Charleston, South Carolina, has earned its reputation as a premier culinary destination, a vibrant tapestry woven from Lowcountry tradition, international influences, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. Beyond the picturesque streets and historic charm, the city's food scene beckons, offering everything from intimate fine dining experiences to lively neighborhood joints and soulful Southern comfort. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening, a casual bite with friends, or an adventurous taste of global flavors, Charleston promises a memorable meal.
This guide will help you navigate the rich landscape of the best restaurants in Charleston SC, connecting you to the perfect dining experience for every mood and craving. Prepare to explore a world where fresh, local ingredients meet innovative techniques, and every plate tells a story.
Charleston's Culinary Tapestry: A Feast for All Senses
Charleston’s unique culinary identity is a captivating blend of old and new. The Lowcountry's abundant seafood and farm-fresh produce form the backbone of many menus, while a strong Italian influence shines through in a growing number of new restaurants. Yet, the city’s palate extends far beyond, embracing diverse cuisines from traditional Southern staples to Chinese dim sum, Tex-Mex barbecue, and even Filipino-inspired creations, all delivered with that signature Southern charm and hospitality.
Elevating the Palate: Charleston's Most Refined Dining Experiences
For those special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in sophisticated ambiance and impeccable service, Charleston delivers an array of exquisite options. Imagine intimate European-inspired settings or grand Italian fine dining that transports you. Merci, tucked into a 19th-century building, offers a coveted experience with its seasonally driven menu, exquisite pasta, and ethereal use of Lowcountry vegetables. Similarly, Circa 1886, located in the Wentworth Mansion's carriage house, presents regionally researched, seasonal tasting menus in one of the city's most romantic settings, perfect for a truly memorable evening.
Sorelle, housed in a stunning historic bank building, offers a luxurious Italian journey, from cheese-filled puffs to "pillows of gold" Ricotta Tortelloni. If fresh seafood treated with a light, confident hand is what you crave, The Ordinary, set in a chic 1920s bank, provides an elegant Parisian cafe atmosphere with impeccable oysters, crudo, and lobster rolls. For a truly unique tasting menu journey, Wild Common at Cannon Green showcases Chef Orlando Pagan's luxurious flavors like caviar and black truffle, with a definite nod to regional seafood. To delve deeper into these exceptional culinary journeys, be sure to explore our guide to Upscale & Fine Dining in Charleston.
Maison offers a modern Parisian style using French techniques and Lowcountry ingredients, serving classics like steak frites alongside seasonal terrines, while Marbled & Fin provides a decadent midcentury-modern steakhouse experience with seafood towers and perfectly seared steaks. Vern's, led by Daniel and Bethany Heinze, consistently applies advanced cooking techniques to local ingredients, resulting in beautifully simple and delicious dishes like escargot and rabbit.
The Soul of the Lowcountry: Iconic Southern & Seafood Staples
No visit to Charleston is complete without savoring its rich Southern heritage, particularly its seafood and Lowcountry traditions. Husk, with locations in Nashville and Savannah, delivers a special Southern dining experience right in Charleston, featuring Executive Chef Ray England's chicken liver mousse, beautifully prepared seafood, and standout cornbread. Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) has been a culinary touchstone since 1993, perfecting modern Charleston Southern cuisine with dishes like the crispiest day boat fresh catch and soft butterbeans.
Leon's Oyster Shop has been a beloved spot since 2014, famous for its Southern, seafood-focused fare, including its iconic chicken sandwich and grilled oysters. Sullivan's Fish Camp upholds Southern fish camp tradition with crispy fried seafood and hushpuppies, now expanded by Chef Jason Stanhope to include local fish crudos. For genuine soul food, Bertha's Kitchen and Hannibal's Kitchen are counter-service icons, serving up generous plates of fried chicken, crab and shrimp rice, and mac and cheese. To truly immerse yourself in the city's culinary roots, Savor Charlestons signature cuisine Explore iconic dishes that define the region.
Chubby Fish, a no-reservations spot, is renowned for some of the best seafood in Charleston, with Chef James London's innovative fish preparations. The Glass Onion comfortably fits the meat-and-three tradition, famous for its shrimp po' boy and tall lemon meringue pie. And for a taste of Charleston's Gullah Geechee connection, Bintü Atelier offers an intimate experience with dishes like spicy shito crab rice and Groundnut stew, reflecting African culinary heritage. The Grocery provides seasonal, sustainable Charleston cuisine with a Mediterranean rim, featuring delights like smoked fish dip and Lowcountry Seafood Pilau.
Beyond the White Tablecloth: Casual Gems and Local Favorites
Charleston's dining scene also thrives with bustling neighborhood spots, casual eateries, and destination restaurants that offer incredible flavors without the formality. For pizza lovers, Tutti Pizza is a lively 30-seat joint specializing in square and round pizzas, while Indaco on Upper King Street is known for its consistently excellent wood-fired pizzas with leopard-spotted crusts. On Johns Island, Wild Olive remains a quintessential Italian crowd-pleaser with tender agnolotti and fresh local vegetables.
If barbecue is what you're after, Charleston boasts some serious contenders. Lewis Barbecue, from Austin pitmaster John Lewis, delivers melt-in-your-mouth Texas-style brisket. Rodney Scott's BBQ on King Street is famous for its whole hog barbecue with a vinegar-based sauce. Palmira Barbecue offers a unique interpretation through Pitmaster Hector Garate's Puerto Rican heritage, with beef cheek tacos and Chuleta Kan-Kan. For those ready to explore the city's more laid-back but equally delicious options, Discover casual local haunts that locals love.
King BBQ in North Charleston focuses on barbecue by the pound, with shared combos like five-spice chicken and crispy duck leg. Cane Pazzo, though a 20-minute drive to Hanahan, is a destination restaurant featuring a wood-fired oven and standout meatballs. Jackrabbit Filly, moving to a new space in early 2025, continues to delight with tender dumplings and spicy peanut noodles in a Chinese-American aesthetic. The Obstinate Daughter, sister to Wild Olive, offers a beachy, coastal Italian experience with wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood, perfect for sharing plates. And for a true Lowcountry oyster roast experience, Bowens Island Restaurant offers steamed wild oysters and fried seafood with stunning Folly River views.
Starting the Day Right: Brunch & Breakfast Delights
Whether you're an early riser or prefer a leisurely brunch, Charleston has delightful options to kickstart your day. Babas on Cannon, a European-inspired all-day cafe, offers a small, bright space perfect for a quick coffee and pastry or a relaxed sit-down meal. Their breakfast items like overnight oats with pecan butter, deviled eggs, and caviar sandwiches are well-executed, alongside a selection of baked goods available throughout the day. To discover more delicious morning meals, our guide on Discover top brunch and breakfast spots has you covered.
da Toscano Porchetta Shop, with its counter-service setup, offers "sandwich nirvana" on housemade focaccia, including classic porchetta and breakfast items like everything spiced salmon with whipped ricotta, making it a fantastic grab-and-go option for breakfast or lunch.
Global Flavors & Hidden Treasures: Unique Dining Adventures
Charleston's culinary scene is surprisingly diverse, offering a passport to global flavors and truly unique dining experiences. XO Brasserie is a vibrant love letter to Cantonese and Sichuan classics, serving dim sum, dumplings, and roast duck in a hip, fashionable setting perfect for date nights. For a taste of "soul food from across Asia," Xiao Bao Biscuit, housed in a converted gas station, serves up spicy dishes like Thai yellow curry and Japanese cabbage pancakes.
Malagón Mercado y Tapería brings the bustling energy of a Spanish market and tapas bar, with clams, charcuterie, and seasonal gazpacho, alongside a shoppable wall of Spanish groceries. In a small, intimate space, Kultura showcases Chef Nikko Cagalagan’s Filipino heritage, crafting dishes like Pancit with local oyster mushrooms and local snapper in red curry. For an exclusive and revelatory Edomae-style omakase sushi experience, Sushi-Wa emphasizes subtle flavors in an intimate warehouse district setting.
Chez Nous is a charming, hidden European comfort food restaurant that feels like a private dinner party, with a daily hand-written menu of two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts. And Lowland, tucked in a historic house, reinterprets 19th-century English roadhouse style for the Carolina Lowcountry, offering an eclectic and whimsical menu with dishes like their now-classic Tavern burger. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path or an international culinary journey, Discover unique dining experiences that defy expectation.
Charleston's food scene is ever-evolving, yet deeply rooted in its heritage, offering endless opportunities for discovery. From the rich history infused in every bite of Lowcountry cuisine to the cutting-edge creativity of its chefs, this city continues to be a feast for all senses. So, embark on your own culinary adventure and let Charleston's vibrant restaurants surprise and delight you at every turn.