Life, Wicked Tuna serves seafood sourced directly from its own fishing fleet.
Why You’ll Love It
- Waterfront marina views
- Sushi
- Fresh catch
- Sunset dining
Bimini’s Oyster Bar
A longtime local favorite known for oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, crab legs, and a relaxed beach atmosphere.
Mr. Fish
One of Myrtle Beach’s hidden seafood gems serving fresh fish, sushi, oysters, and locally sourced seafood.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants
Black Drum Brewing
Located inside Kingston Plantation, Black Drum is one of our favorite recommendations for Prista guests.
Why We Love It
- Walking distance from many Prista rentals
- Wood-fired pizza
- BBQ
- Craft beer
- Kids’ menu
River City Cafe
Award-winning burgers in a fun, casual atmosphere.
Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant
One of the Grand Strand’s most famous seafood buffets.
Carolina Roadhouse
Known for huge portions and famous croissants.
Ultimate California Pizza
Perfect for large families after a day at the beach.
Best Date Night Restaurants
Hook & Barrel
Beautiful atmosphere and exceptional seafood.
Greg Norman Australian Grille
Waterfront dining overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
Aspen Grille
Creative Southern cuisine in an intimate setting.
NY Prime
One of Myrtle Beach’s premier steakhouses.
Frank’s Restaurant
A Murrells Inlet classic featuring elegant Lowcountry dining.
Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants
River City Cafe
Fantastic burgers at affordable prices.
Dagwood’s Deli
Huge sandwiches perfect after a day on the beach.
Peaches Corner
An iconic Myrtle Beach institution serving burgers, hot dogs, and fries since 1937.
Toffino’s Italian Bakery & Deli
Excellent pizza, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.
Big Mike’s Soul Food
Outstanding Southern comfort food that’s popular with locals.
Myrtle Beach Hidden Gems
Croissants Bistro & Bakery
As recommended by The Sophisticated Life, Croissants remains one of the area’s best brunch destinations.
Drift
Frequently featured by Myrtle Beach Food Queen, Drift has become one of Myrtle Beach’s hottest breakfast spots.
Blueberry’s Grill
Creative breakfast and brunch dishes with generous portions.
Thoroughbreds Chophouse
An underrated steakhouse that many locals consider one of the area’s best.
44 & King
Creative American cuisine that’s often overlooked by visitors.
Best Waterfront Restaurants
Sea Captain’s House
Oceanfront dining with incredible Atlantic views.
The Wicked Tuna
Marina-front dining in Murrells Inlet.
Gulfstream Cafe
One of the best sunset views on the Grand Strand.
Greg Norman Australian Grille
Beautiful Intracoastal Waterway setting.
Pier 14 Restaurant
Dine directly over the Atlantic Ocean.
Dead Dog Saloon
As featured by Southern Living, Dead Dog Saloon offers live music and one of the most enjoyable dining experiences along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
Best Steakhouses
- NY Prime
- Greg Norman Australian Grille
- Thoroughbreds Chophouse
- Bistro 90
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Best Breakfast & Brunch
- Drift
- Croissants Bistro & Bakery
- Blueberry’s Grill
- Johnny D’s Waffles & Benedicts
- Sea Captain’s House
Best Places for Drinks
- Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar
- RipTydz Rooftop Bar
- Black Drum Brewing
- Tin Roof Myrtle Beach
- Dead Dog Saloon
Our Favorite Restaurants Near Kingston Plantation
One of the best things about staying with Prista Vacation Rentals is that several excellent restaurants are located within walking distance or just a few minutes away.
Our favorites include:
Black Drum Brewing
Craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and Carolina-inspired cuisine located inside Kingston Plantation.
Café Amalfi
Fresh seafood, steaks, breakfast, and Italian-inspired favorites just steps from your vacation rental.
Coastal Grill & Bar
Casual oceanfront dining overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Groupers at Apache Pier
Fresh seafood with spectacular ocean views from the East Coast’s longest wooden fishing pier.
Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar
A Myrtle Beach icon known for beachfront drinks, live music, and a fun afternoon atmosphere.
Spanky’s Pub House
A longtime local favorite just outside Kingston Plantation serving burgers, wings, sandwiches, and creative appetizers.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing recommendations from Myrtle Beach Food Queen, The Sophisticated Life, Southern Living, and other respected food experts, one thing became clear:
The same restaurants consistently rise to the top.
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a romantic waterfront dinner, a family-friendly pizza night, or one of Myrtle Beach’s best hidden gems, this guide will help you experience some of the Grand Strand’s very best dining.
At Prista Vacation Rentals, we love helping our guests discover unforgettable restaurants that become part of their vacation memories.
If you’d like personalized recommendations during your stay, just ask our local team—we’re always happy to point you toward your next favorite meal.
Happy dining!
References:
Myrtle Beach Food Queen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrtlebeachfoodqueen/
The Sophisticated Life
Southern Living
https://www.southernliving.com/best-restaurants-myrtle-beach-9100306
