I’ll admit this was a SUPER easy list for me to put together for the Best Charleston Restaurants. I am from here and live in downtown Charleston and eat out every weekend for almost every meal. It’s safe to say that I have some tried and true faves over my 30+ years here that I’m excited for you to try!
Let me start by saying that nowhere in Charleston is locals only or “non-touristy”. Some places and areas are more touristy than others (looking at you, East Bay Street), but there’s pretty much nowhere that visitors have not discovered. And that’s a good thing – we have amazing restaurants thanks to the world renowned chefs that call Charleston home.
Charleston boasts the most award winning chefs with numerous James Beard Award nominees and winners. Our chefs put Charleston on the map reinventing traditional lowcountry cuisine and adding their own personalities to that. Here are places that I love to visit regularly as a local broken down by regions…
Table of Contents
- Best Restaurants in Charleston SC
Best Downtown Charleston Restaurants
Charleston, South Carolina is known for its rich history, charming architecture, and delicious food. The city boasts some of the best restaurants in the country, offering a wide range of cuisine, from traditional Southern dishes to seafood and international fare. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of places to dine in Charleston.
Here are all the best restaurants in Charleston to try in 2024.
Chubby Fish
For a seafood centric, coastal town, Chubby Fish is one the best places for fresh, sustainable seafood in downtown Charleston. Tucked into the Elliotborough neighborhood, you’ll love the local vibe and nautical flare. The menu changes daily, but some of my favorite staples are bibb lettuce, chili garlic shrimp, curry, and crudo or ceviche! Plan to get there at least by 6pm to put your name down if you want to eat before 9pm. Head over to Elliotborough Mini Bar for a cocktail while you wait.
Edmund’s Oast
Beer lovers won’t want to miss Edmund’s Oast, a craft brewery and restaurant that offers a rotating selection of unique beers. They are famous for their peanut butter & jelly beer so you will definitely want to try that!
Edmund’s Oast is one of my absolute favorites for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, with communal tables and a friendly vibe. I love sitting outside in the inviting courtyard for lunch or grabbing a spot at the inside bar for dinner or dessert. The dessert menu is often longer than the food menu thanks to their incredible pastry chef so be sure to order dessert here.
Make sure to try a few of my favorite dishes: crunchy salad, pickled shrimp, curly fries, fish + greens, curried vegetables, peanut butter jelly beer, and the nutella cookies!
Disclaimer: I had my wedding reception here and love everyone on the EO team so much! 🙂
Chez Nous
Chez Nous means Our House in French and is hands down the most romantic restaurant in Charleston. It’s set in a tiny Charleston single style home that has been renovated into a restaurant. The menu changes daily, but there are always two apps, two entrees, and two desserts. I have never had a bad meal here even when I was skeptical to try things! Another fun fact: this is where my husband and I had our fist date!
Park and Grove
The best brunch spot recently turned to a focus on dinner. Either one you choose, you won’t be disappointed at Park and Grove. They have the best bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich and to die for cinnamon rolls at breakfast. And for lunch or dinner, I love the farro salad, the citrus salad, and any of their pastas! Plus, the cocktails are always super creative AND they are super accommodating with several amazing mocktails to choose from.
Sorelle Charleston
Sorelle is the hottest new restaurant to open in Charleston this year. From an all star team, Chefs Adam Sobel and Nick Dugan have created a menu featuring Southern Italian cuisine created with the help of fresh, local ingredients. Go for dinner and be sure to try a few of my favorites: start with the arancini cacio e pepe (essentially fried rice balls with pecorino and pepper), zucchini parmigiana, the Sorelle Spaghetti with crispy zucchini and burrata, and end with the limone dessert which is a citrus cream shaped like a lemon!
They also serve breakfast and lunch in the Mercato where you can try their Sicilian style pizzas and paninis.
Wondering how to snag a reservation? They open dining room reservations 60 day in advance and you should hop on it quickly! The bar and lounge is first come, first serve so even if you can’t get a reservation you can go early and try to snag a spot at the chic bar.
Southbound
Southbound is one of the newest members of the Charleston foodie scene. The hospitality here is unmatched and is one of the many parts that make it standout. The hosts greet you on the front porch with the warmest welcome making you feel like you have just arrived to your best friends house for dinner. I went for my birthday this year and they offered us bubbles to celebrate along with a handwritten card for me!
I mentioned the porch – the whole restaurant is set inside a historic Charleston home that has recently been completed renovated. We reserved the “porch swing” which is the most charming and intimate place to sit as the gas lanterns flicker over head. Alternatively, the chefs counter is a great choice to be a part of the action!
The culinary concept is focused around live fire cooking where everything is prepared over open flame which adds the perfect smoky flavor to many of the dishes. It reminds me a bit of Francis Mallmann’s restaurant in Mendoza, Siete Feugos, and his style of cooking.
The menu changes daily with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. We had a grilled soft shell crab which was super unique as you typically see these fried. Additionally, we tried the grilled oysters, wild mushrooms, NC bay scallops, and Mexican street peppers. You can check out the daily menu on their instagram page!
Basic Kitchen
If you are vegan, Basic Kitchen is the best place to cater to that. Everything on the menu is healthier with a focus on fresh local produce. The basic bowl is so good and the cauliflower “wings” are amazing! Be sure to try the beet margarita too.
The Ordinary
One of my top 5 fave restaurants in Charleston from James Beard Award Winning chef, Mike Lata. The Ordinary is phenomenal, nothing ordinary about it! It is housed in a beautiful old 1920’s bank building with high ceilings and large windows. You have to get the oyster sliders and try a mix of small and large plates. If zucchini carpaccio is on the menu, it’s a must try. They are currently closed Monday and Tuesday and take resy’s 2 weeks in advance.
Zero George
The Restaurant at Zero George has been on my list for a looong time and was excited to finally try as we celebrated our wedding anniversary! Zero George is the most charming boutique hotel in Charleston with this incredible intimate restaurant right onsite. The menu features a tasting experience designed by Chef Vinson Petrillo. Using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, they have put together an elevated taste of Charleston that is the closest thing to a Michelin star restaurant in the city. Oftentimes, a tasting menu can leave you feeling hungry, but nowhere in Charleston will do that to you and especially not here! I was getting full before we even got to dessert!
You can choose a reservation in their gorgeous dining room that feels like you’ve been invited over to a friends stately Charleston home or on the romantic patio under the stars! We sat inside because it was February, but the patio would have been glorious!
Zero George is a must for foodies, a special occasion, or anyone looking for an upscale night out!
Xiao Bao Biscuit
If you are looking for a little asian fusion, Xiao Bao Biscuit is my favorite for their okonomiyaki. If the brussels are in season, definitely get those with a side of sticky rice – it soaks up all the juice that the sprouts are simmered in! The restaurant is super trendy housed in a former gas station with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make Xiao Bao Biscuit a great spot for a casual night out.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
You’ve likely heard of Leon’s already and it is truly SO good. Some of my favorite days have involved sipping rosé and eating oysters on their patio on a sunny day. It’s very casual, set inside a former car repair shop with the best food.
Here is what we typically order to share: frozen rosé or gin + tonic obviously, fried oyster sandwich (ask for it on a bun – how it was served originally) with cucumber salad, siam salad, raw oysters, hush puppies with honey butter, and soft serve ice cream.
167 Raw, 167 Sushi Bar, & Bar 167
You have also probably heard of the super trendy 167 Raw. And it is so good, but you need to get there before 6pm to get on the list and expect to wait 2+ hours. I love the tuna burger, lobster roll and always get the fresh ceviche! Leisurely tip: make a reservation at Bar 167, then go put your name on the list at the main restaurant. Enjoy cocktails and snacks while you wait!
167 Raw was originally located at the raw bar on East Bay Street, then moved to King Street for a bigger space. In the old venue, they opened 167 Sushi Bar! The sister restaurant, 167 Sushi, does take reservations and is the best sushi experience I have ever had. I recommend sitting at the chef’s counter and letting the server order for you! It is an amazing tasting menu type experience. No problem if you don’t love sushi – they have plenty of other options including cripsy fish bao buns and spicy udon noodles. And for dessert, ask for the cheese bread – it’s melt in your mouth milk bread!
Chasing Sage
Chasing Sage has become a recent favorite of ours. It is very vegetarian friendly and the food is seriously so good. The menu rotates seasonally focusing on fresh vegetables and small plates – which I love so I can sample allllll the things!
Maya
Maya is located on King Street and recently took over the space from one of my former faves, The Macintosh. They focus on fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine with a coastal touch at Maya! Try the mezcal margs, brussels sprouts, tacos, and tuna tostada! You can also get chilaquiles at brunch!
Sorghum & Salt
Sorghum & Salt is so underrated in Charleston. I finally made a reservation a few weeks ago and it was incredible. The restaurant is tucked away in a small building with intimate seating. It is a vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurant in Charleston, but they serve meat dishes as well. They even offer a fully vegan tasting menu! We ordered the gnocchi with cauliflower and the roasted parsnips with mushrooms and truffle mousse.
Rancho Lewis
I have been frequenting Rancho Lewis a lot lately. Even getting take-out quite often too. It’s got a lively patio, ample indoor seating, great bar space, and amazing tex-mex food. You will want to try their cheese dip, get fresh salsas from the salsa bar, and the veggie fajitas – they come with peppers, onion, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and homemade tortillas along with rice & beans. I’m also a big fan of the caesar salad and even some of the kids menu items. The frozen margaritas are a big draw for me too 🤤
Charleston BBQ Options – Lewis BBQ and Rodney Scott’s
Lewis Barbecue and Rodney Scott‘s are the best Charleston restaurants for their BBQ. Lewis is Texas style and Rodney’s is true South Carolina barbecue. Must try the brisket at Lewis! I wrote a whole roundup you can find here:
Sullivan’s and Mount Pleasant Restaurants
A few of my absolute favorites East of the Cooper!
The Obstinate Daughter
Located on Sullivan’s Island, Obstinate Daughter is another all time favorite for pasta. It is consistently good and I really love the atmosphere. The short rib gnocchi is to die for and if you are vegetarian, ask for the secret menu veg version of it. Also try the farro piccolo and geechie frites – basically fried grits! And pop downstairs for ice cream sandwiches at Beardcat’s after dinner.
Post House
Post House has been one of my staple best Charleston restaurants for years and they recently underwent a complete renovation. The menu is very diverse with fresh seafood, steaks, curry, and more. The burger with pimento cheese is my favorite burger in Charleston and recently I have been obsessed with the butterbean burger. Also, don’t miss the blue crab dip!
You will want to make reservations in advance and I highly recommend booking a patio table!
Sullivan’s Fish Camp
I FINALLY tried Sullivan’s Fish Camp and regret not going sooner. It is seriously so good with tons of great options for food and festive cocktails. You can head there after the beach and sit on the patio or reserve a table inside for dinner!
The hush puppies are made with a smoked gouda and are incredible. I had the local fish sandwich which was mahi that day. It comes with a side of chips that are seasoned with old bay. And, my husband had the tuna nachos which were divine – recommend to have it as an app to share!
We forsee many lunches here this summer after a morning spent on the beach.
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina
Mex1 Coastal Cantina is my go to laid back beach spot. I always come here on a beach day for margs and tacos. I love the cauliflower taco, the bangin’ shrimp, and santos shrimp tacos. The chips here are always fresh, warm, and super light!
Philosophia
I always love when there is a new Greek option in Charleston. Philosophia is located in the Whole Foods shopping center in Mount Pleasant, but don’t let that deter you. It’s got a great patio and trendy indoor seating too. We loved the spanakopita and fresh fish with veggies.
North Charleston Restaurants
My #1 go-to restaurant in North Charleston’s Park Circle area.
Jackrabbit Filly
Located in North Charleston near Park Circle, Jackrabbit Filly is worth the short drive. It is one of the best Chinese fusion meals in a lively setting.
And there you have it! All of my best restaurants in Charleston SC and what to order at each. Will you try any of these on your next trip to the holy city?? Be sure to read my full guide to Charleston, too!
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