Best of the Grand Strand 2024 - Upscale Classic & Specialty Cuisine

(Left to right) Thoroughbreds Chophouse; Aspen Grille & Perrone’s Restaurant & Bar

Chive Blossom
85 N. Causeway Rd, Pawleys Island,
(843) 237-1438
Chiveblossom.com
Nature meets form and function at this upscale classic in Pawleys Island. Chive Blossom’s all-seasons outdoor courtyard is a year-round delight (weather permitting) for its patrons. Its sophisticated lunch and dinner menu sets Chive Blossom apart from so many others. The daytime menu includes sandwiches, noodles, and house specialties such as wild salmon, seafood sampler, quiche, quesadillas and much more. For dinner, start with she crab soup, and choose from a large selection of starters and small plates. Main courses lean heavily into fresh seafood, but also includes an 8 oz. center cut filet mignon. A full bar offers seasonal signature cocktails along with liquor and a fine wine list. 

Flamingo Grill
7050 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach,
(843) 449-5388
Flamingogrill.com
For more than 40 years the award winning Flamingo Grill has defined casual fine dining. The art deco-inspired restaurant and lounge is particularly known for their lobster bites with Bearnaise and Flounder Cagney (named for the owners’ first area eatery, Cagney’s). The extensive menu features dozens of starters, salads, seafood specialties, pasta, and a huge selection of steaks with prime rib in four sizes, from 8 oz to 24 oz. Flamingo Grill offers a delectable menu featuring a fusion of flavors, which promises a memorable dining experience. Don’t miss their signature cocktails! A true Myrtle Beach dynastic treasure open for dinner Mon – Sat at 4:15 p.m.

Gios Italian Kitchen
7915 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
(843) 712-2238
Giositaliankitchenmb.com
10008 Ocn. Hwy., Pawleys Island,
(843) 237-8245
Giositaliankitchen.com
This ever-growing, family-owned and operated establishment with two locations (and a pizza shop in The Market Common), invites diners into modern, sophisticated, and comfortable spaces, delivering authentic and creative Italian cuisine. Indulge in an array of delights, from seafood, steaks, and chicken to surf and turf combinations and fresh sides, all accompanied by unhurried service. Savor the goodness of 15 pasta dishes, as well as traditionally prepared chicken and veal in Marsala, Napoleon, scaloppine, and other inventive styles. For seafood and steak enthusiasts, Gios offers an enticing selection, including scallops, lobster claw, NY strip in two sizes, and much more to satisfy every craving.

Thoroughbreds Chophouse
9706 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, (843) 497-2636
Thoroughbredsrestaurant.com
For more than 35 years, Thoroughbreds Chophouse in Myrtle Beach has delivered on its casual fine dining promise. The ambiance, with a nod to great horseracing paddocks, is charming and cozy, creating the perfect setting for a carefully crafted dining experience. Choose from succulent Prime steaks cooked to perfection, early bird specials, chicken dishes, and mouthwatering seafood such as their signature lobster tail, seafood bechamel pasta, salmon Neptune and more. The delectable desserts, such as the decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake, will make the perfect finale as you come around the final turn.

21 Main Prime Steakhouse
719 North Beach Blvd. North Myrtle Beach
(843) 315-3000
21mainatnorthbeach.com
A modern, classic, prime steakhouse, 21 Main stands out among fine-dining establishments with its meticulous attention to detail. Their on-premises dry-aging process elevates the menu, boasting a variety of a la carte steaks, chops, seafood, poultry, lamb, shareable sides, award-winning soups, salads, house-made desserts, sushi, and an extensive wine list complemented by a full bar. Exuding elegance without pretension, the impeccable service and delectable food promise an unforgettable experience. Dress to impress and savor a special evening at this exceptional restaurant, a culinary gem along the Grand Strand.

Aspen Grille
5101 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, (843) 449-9191
Aspengrille.net
Aspen Grille embodies a casual fine dining philosophy that emphasizes locally and regionally sourced beef, produce, and seafood along with a few surprises. The menu, the southern hospitality, and the ambience are all unrivaled. At the well-stocked and cozy bar/lounge area enjoy creative signature cocktails, a rare scotch, bourbon or rye, tequila and wine, then on to dinner in the elegant dining room, accompanied by occasional live soft jazz. Choose from dry-aged U.S.D.A. prime steaks, fresh fish, chops (including elk), poultry, lamb, and chef’s specials. Finish with dessert to complete your culinary experience.

Frank’s and Frank’s Outback
10434 Ocean Hwy. Pawleys Island
(843) 237-3030 
Franksandoutback.com
Since 1988, Frank’s Outback, a cleverly tented and semi-outdoor extension of Pawleys Island’s beloved Frank’s, presents a unique year-round al fresco dining experience. While Frank’s indoor area offers casual fine dining on white linen tablecloths with a French-inspired touch, Frank’s Outback embraces a casual and informal ambiance. Both locations boast an enticing menu, featuring delectable small plates and entrees, including beef, seafood, and chicken dishes. Additionally, Outback serves wood-fired pizzas to satisfy diverse cravings. It’s the exquisite food that keeps patrons coming back for more, whether they prefer the refined setting of Frank’s or the relaxed charm of Frank’s Outback.

631 Frank’s on Front
631 Front St., Georgetown
(843) 436-1631
631Front.com
Owned and operated by Frank’s of Pawleys Island family, 631 Frank’s On Front is set along historic Front Street  in Georgetown along the Sampit River. Exposed centuries-old brick walls and attention to elegance at the bar and in the dining room have quickly made 631 a popular lunch and dinner spot Wednesday-Saturday. A bar bites menu is served 3-5 p.m. and includes marinated olives, pimento cheese, a classic BLT, chilled shrimp and more. An extensive lunch menu features apps, small plates, soups & salads, entrees and plenty of customizable options. For dinner, expect more of the same – creative dishes, plenty of fresh seafood, pan-roasted chicken breast, honey roasted salmon and more. 

Perrone’s Restaurant & Bar
13302 Ocean Highway, Litchfield/Pawleys Island,
(843) 235-9193
Perronesmarket.com
Since 2012 Perrone’s has gained a loyal following with dry-aged prime steaks and a stunning blend of art and design and exceptional food and drink.  Its award-winning wine list, inviting bar/lounge, and ever-evolving Mediterranean-inspired menu inform and support its mission statement “…dishes that have many notes, but are playing the same song.” The restaurant’s interior surprises with vibrant colors and intricate details. Owner Steven Perrone states: “Relax, have a cocktail, peruse our offerings, be adventurous and embrace your dining experience.”

The Parson’s Table
4305 McCorsley Ave, Little River
(843) 249-3702, Parsonstable.com
A cherished gem known to locals since 1978, the Parson’s Table is housed within the former Little River Methodist church. The restaurant’s 1885 dining room boasts century-old cypress and stunning stained-glass windows but it’s the exceptional food and service that truly captivates. The menu, featuring locally and regionally sourced ingredients, is a delightful blend of sophistication and approachability, with creative beef and seafood dishes stealing the spotlight. Choose from bacon-wrapped filet mignon, rib eye and New York strip steaks, Prime rib, short ribs, pork chops, duck breast, and more, plus fresh catch of the day, salmon, seafood platter, crab cakes, an award-winning wine list and even Early bird specials, 4-4:30 p.m. 

Chestnut Hill
9922 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
(843) 449-3984
Chestnuthilldining.com
In an historic home on Kings Highway,, the lakefront Chestnut Hill restaurant has been hosting gatherings since the 1950s. Beloved by generations of locals and visitors, the restaurant’s menu focuses on Southern comfort food, but expands to include sushi-grade seared tuna, pork Marsala, entrée worthy salads, aged Angus beef, chicken, pork and veal, several vegetarian dishes, plus some 18 seafood entrées and holiday buffets. Enjoy a full bar, happy hour, and kid’s menu, plus scratch-made desserts. Open Mon – Sat for dinner, and Sunday Brunch starts at 10 a.m. 

SeaBlue 
Restaurant and Wine Bar
501 Hwy. 17 N.,
North Myrtle Beach
(843) 249-8800
SeaBluerestaurant.com
The chic and trendy multi award-winning SeaBlue restaurant welcomes guests with an artistic and stylish ambiance, the dining room bathed in sea-blue mood lighting. Renowned for its seasonally changing menu featuring locally sourced seafood and entrees, SeaBlue has earned several accolades, including being named the “#1 Restaurant in the Country” by OpenTable and receiving the prestigious “Best of... Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator. Rooted in classic French cooking, their contemporary American cuisine embraces a Farm-to-Table approach, prioritizing seafood from local fishermen. From small plates to large plates and delectable steaks, their chef-inspired offerings are extensive. Drink, dine and discover.

(Left to right) Brisket; Costa Coastal

Café Piccolo
9428 Ocean Hwy.,
Pawleys Island
(843) 314-3424
Cafepiccolopawleys.com
“Simple. Fresh. Italian,” sums up Cafe Piccolo, opened in 2010 and located in charming Pawleys Island; a culinary South Strand gem offering a delightful fusion of Italian and Lowcountry flavors with a warm and inviting ambiance, indoors and out. Savor their salads, apps such as calamari in a light basil marinara, stuffed eggplant, crab cakes and more. Main courses include chicken and veal dishes, perfectly balanced Marsala, pastas (try the penne with sausage & broccoli rabe), seafood (scallops, shrimp, linguine with clams) and more. With desserts, great wine selection and daily specials, Cafe Piccolo promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Costa Coastal Kitchen and Bar
4600 US 17 Bus., Murrells Inlet
(843) 299-1970
Coastamyrtlebeach.com
All new in 2016, Costa is set within an intimate, stylish, boutique hotel, delighting lodge visitors and locals-in-the-know with its locally sourced seafood, farm-to-table produce and fine Italian dishes in a warm inviting atmosphere. Start with calamari, mussels alla Costa, meatballs and more. Soups (tomato basil, pasta fagioli) and salads are next; (add chicken, shrimp, scallops or fish of the day to any salad). For the main event consider chicken and veal, seafood, pasta, in traditional yet creative presentations. Accompanied by wine from an extensive list, regional craft beer, and more, the lodge and it’s on-premises restaurant make a perfect staycation option. 

Ciao Italian Restaurant
5223 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
(843) 449-5700, Ciaomyrtlebeach.com
Cherished by locals for its authentic Italian dishes, exceptional service, and intimate old-world ambiance, this cozy Italian eatery is open for lunch Wednesday – Saturday and dinner Monday – Saturday. For lunch enjoy generously portioned and affordable delights. Appetizers, pasta, salads (don’t miss the antipasto!), seafood, chicken, veal, and sandwiches. For an unforgettable dinner experience, indulge in the Zuppa Di Pesce, a delectable medley of shrimp, scallops, calamari, PEI Mussels, clams, and grouper served over linguini in your choice of Fra Diavolo or marinara sauce. Seafood, chicken, veal, eggplant and pasta round out the offerings. Simply divine!

Brisket
1501 Hwy. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, (843) 273-4423
Brisketnmb.com
North Myrtle Beach’s beloved Brisket restaurant serves “real slow-smoked Texas BBQ,” and is a true haven for meat enthusiasts. Its mouthwatering, slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, even salmon, are infused with rich smoky flavors from their Texas-built hickory smoker. Share the giant short rib (or keep it for yourself). The welcoming ambiance, attentive service, and delectable sides create a memorable, unique BBQ dining experience. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or a newcomer, this destination promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey of smokey goodness in the heart of North Myrtle Beach. Also enjoy daily Happy Hour (4- 7 p.m.), open every Tues – Sun for lunch and dinner.

Café Old Vienna
1604 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, (843) 946-6252
Cafeoldvienna.com
Prost! (Germanic word for “bottoms up,” a toast). Café Old Vienna, a cherished Myrtle Beach favorite, has delighted diners with its authentic and delectable German-Austrian cuisine for more than two decades, remaining a staple of the Grand Strand food scene. Enjoy a range of Austrian and German beers on tap, perfectly complementing the soul-satisfying dishes like Veal Wiener Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, and mouth-watering Pierogis. For a communal dining experience, indulge in their delightful “Feasts,” featuring shareable portions of menu favorites that bring friends and family together. Set within an Alpine lodge, you will experience Gemütlichkeit (warmth, friendliness and good cheer).

Habaneros Mexican Restaurant
10799 SC 707, Murrells Inlet
(843) 748-9026
11151 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island, (843) 235-9595
Habanerosrestaurant.com
For an authentic taste of Mexico, Habaneros in two locations serves all your favorites for lunch and dinner including appetizers, a la carte specialties including quesadillas, chili rellenos, tostadas, enchiladas, freshly prepared sides including Spanish rice, refried beans, Pico de Gallo, plus tacos, burritos, and platters combining the concinero’s best dishes on one plate. Choose from plenty of tasty vegetarian dishes and splash around in an oversized margarita or two. Fast lunch combos are a specialty for those with limited time.

  

Andomiro

Andomiro
12036 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island
(843) 314.3001, Andomiro.com
Asian-inspired food made with time-honored and authentic Asian culinary techniques, Andomiro (an ancient Korean word for “overflow’) opened in May 2024. The restaurant serves starters, such as house-made honey butter potato chips, Asian-baked sweet potato with bacon, garlic sour cream, kimchi and chives, Korean double-fried chicken wings with soy glaze or Korean spicy glaze, and more. Try Temaki (hand rolled sushi cones) with a variety of vegetable, seafood and beef fillings. The Yakitori (Japanese grilled skewers) of ribeye, shrimp, chicken and vegetable, along with rice bowls (beef, shrimp and tofu), wraps, ramen (with sides of kimchi and rice rolls), full bar and chef specials have made Andomiro a South Strand favorite. Open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. until late night.