Prepare to stand in line at this venerable, dimly lit diner serving hefty Philly steak omelets, toasty pecan waffles, crispy hashbrowns prepared to order and house-made sausage and salsa. 1500 Butler Ave., Tybee Island, 912-786-5984.
The massive, rambling, super-casual institution that seats up to 700 people on screened porches and open-air decks overlooking Chimney Creek specializes in all varieties and preparations of crab, including legs, claws and cakes. There are other types of seafood, too, including crawfish and mussels, as well as a few chicken and pork options. 40 Estill Hammock Road, Tybee Island. 912-786-9857.
Georgia's only Forbes-rated five-star restaurant, The Georgian Room at the Cloister at Sea Island boasts a lovely, understated dining room decorated in cool shades of white, the ceilings hung with chandeliers, the tables set with linen and fine china. Here chef de cuisine Julian Scheibel oversees a seasonal menu of creatively plated dishes served with attentive flourish. 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island. 1-855-714-9201.
Dine like the scion of a gilded-age industrialist in Jekyll Island Club Hotel's fine dining, Victorian-style establishment. Specialties include Red Royal shrimp ceviche, seared swordfish and grilled wild boar chop. Or enjoy the Victorian tea, featuring finger sandwiches, scones, petit fours and 18 varieties of tea. 371 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island. 855-743-4416.
Stop by this small, casual spot near the St. Simons pier for hefty portions from a creative menu of Southern-inspired classics, including banana pudding pancakes, a twist on eggs Benedict with crab cakes on smoked Gouda grits cakes and a terrific house-made pimento cheese. Specializes in breakfast and lunch, but serves a small, seasonal dinner menu a couple times a week. 223 Mallery St., Pier Village, St. Simons. 912-634-5515.
A recent callout on Facebook for restaurant recommendation on the Georgia coast elicited three responses, and they all said the same thing: Southern Soul Barbeque in St. Simons. In addition to the usual pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket and smoked chicken, this outstanding barbecue joint with covered outdoor seating overlooking a busy traffic circle serves 'cue-inspired interpretations of a Philly cheesesteak and a Cuban sandwich. Excellent Southern sides, including collard greens and Hoppin' John, and a full bar, too. 2020 Demere Road, St. Simons. 912-638-7085.
This intimate, upscale restaurant located in a modest white house specializes in creative, farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and craft cocktails. Under the direction of chef owner Kurtis Schumm, the menu changes daily but always includes the oysters Pulaski, a Southern interpretation of oysters Rockefeller. 106 S. Campbell Ave., Tybee Island. 912-662-3474.
