A Guide to the Best Restaurants in St. Simons Island, GA

St. Simons Island, GA is one of those places that you picture in a Hallmark movie or a Nicholas Sparks book. Not only is St. Simons a charming place, but they have amazing food! Here’s your guide to some of the best restaurants in St. Simons Island, GA. Don’t worry, I didn’t forget the snacks.

Best Restaurants in St. Simons Island, GA

Visiting St. Simon’s Island and looking for good eats? These St. Simon’s Island restaurants are great choices for good food and a good time! 

Food preferences are subjective. Everyone’s taste buds are different, right? That’s why I love reading other’s opinions, so I can make an educated guess where I should spend my dining dollars. Not only is it about the flavors, but food helps me connect to a place and to the people.

Palmer’s Village Cafe

Palmer’s Village Cafe always makes the list of best restaurants in St Simons Island, GA and with good reason. Voted 4th best pancakes in America by Travel and Leisure, it’s no wonder this place is a hit with locals and visitors alike. This is  a favorite brunch spot when visiting Saint Simons Island.

I tried some Banana Pudding Pancakes that are the best pancakes I’ve ever had. And I don’t even like bananas! With the Farm to Table concept that many restaurants have taken to, Palmer’s Village Cafe has always used fresh ingredients. It’s simple food done with care and a little bit of quirkiness.

Special note: The guests in our party with food allergies or dietary restrictions RAVED about the special dishes the chef made for them. You don’t want to miss this one! Palmer’s Village Cafe definitely earns a spot as one of the best restaurants in Saint Simon’s Island, GA.

Southern Soul Barbecue

For a casual dining experience and some outdoor seating, head on over to Southern Soul Barbecue if you love bbq! It’s a pretty popular spot, so it can get busy and have some wait times. Try going earlier or an off-peak time, because they do sell out of the brisket, and you don’t want to miss out on the brisket! Pulled pork, fried okra, and banana pudding are also must-try items.

Southern Soul Barbecue is located at 2020 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, GA.

Also keep in mind that Southern Soul Barbecue is closed on Tuesdays!

Gnat’s Landing

Gnat’s Landing had me at hello – AKA their appetizers. Their Fried Pickles and Vidalia Onion Pie had me doing a happy dance. With a casual, friendly and beachy atmosphere, don’t feel bad for coming in wearing flips flops. They want you to relax.

Although I was already stuffed, I decided to try the Fried Green Tomato Club and a half bowl of Gnat’s Famous Slaw Bowl. I despise cole slaw, but everyone told me I had to try it. This was a risk worth taking! I was sad I didn’t order a whole bowl, because I was scraping the sides for more. No mayonnaise and crunchy noodles make this Slaw Bowl a can’t-miss eat.

Echo at The King and Prince

We were guests at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Trust me, it is a stunner! Not only is it the only oceanfront property on the island, but the hospitality and food can’t be beat. At ECHO, one of their restaurants, enjoy creations from the culinary team, AND get an ocean view while you dine.

ECHO serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I had the pleasure of eating two meals at ECHO and was impressed by the traditional offerings as well as Southern Georgia favorites. Guests can enjoy the comforts of home and something more adventurous.

Sometimes you’re just a 40-year-old woman who wants chocolate chip pancakes in the morning. And ECHO delivers! Whatever you choose, you’re bound to feel the love and care they put in their food. ECHO is one of the best restaurants in St. Simons Island.

Georgia Sea Grill

I thought Georgia Sea Grill deserved a mention, because some of my friends had such a phenomenal dining experience here. I said at the beginning that food can be subjective. We were a large party, and my end of the table did not have the best experience. Issues such as wrong orders, undercooked food, one server for a big group, etc.

The other end of the table, however, had a completely different experience. They couldn’t stop talking about it. And friends who had been here before said it was their favorite St. Simons Island restaurant. So, perhaps it was an off night. I’m willing to give them another chance.

The Best Snacks on St. Simons Island

I can’t visit a location without exploring for the best snacks. I’m like Winnie the Pooh with his Hunny Pot. I set out to also discover some of the best snacks to eat on St. Simons Island.

Moo Cow Ice Cream

If you’re looking for delicious, creamy ice cream, then Moo Cow Ice Cream is the place to go. The Black Cherry flavor was my favorite. They have traditional favorites like Mint Chocolate Chip, but also have flavors like Basil for the foodies. It’s a quaint little shop with some delicious ice cream.

Smallcakes Cupcakes and Creamery

The minute someone said Cupcake Wars, my cupcake meter was on high alert. Smallcakes Cupcakes were indeed on Cupcake Wars and now have locations all over the country. Sometimes locations who have been on reality can be overrated, because of the fame. I live close to Georgetown Cupcake, and they’re good, but not wait-an-hour-in-line good.

Smallcakes is an adorably decorated locale that screams pink, whimsy, and fun! And double bonus, their cupcakes did not disappoint. I tried Peanut Butter Cup and there was the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter. Delicious! I rate it higher than Sprinkles Cupcakes. Yeah, I said it.

Sunset Slush of St. Simons Island

I was trying to decide amongst the MANY flavors Sunset slush had to offer and had almost come to a decision, when then I spotted it on the paper – Captain America! If there was ever a locale that spoke to me…I mean, come on! I absolutely will order the Captain America Italian Ice.

 

Sunset Slush is a cute hut packed full of flavors that could satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Reasonably priced, too, it won’t break the bank for big families like mine. The Italian Ice was smooth, refreshing, and left me wanting to try new flavors. So many snacks, so little time.

Sunset Slush closes for the off-season, so stay tuned to their Facebook page to see when they open for the summer.

St. Simons Sweets

If you have a sweet tooth and want a plethora of choices in one spot, then St. Simons Sweets is the place to go! Located in Pier Village, enjoy the cool vibe. From ice cream, fudge, cookies, candy, and more, these are the homemade treats you’re looking for.

There are cases of different treats like cute Oreos that look like crabs and marshmallow pigs. I tried a Martha Washington ball and a salted caramel chocolate something. There are dipped pretzels, truffles…the list goes on and on. Then there are two different rooms filled with candy and gifts!

I had the lyrics to “I Want Candy” running through my head. But wow, St. Simons Sweets made my chocolate-loving heart happy.

Savannah Bee Company

So, this may seem like an odd choice to put under the best snacks in St. Simons category. I didn’t think it fit under the Best Restaurants in St. Simons Island, GA, because there are no tables. However, I did have the best honey I’ve ever tasted here. Remember me and Winnie the Pooh? The similarities are endless.

We had a Mead Tasting here (which you can also do), and they were kind enough to provide honeycomb and some cheese, crackers, and fruit. Wow, the combination of those flavors was outstanding!

I don’t drink alcohol, so I did not try the Mead, but I was giggling at how much my friends who don’t usually drink were enjoying it. You can sample different honey flavors, and I bought some chocolate honey butter for my carry-on bag.

I would have purchased the honeycomb, but it wouldn’t have made it past TSA. You can order online or have the store ship products for you. Seriously, that honeycomb. Incredible.

Savannah Bee Company is worth a visit and your time. Their lotions and lip balms are also fantastic.

The Guide to Eating in St. Simons Island, Georgia

Enjoy this mini-guide to the best restaurants in St. Simons Island, GA. As an extra bonus, supplement your meals with snacks in between. Food is an adventure, and trying something new always makes me feel empowered.

All of the people I met while visiting St. Simons brought a smile to my face and getting to know the local businesses helped connect me to a place full of heart. Not only that but the St. Simons Island Restaurants really know how to keep a tummy happy.