If you ask around where to eat vegan food on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, you will be enthusiastically encouraged by nearly everyone to try delisheeYo (yes, little “d” and two “e’s” since 2013, I asked) on Palmetto Bay Road on the South end of the island. DYo, as it is affectionately known by many because most of us can’t keep the spelling straight, offers some of the most colorful, delicious, and nutritious food in a living environment that marries garden, porch, cottage, and a happy, joyous staff. The sign below was erected in 2010 by the original owner and creator Chef C and featured a third “e.”
When you first arrive, you will be delighted by the edible garden growing around the freestanding cottage restaurant. The garden, managed by Brent, father of DYo owner since 2013 Blake Wearren, supplies the restaurant with fresh ingredients such as kale, tomatoes, basil, chard, lettuce, wheat grass, peas, strawberries, carrots, parsley, and cilantro, depending on the season. The garden offers not only fresh ultra-local ingredients, it provides a luscious atmosphere for sitting outside on the front or side porch to dine.
Inside the cottage you can find the menu chalkboards overheard. When ready you can place your order at the counter then find a seat inside or out. As I type I’m sitting outside on the front porch sharing my table with a gorgeous white Cyclamen and inhaling the intoxicating scent from the nearby key lime tree blossoms. Your food will be delivered to your table and after eating, you will pay your tab at the inside counter. If sitting outside, be sure to look around inside before leaving to enjoy the colorful artwork and inspiring messages adorning the walls.
My typical go-to lunch here is a Happy Rap, often with added hummus, and a 20 ounce Great Green juice. The wrap is stuffed with alfalfa sprouts, carrots, beets, mixed greens, avocado, and Fred’s apple cider vinaigrette in a whole wheat wrap. The Great Green juice is a mixture of organic kale, parsley, green apple, celery, and lemon. I love this meal because it’s a perfect blend of crunchy and creamy in the tightly packed wrap and because I love raw beets when someone else shreds them!
The juice is refreshing, chock full of chlorophyll, and energizing. Remember to eat the fresh parsley on top! It’s great for your health and breath. [Pro tip: if you bring your own 20 ounce reusable cup, DYo will put the juice in it for you whereby sparing the compostable single-use container and paper straw.] Fresh in-house brewed kombucha is also available.
There are so many options for eating vegan at delisheeYo. I will be definitely be back to partake and report more. In the meantime, head there yourself. You can find all this goodness at 32 Palmetto Bay Road, Suite 1A in the Palmetto Bay Exchange which is situated between the Cross Island Parkway bridge and Sea Pines Circle. There are bike racks for those who wish to make good use of Hilton Head Island bike paths and there is an ample parking lot for those who wish to bring a carload of friends and have a healthy food party on the big side porch.
Check out delisheeYo’s website to see the full menu, photos, and to order online. Find delisheeYo on Facebook and Instagram to see more gorgeous food and garden photos. Read DYo reviews on HappyCow. Hours are Monday – Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 10am – 2pm. Call ahead (843) 785-3633 if you’re in a hurry and/or if you want to pick up an order to take to the beach or in the car. There are also many packaged foods (dried fruit, kale chips, potato chips, chocolate, chilled drinks, local bread, cookies, nut butters, and more) to pick up and enjoy on site or later. One thing is for sure, vegans will not leave DYo hungry or unhappy. It’s a must-stop when living on or visiting Hilton Head Island. Just ask, everyone will tell you.
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