Pawleys Island’s Top Culinary Gems: A Taste of South Carolina’s Best Restaurants

South Carolina enjoys a national reputation for the quality of its food, and some of the Palmetto State’s finest restaurants and chefs call the Hammock Coast home.

Some consider Pawleys Island to be the epicenter of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast thriving culinary scene, and it’s true that Pawleys is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants that provide a mouth-watering array of choices for foodies. For vacationers looking for a fine-dining experience, Pawleys Island is a great place to start.

Bistro 217 food — Chef Adam Kirby at Bistro 217 in Pawleys Island is known for his excellent cuisine. (Photo by Chris Rogers/Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce)

The area’s casual charm provides a relaxed environment to enjoy a meal capable rivaling the best of a “big city” dining experience, and here are four of Pawleys Island best restaurants.

• Bistro 217, whose owner and executive chef, Adam Kirby was named one of South Carolina’s “Chef Ambassadors” in 2017, draws its inspiration from Southern and Pacific Rim foods, a combination that has delighted diners for years. On a menu full of memorable entrees, the 217 Eggplant Treasure Chest is a favorite. Local shrimp, scallops and grouper are served in a basil-parmesan cream sauce over fried eggplant.

In a recent 5-star Tripadvisor evaluation, Karenstravel61 raved, “Loved the menu selection. Creative variations on classics. Everything was amazingly delicious. All 4 of us ordered different entrees and loved them. Soups great. Homemade ice cream was awesome. Great service.”

Frank’s restaurant and bar — Frank’s is a Pawleys Island institution.

• For more than 30 years, Frank’s has been at the center of the Hammock Coast dining scene, and it’s as good now as it has ever been. The homemade jalapeno pimento cheese, served with wonton chips, will start your meal with a little spice, and the 8-ounce USDA prime filet mignon is the perfect entree for a memorable night out.

“It always feels like a special evening when we have dinner at Franks Outback,” FrequentFlier183545 said in one of the 943 5-star reviews Frank’s has received on Tripadvisor.com. “The ambiance is dressy/causal but dignified.”

Perrone’s patio — Perrone’s use of local and organic food makes it a popular fine-dining experience in Pawleys Island.

• Perrone’s touts itself as providing “world cuisine with a Mediterranean focus.” While the menu may draw inspiration from around the globe, Perrone’s specializes in local, organically sourced food and proteins that are hormone and antibiotic free. The seafood risotto, which features butter poached new Bedford scallops and local shrimp, is a favorite, as are the steaks, but if you want something a little different, don’t pass up the elk rib chops. The elk chops are certified cervena, double-cut, bone-in and pasture raised. They are cooked sous-vide and topped with a lingonberry-port sauce. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

“One of the best restaurants in the country! Beautiful decor, food that will compare to any of the best restaurants in the country! The bar is incredible with expert mixologist and vast wine list. I love this place,” garymW4202AS gushed in a 5-star evaluation of Perrone’s.

The quality of the fine dining in Pawleys Island matches the beauty of its stunning beach, which is saying something.

Bistro 217, Frank’s, and Perrone’s are among the best restaurants in Pawleys Island and all of South Carolina. Who’s hungry?

— By Chris King, King Communications