What locals are saying
The Grocery is broadly considered one of Charleston's most serious farm-to-table restaurants, with chef-owner Kevin Johnson (multiple James Beard Award semifinalist) earning consistent praise for his seasonal, locally sourced menu built around a wood-burning oven and house-made charcuterie. Regulars single out the creative cocktails, pasta dishes, and wood-roasted vegetables as standouts, and the converted furniture-warehouse space is seen as warm rather than pretentious. A small number of reviewers flag occasional execution inconsistencies—one noted overcooked fried oysters—and reservations are essentially required, but the overall local consensus skews strongly positive.
On socials
TikTok captions call The Grocery a must-visit Charleston spot, with one creator writing '10/10 would kiss the chef on the lips' after dining at 4 Cannon St. Across food blogs and aggregator write-ups, the most name-dropped dishes are the smoked fish dip (with benne seed chips), gnocchi ('creamy, melts in your mouth'), roasted cauliflower, charcuterie board, bone marrow with pickled cauliflower, cast-iron cassoulet (duck and beans), tuna crudo, soft shell crab, and the Dirty Green Tomato Martini. Creators and bloggers repeatedly steer people toward the churros for dessert ('even if you're not hungry, don't miss these') and highlight happy hour for half-off pasta and produce plates plus $5 signature martinis. The prevailing vibe in posts is 'sophisticated farm-to-table without being stuffy' — people call it a reliable special-occasion anchor in downtown Charleston.
Who it’s for & what you get
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
- Beer
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Reservations
- Good for groups
- Wheelchair accessible
- Restroom
- Free parking
Frequently asked
Is The Grocery one of the best restaurants in Charleston?
The Grocery is ranked #209 restaurant in Charleston by community votes.
What is The Grocery best known for?
Welcoming eatery with an innovative, seasonal menu, plus signature cocktails, wine & craft beers.
Who should go to The Grocery?
The Grocery works well for both locals and visitors looking for a quality restaurant in Charleston.
Where is The Grocery located?
The Grocery is located at 4 Cannon St, Charleston, Charleston, SC.
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