If you really want to eat like a local on your next visit to Beaufort, you have to look beyond the obvious spots on Bay Street.

Tucked into side streets, quiet neighborhoods, and unassuming buildings are restaurants that locals quietly rave about—places where the food is memorable, the atmosphere is authentic, and the crowds are mostly in-the-know.

Here’s a guide to some of Beaufort’s best hidden gem restaurants that locals love (and visitors often miss).

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Fresh, Creative, and Unexpected:

Locals Raw Bar

Don’t let the laid-back name fool you—this spot is one of Beaufort’s most exciting under-the-radar dining experiences. Blending Lowcountry seafood with Asian-inspired flavors, it serves everything from fresh oysters and sushi to lobster grilled cheese and pork belly buns. It’s the kind of place where locals go when they want something different without leaving town.

• 97 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort
• (843) 379-9348
• Website

Casual, Flavor-Packed Favorites:

Lost Local

A true “if you know, you know” kind of place, Lost Local has built a loyal following thanks to its relaxed vibe and seriously good tacos. The menu ranges from classic Southern options to creative combinations like shrimp and pork belly, all served with fresh toppings and bold flavor. It’s casual, quick, and consistently delicious—exactly what locals love.

• 705 Bay Street, Beaufort
• (843) 379-3838
• Website

Lowcountry Breakfast & Brunch Spots:

Griddle & Grits

Just outside downtown Beaufort in Port Royal, this unassuming breakfast spot is a local staple. Expect hearty plates, shrimp and grits done right, and the kind of friendly service that keeps regulars coming back week after week. It’s not flashy—but that’s exactly the point.

• 1638 Paris Ave, Port Royal
• (843) 379-7379
• Facebook page

Cozy, Tucked-Away Hangouts:

Hemingway’s

Hidden in the basement of a historic building, this intimate spot feels like a secret. You enter from Waterfront Park from the rear entrance. Locals drop in for strong cocktails, a great Bloody Mary, and light bites like quiche. It’s less about a full dinner and more about atmosphere—quiet, cozy, and unmistakably Beaufort.

920 Bay St.
(843) 521-4480

Health-Conscious & Local Favorites:

Herban Market & Cafe

For something lighter, this vegan and vegetarian café is a hidden gem many visitors overlook. Known for smoothies, fresh coffee, and creative plant-based dishes, it’s a go-to for locals looking for a healthy but satisfying meal.

Old-School Local Flavor:

Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant

While not flashy or trendy, this longtime seafood spot has quietly built a reputation with locals for consistently fresh Lowcountry classics. It’s the kind of place where generations of Beaufort families have eaten—simple, reliable, and rooted in tradition.

Why These Spots Matter:

What makes a true “hidden gem” isn’t just great food—it’s a sense of place. These restaurants reflect Beaufort’s personality: unpretentious, community-driven, and full of character. They may not always top travel guides, but they’re the places locals recommend when you ask, “Where do you actually eat?”

If you’re exploring Beaufort, skip one of the big-name waterfront spots for a meal and try one of these instead—you’ll get a much more authentic taste of the Lowcountry.