For over 20 years, Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana has been Hilton Head’s premier culinary destination, featuring award-winning regional Italian cuisine, impeccable service and warm hospitality. Our innovative culinary team prides itself on sourcing local fresh products and the finest imported ingredients. Menu choices include homemade pasta dishes, delectable veal, prime meats, fresh seafood and house-made desserts. We are also renowned for our extensive yet approachable wine list. We invite you to enjoy a definitive dining experience amid an ambience that is at once modern, chic and welcoming. "Hilton Head Monthly" readers have voted Michael Anthony’s their “Favorite Fine Dining” restaurant offering their “Favorite Dessert Menu.” Michael Anthony’s Cooking School pairs our chefs’ passion and creativity with weekly demonstration-style or hands-on classes. Here you will interact closely with our cooking staff. Please call or visit our website for reservations and class schedule.
Extraordinary Wines at Extraordinary Prices*
Reserve a table between 5:00PM and 5:30PM and enjoy a truly memorable meal featuring select high-end wines at concessionary prices, reflecting a 50% reduction from regular menu pricing. These carefully-curated bottles include Chardonnays, Merlots, Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, Amarones, Brunellos, Barolos, Barbarescos and Super Tuscans. We guarantee these wonderful wines will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level!
*This experience is for regular dine-in service only, between 5:00PM and 5:30PM only, and all bottles must be opened tableside. Not available for takeout orders or retail purchases. Also not applicable during special events or other promotions.
Cooking Demonstration
US$75.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Our Demonstration Cooking Classes are presented classroom style, where you will watch the chef prepare his menu, providing step-by-step procedures and helpful hints for each dish. The class includes a welcome glass of Prosecco, a generous tasting of all the dishes prepared, a glass of wine and a recipe booklet to take home. Our classes are always fun and informative and the company is always congenial. All seats are assigned based on party size and in the order the reservation was received so we can accommodate everyone.
https://www.michael-anthonys.com/cooking-school
Sips and Bites at the Bar
US$29.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Join us for our weekly small bites menu consisting of three dishes each expertly paired with wines from around the world. Please select a high top table or bar seat for the Sips & Bites menu.
Popular dishes
Menu
Offered at the BAR only from 5:00pm to 5:45pm, enjoy three small plates paired with three premium wines for $30.00. Menu changes weekly. Reservations are strongly suggested by calling the restaurant directly at 843.785.6272.
SIPS & BITES, Monday February 10th - Saturday February 15th (Not Available on Friday, February 14th)
Vitello Tonnato paired with Face a La Mere Picpoul
Spaghetti with Black Truffle Cream Sauce paired with Poggio Terra Barbera
Chicken Marsala paired with Coppola Director's Cut Cabernet
What 5,908 people are saying
Overall ratings and reviews
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value
Noise • Moderate
Diners' Choice Awards
Hilton Head
Great for fine wines
Hilton Head
Romantic
Hilton Head
Good for special occasions
Hilton Head
Most Booked
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana is a standout on Hilton Head Island, renowned for "excellent food and service," with "attentive staff" and "authentic Italian cuisine." Guests praise the "wonderful atmosphere" and "extensive wine list." It's a favorite for both locals and visitors, offering a "delightful dining experience" with dishes like "bolognese" and "seafood cannelloni" that impress consistently.
5,908 Reviews
S
Stuart
VIP
Orlando
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana is a true gem on Hilton Head Island. The atmosphere is lively yet refined, with an inviting, well-appointed dining space that feels like part of a family-run establishment. Given the consistent crowd, it’s clear this restaurant has built a loyal following—and for good reason.
My wife requested a custom Pasta Primavera with added chicken, and it was excellent. I had the Veal Scaloppini, which was also very well executed. In past visits, I’ve tried the lasagna, and I’d say it’s among the best I’ve had anywhere. Everything we ordered reflected the kitchen’s commitment to fresh ingredients and careful preparation.
We started with a prosciutto Caprese salad, featuring dark red, perfectly ripened tomatoes, a balsamic glaze, and arugula. The flavors balanced beautifully, and the fresh bread served alongside it was a great touch. One of the things that sets Michael Anthony’s apart is their in-house pasta, made fresh daily—it makes a noticeable difference in the quality of their dishes.
Their wine list is impressive, with a strong selection of authentic European and Italian wines. While they offer a few Napa options, the list leans heavily toward Old World wines, which makes sense for an Italian restaurant.
Service was attentive throughout the meal, despite how busy they were. And they are always busy. Even on a Monday night, the place was packed, and when I asked if that was normal, I was told it’s the standard here. Reservations are definitely a good idea.
Across the way, they also run a specialty grocery store and café, which adds to their appeal. Everything about Michael Anthony’s shows a dedication to high-quality, authentic Italian food. If you’re in Hilton Head and enjoy Italian cuisine, this place is well worth a visit.
1 person found this helpful
JJ
JackJ
Charleston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Another great night at Michael Anthony's. We were seated in a booth on the first floor and had Sergio as our waiter, who was excellent, as usual. We both had the spaghetti with seafood, and it was prepared perfectly. A true gem on Hilton Head Island!
1 person found this helpful
S
Sharlene
Charleston
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Loved our dinner! Great service, amazing food! Would absolutely come back!
1 person found this helpful
T
Tim
VIP
Louisville
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great evening out! New favorite restaurant in Hilton Head Island!
1 person found this helpful
C
Clayton
Coastal Georgia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Absolutely great experience. Friendly wait staff and the food was top notch!
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C
Chip
VIP
New York City
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great meal and atmosphere. Serge really took care of us. We have been to Michael Anthony’s many times and it’s always special.
Chip & Liz
1 person found this helpful
A
Alisha
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
My husband and I had an amazing experience. The atmosphere was elegant and the food top tier. The staff were polite, professional, and tended to our every need. We are definitely returning soon!
1 person found this helpful
M
Melanie
VIP
Atlanta
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Food and services both excelled. Salads were unique and very good.
1 person found this helpful
C
Christopher
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
As always, perfect! Great food, wine, and service!
1 person found this helpful
R
RON
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
First time there. Service was fantastic. Waiter was great with recomendations of wine and dinner. Food was fantastic. Wprld class all around
1 person found this helpful
FAQs
Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana is rated 4.8 stars by 5908 OpenTable diners.
Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
