Best restaurants in Charleston

Halls Chophouse

Sizable cuts of beef & seafood served in elegant surrounds, also known for its Sunday gospel brunch.

Pelato - Charleston

Neighborhood Italian on Morrison Drive serving wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and housemade pasta in a spare, no-fuss dining room.

Iron Rose

Compact coffee and brunch counter inside the Belmond Charleston Place, serving Meeting Street foot traffic with well-regarded breakfast plates.

The Harlow

Neighborhood coffee shop and gathering spot on James Island's Harbor View Road, with live music and a dog-friendly patio.

Edmund's Oast

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

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

Southern coastal cuisine is prepared at this bustling, no-frills beach grill with a full bar & deck.

Delaney Oyster House

Homey locale in a historic house serving seafood specialties & a raw bar, plus wine & cocktails.

Uncork Charleston

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

AZUR

French bistro and cocktail bar on Market Street, with live music and a menu leaning toward classic European technique.

High Cotton Charleston Restaurant

Spacious, refined eatery featuring Lowcountry fare cooked using ingredients from nearby farms.

Magnolias

A refined take on traditional Southern cooking, served in a warm, sophisticated environment.

LoLA

Cajun- & Creole-style seafood doled out in hip digs with garage door windows, a full bar & patio.

Maya Del Sol Kitchen

Casual Mexican kitchen on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, serving wine alongside tacos and plates with free parking out front.

Halls Chophouse Nexton (Summerville)

Suburban outpost of the Charleston steakhouse institution, serving prime cuts and live music in Summerville's Nexton development.

Bistronomy By Nico

French-trained chef Nico Romo's Spring Street bistro blending classical technique with local Lowcountry produce.

Page's Okra Grill

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

Slightly North of Broad Restaurant

Modern Southern & Lowcountry cuisine served in an airy, 18th-century warehouse.

The Archer

Neighborhood bar and kitchen on the Meeting Street corridor, pulling a loyal crowd with straightforward food and well-made drinks.

R Kitchen

New American tasting menus with wines, served in 2 nightly seatings at a 20-seat chef's counter.

Sena Cafe

Tucked into a Mount Pleasant strip, this neighborhood café pours espresso drinks alongside pastries, beer, and wine.

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.

Marbled & Fin Charleston

Steakhouse and seafood spot on East Bay, pairing dry-aged cuts with local catches in a polished dining room.

The Obstinate Daughter

Inventive New American fare, plus local craft beers & brunch, in an elegant, country-chic space.

The Glass Onion

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

Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary

Elevated Lowcountry cuisine in a stately, oceanview dining room at Kiawah Island's Sanctuary Hotel.

Chez Nous

Pint-sized neighborhood spot with elevated food & wine from France & around Europe in a cozy space.

Oscar's of Summerville

Down-home restaurant with porch dining, offering daily specials for lunch & dinner, plus happy hour.

Middleton Place Restaurant

Plantation-site dining room on the Ashley River serving lowcountry staples steps from America's oldest landscaped gardens.

Park & Grove

Bright, airy cafe serving American fare with global influences & an emphasis on local ingredients.

Five Loaves Cafe

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

Brasserie La Banque

French brasserie in a restored 19th-century bank building on Broad Street, with vaulted ceilings and a menu built around classic Parisian technique.

Long Island Cafe

Quaint bistro with full bar has a seafood-centric menu plus beef, chicken & handmade pasta options.

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.

Stella's

Classy throwback diner for Greek dishes & meze to share, plus Mediterranean Sunday brunch.

The Darling Oyster Bar

Stylish spot with vintage appeal for creative seafood dishes, fry baskets & raw oysters.

Philosophia

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

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar

Southern seafood staples like crab soup, oysters, and more served in a sleek spot, with a waterfront patio.

Laura Summerville

Family-run Italian on North Main in Summerville, with a long-standing local following and a straightforward red-sauce menu.

Ellis Creek Fish Camp

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

Little Palm

Easygoing hangout with an outdoor pool & a stylish ambiance offering light bites & a cocktail menu.

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.

Angel Oak Restaurant and Bar

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

The James

Neighborhood bistro on Maybank Highway serving James Island with a focused menu, local wine list, and room to linger.

Mainland Container Co. Kitchen & Bar

Laid-back outpost with ample outdoor seating, serving seasonal tacos, sandwiches, salads & seafood.

Burtons Grill & Bar

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

Legami

Neighborhood Italian on upper King, built around handmade pasta and a concise wine list.

82 Queen

A swanky bar and intimate courtyard help make this refined Southern spot a special occasion favorite.

Betty Lou's Bistro

Neighborhood bistro on Ashley River Road serving dine-in and takeout with beer and wine, drawing steady locals since opening.

Post House

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

Indaco

Rustic eatery starring Italian fare & wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pasta, cured sausages & wines.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

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

Sorelle

Italian fine dining from the Indaco team, tucked into a historic Broad Street building with handmade pasta and an Italian wine list.

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.

Bedford Falls CHS

Neighborhood coffee shop and bar on Meeting St, pouring drinks and letting dogs in since before it was fashionable.

The Palmetto Cafe

Lowcountry fare served in a lush windowed garden cafe & courtyard at the Charleston Place Hotel.

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.

Leon's

Relaxed joint serving oysters, Southern-style seafood & fried chicken in a cool space with a patio.

NICO | Oysters + Seafood

Upscale roadside seafood brasserie for oysters, cocktails & market-fresh, imaginative French fare.

Sullivan's Fish Camp

Quaint eatery where generous portions of seafood & other casual fare come in a bustling setting.

Maybank Public House

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

East Bay Meeting House

Parisian-inspired cafe serving coffee during the day, with wine, tapas, poetry & music at night.

Abbracci Italian Cuisine & Cocktails

Neighborhood Italian spot in a Mount Pleasant strip mall, serving pasta and cocktails with a loyal local following.

The Peacock

All-day cafe and bar on East Bay that shifts from morning coffee to cocktails and live music after dark.

MOMO riverfront park

Waterfront American spot on the Cooper River in North Charleston, with dog-friendly outdoor seating and cold beer.

Felix Cocktails et Cuisine

Seafood & steak sharing plates inspired by Paris, plus versatile cocktails & wines by the glass.

The Grocery

Welcoming eatery with an innovative, seasonal menu, plus signature cocktails, wine & craft beers.

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.

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.

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.

Grill 225

Fine-dining chophouse in the Market Pavilion Hotel featuring handpicked cuts & a big wine list.

Frannie & The Fox

Relaxed Italian restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas & happy hours, plus homey decor & a courtyard.

Poe's Tavern

Relaxed watering hole with a menu of American grub & decor devoted to author Edgar Allan Poe.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

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

Ms. Rose's Fine Food & Cocktails

A mix of Southern specialties & comfort food in modern, kitschy surrounds.

The Mason Jar By Fatboys

Unpretentious eatery serving up familiar Southern fare such as fried chicken, seafood & BBQ.

Toast! All Day Meeting Street

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

Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery

Compact neighborhood market and eatery on Congress Street serving food and drinks with wine and beer in a sit-down setting.

Triangle Char & Bar

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

Bourbon N' Bubbles

Fashionable haunt highlighting elevated sharing plates, champagne & handcrafted cocktails.

Rancho Lewis

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

Bricco Bracco

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

Virginia's On King

Upscale eatery uses family recipes to create Southern comfort foods for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Big Bad Breakfast-Charleston

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

Lenoir

Stylish bistro with outdoor seating serving gourmet mains & sharing plates, plus cocktails & wine.

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.

Church and Union Charleston

Posh New American dining destination and cocktail bar in a former church with dramatic decor.

The Kingstide

Waterfront restaurant with terraces offering seafood specialties amid stylish surroundings.

The Swamp Fox Restaurant

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

Easterby's Family Grille

Laid-back, family-run joint offering Southern & American classics, such as burgers, BBQ & seafood.

Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French Inc.

Bustling bistro offering all-day eats, coffee, beer & French wines, plus sidewalk seating.

Crave Kitchen & Cocktails

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

Husk

Sean Brock's Southern restaurant in a restored Queen Anne. Menu changes with what arrived that morning.

The Refuge

Bright, modern eatery with coffee, bagels & Wi-Fi by day, cocktails & New American fare by night.

Shem Creek Crab House

Southern seafood favorites served in a simple setting, with scenic views, a bar & outdoor seating.

SOL Mt. Pleasant

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

Lola Rose

Neighborhood Mediterranean spot in a Mount Pleasant strip mall, doing shareable plates with wine and beer on Park Ave Boulevard.

Community Table

Neighborhood bistro on Civitas Street serving straightforward American fare with occasional live music in a casual Mount Pleasant dining room.

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.

Poogan's Porch

Traditional Southern cooking served in a Victorian townhouse with porches and a massive wine cellar.

Prohibition

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

Coconut Joe's

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

Garage 75

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

Saveurs Du Monde Cafe WestEdge

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

Meeting at Market

American & Southern dishes & cocktails are served in an upscale hotel dining room & bar.

The Southern Bar & Grill

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

Tavern & Table

Casual, rustic-chic restaurant with a waterfront deck offering a locally sourced New American menu.

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.

Bay Street Biergarten

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

Saltus River Grill

Sophisticated eatery with wood grill, sleek bar & extensive wine list serves steak, seafood & sushi.

Bourbon N' Bubbles

Fashionable haunt highlighting elevated sharing plates, champagne & handcrafted cocktails.

39 Rue de Jean

Busy, brick-walled bistro serving French classics, plus a lively bar.

John King Grill & Dueling Piano Bar

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

Charleston Crab House

Casual eatery with a convivial atmosphere, serving a crab-heavy menu of classic seafood.

The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

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

Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar

Laid-back waterfront fish house on Isle of Palms serving raw bar staples and fried seafood with cold beer and occasional live music.

Henry's On The Market

Burgers & updated pub fare served in an upscale bohemian brick tavern with live jazz & a roof deck.

Bar on the Ave

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

Beautiful South by Kwei Fei

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

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.

King Street Dispensary

Sophisticated sports bar serving innovative pub fare & a wide selection of local beers & liquors.

Trotters Restaurant

Restaurant serving Southern fare in a contemporary space at the Town & Country Inn & Suites.

Toast! All Day

California Dreaming

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

Henry's On The Market

Burgers & updated pub fare served in an upscale bohemian brick tavern with live jazz & a roof deck.

Planet Follywood

Offbeat neighborhood bar/eatery offering burgers & other American classics, plus live entertainment.

Handy and Hot

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

Élevé Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge

Large windows look over the city from this smart hotel restaurant serving classic cuisine.

Élevé Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge

Large windows look over the city from this smart hotel restaurant serving classic cuisine.

New Realm Brewing Co.

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

El Jefe Texican Cantina

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

Tínto Café and Provisions

Compact John Street café serving coffee and provisions, with beer and occasional live music tucked into a neighborhood corner spot.

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.

Vickery's Bar & Grill

A variety of Southern dishes are offered at this relaxed hangout with waterfront views & a full bar.

The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits

Place for cocktails, views & Southern-accented New American fare at the top of a chic hotel.

Allora

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

Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge

Rooftop bar and restaurant on Calhoun Street with cocktails, wine, and live music above the downtown Charleston roofline.

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.

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.

Gullah & Grooves

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.

Charleston Harbor Fish House - Southern Fare from the Land and Sea

Stylish area-sourced seafood spot in Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, with a deck & rooftop bar.