Jekyll Island Restaurants You Don’t Want To Miss
This post may contain affiliate links that allow us to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
If you are looking for Jekyll Island restaurants with a flair for seafood and southern cuisine, look no further. Jekyll Island, located off the coast of Georgia, is a popular vacation spot known for its beautiful beaches and tranquil nature. The island also boasts various delicious restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Jekyll Island has something to offer whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner or a casual bite. Most restaurants allow take-out if you prefer to take something back to your Jekyll Island vacation home.
Jekyll Island Restaurants
Casual Dining
The Wharf
The Vibe: The Wharf offers indoor and outdoor seating options in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Along with food and drink, guests can enjoy live music performances and a daily sunset toast with a complimentary glass of champagne.
The View: The Wharf at Jekyll Island is a waterfront restaurant and bar located on the island’s historic district pier. The restaurant offers stunning views of the Jekyll River and the surrounding marsh, making it a popular spot for locals and island visitors.
The Menu: The Wharf’s menu features fresh seafood, including local shrimp, crab, and fish, as well as classic Southern dishes and burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant has a full bar with a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.
The Bliss: Overall, The Wharf at Jekyll Island is an excellent choice for those looking for fresh seafood, a great selection of drinks, and a fun and lively atmosphere, all while enjoying stunning waterfront views.
Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar
The Vibe: Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar at Jekyll Island is a popular restaurant that offers a casual and relaxed dining experience with a coastal atmosphere.
The View: The restaurant is known for its seafood and coastal-inspired cuisine, and it has both indoor and outdoor seating with ocean views.
The Menu: The menu at Eighty Ocean Kitchen features classic Southern cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. They offer a variety of dishes, including shrimp and grits, salmon, seared scallops, and more.
The Bliss: Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar at Jekyll Island is a popular restaurant with a casual and relaxed coastal atmosphere, offering a menu of seafood and coastal-inspired cuisine, with indoor and outdoor seating and ocean views.
Sunrise Grille
The Vibe: The restaurant has a casual and family-friendly atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options.
The View: The restaurant is in the Jekyll Island Beach Village, just a short walk from the beach and several other local attractions.
The Menu: The menu at Sunrise Grille focuses on classic breakfast and lunch dishes with various options. You can find items like omelets, pancakes, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and daily specials like Eggs, Benedict, and French toast for breakfast. The lunch menu includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, and wraps, with vegetarian options.
The Bliss: Overall, Sunrise Grille is an excellent choice for those looking for a delicious breakfast or lunch on Jekyll Island, focusing on fresh ingredients and friendly service.
Zachry’s Riverhouse
The Vibe: The restaurant has a casual and family-friendly atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options.
The View: stunning views of the river and surrounding marshlands
The Menu: The menu at Zachry’s Riverhouse features a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh shrimp, oysters, crab, and fish, as well as other options such as steak, chicken, and pasta.
The Bliss: If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant with a beautiful view and great food, Zachry’s Riverhouse at Jekyll Island is definitely worth checking out.
Love Shack BBQ Shrimp & Yardbird
The Vibe: Love Shack BBQ Shrimp & Yardbird is a Jekyll Island restaurant specializing in Southern-style cuisine. The restaurant offers a casual and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for families and friends.
The View: The restaurant also offers outdoor seating options, allowing diners to enjoy their meal while taking in the island’s beautiful scenery.
The Menu: As the name suggests, Love Shack BBQ Shrimp & Yardbird is known for its delicious BBQ shrimp and chicken dishes, which are cooked over an open flame and seasoned with a unique blend of spices. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Southern-style dishes, such as pulled pork, fried chicken, and mac and cheese, as well as a selection of sandwiches and salads.
The Bliss: If you’re looking for a Southern-style restaurant with delicious BBQ shrimp and chicken dishes, Love Shack BBQ Shrimp & Yardbird is definitely worth a visit on Jekyll Island.
The Driftwood Bistro
The Vibe: offers a casual dining experience focusing on fresh seafood and Southern cuisine. Driftwood Bistro has an informal and relaxed atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options. The restaurant is popular with golfers, visitors to the island, and locals looking for a casual dining experience.
The View: The restaurant is located in Villas by the Sea Resort
The Menu: The menu at Driftwood Bistro features a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp and grits, seafood chowder, and local fish. They also offer classic Southern dishes like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese dip, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a special Sunday brunch menu. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
The Bliss: Driftwood Bistro is an excellent option for those seeking a casual and comfortable dining experience focusing on fresh seafood and Southern cuisine on Jekyll Island.
The Beach House
The Vibe: The atmosphere at the Beach House is casual and relaxed, with indoor and outdoor seating options available.
The View: The restaurant offers beautiful Atlantic Ocean views on the beachfront.
The Menu: The Beach House specializes in classic American fare, focusing on fresh local seafood dishes. The menu features a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees, as well as daily specials that showcase seasonal ingredients.
The Tap Room is a separate area of the restaurant that features a selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. The Tap Room has a laid-back atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy a drink.
The Bliss: the Beach House Restaurant and Tap Room is an excellent choice for anyone looking for fresh local seafood and a relaxed atmosphere on Jekyll Island. Whether you’re in the mood for a seafood platter, a burger, or a craft beer, this restaurant has something for everyone.
Pub Dining
Beachcomber BBQ & Grill
The Vibe: The Beachcomber BBQ & Grill atmosphere is laid-back and casual, with a beachy vibe reflecting the restaurant’s location. There are indoor and outdoor seating options, including a covered patio area that offers shade from the sun.
The Menu: Beachcomber BBQ & Grill specializes in barbecue dishes and other classic American fares. The menu features a variety of smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken. The meats are slow-cooked over hickory wood, resulting in a tender and flavorful end product.
The Bliss: Beachcomber BBQ & Grill is a popular destination for anyone looking for good food, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re a barbecue fan or just looking for a tasty meal with friends or family, this restaurant is worth checking out.
Red Bug Motors Pizza
The Vibe: English Pub Style Restaurant located in the Great Dunes Entertainment Complex
The Menu: Delicious made-from-scratch pizzas and typical American pub food such as subs, wings, and appetizers
The Bliss: Red Bug Motors Restaurant is a fun and nostalgic dining destination with good food and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff, a car enthusiast, or just looking for a tasty meal, this restaurant is well worth a visit.
Bistro Dining
The Pantry
The Vibe: The ambiance is charming and peaceful, making it a popular spot for hotel guests and Jekyll Island visitors.
The View: The veranda at The Pantry overlooks the hotel’s beautiful gardens, with views of lush trees, colorful flowers, and manicured lawns. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in the scenic surroundings and breathing in the fresh sea air.
The Menu: The market offers a wide selection of specialty foods, gourmet cheeses, fresh produce, artisanal bread, and pastries. In addition to its food offerings, The Pantry has a selection of fine wines, craft beers, and spirits. It is a great place to stock up on beach picnic provisions or gather ingredients for a gourmet meal.
The Bliss: The Pantry is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for high-quality gourmet foods and beverages on Jekyll Island. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious sandwich, a bottle of fine wine, or a freshly baked pastry, The Pantry has something for everyone.
Fine Dining
The Grand Dining Room
The Vibe: The Grand Dining Room at the Jekyll Island Club Resort is a historic and elegant award-winning restaurant in the hotel’s original clubhouse, built in 1888. The dining room features a grand fireplace, high ceilings, and an ornate chandelier, creating a formal and romantic atmosphere. The Grand Dining Room has a dress code, with gentlemen required to wear collared shirts and dress pants and ladies asked to wear dresses, skirts, or dress pants.
The View: The view from the Grand Dining Room at the Jekyll Island Club Resort is of the hotel’s historic front lawn and fountain.
The Menu: The menu at the Grand Dining Room focuses on classic Southern cuisine with a modern twist, and the restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes seasonally to take advantage of the freshest produce available. The chefs use traditional Southern cooking techniques to create shrimp, grits, roasted pork tenderloin, and pecan-crusted chicken.
The Grand Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with each meal offering various options. The breakfast menu includes traditional items like pancakes, waffles, and omelets and daily specials like eggs Benedict and quiche.
The lunch menu features a variety of salads, sandwiches, and entrees, including the famous Jekyll Island Club shrimp salad. The dinner menu is the most formal, focusing on elegant entrees like filet mignon, grilled lamb chops, and pan-seared scallops.
The Bliss: The Grand Dining Room is a memorable fine dining experience on Jekyll Island, focusing on Southern hospitality, fresh ingredients, and an elegant atmosphere.
Grab N Go
The Jekyll Market
The Vibe: The market is a unique concept that combines a gourmet grocery store, deli, bakery, and café all in one place. The atmosphere at Jekyll Market is laid-back and casual, with a friendly and welcoming vibe. The market is in a bright, spacious building with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options.
The View: The outdoor seating area is popular, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
The Menu: The market features several dining options, including a deli that serves sandwiches, soups, salads, and other lunch items. The bakery offers a variety of fresh-baked goods, including bread, pastries, and cakes. The café serves breakfast items such as bagels, croissants, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and other beverages.
The Bliss: Jekyll Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and delicious dining experience on Jekyll Island. Whether you’re in the mood for a sandwich, a pastry, or coffee, this market has something for everyone.
Treats and Sweets
The Jekyll Island Bakery
The Vibe: The Jekyll Island Bakery is popular on Jekyll Island, Georgia, United States. It is part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort and is open to the public and guests of the resort.
The Menu: The bakery offers a wide range of baked goods, including pastries, bread, cakes, and cookies. The bakery’s most popular items include croissants, cinnamon rolls, and danishes, all made from scratch and baked fresh every morning. The bakery also offers a variety of artisan bread, including sourdough, whole grain, and multigrain loaves.
The Bliss: The Jekyll Island Bakery is open daily from early morning until late afternoon, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth or a love of freshly baked goods.
The Scoop
The Vibe: The atmosphere at The Scoop is fun and festive, with bright colors and playful decor. Plenty of outdoor seating options make it a great place to enjoy a sweet treat while enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
The Menu: The Scoop offers a variety of ice cream flavors, including classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla and more unique options like peach and butter pecan. The ice cream is made in-house using high-quality ingredients, and customers can choose from cups, cones, or sundaes.
In addition to ice cream, The Scoop also sells a variety of candies, including chocolates, gummies, and sour candies. The candy selection changes seasonally, and the shop often features special treats for holidays like Halloween and Christmas.
The Bliss: The Scoop is a popular destination for families and anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether looking for a classic ice cream cone or a special treat, this shop will satisfy your cravings.
Island Sweets Shoppe
The Menu: Hand-dipped ice cream, fudge, old-fashioned candy, and more!
Jekyll Island offers many dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. The island has something to offer whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner or a casual bite. From the upscale Grand Dining Room to the casual Beachcomber BBQ & Grill, there’s a restaurant for every occasion.
