When our family goes on vacation, it’s all about the food. I love taking a break from cooking, trying the local cuisine and experiencing the same restaurants that locals love. It gives the opportunity to try new dishes and flavors that we don’t get at home. On my recent trip to St. Simons Island, I was surprised that there were so many restaurant options to pick from. After all, the island is only the size of Manhattan. Since St. Simons is located along the Georgia coast, there’s always fresh seafood options at every restaurant. Here’s my list of 5 must-try St. Simons Island restaurants that you should experience on your vacation.
5 Must-Try St. Simons Island Restaurants
Echo St. Simons
Located in the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, Echo St. Simons is then only oceanfront restaurant on the island. They offer casual dining, delicious food and craft cocktails. They specialize in coastal cuisine with a Southern flair. The fresh catch of the day can be prepared any way you like it and everything is locally sourced farm-to-table. Echo St. Simons offers breakfast, lunch dinner and brunch. My favorite cocktail was the award-winning Siren Sour – it’s the a combination of sweet and savory.
The Fresh Catch at Echo St. Simons
Gnats Landing
If you want a casual dining spot, Gnats Landing is the perfect choice. You can go from the beach to eating lunch with Gnats Landing. They offer game-day favorites, sandwiches, salads and seafood options. They are most famous for Famous Slaw Bowl that’s made without mayo. My favorite appetizer to nosh on was the vidalia Onion Pie – it’s oozing with cheese and full of flavor. Gnat’s is a great location to watch the SEC games, grab a beer and relax.
The Vadalia Onion Pie and the Fried Pickles.
Bennie’s Red Barn
This one of my Husband’s favorite St. Simons Island Restaurants! Established in 1954, Bennie’s Red Barn serves some of the best fresh-cut steaks grilled over a wood fire and fresh local seafood brought in daily in the Golden Isles nightly for dinner. Dancing, live music and great food in The Club@Bennies located next door. Thursdays feature a free fish fry and Fridays and Saturday food specials and dollar beer specials.
Georgia Sea Grill
Hands down, my favorite dinner on the island is at the Georgia Sea Grill. They serve upscale cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. Listen to the live piano music, enjoy your favorite seafood dishes and a glass of wine from their collection. They offer a chef-created menu of daily specials. Everyone loves the crab-stuffed hushpuppies appetizer. One of the most unique favorites is the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake for dessert. I always recommend a visit to Georgia Sea Grill when visiting St. Simons Island.
The Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake.
Sandcastle Cafe & Grill
The breakfast spot that all of the locals love is the Sandcastle Cafe & Grill. It’s been family owned and operated for over 25 years. It’s located on the pier and offers classic breakfast dishes. From pancakes to omelettes, it’s hard to pick your order. That’s ok – they have a daily buffet option as well.
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