Panini's on the Waterfront Is Beaufort Dining, Done Right

Stone-baked pizza, Lowcountry seafood, and a waterfront patio inside a historic bank building — this is the Beaufort lunch spot we keep going back to.

There's a particular kind of Beaufort afternoon — sun glittering on the river, breeze rolling through Waterfront Park — that demands three things: a patio, a cold drink, and something excellent coming out of a stone oven. Panini's on the Waterfront was basically built for that afternoon.

Set inside Beaufort's historic bank building right on Bay Street, Panini's blends old-world Italian charm with a menu that isn't afraid of a little Lowcountry attitude. Inside it's warm and classic without a hint of stuffiness. Outside? That's the move — a patio and full bar staring straight across the Beaufort River, with live music on select nights and dogs welcome at your feet.

What to Order

Start with the King Neptune — their signature stone-baked pizza loaded with fresh shrimp and crab. It's the pie regulars cross the bridge for. The Shrimp BLT panini has a devoted following of its own (one reviewer called the shrimp some of the best she's ever tasted). Pasta lovers, meet the Frogmore Penne, the Lowcountry-Italian mashup you didn't know you needed. Cold or rainy day? The she crab soup is the bowl. And whatever you do, don't skip the Gorgonzola pancetta fries — or the homemade Italian desserts. Save room. We're serious.

Good to Know

It's about 25 minutes from the Fripp Island gate — an easy, gorgeous drive. The patio is dog-friendly, the menu has solid gluten-free options (including pizza crust and pasta), and the whole place is genuinely kid-friendly despite feeling like a night out. One quirk to plan around: they're closed Sundays, so make this your Friday or Saturday play. Tripadvisor just handed them a 2026 Travellers' Choice award, and honestly? It tracks.

If you only do one waterfront lunch in Beaufort, make it this one. Then walk it off along the river — you'll want the steps after those fries.

Panini's on the Waterfront — 926 Bay St, Beaufort, SC · (843) 379-0300 · paninisonthewaterfront.com