Seafood Capital of SC

Restaurants in
Murrells Inlet

The freshest shrimp, the best oysters, and Lowcountry cooking done right — all within a shrimp's throw of the tidal marsh.

Why Murrells Inlet Is Different

This isn't a tourist seafood trap. Murrells Inlet has been a commercial fishing village for generations — which means the fish on your plate arrived off a local boat that morning. Restaurants here take their sourcing seriously. Whether you're sitting on a dock with a bucket of steamed oysters or settled in at a white-tablecloth spot over she-crab soup, you're eating the real thing.

Must-Try Dishes

Shrimp & Grits — The Lowcountry classic. Creamy stone-ground grits topped with fresh local shrimp, bacon, and a rich tasso ham gravy. Order it at least once.
She-Crab Soup — Rich, cream-based crab bisque made with blue crab roe — a true SC delicacy. Warming and deeply savory.
Steamed Oysters by the Dozen — Local oysters, steamed in the shell and served with crackers, cocktail sauce, and melted butter. Simple, perfect.
Deviled Crab — A Lowcountry staple: blue crab meat seasoned with spices and baked in the shell. Street food elevated to an art form.
Fried Flounder — Whole or filleted, fresh-caught flounder lightly breaded and fried golden. Comes with hush puppies and coleslaw.

Dining by Vibe

Marsh Walk Waterfront

The main event. Multiple restaurants line the boardwalk over the marsh — tables on the dock, views of the inlet, and a festive atmosphere all season long. Perfect for a leisurely dinner as the sun goes down.

Casual Seafood Shacks

For a more laid-back meal, several roadside spots and local fish markets serve excellent fried seafood baskets, boiled shrimp by the pound, and fresh oysters without any fuss. Often the best value in town.

Fine Dining & Chef-Driven

A growing number of chef-driven restaurants are elevating Lowcountry cuisine. Expect thoughtfully sourced local seafood, creative preparations, and wine lists that can surprise you. Dress code is smart-casual at most.