Capri Pizza HHI

Lagoon Road, Hilton Head

A new casual pizza spot inspired by Chicago flavors is coming to Hilton Head’s south end. Capri Pizza HHI, from the family behind Coastal Capri Ristorante at South Island Square, is expected to open this spring in the former Dive Bar & Grille space near Coligny Plaza. The menu will feature Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, thin-crust pies, Italian beef sandwiches and other casual Italian favorites served in a laid-back setting with indoor and outdoor seating.

Dunkin’

Kitties Crossing, Bluffton

Coffee runs in Bluffton will soon get a little easier. Dunkin’ is planning a new freestanding location at 1002 Fording Island Road in Kitties Crossing Shopping Center, in front of Buffalo Wild Wings and Jimmy John’s. The 2,240-square-foot café will feature the brand’s modern “next generation” design with a dual-lane drive-through, indoor seating and an outdoor patio. An opening date has not been announced, but caffeine lovers already have something to look forward to.

Nosh NY Bagels

Village at Wexford, Hilton Head

Hilton Head’s bagel game is about to get stronger. Nosh NY Bagels plans to open its second location this spring at Village at Wexford in the former Odd Birds space. Known for authentic New York-style bagels with that perfect chew, the shop will serve breakfast and lunch favorites, from stacked bagel sandwiches to plenty of cream cheese-laden creations. The team says Hilton Head can expect the same “Eat Greedy” energy that made the original location a hit.

Mother Smokin’ Good BBQ

Scott Street, Beaufort

A beloved local food truck is putting down permanent roots in Beaufort. Mother Smokin’ Good BBQ, led by pitmaster Marquith “Roscoe” Green, plans to open its first brick-and-mortar location in mid-May at 101 Scott St. near the waterfront playground. Green, who grew up in nearby Lobeco and started smoking meat as a teenager, built a loyal following with his rolling smoker and the motto “Follow the Smoke.” Since launching the food truck in 2014, the operation has earned national attention, including a feature in Travel + Leisure, a winning rib appearance on Moonshiners: Smoke Ring, and a visit from James Beard Award-winning author Michael Twitty.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Beaufort Station, Beaufort

Beaufort Station will soon welcome another dining option. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced plans to open a location in the shopping center later in 2026. Known for cooked-to-order steakburgers, crispy shoestring fries and rich frozen custard treats, the fast-casual chain will bring a mix of classic American comfort food and sweet desserts to the Beaufort community.

A sweet refresh

Nonna Marie’s Gelato & Coffee Bar is back open on Hilton Head Island after a recent refresh. The shop spent late February updating its space and is now welcoming customers again for house-made gelato, coffee drinks and sweet treats. Just in time for spring, the refreshed setting gives locals and visitors a bright new spot to stop for a scoop or a caffeine fix.

New roles at Sea Pines 

The Sea Pines Resort is mixing things up behind the scenes with several leadership updates across its food and beverage team. Alex Dinerstein has been promoted to food and beverage operations manager after nine years with the resort, most recently as general manager of Links, an American Grill. Nick Osterfoss steps in as the general manager of Links, while Brendan McGuire has been promoted to general manager of Harbourside. Eric Haley has taken on a new role as assistant operations manager at Fraser’s Tavern. Together the team will help guide some of the resort’s most popular dining spots into the busy spring and summer seasons.

Ocean elegance

At Nectar Old Town Bluffton, the Octopus Carpaccio proves that sometimes the simplest dishes make the biggest impression. Whisper-thin slices of tender octopus are finished with olive oil, fresh lemon, a peppercorn medley, smoked sea salt and delicate micro carrot tops. 

Freshwater star

At Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte, the spotlight occasionally shifts away from the ocean and onto freshwater ponds and lakes. Freshwater trout arrives with crisp edges and flaky perfection, topped with lump crab meunière for a rich coastal flourish. 

Coastal bounty

The Quarterdeck serves up South Carolina wreckfish with a plate full of regional flavor. Palmetto Purple sweet potato, black-eyed peas, roasted corn with Benton’s shaved ham and white spring onion soubis grown in the state create a dish that feels both comforting and refined. 

Mediterranean twist

Panini’s on the Waterfront in Beaufort puts a globe-trotting spin on shrimp and grits. Wild-caught Atlantic shrimp rest atop creamy pancetta polenta with butter, onions, olives, tomatoes and basil. The result is a dish that feels both familiar and fresh.

Coastal crunch

At Maine Cafe in Moss Creek Village, the Fickle Flounder brings bold flavor and plenty of personality. Beer-battered haddock tacos come piled high with peach salsa, chow chow, pickled red onion, banana peppers and citrus crema. Each bite delivers crunch, tang and a pop of sweetness that makes the dish as fun as it is flavorful.

Sun-kissed sweet

Sister Sister Deli in Beaufort is leaning into spring with its Orange Blossom Rice Crispy. Bright orange zest is folded into marshmallow crispies and finished with a sprinkle of fragrant orange blossom sugar. Light, citrusy and nostalgic, it tastes like sunshine in dessert form.