Dock and Dine: 4 Restaurants to Visit Via Boat in Beaufort, South Carolina

Sandy Allen

18 May 2025 — 2 min read

Photo: Visit Beaufort, Port Royal and Sea Islands of SC (Facebook)

Located north of Hilton Head Island and west of St. Helena Island, Beaufort, South Carolina, is a scenic town on Port Royal Island along the Intracoastal Waterway. It offers a wonderful array of dock-and-dine restaurants.

These eateries provide the perfect setting for boaters and seafood enthusiasts to enjoy fresh local cuisine with stunning waterfront views. Whether you’re traveling the Great Loop, out for a day of fishing or just cruising out from a private boat lift rental, check out a few of these restaurants when you’re feeling hungry.

1. Saltus River Grill

Located on Bay Street, Saltus River Grill is a fine dining establishment renowned for its fresh local seafood, Southern fare, steaks and sushi. With a well-curated wine list and elegant ambiance, it's a favorite among locals and visitors to cruise to from private boat slips for rent or local marinas.

2. Plums Restaurant

Also situated on Bay Street, Plums offers waterfront dining featuring soups, salads and sandwiches. Its casual atmosphere and scenic views make it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal by the water. Safe Harbor Beaufort Marina, within Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, is nearby for docking assistance, which is perfect for those headed to Saltus, Plums, Panini’s or Hemingway’s.

3. Panini's on the Waterfront

Photo: Panini's on the Waterfront (Facebook)

Panini's on the Waterfront serves stone-baked pizzas, paninis, seafood and pasta. The restaurant's location provides diners with beautiful views of the Beaufort River, enhancing the dining experience whether you’re arriving by car or by boat from a marina or a private boat dock for rent.

4. Hemingway’s Bistro

Hemingway’s Bistro, located on Bay Street, features sandwiches (muffulettas, Cubans and Reubens), soups, quiches and cocktails. It’s a little hard to find (it’s in the basement of Beaufort’s Customs House, built in 1857), but worth the extra effort for ambiance alone. You’ll find dive-bar charm within the eclectic decor, low ceilings and dollar bill strewn beams. This is a pet-friendly spot and offers outdoor seating with Beaufort River views.

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