Those looking for a beachside vacation in the Southeast often head to popular locales like Panama City Beach in Florida or Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. While these cities are full of life and are famous for good reason, they also tend to get crowded, making your vacation feel like more hassle than it’s worth. To get all the beautiful nature and exciting activities without the heavy crowds, consider booking one of our Jekyll Island vacation rentals and visit Jekyll Island in Georgia!
On Jekyll Island, you’ll find breathtaking beaches, unique shops, fascinating history, and more. But as with any vacation destination, one of the best parts of being here is the cuisine!
Jekyll Island is home to restaurants for any palate, but while you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to experience fresh local seafood. Here are some of the top Jekyll Island seafood restaurants to check out during your stay.
Zachry’s River House
Since it first opened its doors in 1987, Zachry’s River House has been a local staple. This coastal restaurant offers a beautiful view of the water, but it also features mouthwatering cuisine that is sure to satisfy. The atmosphere is quite laid-back and casual, ideal for enjoying a night out with your friends or having a fun family dinner with the kids.
Begin your meal with appetizers like sesame-crusted ahi tuna or the Low Country Boil. Then, move on to a fried shrimp po boy, bacon cheeseburger, wild Georgia shrimp, crab cakes, and more. Finish your experience with a classic dessert like Keu lime pie or turtle cheesecake!
Visit Zachry’s River House at 1 Harbor Road. They welcome guests Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Wharf
The pier is one of the best places to spend time on Jekyll Island, and you can also get a great meal while you’re there! The Wharf has been entirely reimagined to bring a casual upscale dining space to our shores. When you arrive, you’ll always be greeted with a smile and led to a table with a picturesque view of the water.
When it comes time to order, you’ll find a wide range of Southern favorites on the menu. Enjoy specialties like shrimp and grits, maple-glazed salmon, blackened mahi-mahi, or buffalo shrimp tacos. One of the biggest draws to The Wharf is the drinks. Their unique cocktails include Bourbon Baked Apple, Georgia Heat, Spa Colada, and others. You can also get a beer or wine if that’s more your speed.
You’ll find The Wharf located at 371 Riverview Drive. Guests can dine here Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar
Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar has summed up its goal perfectly: “Where oceanfront and open-air meet Southern coastal fare.” Situated at the heart of the Jekyll Ocean Club, this eatery allows you to dine outside with a fantastic view of the water or enjoy the screened-in porch for a more intimate experience.
You’ll have a sumptuous meal delivered right to your table no matter where you sit. Enjoy main courses such as the wood-fired cauliflower steak, Georgia seafood paella, or the pan-seared catch of the day. They also offer unique flatbreads such as the prosciutto and fig, along with classics like the Margherita and pepperoni. Note that reservations are not required to dine here, but they are recommended.
Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar is located at 80 Ocean Way. They are open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Beach House Restaurant + Tap Room
At Beach House Restaurant, you can let your hair down and enjoy a casual meal with an upscale twist. Take your pick of tables inside, seats at the bar, or spots on the patio or porch. Any seat you pick will offer beautiful surroundings and a welcoming staff to make you feel right at home. You can even watch the big game while you enjoy your meal!
The entrée options bring fresh flavors and unique ingredient combinations, with specialty dishes like the Gulf grouper, shrimp and grits, gnocchi Bolognese, and tortellini Fresca. They also have an impressive selection of sandwiches and shareables for the entire table. See what 20+ beers are on tap to sample while you’re there!
You’ll find Beach House at 715 North Beachview Drive. They’re open daily from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 12 noon to 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, they stay open for an extra hour, closing at 10 p.m.
Georgia Sea Grill
Whether you’re in town for a special occasion or want to treat yourself to some of the best seafood on Jekyll Island, Georgia Sea Grill is sure to satisfy. When you sit down to enjoy your meal, you’re sure to taste the difference compared to other restaurants. They grow their fruits, veggies, and herbs here on their farm!
Those fresh-grown ingredients combine with locally sourced seafood to create tempting meals, including cornmeal-dusted oysters, blackened Satilla Ponds catfish tacos, shrimp and grits, seared scallops, and poached bacon salmon. If there are vegetarians in your group, they’re sure to enjoy the Farmer’s Plate, filled with fresh vegetables.
Enjoy a meal at Georgia Sea Grill at 408 Mallery Street on nearby St. Simons Island. They are open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Plan Your Visit!
Ready to experience an incredible vacation with delicious seafood and incredible cocktails on Jekyll Island? Plan your trip to Jekyll Island today! Parker-Kaufman has 160+ properties available, so you’ll definitely find the perfect fit for your next island getaway!
Crabdaddy’s Seafood Bar and Grill
If you want to take a break from hanging out in our Jekyll Island rentals and visit the nearby destination of St. Simons Island, don’t miss your chance to dine at Crabdaddy’s. For more than 30 years, this eatery has been a beloved favorite of locals and visitors alike. It’s even been voted the Best Overall Restaurant in Elegant Island Living’s Readers’ Choice Awards!
The shrimp and grits are the specialties here, but so many other tempting dishes await you. Popular entrees include teriyaki steak and scallops, coastal shrimp, and seafood pasta. Non-seafood dishes include parmesan-crusted chicken or pork chops. Order the crème Brulee or the incredible Crabdaddy’s Bread Pudding when it’s time for dessert!
Come visit Crabdaddy’s at 1219 Ocean Boulevard on St. Simons Island. Guests are welcome daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
When it comes to finding the best Jekyll Island seafood, these restaurants certainly fit the bill. Best of all, they’re all just moments away from our most popular Jekyll Island vacation rentals! Parker-Kaufman is proud to offer Jekyll Island cottages for groups of all sizes, from couples on a romantic getaway to extended families on a memorable trip. No matter what brings you to town or what you want to do while you’re here, we can help you turn your dream vacation into a reality. Contact Parker-Kaufman today for more information!
