What locals are saying
Frannie & The Fox, tucked inside Hotel Emeline, is widely regarded as one of the more atmosphere-forward spots in downtown Charleston — the wood-fired patio with an open fireplace draws both locals and hotel guests. Food is consistently praised as very good rather than exceptional, with meatballs, blue crab fritters, and wood-fired pizza being the reliable standouts. Service earns compliments but reviewers note occasional slowness and inconsistency, which the restaurant itself attributes to high staff turnover from its college-student workforce.
On socials
Posts and comments consistently rave about the wood-fired pizzas — especially the taleggio, pepperoni, margarita, and seasonal peach & pancetta variations — with multiple creators calling them some of the best pizza in Charleston. The lamb ragù rigatoni, gnocchetti sardi, blue crab fritters, and cast-iron meatballs are the most-tagged dishes beyond pizza. The Hotel Emeline courtyard setting (string lights, outdoor fireplace) gets as much praise as the food, with creators describing the vibe as 'magical,' 'great for date night,' and even a go-to rehearsal-dinner spot.
- TikTok – Frannie & The Fox Charleston Dinner roundup
- TikTok – Megan (@meganlighthall): blue crab fritters, rigatoni, squid ink cavatelli
- TikTok – Nicole | Charleston Diaries: 'always an excellent meal, love the vibes'
- TikTok – Frannie & The Fox Pasta discovery page (meatballs, chopped salad, rigatoni, pistachio cake)
- TastemakersCHS blog – taleggio pizza 'some of the best I've ever had', panna cotta
- The Charleston Home blog – heirloom tomato salad, taleggio & peach/pancetta pizza
- Barefoot Living Co blog – courtyard setting, non-alcoholic cocktails, Italian concept
- Fodor's – taleggio/burnt honey pizza, blue crab fritters, meatballs, courtyard
Who it’s for & what you get
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
- Beer
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Good for groups
- Wheelchair accessible
- Restroom
- Valet parking
Frequently asked
Is Frannie & The Fox one of the best restaurants in Charleston?
Frannie & The Fox is ranked #244 restaurant in Charleston by community votes.
What is Frannie & The Fox best known for?
Relaxed Italian restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas & happy hours, plus homey decor & a courtyard.
Who should go to Frannie & The Fox?
Frannie & The Fox works well for both locals and visitors looking for a quality restaurant in Charleston.
Where is Frannie & The Fox located?
Frannie & The Fox is located at 181 Church St, Charleston, Charleston, SC.
Join the conversation
Have a take?
Sign in to share what you really think.
- No comments yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Similar restaurants in Charleston
Edmund's Oast
Brewery + restaurant on Morrison Drive with a 40-tap list and a serious patio.
The Palmetto Cafe
Lowcountry fare served in a lush windowed garden cafe & courtyard at the Charleston Place Hotel.
Virginia's On King
Upscale eatery uses family recipes to create Southern comfort foods for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
The Drop-In Bar & Deli
Eclectic deli & pub featuring classic & specialty sandwiches, plus local craft beer on tap.
Nearby in Downtown
Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe
Charming cafe serving a selection of house-made desserts, plus milkshakes & specialty coffees.
Dacuba's Fine Jewelry
Boutique for unique custom pieces featuring local motifs such as Charleston's wrought iron gates.
Andrew Pinckney Inn
Elegant lodging offering sophisticated rooms & suites, plus free continental breakfast & Wi-Fi.
Historic Charleston Bed and Breakfast Reservations and Rentals
Palmetto Carriage Works
Sightseers ride behind horses in old-fashioned carriages while receiving a narrated history lesson.
Oyster House Seafood & O-Bar
Industrial seafood fixture in a former warehouse with a raw bar, craft cocktails & an outdoor patio.