Best restaurants in Charleston

Legend Deli

Counter-order deli on George Street slinging sandwiches and cold beer steps from the College of Charleston.

Bert's Market

Corner market and deli on Folly Beach, stocking groceries, cold beer, and sandwiches a block from the water since 1984.

Uncork Charleston

Wine bar and small plates spot on upper King, pulling double duty as a late-night lounge with live music.

The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips

Huge filets of fish ’n’ chips constitute the entire menu at this unassuming British specialist.

Edmund's Oast

Brewery + restaurant on Morrison Drive with a 40-tap list and a serious patio.

Baguette Magic Folly Rd

This bright, casual French bakery carries traditional breads, sandwiches, pastries & salads.

Home Team BBQ

Bustling tavern serving generous portions of smoked meat & Southern sides, plus frequent live music.

Alvin Ord's Sandwich Shop - James Island

Counter sandwich shop on Folly Road where James Island locals queue for deli-built subs at lunch.

Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

Avant-garde beers, wood-fired pizzas & high-concept bar eats in a trendy, spacious locale.

Boxcar Betty's

Creative fried chicken sandwiches, plus fries, floats & pickles offered in retro counter-serve digs.

Page's Okra Grill

Generous portions of casual Southern-focused home cooking are served all day at this lively eatery.

Millers All Day

Have pie and beer for lunch or grits and biscuits for dinner at this refined bistro, bakery, and bar.

Antonio's Pizzeria

No-frills North Charleston pizza counter on Dorchester Road, drawing steady locals since the neighborhood long predates the city's restaurant boom.

Grace & Grit

Creatively flavored grits accompany the surf 'n' turf at this area-sourced Southern specialist.

Dashi

Trendy spot with brunch doling out Mexican standards, plus desserts & cocktails.

Vicious Biscuit

Comfy spot for creative breakfast & lunch comfort foods with biscuits as the base & craft cocktails.

The Glass Onion

Upbeat spot serving refined, locally sourced soul-food favorites in charming environs.

Early Bird Diner

All-day breakfast & American diner classics served in a funky, art-filled setting.

D'Allesandro's Pizza

Neighborhood pizzeria offering lots of sauce & topping options, plus happy hour & lunch specials.

The Pass

Intimate counter-service spot on St. Philip Street turning out focused, rotating plates with a short, deliberate wine list.

Five Loaves Cafe

A mini-chain with soup, salad, sandwiches & entrees from as many housemade ingredients as possible.

Metro Diner

Local diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.

Annie O' Love's Cookie Cafe

Vegan bakery and coffee cafe on Ashley River Road, built around house-made cookies and plant-based cafe staples.

Mazal

Israeli-Mediterranean spot on Ashley River Road serving shawarma, falafel, and tel Aviv-style plates in a casual strip-mall setting.

Basic Kitchen

Serene, light-filled space for dishes featuring local produce and whole grains, plus Sunday brunch.

Big Gun Burger Shop & Bar

Compact hideaway with creative burgers, craft drafts, classic cocktails & Southern small plates.

Philosophia

Greek-owned coffee shop and café in a Mount Pleasant strip mall, pulling espresso alongside Mediterranean plates.

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Cafe- Mt. Pleasant

Local chain serving ice cream & shakes, plus sandwiches & sides, in a low-key, retro space.

Toasted Crust

Counter-order pizza and wings spot on upper King, where craft pies and cold beer keep a loyal neighborhood crowd coming back.

Circe's Grotto

Tucked-away sandwich shop on Wentworth Street serving lunch with outdoor seating and coffee.

Ellis Creek Fish Camp

Visitors can eat indoors or on the terrace with countryside views at this casual seafood option.

Taste Of The Islands Charleston. SC

Caribbean kitchen on Skylark Drive serving jerk, curry, and island staples with occasional live music in a strip-mall setting.

Home Team BBQ

Bustling tavern serving generous portions of smoked meat & Southern sides, plus frequent live music.

Millers All Day - James Island

All-day neighborhood cafe on Maybank Highway serving breakfast, lunch, beer, and wine in a strip mall off James Island.

Little Line Kitchen & Provisions

Neighborhood breakfast and lunch counter on Line Street with a vegetarian-leaning menu, cold beer, and a dog-friendly patio.

Angel Oak Restaurant and Bar

Southern-inspired outfit serving scratch-made American fare, wine & beer in a cozy, rustic setting.

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - Mt Pleasant

Laid-back, late-night hangout offering sushi, cocktails, beer & a roster of live entertainment.

Just Love Coffee Cafe- Mt Pleasant

Franchise breakfast-and-coffee cafe off Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, serving espresso drinks and all-day breakfast in a family-friendly strip mall setting.

Burtons Grill & Bar

Upscale bar & grill chain featuring an extensive menu of American fare in a stylish dining room.

Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen

Bright counter-serve spot offering build-your-own banh mi sandwiches, tacos & salads.

Post House

Polished, historic inn offering old-world rooms and posh dining, plus free Wi-Fi & breakfast.

Three Girls on Spring

Intimate Italian spot on Spring Street, built around handmade pasta and a short, rotating menu in a snug dining room.

Kairos Mediterranean

Counter-service outfit for pick-your-filling pitas, bowls & salads, including falafel & lamb.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Breezy Sullivan's Island cantina serving tacos, coastal seafood, and margaritas a block from the beach.

Port of Call - Food & Brew

Nautical-themed Market Street spot serving seafood, brunch, and craft beer with live music in the heart of the tourist corridor.

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar

Bustling spot for refined seafood dishes, served in clubby, brick-walled environs, with a bar.

Boxcar Betty's

Counter-service burger spot in a Mount Pleasant strip mall, known for smash patties and house-made sauces.

Peninsula Grill

Renowned hotel eatery serving elevated Southern fare in a roomy, posh space.

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe

Hash browns, pancakes & egg sandwiches accompany java & cocktails at this hip bar/coffeeshop.

Hugh-Baby's BBQ & Burger Shop

Counter-service burger and BBQ joint on St. Andrews Blvd, slinging smash burgers and smoked meats to West Ashley regulars.

Toast! All Day

Casual local chain restaurant serving Southern breakfast, lunch & dinner with live entertainment.

The Red Drum

Refined Southwestern food served in bustling cozy environs with an upbeat bar.

Maybank Public House

Rustic-chic gastropub serving lunch, dinner & brunch with tap beers amid reclaimed wood & art.

Coleman Public House

Chill haunt featuring rotating craft brews on tap, plus burgers & inventive pub fare.

Sesame Burgers & Beer

Gourmet burgers with a long list of available toppings plus gluten-free, vegetarian & vegan options.

Lawrence's Seafood Company

Casual seafood counter steps from the Isle of Palms strand, serving fried platters and low country staples with live music on the back deck.

King's Pizza by: Italian Bistro

Understated pizzeria with basic decor turning out New York–style pies & familiar Italian classics.

East Side Soul Food

Neighborhood soul food counter on America Street, serving lunch plates of fried chicken, collards, and cornbread to the East Side.

Freddo's Cafe & Ice Cream

Compact King Street cafe slinging coffee, brunch, and house-made ice cream in a dog-friendly spot above street level.

Sunrise Bistro Mount Pleasant

Strip-mall breakfast and coffee spot on Johnnie Dodds, pulling consistent Mount Pleasant crowds for morning plates and lunch.

B’s Soul Creations Breakfast Brunch Catering

Parking-lot brunch spot on Meeting Street Road slinging soul food catering for weddings and weekend crowds.

Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant - West Ashley

Traditional Mexican dishes offered in a casual space with a bar mixing margaritas.

Tobin's Market

Neighborhood bar and market on Jackson Street with live music, a dog-friendly beer garden, and bottles to drink there or take home.

Tacos El Pariente

Cash-only taqueria on Clements Ferry serving straightforward Mexican street food to the construction and warehouse crowd on the north peninsula.

Grumpy Goat Seafood Cantina

Mexican fare & seafood plus weekend brunch at a casual local hangout with ample TVs & a patio.

Ty's Roadside Coastal Kitchen

Casual Coleman Boulevard counter serving coastal plates and coffee with beer on tap for the Mount Pleasant lunch crowd.

Recovery Room Tavern

No-frills bar offering pinball, darts, pool & bocce, along with wings, sandwiches & beer.

Dukes Barbecue

Casual restaurant dishing up Southern barbecue classics at a buffet or via a drive-thru.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Lively eatery dishing out Mexican favorites, including tacos and tortas, in hip, casual environs.

Toast! All Day Meeting Street

Easygoing eatery known for its breakfast, serving Southern classics in a convivial setting.

Triangle Char & Bar

Local chain serving cocktails, locally sourced burgers, tacos & more in a vibrant setting.

Rancho Lewis

Ford Fry's Tex-Mex outpost on upper King, slinging smoked meats, flour tortillas, and margaritas in a lively, wood-paneled room.

Toast! All Day

Casual all-day breakfast and brunch spot on lower King Street, pouring beer and occasionally hosting live music.

Bricco Bracco

Classic pastas & other homestyle Italian dishes served in a comfortable setting with a full bar.

Big Bad Breakfast-Charleston

John Currence's Oxford-born breakfast chain serving scratch biscuits, big plates, and cold beer on Meeting Street.

The Drop-In Bar & Deli

Eclectic deli & pub featuring classic & specialty sandwiches, plus local craft beer on tap.

Saveurs du Monde Cafe

Crêpes, tartines, quiches & elegant French-style pastries offered in a bright, modern space.

Benny Palmetto's, Pizza

Industrial-style counter-serve pizzeria dishing out ample slices & pies in a quick fashion.

Sabatinos Authentic New York City Pizza

Casual counter-serve pit stop from a Bronx native selling thin-crust pies & slices, subs & starters.

Hannibal's Kitchen

Humble family-owned joint known for crab rice, shark steak & other Southern seafood specialties.

The Grit Counter - North Charleston

Counter-service spot on W Montague dishing grits bowls, burgers, and seafood in no-frills North Charleston digs.

Wasabi of Daniel Island

Sleek Japanese venue serving creative sushi rolls, hibachi & Thai bites in modern digs with a patio.

Bohemian Bull

Upscale bar food, including brisket burgers, join craft beer & bourbon in a funky, plank-walled pub.

The Swamp Fox Restaurant

All-day eatery in the Francis Marion Hotel serving Southern dishes with live jazz some nights.

MI LINDO OAXACA TAQUERIA

Family-run Oaxacan taqueria in a Mt. Pleasant strip mall, turning out tlayudas and mole alongside standard tacos.

Crave Kitchen & Cocktails

Inventive interpretations of American comfort food, served in artful, upscale environs, with a bar.

Island Provisions - Johns Island

Neighborhood cafe and bottle shop on Johns Island serving coffee, beer, and wine from a strip mall storefront.

Tiki Taco

Tacos, burritos & other Mexican staples offered in an informal venue with bright tropical decor.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe

Branch of a laid-back chain known for Southern food & all-day breakfast selections.

Cachita's Kitchen Downtown

Cuban-Mexican kitchen on Market Street serving ropa vieja and tacos in a compact, dog-friendly dining room.

SOL Mt. Pleasant

Mexican plates with Southwest flair & margaritas are the draw at this stylish outpost with a patio.

Mario's Italian Grill

Neighborhood Italian-pizza standby on Savannah Highway, doing dine-in, delivery, and gyros out of a strip mall since the West Ashley crowd figured it out.

Bonefish Grill

Contemporary grill chain offering a seafood-centric menu, plus steaks & cocktails.

The Junction Kitchen & Provisions

Rustic-chic kitchen offering creative comfort fare, including tacos, sandwiches & all-day breakfast.

Point Break Coffee & Drive Thru

Drive-thru coffee and acai spot on Folly Road, with dog-friendly seating and occasional live music.

El PinchoTaco

Counter-service taco spot on upper Meeting Street pouring beer and wine alongside straightforward Mexican street food.

Prohibition

Rustic-chic Modern American restaurant with creative cocktails & a Jazz Age theme.

My Father's Moustache | Mt Pleasant British Pub & Restaurant

Roomy sports pub with English grub & global beers, plus weekend brunch & a game room with billiards.

Coconut Joe's

Guests look out on the ocean from the deck & rooftop bar, while dining on island-inspired dishes.

Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale

Counter-service Tex-Mex spot on Coleman Boulevard slinging loaded nachos and cheap beer since the '90s.

Garage 75

Easygoing eatery offering hearty pub grub classics alongside drinks, billiards & sports on TV.

The Press

Counter-service sandwich shop on Coming Street, pressing local ingredients between housemade bread for lunch and dinner crowds.

Saveurs Du Monde Cafe WestEdge

French-inflected cafe tucked into the WestEdge development, serving coffee and breakfast with a global pantry.

The Southern Bar & Grill

Informal bar & restaurant serving Southern fare, with live bluegrass, country & jazz music.

The Longboard

Casual surf-themed seafood spot on Sullivan's Island serving oysters, brunch, and cold beer steps from the beach.

Eli's Table

High-end bar/eatery with artful decor & locally sourced Southern fare for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Tommy Condon's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Nothing-fancy, family-friendly spot combining Irish pub with Lowcountry seafood & live music.

Señor Tequila

Low-key Mexican kitchen producing a familiar menu of fajitas, quesadillas, tacos & margaritas.

Bodega Mt. Pleasant

Neighborhood coffee shop on Coleman Boulevard pulling espresso drinks alongside beer and a tight food menu.

Ruby’s New York Style Bagels

New York-style bagels and coffee on Ashley River Road, with a loyal West Ashley following.

Ruby Sunshine

All-day brunch spot on Savannah Hwy slinging boozy bloody marys, eggs benedict, and mimosas to West Ashley weekenders.

John King Grill & Dueling Piano Bar

Laid-back joint for elevated burgers, hot dogs & bar food, with sidewalk tables & big-screen TVs.

Lucy's Deliveries y Mas

Goose Creek strip-mall taqueria serving burritos, tacos, and Latin plates with live music on weekends.

The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

Locally sourced menu in a dog & family-friendly hangout with an outdoor deck, live music & sports.

Ru Ru's Tacos & Tequila

Casual Mexican spot on East Bay slinging tacos and tequila to the downtown lunch and late-night crowd.

Boxcar Betty's

Bar on the Ave

Neighborhood bar and grill on Spruill Avenue in North Charleston serving American comfort food with cold beer on tap.

Caviar & Bananas - Gourmet Market & Cafe

Gourmet market & cafe offering a range of eats, including sandwiches, salads & pastries.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe

Branch of a laid-back chain known for Southern food & all-day breakfast selections.

Viva Tacos & Tequila

Casual taco-and-tequila spot on Daniel Island serving Mexican standards with a full bar.

Beautiful South by Kwei Fei

Kwei Fei's spin-off on Columbus Street, serving Chinese-inspired small plates in a casual, counter-service format.

Benny Ravello's

Casual slice & pie shop with rustic interiors, high-top seating & colorful wall murals.

Ruby Sunshine

New Orleans-style brunch spot on East Bay serving beignets, boozy cocktails, and egg dishes through the afternoon.

Benny Rinaldi's

Counter-order pizza spot on East Montague serving New York-style pies with beer and wine in a North Charleston strip mall.

Bay Street Biergarten

Rustic-chic spot for Southern pub grub with Bavarian flair, plus craft beer with pour-your-own taps.

The Mill Street Tavern

Tavern serving updated American food in a wood dominated interior or on the riverside terrace.

Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill

Sleek venue featuring signature sushi rolls & hibachi entrees, plus a full bar & daily happy hour.

Toast! All Day

Woody's Pizza

Casual quick-serve shop serving pizzas, subs & salads near the beach.

Toast! All Day

Pizzeria Di Giovanni

Pizza shop serving New York-style pies, catering to a late-night crowd till 3 AM Fridays/Saturdays.

California Dreaming

Relaxed restaurant & bar chain serving steak & seafood, plus signature nachos, sandwiches & pasta.

Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale

Colorful eatery & sports bar for Mexican-inspired bites & drinks, plus live music & patio seating.

Handy and Hot

Quaint, cool restaurant whipping up sweet & savory biscuits & hand pies, plus coffee.

New Realm Brewing Co.

Brisket, burgers & veggie-driven seasonal fare in a lively, expansive brewery & live music venue.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

El Jefe Texican Cantina

Tex-Mex cantina on King Street slinging tacos and cold beer to the College of Charleston crowd.

Spread Bagelry

New York-style bagel shop in a Mount Pleasant strip center, slinging hand-rolled bagels and schmear alongside coffee.

Belle Station Sports Bar & Grill

Neighborhood sports bar off Highway 17 with pizza, sandwiches, and dog-friendly patio in the Belle Hall corridor.

Woodward Tavern

Neighborhood tavern off Riviera Drive in Mount Pleasant, with live music, a full bar, and straightforward pub food.

Bohemian Bull - Mt. Pleasant, SC

Laid-back American roadhouse on Highway 17 with live music, cold beer, and the kind of menu that doesn't require a second look.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

Allora

Neighborhood Italian on Spring Street with a straightforward menu, sidewalk seating, and a door policy that welcomes dogs.

Water's Edge

Sophisticated operation serving freshly caught fish, with outdoor seating & a casual downstairs bar.

Stones Throw Tavern

Neighborhood sports bar in a strip mall off Savannah Highway, with cold beer, pub food, and enough TVs to catch every game.

Taste Of Tokyo

Easygoing, modern eatery offering self-serve Japanese staples, such as teppanyaki & sushi rolls.

Santi’s West Ashley

Neighborhood Mexican spot on Savannah Highway serving tacos and cold beer in a no-frills West Ashley setting.

Coastal Provisions

Refined eatery at Wild Dunes Resort offering locavore seafood & drinks in a terrace-enhanced space.

Coastal Crust at Wild Dunes

Casual pizza spot inside the Wild Dunes resort on Isle of Palms, serving beer and wine alongside pies to vacationers and locals alike.

Azul Mexicano Downtown

Casual Mexican cantina on Meeting Street serving tacos, margaritas, and standard Tex-Mex a few blocks from the visitor center.

The Dive Bar & Grill

No-frills Goose Creek bar and grill with live music, cold beer, and the kind of name that tells you exactly what you're walking into.

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Casual sandwich counter on Isle of Palms serving build-your-own options with beer and wine, steps from the beach.

Slice of Folly

Counter-order pizza spot steps from the Folly Beach strip, serving slices and pies for the beach crowd.

Coconut Joe's

Beachside bar and grill on Folly serving fried seafood and cold drinks a block from the water.

Harborview Restaurant & Lounge

Airy top-floor bistro & bar at the Holiday Inn offering American fare & cocktails, plus river views.