There are restaurants in Myrtle Beach that feed you, and then there are restaurants that make you want to linger until the last candle burns low. Greg Norman’s Australian Grille, perched right on the waterfront at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, belongs firmly in that second category. From the moment you step through the door and catch that first glimpse of the Intracoastal Waterway shimmering just beyond the dining room windows, you understand that this place is playing a different game entirely.
I made a reservation for a Thursday evening in early June, arriving just as the sun was dropping behind the pines on the far bank. The hostess walked me past a bar that was doing a brisk, cheerful business — locals in sundresses and flip-flops mixed easily with couples who had clearly dressed up for the occasion — and seated me at a window table that I would have requested anyway. The view alone is worth the drive up Highway 17.
Named for the legendary Australian golfer himself, the restaurant channels a refined coastal confidence that feels right at home in Myrtle Beach without ever trying too hard. The décor is warm and unpretentious: dark wood, soft lighting, golf memorabilia placed with restraint rather than plastered everywhere. It reads less like a celebrity vanity project and more like the kind of place a well-traveled person builds when they actually know good food and good atmosphere.
The menu leans into premium cuts and fresh seafood, which is exactly what you want when you’re sitting this close to the water. I started with the crab cakes — pan-seared, generously portioned, and served with a remoulade that had just enough kick to make you pay attention. For my main, I ordered the Australian rack of lamb, which arrived perfectly roasted with a herb crust and a red wine reduction that I am still thinking about. A friend at my table went with the center-cut filet and reported zero regrets.
The wine list is serious without being intimidating. The sommelier — and yes, there is one — was happy to talk through a few options without making anyone feel like they were being tested. We landed on a Barossa Valley Shiraz that turned out to be an ideal pairing and excellent value for the quality.
What makes Greg Norman’s genuinely special is the combination of elements that rarely come together this cleanly: a knockout waterfront setting, food that is actually as good as the view, and service that is attentive without hovering. This is a restaurant that earns its reputation every single night.
Plan to arrive a few minutes early and grab a drink at the bar while you wait. Watch the boats drift past. Let the evening slow down. In a city known for its go-go-go energy, Greg Norman’s Australian Grille is a reminder that some of the best moments in Myrtle Beach happen when you simply decide to stay a little longer.
