I have found my favorite “everyday” restaurant in Hilton Head. (When I write “everyday” I mean reasonably priced). We stumbled upon this delicious gem driving down Marshland, and the instant we passed it I said: “I want to eat there.” At that moment Travis did a u-turn, and we ventured into Chef David’s Roastfish and Cornbread.
Chef David Vincent Young was originally the chef at The Sea Shack, which is a small seafood restaurant by the beach. When he left The Sea Shack he opened his own restaurant, Chef David’s Roastfish and Cornbread, which most people simply call Roastfish and Cornbread. It is located on Marshland in a building that used to be a Mexican restaurant so the structure still has that New Mexico feel with a red clay roof and Mexican tile.
This amazing eatery has some of the best food and service we have experienced on the island. In fact, we have already been back about six times in the month we have lived here. Chef David creates Low Country style food that is organic, fresh and homemade. The menu is extensive, and there are always plenty of specials added to the selection. (If they are offering the lentil soup, get it! It is absolutely to die for!) Roastfish and Cornbread always offers a selection of fish that is “Fresh off the Boat”. You can never go wrong ordering one of these fresh caught fish. Everything we have tried is wonderful. They have the best hush puppies I have every eaten and quite a large selection of vegetarian items. The wait staff is friendly and helpful. Every time we eat there we feel like we have made a new friend.
Roastfish and Cornbread is packed in the high season so go early. They provide live entertainment during the busy season and even have corn hole for you to play while you tailgate and wait for your table. This amazing restaurant also offers take-out and will even cater your special event. It is a small restaurant so they do not have space for a full bar. However, they do serve beer and wine. If you are travelling to the area and fall in love with the restaurant like we did, you can bring a little bit home with you by ordering Chef David’s cookbook: Burnin’ Down South. The cookbook is available on the restaurant’s website: www.roastfishandcornbread.com and at www.amazon.com.
Chef David’s Roastfish and Cornbread is a dining experience not to be missed in Hilton Head. They are open Monday – Saturday 11am – 9pm; closed on Sundays. This restaurant does not advertise and succeeds on word of mouth (and passer-bys) alone.
Enjoy!
