10 Unassuming Restaurants in South Carolina To Add to Your Dining Bucket List

Some of the best restaurants in South Carolina are located either off the beaten path or in other completely unassuming locations. So how do they survive when they're so hard to find or notice? By word of mouth, of course.

From stellar Italian food on Hilton Head Island to cafés hidden in antique shops in Yemassee, here are 10 unassuming eateries in the Palmetto State that dish up some of the best food around.

1. Pomodori, Hilton Head Island

Located on the south end of Hilton Head Island, Pomodori is not your everyday Italian restaurant. Cozy and charming, this unassuming spot delivers more than just extraordinary Italian pasta, parmigiana, and crispy chicken milanese. Plus, the service and the cozy atmosphere are perfect for date night or any special gathering.

Pomodori Italian Eatery is open Monday through Saturday from 4:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Address: 1 New Orleans Rd #1g, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

2. Red Rooster Cafe, Beaufort

Hiding in plain sight right on Boundary Street in Beaufort, the Red Rooster Cafe is located in a small strip of other businesses. On the outside, it may be a little unassuming. But step inside for an outstanding breakfast you won't soon forget. Some menu notables include a stacked steak and eggs Benedict, sweet strawberry beignets, fresh fish tacos, and a classic seafood boil.

The cafe is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Address: 2045 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC 29902

3. Mario's Pizza & Italian Restaurant, Rock Hill

In the mood for some outstanding Italian fare? Mario's Pizza and Italian Restaurant in the shopping center on Cherry Road has you covered with more than just pizza. Try the mussels, wings, or baked spaghetti and find out why this restaurant, in business since 2012, is a secret hiding in plain sight in Rock Hill.

Mario's is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesday. Address: 2349 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732

4. Ty's Roadside Coastal Kitchen, Mount Pleasant

While Ty's Roadside Coastal Kitchen has a little more flair than some of the other spots on this list, it's still totally worth mentioning. The Mount Pleasant restaurant is a great place to stop off after a long beach day, boat day, or just to gather with family and friends. Grab some crispy pimento hush puppies or buttery tarvin shrimp toast, top-notch crab cakes, or the open-fire grilled fish of the day.

Ty's Roadside Coastal Kitchen is open Monday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Address: 713 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

5. The Pita House, Greenville

Step one foot inside this eatery-slash-grocery in the upstate and your nose will carry you straight to the counter to order your very own plate of deliciousness—including fresh hot pita, falafel plates, and more. Pita House is located adjacent to a Middle Eastern grocery market on S. Pleasantburg Drive, where you can purchase all sorts of spices, meats, and delicacies.

Pita House is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sunday. Address: 495 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607.

6. Fire & Smoke Gastropub, Myrtle Beach

Located slightly off the beaten path in Myrtle Beach, Fire & Smoke is a totally unassuming upscale eatery that will both delight and surprise you. From the outside, it's wedged in between other businesses in a strip. American fusion and Southern comfort food are the specialties—including USDA-prime aged beef, fresh snapper, and grouper prepared on a wood-fire grill. The gastropub also prepares hand-crafted cocktails and boasts an extensive bourbon menu.

Fire & Smoke is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Address: 411 79th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

7. Menkoi Ramen House, Columbia

Menkoi Ramen House may have an unassuming storefront, but its comforting ramen and noodle bowls are so popular that the owners have expanded to more locations beyond Gervais Street, including the Village at Sandhill and Greenville. Order a savory, umami bowl of noodles in miso-based broth, crispy chicken katsu, and flavor-filled fried rice to-go, or dine in-person at their cozy spots.

Menkoi Ramen House is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Address: 1004 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201

8. Donzelle's Restaurant, Conway

If you're looking for some old-fashioned country cooking, Donzelle's is the place to be. The family-owned and operated gem serves up some of the most delicious southern dishes, including fried catfish and chicken, hamburger casserole, BBQ ribs, and a variety of sides, including collard greens, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and gravy, and butter beans. Come hungry because you're sure to be well-fed.

Donzelle's is open Monday through Friday from 4:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on Saturday and Sunday. Address: 1703 Main St, Conway, SC 29526

9. Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French, Charleston

Looking for the crispiest, freshest bread and sandwiches in the state? Gaulart & Maliclet has it covered. The French-inspired restaurant, located right in downtown Charleston, hand-bakes its baguettes, sourdough, and rye, and is well-known for its fancy open-faced sandwiches, soups, and cheese platters. Even the open-faced Le Hot Dogs are fancy, with Dijon spread, a thick baguette, and melted cheese.

Gaulart & Maliclet is open Sunday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Address: 98 Broad St., Charleston, SC 29401

10. Fletcher's Cafe and Catering, Yemassee

Fletcher's Cafe and Catering in Yemassee is the epitome of unassuming. This little house-turned-antique shop, now called Fletcher's and Company, is also home to an incredible deli that serves up fresh pulled pork and pastrami sandwiches, hushpuppies, burgers, salads, and homemade desserts. (They even have vegetarian and vegan options!) Take a peek around at the collectibles, rugs, and trinkets for sale as the café prepares your food.

Fletcher's Finds is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed the rest of the week. Address: 17 Yemassee Hwy, Yemassee, SC 29945

Did we miss any unassuming, yet can't-miss, spots in the Palmetto State? Find more small towns and remote restaurants by taking a trip down south, and plan it all using Only In Your State's itinerary planner.