"Chic, sexy and glamorous", are words that have been used to describe the decor of this downtown Beaufort hotspot. If you are looking for where the locals eat, Breakwater is it. The atmosphere is upscale casual, the staff is friendly, welcoming and attentive.
Chef Lang and Chef Shaw's version of 'New Southern Cuisine' contains the past, present, and future all at once. Younger, lighter, and fresher than traditional Southern 'Old School' deep-fried fare while acknowledging culinary influences from the world beyond. Exceptional tapas menu, outstanding fresh local seafood and produce. The bar at Breakwater exudes a lively energy with locals and travelers alike. Exceptional wine list with 75 wines by the glass.
"Went to Breakwater for a Mother's Day dinner out - we enjoyed it immensely as the food & service were great! Add it to your Beaufort restaurant rotation. We'll be back."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"First time at Breakwater since we moved to the area last month. We had another couple with us celebrating his recent promotion. Everything went well till dinner was served. Two meals came out and the other two were "coming right out"...and happened to be our wives. So we waited...and waited...15 minutes later...after repeated “sorry” by the waitress and manager... the other two meals were served. They comped us desert, and the food was great...but did not feel that was adequate for such a large inconvenience."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Breakwater is a "go to" place to take out of town guests or to celebrate a special occasion. The food is always as good as it sounds, the ambiance is urban in a small town, the wait staff are considerate and and available without hovering. Always an enjoyable experience."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Just scouted on the Internet for a restaurant in Beaufort. Menu looked inviting. Now we would drive from HHI just to go back to Breakwater. Grouper special was wonderful, service excellent. Far exceeded our expectations."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Our table was way too close to the next. Out knees touched the other table. Service was poor at best after the first round of drinks no refill offered. Our starter was great! The main course lacked flavor.the server didnt puck up on w didn't like it cause she hardly came to the table. We tried desert after 5 minutes or so she came back to the table and a asked us what we had ordered, then it took awhile to get it. All this time with no drinks. This was an anniversary dinner. We ended up going across the street for food. Would not recommend this place sure to lack of attention from the server and bland food"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I had dinner with several friends last Friday. We were celebrating Administrative Assistants Day. The food as usual was excellent. The shrimp is always so fresh and the coating was light and no greasy. The corn risotto was excellent. Everyone at the table remarked how much they enjoyed their meals. The service was excellent and Lindsay, our server, was attentive but not hovering over us. All in all an excellent evening out with great food, good service and good friends."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was the second time I had eaten at this restaurant. The service was excellent, with attentive and helpful staff. The surroundings were comfortable, the food excellent and the drinks well-made. Desserts were very good. I will definitely come back when I am in Beaufort. Thank you for providing a nice place for my friend and me to enjoy the evening and catch up while having an excellent meal."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We found out about Breakwater thru a promotional offer and decided to make the hour long drive from Hilton Head. We were not disappointed. The food and service were exceptional and the cost was very reasonable for the quality. The soft shell crabs were the best I have ever had. We will definitely be returning. Beaufort is a very nice town. Very similar to Charleston, but without the crowds. Beautiful low country homes, quaint shops, a nice waterfront, and good restaurants."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were a few minutes late, and our table, a very large round table was ready. Our server, Lisa, was excellent. We did not have a long wait. We had a good selection of entrees. Our group was in Beaufort for a weekend home tour, and selected it based upon Open Table reviews. Our group would highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Breakwater is an upscale but casual restaurant located in the heart of town. It offers a good variety of innovative meal options using local ingredients. There are tapas portions as well as full entree selections which adds options on nights you want to try something new or when you are not that hungry."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Wonderful evening with fantastic food and good friends! Had a great birthday celebration at Breakwaters and would recommend to anyone, this fine restaurant! The waitress we had was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and wine list!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The scallop and corn risotto is a great tapas or entree. I always have to get the tuna tartare app. The Short Ribs are very tastey. The dailyl specials are generally a safe bet."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Out of town visitors got recommendation for Breakwaters from a local - and it was a great recommendation. Out party of three sampled quite a few different dishes and all were excellent. Nice serving size, well presented and tasty. Wine list was solid and contained some unusual choices. All in all a great meal, accompanied by very competent service."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The OpenTable reservation was immediately honored upon our arrival. Friday nights can be dicey without a resie. Initial service a bit slow but it was a Friday night. However, variety and quality of offerings made up for my impatience! I will defionitely return! With an unhampered VISA card!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Loved it! I bought a Living Social coupon for Breakwater and it was a joy. Our waiter was very friendly and informative. Our food was beautiful and delicious. We will definitely be back."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Consistency in fine dining is what we come to expect at Breakwater and are never disappointed. Service is prompt without being too fast i.e. they know how to pace course deliveries. And the wait staff and management are a terrific combo !"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My girlfriend and I were in Beaufort for a nice Valentine's getaway and we decided to have a nice dinner at Breakwater after viewing the menu online. The service was friendly and the wine was good but when it came to the food...FAIL! We ordered the beet and goat cheese salad, southern sampler (fried oyster, fried shrimp, beef carpaccio, and pickled shrimp), baked brie, lamb sliders,and cajun style cioppino. The ONLY good thing in all that food was the pickled shrimp. NOTHING else had any flavor. Even the cioppino, which we were both REALLY excited about, was a HUGE disappointment. It was by the far the WORST cioppino I have EVER had. We passed on dessert since everything else was so disappointing. Wren across the st...MUCH BETTER!!!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We enjoyed our Valentines/anniversary dinner. All courses of the prix fixe meal were excellent and of reasonable portion size (sometimes an issue with Breakwater's not-much-bigger-than-tappas dinner portions in the past). Gazpacho from a tall, narrow shot glass was unusual and a little challenging, but otherwise all courses struck a fair balance between presentation and accessibility. Well, unless you count trying to butter a thumb-sized biscuit or muffin. Overall, a good experience. We'll be back next year, if not before. We especially appreciate the chef's willingness to alter the prix fixe menu slightly in order to accommodate my wife's dietary needs (no red meat or dairy)."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went on Valentne's Day for dinner. Food tasty but portions small. The sampler used to be bigger with more of a selection. I wonder if they are cutting back to save money . Ths used to be a favorite of ours but I was a bit disappointed. Still very good tho, just not great, hence the 4 stars not 5."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"A wonderful dining experience. Both service and food outstanding. We had lamb and "a special" called tilefish. Both were superb. Our waitress was charming and efficient. Couldn't have asked for more."
Dined on 02/11/2013
2006
Special Features: romantic
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We found Breakwater to be a nice experience. The wait staff was outstanding, the food was tasty but not overwhelmingly so. The atmosphere has a city loft/boutique kind of feel to it. Over all, I nice addition to Beaufort's historic area."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I had the four course, fixe prixe menu with wine pairings for each course. The only glitch was that the server brought the wine for the seafood course late. The food was incredible. The seafood course was plentiful - the salmon portion was generous, and my husband, who doesn't generally eat salmon, ate every bite. The meat course (tenderloin medallions with cheese grits) was my favorite. The grits were thick and creamy, with some local baby limas and red peppers within. The dessert was my least favorite - not much flavor or innovation, just vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and some strawberries, in a fried wonton bowl. The wines were wonderful, my favorite being a sauvignon blanc."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We have been to Breakwater twice now. The food is consistently high quality with delicious flavor. Our service has always been excellent. It is clear everyone who is a part of the restaurant is thoughtful and cares about providing a wonderful dining experience."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Good food with a Low Country touch, friendly service, wine list narrow but adequate, too many tables set so that one diner is facing a blank wall (personal peeve)."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Was given table next to kitchen while there were several open tables. Self-proclaimed new waitress was nice, but messed up order terribly and consistently. first appetizer arrived solo; other three 10 min later. Order of shrimp appetizer was given oysters. Salmon ordered medium rare was given well done. Green beans drenched in butter and overcooked. Not one "sorry". Would not go back."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.