21 Best Italian Restaurants in Hilton Head Island

“An Unforgettable Anniversary at Michael Anthony's A True Food Lover’s Paradise For our wedding anniversary, we wanted something special, and Michael Anthony’s delivered on EVERY level. As Hilton Head’s premier Italian fine dining destination, they excel not only in impeccable service and warm hospitality but also in creating a culinary experience that any true Epicure would appreciate. From the moment we sat down, our server, Eleanor, made the evening even more remarkable. Her knowledge of each dish was extraordinary, and her attentiveness to every detail ensured that we were taken care of without ever feeling rushed. It’s rare to encounter such dedication to making sure every aspect of the meal is perfect, and Eleanor truly enhanced our experience. The evening began with a bottle of 2021 Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico—a stunning wine with aromas of cherries, and strawberries. Its elegant balance made it the perfect companion to the meal, enhancing each bite without overshadowing the vibrant flavors on our plates. My A5 Wagyu ribeye was simply divine, cooked to perfection with a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that only Wagyu can deliver. It was a symphony of rich flavors, each bite more indulgent than the last. My wife’s Ravioli di Vitello al Tartufo Nero was outstanding. A harmonious blend of House made veal ravioli topped & black truffle sauce. Both dishes epitomized the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. One of the true standouts of the night was the Raviolo al’Uovo con confit d’Anatra. This dish was a revelation! An unexpected, yet beautifully balanced combination of flavors that demonstrated both creativity and precision. The delicate pasta, rich duck confit, and perfectly runny egg yolk created a dish that was not only visually stunning but an absolute pleasure to eat. Another unexpected delight was the Insalata d’Anatra con Albicocca e Burrata. A light and refreshing salad featuring succulent duck, sweet apricots, and creamy burrata. It was the perfect prelude to the main courses, showcasing a masterful understanding of balance and texture. Venturing into new territory, I tried the Polpo alla Griglia, my first experience with octopus. Grilled to perfection, the octopus had a surprisingly tender, almost steak-like quality that was enhanced by a smoky char. It was a revelation for me both unfamiliar and yet incredibly satisfying. For starters, we couldn’t resist the Peach and Plum Salad with Scallops. The sweet, ripe fruit paired beautifully with the perfectly seared scallops, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to sourcing only the finest seasonal ingredients. Every bite was vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious. As if that weren’t enough, the desert menu demanded our attention. The Tiramisu was nothing short of perfection!espresso and rum-soaked ladyfingers layered with a light mascarpone mousse and topped with a dusting of cocoa and caramel drizzle. Hands down, the best Tiramisu I’ve ever tasted. The Sformata di Cioccolata con Gelato Vanilla Rich, molten-centered chocolate cake served with creamy vanilla gelato was a chocolate lover’s dream. The baked peach stuffed with oats and pine nuts was another winner. It was refreshing, light, and oh so exciting to my tongue. It had a similar presentation to a small coffee cake, but packed a flavorful punch of peach cobbler. Finally, the Affogato, a dessert that was new to me but instantly became a favorite. Vanilla gelato drenched in rich espresso, chocolate sauce, Kahlua, and whipped cream. It was an indulgent, yet perfectly balanced way to finish the evening. Michael Anthony’s isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. From the perfectly executed dishes to Eleanor’s exceptional service, every detail is designed to make you feel pampered. For anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine with a creative twist, Michael Anthony’s is simply a must. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience, Michael Anthony’s will not disappoint! We are planning our next trip already“

“Outstanding! We stopped today for lunch while shopping and were greeted by a lovely lady at the front station. We were immediately seated and served the best meal that we have had since arriving on the island. I ordered the meatball appetizer and lunch portion of rigatoni with vodka sauce and the hubs ordered the calamari appetizer and ravioli with bolognese sauce. The portions were huge, the ingredients were fresh, and everything was absolutely delicious! Prices are reasonable, atmosphere was very pleasant...will absolutely return each time we visit HHI.“

“Horrible manager on 10/13/2022! He ruined my daughter's 5 year anniversary dinner. They were in from out of state to attend a golf tournament and celebrate their anniversary. When it came time for payment the manager came over and told them they don't accept Discover and was really rude and belittled them for not having any other type of payment with them. There are no signs posted that they don't take Discover. The manager said what do you want us to do, sit everyone down beforehand and tell them we don't take Discover. A sign should have been posted. Every other establishment they visited in Hilton Head took Discover. The manager could have been nice about it while they secured another form of payment instead of belittling them in front of everyone. Their waiter was amazing though. Seems they need to promote the waiter as the new manager.“

“Excellent traditional pizza joint played U2 and all !“

“What a great first experience at Frankie Bones! My hubby and daughter the famous rib eye. They are picky and the Robbie lived up io its name! They were impressed. The chicken Marsala was AMAZING!…next time you visit Hilton head .. make this a definitive stop!“

“We just ordered from pomodori too for the first time. I placed the order online. Got a call instantly to go over any allergy concerns as I ordered GF pasta. Great caring service! The food was ready in minutes! Meat lasagna and kids chicken Parmesan with veggies and kids GF penne and meatball. Great service excellent food. Love the fresh baked bread. Large portions also! Even our new puppy loved the chicken Parm and veg! She loves fresh healthy ingredients! Blondie approves! 5 stars! Can’t wait to order from this local restaurant again!“

“Food was excellent. salad with pears,gorgonzola, walnuts lemon dressing,fried or sauteed calamari,pasta carbonara. Must try. Waiter was Antonio and made a birthday dinner 5 star.“

“Had a wonderful experience at Piatti. The hospitality was beyond amazing. The servers were so kind. The food was so delicious. 10/10 experience. I recommend going to Piatti anytime you’re looking for authentic italian cuisine“

“My wife and I just celebrated our 20th anniversary. The steak and pasta dinners were awesome! The staff is very friendly! We’ll be back for sure!“

“This was our first time here but will not be our last! Very relaxing atmosphere. Great food and nice sized portions. The Garlic Bread was excellent. They even have an early bird menu. Will definitely recommend to everyone and will be back!“

“Great Italian food with such a nice ambience. Highly recommend the grouper piccata . Service was fabulous, best early bird dining on the island! The view from the back room is so entertaining - love watching all the critters. This is a must stop every time we’re in Hilton Head.“

“We stopped in last after the Lantern Parade and figured without a reservation, we wouldn't be able to get a table, but we thought we would try. The Hostess was very nice and was able to fit us in! We had visited before several years ago, but hadn't been back in awhile. The waiter informed that new owners took over in July and he guided us through the menu. We ordered and the food came out very quickly. We were shocked by the portion size as it's easily two meals per entree (who doesn't love leftovers?!). The atmosphere was very elegant and most folks dressed nice, but we didn't feel too out of place in jeans we wore to the parade. We'll definitely be back and we now count this as a true "HHI Hidden Gem"!“

“What a great first experience at Frankie Bones! My hubby and daughter the famous rib eye. They are picky and the Robbie lived up io its name! They were impressed. The chicken Marsala was AMAZING!…next time you visit Hilton head .. make this a definitive stop!“

“An Unforgettable Anniversary at Michael Anthony's A True Food Lover’s Paradise For our wedding anniversary, we wanted something special, and Michael Anthony’s delivered on EVERY level. As Hilton Head’s premier Italian fine dining destination, they excel not only in impeccable service and warm hospitality but also in creating a culinary experience that any true Epicure would appreciate. From the moment we sat down, our server, Eleanor, made the evening even more remarkable. Her knowledge of each dish was extraordinary, and her attentiveness to every detail ensured that we were taken care of without ever feeling rushed. It’s rare to encounter such dedication to making sure every aspect of the meal is perfect, and Eleanor truly enhanced our experience. The evening began with a bottle of 2021 Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico—a stunning wine with aromas of cherries, and strawberries. Its elegant balance made it the perfect companion to the meal, enhancing each bite without overshadowing the vibrant flavors on our plates. My A5 Wagyu ribeye was simply divine, cooked to perfection with a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that only Wagyu can deliver. It was a symphony of rich flavors, each bite more indulgent than the last. My wife’s Ravioli di Vitello al Tartufo Nero was outstanding. A harmonious blend of House made veal ravioli topped & black truffle sauce. Both dishes epitomized the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. One of the true standouts of the night was the Raviolo al’Uovo con confit d’Anatra. This dish was a revelation! An unexpected, yet beautifully balanced combination of flavors that demonstrated both creativity and precision. The delicate pasta, rich duck confit, and perfectly runny egg yolk created a dish that was not only visually stunning but an absolute pleasure to eat. Another unexpected delight was the Insalata d’Anatra con Albicocca e Burrata. A light and refreshing salad featuring succulent duck, sweet apricots, and creamy burrata. It was the perfect prelude to the main courses, showcasing a masterful understanding of balance and texture. Venturing into new territory, I tried the Polpo alla Griglia, my first experience with octopus. Grilled to perfection, the octopus had a surprisingly tender, almost steak-like quality that was enhanced by a smoky char. It was a revelation for me both unfamiliar and yet incredibly satisfying. For starters, we couldn’t resist the Peach and Plum Salad with Scallops. The sweet, ripe fruit paired beautifully with the perfectly seared scallops, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to sourcing only the finest seasonal ingredients. Every bite was vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious. As if that weren’t enough, the desert menu demanded our attention. The Tiramisu was nothing short of perfection!espresso and rum-soaked ladyfingers layered with a light mascarpone mousse and topped with a dusting of cocoa and caramel drizzle. Hands down, the best Tiramisu I’ve ever tasted. The Sformata di Cioccolata con Gelato Vanilla Rich, molten-centered chocolate cake served with creamy vanilla gelato was a chocolate lover’s dream. The baked peach stuffed with oats and pine nuts was another winner. It was refreshing, light, and oh so exciting to my tongue. It had a similar presentation to a small coffee cake, but packed a flavorful punch of peach cobbler. Finally, the Affogato, a dessert that was new to me but instantly became a favorite. Vanilla gelato drenched in rich espresso, chocolate sauce, Kahlua, and whipped cream. It was an indulgent, yet perfectly balanced way to finish the evening. Michael Anthony’s isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. From the perfectly executed dishes to Eleanor’s exceptional service, every detail is designed to make you feel pampered. For anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine with a creative twist, Michael Anthony’s is simply a must. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience, Michael Anthony’s will not disappoint! We are planning our next trip already“

“We celebrated a birthday with a large group, and everyone loved their meal. There were many options on the menu - something to please everyone. The service was very good, especially for a large group. They were very accommodating of us. Il Carpaccio is a gem!“

“Food is FABULOUS !!! And the staff is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!“

“My family has eaten here for years during our many visits to HHI. Always delicious.“

“Haven't been here for couple of years, so I decided to try again after some friends recommended it. Bartender makes great margaritas, and they have a good beer on tap selection. I had the Trigger fish tacos and they were pretty good. A little too soggy to be able to eat out of hand, but my fork did the trick. Sprouse had the cheese burger with fries and liked it.“

“The pizza is phenomenal!!“

“We were in town for a week and on our last night ordered a pizza to our hotel. Wow! I wish we would have known about it before we had to leave. Whoever makes the crust, keep it up! Amazing pie and fast delivery. We had it for breakfast too! Thanks!“

“We only went for a drink and had to sit at outside bar. In Hilton Head smoking is allowed at outside bars so we didn’t stay there to eat so I know nothing about the food. But my gin and tonic was very good“