The dynamic culture of Gullah, native to the vibrant Lowcountry, has maintained a strong connection to their ancestral heritage.
Through generations, Gullah recipes have been cherished and today’s chefs bring a fresh twist to traditional dishes by incorporating local and seasonal ingredients. Experience the flavors of Gullah cuisine including okra gumbo, shrimp and grits, collard greens, and more!
A Lowcountry Backyard
Here you will find shrimp and grits, voted #1 in South Carolina and #3 in the world, and the warm embrace of soul food. Gullah culture and cooking are the roots from which Hilton Head grew, and while that culture has somewhat faded over the years, Lowcountry Backyard keeps it fresh. Offering a full bar and also features a South Carolina Moonshine! Many locals say that a visit to A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant is a right of passage for all who visit the Island.
- 32 Palmetto Bay Rd.
- (843) 785-9273
- Website
Kind Of Blue
Established in 2022, on the south end of Hilton Head Island, Kind of Blue offers a unique dining experience. They combine a fun, Gullah-influenced food menu, along with high-end entertainment.
Here are just a few of their Gullah- and Southern-inspired dishes:
- BOOKERT T AND THE MG’S FRIED GREEN TOMATOES: topped with pimento cheese, red pepper jam and balsamic glaze
- JOHN LEE’S BOOM BOOM SHRIMP on mixed greens with candied pecans
- BLUE OYSTER CULT: baked deviled blue crab stuffed oysters on 1/2 shells topped with old bay aioli and red pepper jam
- 19 Dunnagans Alley
- (843) 686-2868
- Website
The Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant
Although NOT located on Hilton Head, The Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant features some of the best Lowcountry-inspired dishes. The restaurant lies at Freeport Marina on Daufuskie Island, where most folks dock when visiting this pristine Island. Dine on the local shrimp, fish, Daufuskie Deviled Crab™, and all the ‘fixin’s. Their signature dish, Deviled Crab, is the handiwork of longtime Old Daufuskie Crab Co kitchen wizard, Ernestine Smith. The food here is worth the trip over to this Island as it is only accessible by boat.
- 256 Cooper River Landing Rd., Daufuskie Island
- (843) 785-6652
- Website
Mama Joy’s Kitchen
Born and raised in Ridgeland SC and now residing in Bluffton, Joy Mitchell has always been the daughter of the Low Country. Her journey began long before she would even realize it while at the side of her mother Ann Mitchell affectionally known by all as “Mama Ann” Beginning at age 7, Ann would have a daughter sitting by her side as she taught her all of her unique cooking techniques and recipes. It would not be until the pandemic that Joy would realize her further calling.
As businesses and restaurants shuttered, friends and family began asking Joy to cook for them some of their favorite meals. Whether it was 10 am or 1 am Joy was happy to whip up seemingly whatever they wanted. Inspired by this and the memory of “Mama Ann”, “Mama Joy” and Mama Joy’s Kitchen was born.
Ruby Lee’s
If you’re not familiar with Ruby Lee’s, it’s a locally owned restaurant, started by Tim Singleton (known to Lowcountry residents as an athlete and high school coach), and his mother, Deborah Govan. The restaurant is named for Singleton’s late grandmother, who is the inspiration for the Southern-style menu. “Ruby Lee is the matriarch of our family. I always thought of her as my heart with arms and legs,” Singleton said.
The new and revamped version of the original; yet it still captures the Southern feel-good themes that have an uncanny way of making you hungry for fried chicken, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and sweet tea the moment you walk in the door.
- 46 Old Wild Horse Rd.
- (843) 715-2122
- Website
