Just moved to Bluffton?
Or are you visiting our town? Well, you are going to want to know where to go to get the real Bluffton dining experience. Below is a list of some of the locally-owned and operated eateries that offer that “Bluffton State of Mind” in their food and atmosphere. Bon appetit!
Amigo’s Cafe Y Cantina
Voted Trip Advisors’ Travelers’ Choice award for 2020. If you want great, authentic Mexican food then Amigos Cafe and Cantina is the place to go. A small family run restaurant with fabulous food. They offer quick, casual and healthy food made with fresh ingredients. Serving delicious food inspired by both the gulf coast of Baja, Mexico and the beautiful seaside community of Santa Barbra, California.
- 133 Belfair Towne Vlg.
- (843) 815-8226
Local Pie
Local Pie Bluffton has become one of those restaurants that locals recommend just as often as visitors discover. The combination of excellent pizza, a laid-back atmosphere, and its prime location in the Promenade in Historic Bluffton makes it a favorite stop after shopping, exploring Old Town, or spending the day on the May River.
One of the biggest draws is the pizza itself. Local Pie specializes in authentic wood-fired pizzas cooked in ovens that reach more than 800 degrees. That intense heat creates a crispy yet chewy crust with the signature light char found in traditional Neapolitan-style pizza. Their dough is made from scratch, and they focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced whenever possible.
Beyond the pizza, the restaurant has a fun, welcoming vibe. There’s a full bar, outdoor patio seating that’s dog-friendly, and a menu that includes creative appetizers, salads, calzones, and wings. Whether you’re grabbing lunch with friends, enjoying happy hour, or bringing the family for dinner, it feels relaxed and distinctly Lowcountry.
Another reason people love Local Pie is that it embraces the local community. Since opening its Bluffton location in 2017, it has become a gathering place for residents as much as for tourists, with an emphasis on regional ingredients and neighborhood hospitality.
If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t skip the famous “Deez Knots” garlic dough knots—they’ve developed a loyal following of their own—and pair them with one of the restaurant’s signature wood-fired pizzas for the full experience. The combination of great food, friendly atmosphere, and Bluffton charm is what makes Local Pie one of the coolest casual dining spots in town.
River Road Cafe
Family-owned serving delicious New Orleans food. The po boys and gumbo are outstanding. Great for breakfast and brunch with a relaxing atmosphere. “The Dirty Bird,” consisting of Biscuits and Crispy fried chicken breast all smothered in Homemade sausage gravy is a breakfast favorite. This no-rush restaurant has a friendly and attentive staff.
- 70 Pennington Dr., Ste 20
- (843) 540-3982
The Pearl Kitchen and Bar
Voted “THE BEST OF BLUFFTON,” the Pearl offers casual, yet fine dining, offering coastal seafood dishes and grilled fare, with front porch seating. Located in Old Town, they boast boutique style bar drinks and extensive wine list. The Pearl Kitchen & Bar will please your palate with the freshest of ingredients prepared in a manner that will excite, entice, and keep you coming back for more.
- 55 Calhoun St.
- thepearlbluffton.com
- (843) 757-5511
Cahill’s Market & Chicken Kitchen
John Cahill was born and raised in Bluffton and this is a real labor of love for him, who has always enjoyed cooking. Cahill’s is a true family affair at this down-home country store and, along with his siblings, they farm everything by hand, one row at a time. They don’t use chemicals and fondly recall their youth growing up with seed, fertilizer, a horse and a tractor. They plant and sell produce at the market with Johnny’s sister Debra at the helm running the business. Johnny does the cooking for the “Chicken Kitchen” and brother Mike is in the business as well.
The “Chicken Kitchen” serves home-cooked, southern-style meals. Their menu changes daily, but one item you can count on is the scrumptious fried chicken.
- 1055 May River Rd.
- (843) 757.2921
- cahillsmarket.com
The Bluffton Room
“One of the top 10% restaurants worldwide”: Tripadvisor 2021.
The Bluffton Room serves classic American cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients in an intimate and vibrant atmosphere. Their well-crafted cocktails, gracious service and table-side preparations make for a memorable evening for you and your guests. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner or cocktails in their intimate dining room or open-air bar and patio. On Fridays, they serve a special New Orleans-style lunch from 11 am to 2 pm with a creole menu and specially priced martinis. Named one of the top 10% of restaurants worldwide for the last 5 years. Executive Chef and General Manager Jeff Congdon and his team of professionals look forward to hosting you!
- 15 Promenade St.
- (843) 757-3525
- theblufftonroom.com
