Best Romantic Dining in Myrtle Beach

Sure, sister restaurant, Cagney's, has a longer history with Strand diners, but in its day, Flamingo has established a niche for itself as one of Myrtle Beach's top seafood restaurants. Designed with a touch of Art Deco flair, the attractive space is indeed a local favorite, and the kitchen does its best to keep diners on their toes with appetizing offerings like peppercorn steak, Cajun oysters, Lowcountry crabcakes and even a few hearty pasta numbers. Flamingo is also located just two blocks from the beach, so patrons can enjoy a nice after-dinner walk to the public beach access at the end of 71st Avenue North.

This award-winning restaurant features an excellent combination of food and scenery. Located in the new Grande Dunes Marina, guests can relax on the deck and watch the boats sail up and down the Waterway while enjoying some of the best dining on the Grand Strand. Live music is occasionally held on the outdoor patio and happy hour is a popular time to visit for locals. The food is off the hook, featuring creative seafood dishes that keep people coming back for seconds after the awesome views of the Intracoastal Waterway brings them in for their first Waterscapes experience. Reservations are recommended.

Set in a beautiful white Victorian in Little River, The Brentwood certainly necessitates a wise departure from the Strand's busier drags. This historic abode dates from 1910, features a wrap-around porch and retains its time-tested charm. And it isn't all about appearances at The Brentwood. Guests savor such well-done classics as steak au poivre, prime rib, grilled ostrich, baked lobster tail and veal saltimbocca. Upstairs from the main dining room, there is a classy lounge area that features a full bar. For an area filled with seafood shacks and casual/family options, this award-winning establishment is about as upscale as it gets.

What a view! Gulfstream is the only restaurant in Garden City Beach overlooking the ocean on one side and Murrells Inlet on the other and, fortunately, the food lives up to the view. Recommended starters include the onion loaf (a mass of fried onion rings with bleu cheese dip), kicky N'Awlins shrimp served atop a crispy fried grits cake, she-crab soup and oyster shooters. Popular main courses range from Low Country crab cakes, a variety of fried seafood, garlic crab claws, and grilled or blackened catch of the day. Kids can opt for fried fish, shrimp, chicken fingers, or spaghetti.

This European-style bistro is a favorite for breakfast or lunch. Known for creative small plates and dishes, Croissants offer a wide selection of homemade breads, croissants, pastries and muffins that are simply out of this world! They also serve heartier dishes such as a fabulous souffle casserole with grits, eggs, cheese and ham, plus French toast and pancakes. For lunch you might try one of their hot sandwiches or specialty soups, salads or starters. And don't forget that this bakery is known for their heavenly desserts. A second Croissants location was recently added at 8014 Kings Highway for those who want to try a slightly different version of the award-winning cuisine.

Once a privately-owned family beach cottage, this picturesque oceanfront restaurant serves up some of the best seafood in Myrtle Beach. But Sea Captain's House also serves one of the best and most underrated breakfasts on the Grand Strand, especially with the beachfront restaurant's spectacular view of sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and reputation for Southern hospitality and fine dining. Sea Captain's House offers one of the best views in town, and just as awe-inspiring are some of the unique dishes on the breakfast menu, highlighting Southern and coastal cuisine. Try the shrimp and grits, the quail and eggs or the fresh-fruit filled crepes.

Bistro 90 is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip if you're looking for outstanding cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. Located in the tiny community of Longs, between North Myrtle Beach and Conway on Highway 90, this eatery got its name (or at least its number) from the seldom-traveled highway about 10 miles from the coast. But the secret is out about this hidden jewel as locals and visitors alike are learning about Bistro 90. Featuring traditional Italian dishes, prime cuts of beef that are aged on site and fresh seafood selections, the menu is diverse and delicious. Lunch is also available and nightly specials are recommended.

SeaBlue is not your typical Grand Strand restaurant. This modern eatery seems to have been plucked from the trendy section of a major city and placed in the middle of North Myrtle Beach. Unique blue and green lighting set the mood for a romantic meal, and the food does not disappoint. SeaBlue uses fresh seafood and meats mixed with the best possible ingredients to create a menu filled with masterpieces. Offering a tapas menu, SeaBlue is a great place for couples to share dishes and order several different meals to get the full experience. The bar also makes some special mixed drinks and coffees.

Part art museum and part restaurant, Collector's Cafe serves classic American cuisine worthy of a work of art. Fresh seafood and chops are the centerpieces on a diverse menu that includes lobster, yellow fin tuna, and filet medallions topped with lump crab meet and a creamy bernaise sauce. Creative dishes and daily specials allow patrons to try some artistic twists on traditional menus. Making use of fresh seafood and cuts of prime beef, Collector's makes it tough to choose just one dish from an extensive menu. Doubling as an art gallery, Collector's also offers a romantic atmosphere for those looking for a nice night out.

Experience South Carolina Lowcountry cuisine and Southern hospitality under one roof - and beyond. Located in the historic seaside village of Pawleys Island, Frank's has earned such a reputation for its steaks and chops, shrimp and grits and other signature dishes that it expanded to form Frank's Outback, featuring outdoor seating under the stars and twisting live oaks. The more casual Frank's Out Back features the same classic American dishes with an emphasis local seafood, plus unique items, like the tasty wood-fired pizzas. The daily specials are to die for, offering fresh catch seafood creations and prime cuts of beef.