46 Best Restaurants and Spots to Eat in Charleston SC
Last updated October 19, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Charleston is among the most renowned cities and holiday destinations in the South, and this is for a good cause.
It’s near the beach, rich in history, offers countless boutiques for excellent shopping, and boasts the finest restaurants that the South provides.
Charleston offers a mix of options including classic southern cuisine, barbecue, Italian dishes, seafood, pizza, and more.
Read on to discover the 46 best restaurants and spots to eat in Charleston SC!
1. Costa Charleston
This is an Italian restaurant situated on Broad Street in the lovely Jasper building.
It provides a revitalizing approach to Italian dishes and features a stunning view of the water and a well-equipped bar too.
The highlights here are the restaurant's strip steak, vertical root delicious green salad, and the special dessert of the chef.
2. Maison
Maison stands as a chic French bistro in Charleston that serves creative and artistic French dishes.
Their menu includes classic favorites with an innovative touch like lemon with salmon rillette, and macaroni farci with roasted chicken.
Situated in a modest structure on King St, the inside of this restaurant features bistro seating in Parisian-style, sophisticated white and black decor, and a bar with a pewter surface.
3. Raw Lab
Situated at 193 King Street in Charleston, Raw Lab provides a distinctive eating experience that seems like being part of a performance rather than conventional dining.
This restaurant also offers gluten-free choices for patrons wanting to dine like the locals.
Guests can anticipate an engaging experience here and a chance to venture beyond their zone while appreciating Kevin's enthusiastic and informed presentation.
4. Kultura Charleston
This restaurant presents a modern version of traditional Filipino food, transforming classic meals with creative adaptations.
Their warm and inviting environment creates an ideal backdrop to delve into the menu, showcasing a selection of limited but thoughtfully chosen choices.
Dishes such as pansit arroz and caldo highlight distinct flavors, with inventive elements like XO sauce and smoked troutroe enhancing the dining adventure.
5. The Grocery
This is a welcoming and cozy restaurant in Charleston SC that features a creative, seasonal menu alongside a variety of wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails.
Kevin Johnson, the chef, highlights the tastes of ingredients that are locally sourced in creations such as whole wood-roasted fish and the Low-Country Seafood Pilau.
The wood-fired oven of the restaurant adds a smoky taste to several meals, including cauliflower, roasted snapper, and asparagus.
6. Poogan's Porch
This is a famous eatery in Charleston, located in an elegantly refurbished Victorian home.
It provides classic Southern dishes and a refined dining atmosphere.
Poogan's Porch also offers traditional low-country cuisine for brunch, dinner, and lunch.
This includes Pimento Cheese Fritter, SheCrab Soup, Grits with Shellfish, Roasted Wild Caught Catfish, and Salmon glazed with Sweet Tea.
7. The Obstinate Daughter
This restaurant, situated on Sullivans Island, features a creative New American dishes menu infused with elements of French, Spanish, and Italian cuisine.
This stylish country-chic venue offers many amazing dishes including clams that are wood-roasted, oysters from raw bar, seasonal veggies, Frogmore chowder, and flatbread topped with butterbean paste.
Their main courses feature Capanelle prepared with fresh fish and veal cutlet served on creamy grits.
8. Magnolias
Charleston staple since 1990, Magnolias provides an elevated take on classic Southern dishes in a sophisticated environment.
The eatery is cherished by residents for its exceptional lowcountry cuisine and responsive service.
Their menu highlights seafood with genuine choices such as Spicy Shrimp served over grits and Lowcountry Bouillabaisse.
Magnolias Restaurant serves southern comfort food for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, offering elegant presentation and a nice dining ambiance.
9. Halls Chophouse
This is a premier Charleston American steakhouse, celebrated for its unique atmosphere and outstanding service.
The restaurant presents a diverse menu that includes premium USDA steaks that are aged a minimum of 28 days, along with other top-tier meats such as pork, veal, and roasted chicken.
Visitors can also enjoy what numerous people regard as the finest Charleston burgers.
10. 82 Queen
This is an elegant Southern eatery that provides a distinctive dining experience which makes it popular for celebrations.
The eatery includes a cozy courtyard adorned with tables and chairs encircled by lush plants, offering a historical atmosphere for savoring delicious Southern dishes.
82 Queen, owned by QueenStreet Hospitality, specializes in traditional Southern cuisine like shecrab soup, shrimp and grits, incorporating a distinctive barbecue flair.
11. Chubby Fish
This is a comfortable seafood eatery situated in a friendly community.
Their menu showcases a variety of seafood options paired with a creative wine list and delightful desserts.
Along with the seafood selections, their beef tartare features radish, ranch, and nori is also strongly suggested.
Though the prices here are comparable to another popular venue nearby, Chubby Fish provides a more laid-back dining atmosphere.
12. Circa 1886 Restaurant
This is a delightful and cozy restaurant situated in Charleston historic district.
The restaurant provides a regional and seasonal menu showcasing refined Lowcountry dishes accompanied by a wide selection of wines.
Marc Collins heads the cooking team in crafting inventive dishes like paprika-rubbed lamb rack served with duck aupoivre and yogurt bearnaise, accompanied by oranges and pistachios.
13. Wild Olive
This restaurant, located on John’s Island, SC provides a chic atmosphere with an unpretentious menu spotlighting artisanal Italian cuisine and a significant selection of wine.
The restaurant offers a comfortable setting for patrons to relish their dishes.
Wild Olive emphasizes quality flavors and ingredients, making it a perfect destination for those in search of genuine Italian cuisine with a delightful atmosphere.
14. 167 RawOyster Bar
This is an inviting and romantic seafood eatery situated in the lovely French Quarter.
Following its move to a bigger location on King St, the restaurant presents an enhanced menu that includes fish tacos, lobster rolls, tuna burgers, and clam chowder.
It also features a daily fresh oyster variety along with fried and roasted oysters.
15. Slightly North ofBroad Restaurant
This is a cherished destination for Charleston residents that is located in a remarkable eighteenth-century warehouse.
Their dining area radiates a gourmet atmosphere with its exposed brick walls, columns, and chandeliers, while their open kitchen enhances the vibrant vibe.
This amazing Southern bistro features a menu that highlights the best of Lowcountry cooking.
16. Leon’s
Leon’s is a relaxed restaurant situated in a previous auto repair shop.
It blends an industrial atmosphere with elements of coziness and art.
Their menu features Southern-inspired seafood such as raw, chargrilled, and casino oysters alongside chicken that is crispy fried.
The simple experience here is highlighted by no reservations - simply enter and relish the relaxed atmosphere.
17. Bintü Atelier
This is a restaurant in Charleston significantly shaped by enslaved African Americans’ culinary heritage.
The owner Binta Young NDaw was attracted to the link between the city between upscale dining and African-inspired dishes.
The restaurant provides custom-prepared meals using fresh ingredients, leading to incredibly memorable tastes.
Chef Bintou together with her team always delivers top-notch service and food in a cozy environment that feels just like home.
18. Glass Onion
This is a vibrant restaurant that serves locally sourced, refined Southern dishes in an enchanting atmosphere.
For more than 16 years, this restaurant has been offering tasty poboys made with local shrimp nestled in a soft and crispy roll.
And along with these sandwiches, their menu also features seasonal vegetable mains and side dishes like tender pork chops and Carolina trout that is pan-roasted.
19. Jackrabbit Filly
This is a fashionable eatery situated in Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood.
It serves modern Chinese-American dishes in a casual atmosphere with an outdoor patio.
Their menu showcases daring and lively Chinese-fusion tastes presented in a family-style setting.
The restaurant started from Short Grain, the well-known food truck, and has moved now into a physical location.
20. Basic Kitchen
This is a relaxed, health-focused eatery recognized for its farm-to-table philosophy and reliance on seasonal, local produce.
Its menu showcases wholesome meals created with regional ingredients, wild-caught fish, whole grains, and ethically sourced meat.
The eatery provides a changing daily menu that features uncomplicated, seasonal selections for lunch, Sunday brunch, and dinner.
Visitors can also savor delicious vegetarian and vegan choices like Ms. Paula's curry bowl and shrimp, as well as cauliflower wings.
21. Bertha’s Kitchen
This is a cherished simple counter-service eatery in Charleston recognized for its humble and traditional Southern comfort food.
In May 2017, James Beard awarded this family-owned business an American Classic award, acknowledging its enduring charm and high-quality cuisine that embodies the community's essence.
22. Kwei Fei
Kwei Fei, situated beside Charleston Pour House, presents a varied menu that includes appetizers, main dishes, and vegetable-based sides labeled as Loud, Vibes, and Hot.
Their crescent-shaped dumplings remains a highlighted dish crafted from Sichuan pepper and ground pork in a sauce that is soy based.
Vegetarians can also savor their green dry-fried beans from their Vibes segment.
23. Hannibal's Kitchen
This is a family-run restaurant which has been offering local Gullah-Geechee dishes since 1985.
Situated on the East Side of Charleston, this relaxed restaurant provides Southern seafood favorites and comforting meals such as shark steak, crab rice, pork chops, whiting, and turkey wings.
Even recently, the restaurant completed renovations to include an outdoor patio while preserving its genuine allure.
24. Rancho Lewis
Rancho Lewis, situated in a lively warehouse area near tech and brewery firms, is a charming Tex-Mex spot that delights visitors with the scent of warm corn tortillas and grilling steak.
This delightful restaurant on King St in Charleston features an outstanding menu influenced by the vibrant culinary heritage of New Mexico, West Texas, Mexico, and Chihuahua.
25. Xiao Bao Biscuit
This is a stylish eatery situated in a repurposed gas station.
It serves innovative and diverse Asian dishes alongside unique cocktails.
Their lunch menu includes a range of distinctive meals that have turned into favorites like okonomiyaki, somtum with chicken, and padkra pow.
Characterized as Asian soulfood from different nations across the continent, this restaurant's originality shines through in its ambiance, changing specials, and imaginative cocktails.
26. King BBQ
This restaurant provides a distinctive dining adventure where you just make your order, pick a seat, and obtain a number.
The environment here is cozy and welcoming, featuring amiable personnel.
Their menu is labeled well for sensitivities and their service remains attentive, even with large parties.
Visitors have lauded the restaurant's tasty offerings like fried okra, crab Rangoon, and savory pork.
27. Charleston Grill
Situated in the prestigious Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston Grill provides a luxurious dining experience that showcases elegant Southern-French dishes along with wine pairings.
This restaurant has turned into a place of its own, renowned for its fun live jazz shows that echo beautifully within the wooden-paneled interiors.
Its menu beautifully enhances its live music and sophisticated decor, featuring items such as Braised PorkShank, Octopus Salad, and a customized 6-course Chef Michelle tasting menu.
28. High Cotton Charleston
This is a large and elegant dining establishment that serves Lowcountry cuisine crafted from ingredients that are locally sourced.
It boasts distinct dining sections which also encompass an elegant Bay Room, a quaint bar offering live bluegrass performances, and a bright main dining space.
Their brunch offerings are a lavish tradition showcasing Southern tastes such as fried-buttermilk chicken served atop Belgian waffles, and crunchy fried oysters.
With its nightly live jazz, this restaurant truly offers a unique atmosphere along with its wide selection of wines and cocktails.
29. Vern's
This is a well-liked venue known for its lively atmosphere, excellent food, and attentive service.
Their standout dishes include sourdough flatbread and escargot along with mafaldine and pork loinharissa with egg yolk and nduja.
The close-knit atmosphere here is enhanced by their excellent service, ensuring a fantastic dining adventure.
30. Daves Carry-Out
This is a hidden treasure in Charleston that provides a range of soul food and seafood favorites for visitors to pick up.
This local dive is famous for its tasty fried meals that include Gullah Geechee favorites like hoppin' John, deviled crab, and red rice.
Their counter-service area offers a nostalgic vibe with welcoming employees who can affectionately refer to you as 'Honey’.
31. Rodney Scotts BBQ
This is a famous counter-service venue celebrated for its slow-smoked Lowcountry-style pulled pork barbecue, ribs, and chicken.
It has historical importance and is renowned for its outstanding barbecue.
An award-winning chef, Rodney Scott, employs a traditional method here for South Carolina BBQ by roasting whole hogs on wood coals inside a ‘burn barrel’ for more than twelve hours.
This conventional approach distinguishes this restaurant from other well-known barbecue spots in the region.
32. Malagón
Situated in Charleston’s Cannonborough-Elliotborough area, Malagón stands as a nice Spanish taperia celebrated for its sophisticated ambiance and European-inspired dining adventure.
The restaurant's layout includes marble tables, industrial-style light fixtures, and vintage oil paintings set against dark, atmospheric accents.
Emphasizing shareable snacking instead of conventional multi-course meals, Malagón’s dining experience presents a variety of Spanish dishes and tapas that come out in a thrilling fashion.
33. The Restaurant in Zero George
This is a high-end dining venue situated in a charming and cozy hotel environment.
This hotel boasts 16 suites and rooms located in historic buildings surrounded by thriving gardens, providing a modern aesthetic and warm Southern hospitality.
Each evening, guests can savor free cheese and wine on their porch, along with a nice continental breakfast that includes Callies Hot Little Biscuits.
34. Wild Common
This restaurant offers a distinctive and memorable dining experience in the heart of Charleston.
It has an amazing tasting menu complemented by outstanding wine and food, leading to a unique dining experience.
This restaurant takes pride in being unique and charming, positioning itself as a concealed treasure that one must enjoy.
Each evening at the lovely Wild Common offers a unique experience, guaranteeing that every visit is an amazing journey.
35. Lewis Barbecue
This is the ultimate destination for Charleston’s finest Texas-style smoked meats.
John Lewis, originally from Texas, makes use of his skills and handcrafted smokers to offer smoked delicious barbecue with classic cowboy dishes.
This spot also has a lively bar and plenty of picnic tables, fostering an atmosphere similar to Austin, Texas.
Visitors can easily savor their selection of meats offered in a cafeteria-style setting, accompanied by a complete bar and traditional Texas barbecue.
36. Daps Breakfast and Imbibe
This is a laid-back and stylish local establishment situated in Charleston’s Westside neighborhood.
It provides a wide range of breakfast choices including hash browns, egg sandwiches, and pancakes, as well as cocktails and coffee.
Daps Breakfast seeks to create a quality-focused spot for people to take drinks and food and relax in the patio's outdoor seating.
37. Sorelle
This is a well-known eatery recognized for the partnership of chefs Nick Dugan and Adam Sobel, who add their unique flair to traditional southern Italian dishes.
Their menu features remarkable meals that have been praised by many diners.
They have a ground-level market that's ideal for lunch and the atmosphere here is portrayed as lovely and intriguing.
38. Lowland
Situated next to George Street’s Pinch Hotel, Lowland Tavern provides a charming and intimate ambiance that whisks visitors away to another realm.
The team, consisting of server Chase and manager Courtney, always greets visitors with warmth and delivers outstanding service.
This exquisitely adorned spot creates an ideal atmosphere for savoring delicious food and charming cocktails.
From their tear-jerking biscuits and tender crudo to their delectable celery salad, each dish here is a gastronomic pleasure.
39. Chez Nous
This is a delightful eatery situated in Cannonborough-Elliotborough’s historic residential area.
The inviting atmosphere here makes patrons feel as though they’re in the residence of a French family, receiving warm and loving service from the friendly French couple running the establishment.
Their menu includes a typical three-course dish that varies each day, with two choices available for every course.
The meals here are elegantly arranged and crafted with flawless skill.
40. Estadio
This is a lively tapas restaurant with a Spanish flair situated in Charleston’s trending Cannonborough-Elliotborough area.
The restaurant's cozy and relaxed vibe will make you feel as though you are in Spain, rendering it a perfect place for hanging out with friends or enjoying a romantic evening.
Their menu includes Spanish-inspired dishes like crudo, local shrimp, and a highly recommended Iberian take on pigs.
41. Peninsula Grill
This is a prestigious dining establishment situated in an elegant hotel.
It serves Southern elevated cuisine in a refined and expansive environment.
The restaurant's entry leads through a concealed garden courtyard lit by delightful carriage lanterns, producing a magical ambiance.
The dining area boasts velvet-covered walls, watchful staff, and an upscale supper club atmosphere.
The menu features elegant takes on Southern food made with exceptional quality.
42. Babas on Cannon
This stands as a European-inspired café situated in Charleston that features a laid-back environment with a delightful ambiance and an outdoor patio.
The café offers a wide selection of snacks, coffee, and mixed drinks.
Visitors can savor espresso, iced coffee, and matcha paired with homemade peanut milk.
Their menu features shrimp pickled salad, quiche, tea lattes, and a nice espresso martini requiring 24 hours for preparation.
43. The Ordinary
This is a fashionable seafood restaurant housed in a 1920 bank structure on the lively Upper King St.
Since its launch, it has led the way in the Charleston raw bar movement.
The restaurant provides an assortment of seafood options like oysters, crudo, gumbo, and caviar.
It also features a rum-focused selection with a variety of classic cocktails and signature drinks.
44. Miller‘s All Day
This is an elegant Charleston restaurant, patisserie, and tavern that serves breakfast throughout the day.
It was established by a group of devoted Southern cooks and a dedicated farmer who mills fresh grits every day using a mill of 175 years old that can be seen from the restaurant's window.
Its menu includes essentials such as pancakes, eggs, and different types of coffee.
Greg Johnsman, the co-owner, always makes sure the restaurant strikes a balance between blue classic plate breakfasts and upscale morning dishes like lobster toast atop house-made brioche.
45. Husk
This is a lovely culinary treasure located in an excellently renovated Victorian-era house in the historic area of Charleston.
Since its launch in 2010, the restaurant has enchanted both culinary lovers and critics with its creative take on Southern cooking.
It is directed by Sean Brock, a skilled award-winning James Beard chef.
The restaurant's menu remains a wonderful surprise that varies each day, celebrating classic Southern heir-loom recipes and featuring Low Country locally sourced ingredients.
46. Sushi-Wa
This is a sushi omakase in the Japanese style situated in Charleston.
The chefs, Chris Schoedler and Kazu Murakami, always present a tasting menu of 16 courses centered on tasty raw fish and primarily featuring nigiri atop pressed rice.
From Wednesdays to Sundays, this eatery, located at the Pacific Box and Crate complex, offers two evening seatings at their sushi bar.
