In the pantheon of necessary evils, Valentine’s Day hoopla ranks somewhere between paying your taxes and flossing. That said, if you’re going to do it, do it right. Take that special someone out to a romantic restaurant. Better yet, reserve the most romantic table at that romantic restaurant. To make things easy, Monthly has compiled a list of the most romantic restaurant tables of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Reserve one of these and V-Day will be yours.
PINO GELATO GOURMET CAFE
TABLE BY THE FIREPLACE: This European style coffeehouse doesn’t number its tables. Ask for the most romantic spot and you will certainly be seated at the table pictured above, it front of the fireplace. The relaxing, cozy atmosphere has a sophisticated feel, sure to impress that special someone. Information: Bridge Center, across from Moss Creek in Bluffton, 843-837-2633, www.pinogelatogourmetcafe.com
BOMBORAS GRILLE
TABLE 71: Tucked away in a private corner with comfortable bench seating, Table 71 is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at this unique restaurant and bar. The table is surrounded by Lowcountry art created by local artist Ushi Niner and is next to a copper waterfall wall. Information: Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head Island, 843-689-2662, www.bomborasgrille.com
CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE
TABLE B4: Located by the fireplace, Table B4 is the most romantic and most requested table at this island favorite. It is off in a corner near the middle of the restaurant, giving diners a perfect view of everything going on around them. Information: 8 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-785-9277, www.charliesgreenstar.com
THE COTTAGE
TABLE 7: Inside this historic Carson Cottage home built in 1898, Table 7 is located next to a large bay window overlooking popular Calhoun Street. The table is surrounded by local art and an eclectic collection of tea pots and teacups. Candle light illuminates the sheer drapes as Sinatra plays throughout the room. Information: 28 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, 843-757-0508, www.thecottageBluffton.com
THE SALTY DOG CAFE
TABLE 60: Nestled in the corner of the Salty Dog’s main dining room is Table 60. This romantic spot embraces a 200 degree view overlooking South Beach Marina and Braddock Cove. Enjoy Lowcountry crab dip, peel & each shrimp or oysters on a half shell while soaking in the views that often include dolphins at play and other feeding wildlife up until sunset. Information: South Beach Marina, Hilton Head Island, 843-671-2233, www.saltydog.com
ELA’S BLU WATER GRILLE
TABLE 60: There are many romantic tables at this popular waterfront restaurant but the best may be Table 60. This cozy booth is located in a private corner on the second level and overlooks Broad Creek, offering stunning views at sunset. If the weather is nice, you may consider Table 115, which sits alone overlooking both Broad Creek and Shelter Cove Harbour. Information: 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843-785-3030, www.elasgrille.com. Serving dinner nightly from 5 p.m. Serving lunch Sun.-Fri. from 11:30-2:30 p.m.
THE JAZZ CORNER
TABLE 10: Where is the best place to soak in the experience of this world famous jazz club? Table 10, the banquette table closest to the bar on the piano side of the restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to listen to Bob Masteller and his friends perform while enjoying some of the island’s most acclaimed cuisine. Information: The Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island, 843-842-8640, www.thejazzcorner.com
MICHAEL ANTHONY’S
TABLE 42: Rated by Open Table users in the top 10 of romantic restaurants in Hilton Head, the romantic experience at Michael Anthony’s comes from the combination of superb food, excellent service and unparalleled hospitality. The best table to take it all in is Table 42, tucked away in a quiet corner of the main dining room. Information: Orleans Plaza, 37 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-785-6272. www.michael-anthonys.com
OLD OYSTER FACTORY
TABLE 25: In a restaurant known for incredible water views, the best comes from Table 25. Tucked away in the corner, this romantic table for two boasts two views of the marsh on picturesque Broad Creek. Open Table users voted OOF one of the top 100 scenic view restaurants in the country. Information: 101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-6040, www.oldoysterfactory.com
SKULL CREEK BOATHOUSE
Table 15: A table for two next to windows offering incredible sunset views of Broad Creek. For the most romantic experience, don’t drive to the restaurant. Take a boat to Marker 13 on the Intracoastal Waterway. Information: 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-3663
THE STUDIO
Table 2: OpenTable users ranked this place among the top 100 most romantic restaurants in the country. Its most romantic spot is Table 2. Entice your senses with the fine art of Lunonia Colella hanging on the wall, the cuisine of chef Paul Colella on your plate and the sound of musician Armand DeMille in your ear. An extensive wine and martini list coupled with a relaxing atmosphere make it the perfect spot for any romantic occasion. Information: 20 Executive Park Road., Hilton Head Island, 843-785-6000, www.StudioDining.com, Tuesday-Sunday, 5:30 p.m.
SUNSET GRILLE
Table 6: A high top table in the corner of this unique restaurant surrounded by glass, Table 6 offers unmatched views of the nearby marina, the Intracoastal Waterway and Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge. Whether it’s lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch, you are almost sure to see dolphin and other wildlife at play. Garden & Gun ranked their Bloody Mary one of the best in the south. Information: 43 Jenkins Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-689-6744, www.sunsetgrillehhi.com
TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Table 48: A romantic table for two, and arguably one of the island’s best places to watch the sunset. Offering sweeping views of Calibogue Sound, the 18th green of Harbour Town Golf Links and the Harbour Town Yacht Basin; this view is truly one-of-a-kind. Located directly next to the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse Information: 160 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-842-1999, www.seapines.com, reopening February 14, serving dinner nightly from 5-9 p.m.
KINGFISHER SEAFOOD, PASTA & STEAKHOUSE
Table 65: Many tables at Kingfisher have spectacular waterfront views. However, Table 65 seems to light up the eyes of guests the most. Set in the second dining room next to large windows, it is the perfect place to watch gorgeous sunsets, dolphins play and pelicans glide as you sip award-winning wines only 10 feet from the majestic waters of Broad Creek. The restaurant’s Old World Mediterranean decor features large hand-painted murals and a Tuscan patterned flooring Information: 18 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843-785-4442, www.kingfishersafood.com
OMBRA CUCINA RUSTICA
Table 54: Dim the lights, pull the drapes back, and surround yourself with warmth and elegance. Tucked away in the corner behind rich velvet drapes and surrounded by barnwood and reclaimed brick, Table 54 is the perfect romantic table to be seated at with the one you love. All pastas, homemade gnocchi, desserts and breads are prepared fresh daily as well as a large variety of fish veal, beef and game additions. An extensive wine list is available with a brilliant array of wines from every region in Italy. Information: The Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island, 843-842-5505, www.ombrahhi.com, serving dinner nightly from 4:30-10 p.m.
A LOWCOUNTRY BACKYARD
Table 16: A quaint table for two located underneath the daily specials blackboard and mantle piece stocked with teas and honey. At night the lights are turned down and white twinkle lights flash across the ceiling. Information: 32 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-785-9273, www.hhbackyard.com
BISTRO 17
Table 51: Take in a fantastic view of Shelter Cove Marina from this table located next to a bay window. Information: 17D Harborside, Shelter Cove Harbour, Hilton Head Island, 843-785-5517, www.bistro17hhi.com
CLAUDE & ULI’S BISTRO
Table 30: This is the only window table in this signature bistro and lounge. The lights are turned down at all times, allowing patrons to enjoy such romantic main courses as Salmon Filet Provencale and Tilapia Francese while taking in the colorful art on the walls. Information: Moss Creek Village, Hilton Head Island, 843-837-3336, www.claudebistro.com
RED FISH
Table 84: Located in the main dining room, on the right-hand side as you enter the restaurant, this table for four is the perfect spot to soak in the restaurant’s eclectic blend of seafood, steaks and Lowcountry specialties. Information: 8 Archer Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-686-3388, www.redfishofhiltonhad.com
VERITAS
Table 1: The most romantic table in Bluffton’s newest fine dining establishment is the first table you see on your left, located next to the mirror. It is in a quiet corner with a curtain covering the window and is shielded from the door. Information: 163 Bluffton Road Unit 5, Bluffton, 843-815-6900, www.veritasbluffton.com
Who did we miss? Send us your favorite romantic restaurant table in the Lowcountry? Comment on this article online at www.hiltonheadmonthly.com.
