St. Simons Island is one of the largest barrier islands comprising the Golden Isles in Southern Georgia. Beyond the long stretch of sandy beaches and famous golf courses, this beloved beach town is known as a premiere foodie destination with eclectic, locally inspired offerings.
With many of our Lighthouse Vacation rentals nearby, it is a central area to explore all St. Simons Island offers. Pier Village is the hub of the island, lined with local shops and family-owned eateries that offer a little bit of everything. Located right next to the infamous St. Simons Pier, you can find any cuisine, from fresh seafood to Mexican and Italian options, in this popular spot.
We’ve rounded up the best St. Simons Island restaurants to get your grub on during your trip to the St. Simons Pier.
1. Palmer’s Village Cafe
- Address: 223 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
- Known for: Sweet and savory breakfast options
Palmer’s Village Cafe is a cozy spot located just a few blocks from the pier. This local SSI cafe offers breakfast and lunch daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Palmer’s is known for serving up classic breakfast dishes with a special twist. On their breakfast menu, you’ll find items such as Challah Bread French Toast and Buddy’s Banana Pudding Pancakes. If you prefer a savory start to your day, they have a variety of omelets, egg dishes, and breakfast sandwiches. Lunch opens at 11 a.m. daily and is the perfect choice if you are craving a sandwich, salad, or soup.
2. Georgia Sea Grill
- Address: 407 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
- Known for: extensive seafood menu and inviting dining room
Georgia Sea Grill is a casual fine dining restaurant that offers an elevated take on seafood staples. Located on Mallery Street, it’s the ideal spot for an upscale dinner after a relaxing stroll on the pier.
If seafood is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Start with the appetizer menu, which includes everything from crab-stuffed hushpuppies to scallops. For your entree, we recommend trying the fresh catch of the day, prepared any way you like. If you aren’t a seafood fan, no worries! They’ve got braised short ribs, chicken, and filet mignon, to name a few.
They also have an extensive wine list and specialty cocktails for your special night out. Be sure to book your reservations in advance.
3. Brogen’s South
- Address: 200 Pier Aly, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
- Known for: Laid-back atmosphere and extensive drink options
If you’re searching for a burger joint near the pier, look no further than Brogen’s! This laid-back eatery offers classic American dishes, a pub environment, and even oceanfront views from their front patio.
We think this is the perfect spot to enjoy happy hour after a day at the pier. Brogen’s is praised for their drink menu, where you’ll find anything from beer to wine to specialty cocktails. Enjoy shared appetizers from their Munchies menu, such as BBQ chicken wings or potato skins. And, of course, you can’t leave without tasting one of their infamous burgers. With a range of toppings from crispy bacon to melted cheese, they are mouth-wateringly good.
4. Mallery Street Cafe
- Address: 408 Mallery St, Saint Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
- Known for: Southern menu and quaint atmosphere
Mallery Street Cafe is another classic spot in Downtown St. Simons near the pier. This family-owned cafe is the place to go for Southern-style breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll feel at home as soon as you walk through the doors.
Using fresh, local ingredients, the breakfast menu includes stuffed crepes, omelets, and biscuits with homemade jam. For lunch, you’ll find crab cakes, lobster bisque, or fried oysters. Dinner entrees like Chicken Romano give you a taste of the South with every bite.
And if you’re looking for a spot to bring your furry friend after visiting the pier, this is one of the island’s pet-friendly restaurants! Grab your pets, pull up a seat, and enjoy a delicious Southern meal on Mallery Street.
5. Barbara Jean
- Address: 214 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
- Known for: Seafood classics and family-friendly environment
Take a quick stroll after enjoying the pier to this local favorite on Mallery Street. Barbara Jean’s is a seafood restaurant on Mallery Street, right near the St. Simons Pier. Blending Southern and coastal cuisine, Barbara Jean’s offers a family-friendly atmosphere with casual dining.
Seafood is truly the star of the menu here. They are known for their Barbara Jean crab cakes, catfish sandwiches, and Wild Georgia shrimp and grits, to name a few. We definitely recommend ordering the fan-favorite sweet jalapeno cornbread, which goes perfectly with any seafood dish.
6. The Half Shell SSI
- Address: 504 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
- Known for: Oyster bar and butter cake dessert
The Half Shell SSI is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and delicious Coastal American cuisine. It’s the perfect spot for dinner after a day of exploring all that the pier has to offer!
They are known for their oyster bar, featuring a rotating menu of raw oysters and specialty oyster dishes. The entree menu offers a range of seafood options from tuna tacos to Wild Georgia shrimp to blue crab cakes. Be sure to leave room for dessert – they are famous for their delicious butter cake! We recommend getting ice cream on the side, too. The Half Shell SSI offers visitors an authentic St. Simons dining experience only a few steps from the pier.
7. Palm Coast Coffee
- Address: 318 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
- Known for: Craft beer menu and outdoor patio seating
Palm Coast Coffee is a local spot near the pier with a quaint and inviting atmosphere. It is best known for its coffee and breakfast, but diners can also enjoy lunch, beer, and wine here until 2 pm daily.
With a patio overlooking Mallery Street, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy craft beer, sandwiches, and soup on a beautiful day in SSI.
8. Iguana’s
- Address: 303 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA
- Price Point: $$
- Known for: Doing shrimp right
Iguana’s is another well-loved seafood spot near the pier on Mallery Street. Featuring a casual, coastal atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you walk through the doors.
They are most famous for their shrimp dishes. You can choose anything from fried to bacon-wrapped to buffalo shrimp (and we promise they’re all delicious!). They’ve got plenty of other options if you’re not into seafood. From burgers to sandwiches to salads, you’re sure to find something you love at this family-friendly diner.
Enjoy Eating Near St. Simons Pier
It’s easy to find delicious food options near St. Simons Pier. After a day of fishing, swimming, or strolling along the pier, head to one of the many St. Simons Island restaurants nearby.
Everything from a hearty breakfast to a laid-back seafood dinner awaits you in Pier Village. And with our nearby vacation rentals, you won’t have to go very far to get your grub on!
