Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana

For twenty-three years, Michael Anthony's has been the answer to 'where should we go for our anniversary dinner?' on Hilton Head Island. Locals love it for the consistent quality, the menu that changes three to four times a year to keep things interesting, and the tight, professional kitchen.

The Calamari in Zimino — fresh calamari in a tomato-herb broth — is a dish that haunts you after you leave. The house-made pastas are exceptional. The service is impeccable without being fussy. This is the kind of restaurant that earns its reputation by being consistently excellent rather than chasing trends.

Book ahead. This one fills up, especially on weekends and during peak season.