Best restaurants in Charleston

Doar Bros.

Snug bar specializing in unique cocktails, wine & beer, plus monthly Italian dinner nights.

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.

Taverna Philosophia: Aegean Brasserie

Greek-Mediterranean brasserie in a Mount Pleasant strip mall, serving Aegean small plates and mezze with beer in a reliably packed dining room.

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.

Cane Pazzo

Neighborhood Italian on Yeamans Hall Road in Hanahan, serving wine and beer in a reservable dining room.

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.

Naan at Mt Pleasant

Strip-mall Indian restaurant in Mount Pleasant serving traditional naan and curry to a loyal crowd.

LoLA

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

Sorghum & Salt

Rustic spot serving à la carte & tasting menus of creative American cuisine with local ingredients.

Bintü Atelier. African inspired cuisine

West African-inspired small plates and dinners from a chef-driven atelier tucked into a Line Street studio space.

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.

Edison James Island

Cozy suburban bistro for creative sandwiches, local beers & eclectic international entrees.

The Ordinary

This 1920s bank now houses an upscale seafood restaurant with high ceilings, large windows & a bar.

Well Hung Vineyard - Restaurant

Wine bar and casual American kitchen on South Market Street, with live music and a name locals never tire of mentioning.

Slightly North of Broad Restaurant

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

Ardoa Wine Bar

Low-key spot offering global wines from self-service dispensers, plus gourmet cheeses & meats.

The Shellmore

Cozy wine bar with a raw bar & daily changing menu of salads, cheeses, sandwiches & small plates.

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.

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - James Island

Neighborhood sushi counter on Folly Road that doubles as a sports bar, drawing James Island regulars for rolls and draft beer.

El Pollo Guapo

Folly Road counter-service spot serving rotisserie chicken and Latin sides to beach-bound locals and James Island regulars.

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.

Berkeley's

Neighborhood bar and kitchen on Rutledge Ave, serving straightforward food with a dog-friendly patio and cold beer.

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.

LoLA Mt Pleasant

Neighborhood Italian spot on Chuck Dawley serving pasta and wine in a relaxed Mt. Pleasant dining room.

Oscar's of Summerville

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

Rappahannock Oyster Bar

Expansive, lively destination for oysters & hearty entrees, with a copper bar for cocktails & wine.

Lowland

Thomas McDonald's coastal Southern restaurant on George Street, pulling from Lowcountry and Gulf traditions with a focused, produce-forward menu.

Middleton Place Restaurant

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

MESU

Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant on upper King Street, with sushi and tacos sharing a menu alongside cocktails and occasional live music.

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.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

Relaxed, light-filled eatery with outdoor seating serving classic seafood, raw bites & burgers.

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 Reserve Tavern and Market

Upscale tavern and bottle shop on Johnnie Dodds where craft cocktails and a curated market share the same Mt. Pleasant strip-mall address.

Coda Del Pesce

Housemade pasta & Italian seafood dishes served in a light-filled eatery with a patio & ocean views.

King Claw - Juicy Seafood & Bar

Customizable seafood boils & fried baskets in a roomy space with elaborate nautical decor & TVs.

Wild Common

Tasting-menu only. Quiet room, intentional pacing, locally sourced everything.

Philosophia

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

Cuoco Pazzo Trattoria

Trattoria offering traditional Italian dishes & a wine list in an intimate atmosphere.

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.

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - Mt Pleasant

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

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.

LoLo's

Casual beachside seafood counter on Folly Road serving fried fish and cold beer steps from the shore.

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.

Bar167

Compact Mediterranean seafood spot tucked on Fulton Street, drawing steady locals with a focused menu and a well-curated wine list.

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.

Costa Charleston

Mediterranean coastal kitchen on Broad Street, leaning into seafood and wood-fired cooking with a wine list that earns its space.

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.

Charleston Crab House

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

River House

Local, organic New American fare is the draw at this elegant restaurant with water views & a patio.

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar

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

Peninsula Grill

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

Bedford Falls CHS

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

Sweatman’s Garden

Folly Road barbecue joint with live music, cold beer, and a loyal local following built on slow-smoked meat.

Melfi's

Neighborhood Italian on upper King serving red-sauce classics and hand-rolled pasta in a warm, low-lit room.

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.

Oyster House Seafood & O-Bar

Industrial seafood fixture in a former warehouse with a raw bar, craft cocktails & an outdoor patio.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

Relaxed, light-filled eatery with outdoor seating serving classic seafood, raw bites & burgers.

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.

Sushi Taro Japanese Restaurant

Japanese eatery serving creative rolls, hibachi & bento box entrees in a stylish space with a patio.

Tempest Charleston

Elegant destination offering seasonal, locally sourced seafood delicacies & a robust wine list.

Southbound

Southern comfort food spot on Cannon Street, built around wood-fired cooking and local produce.

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.

Renzo

Wood-fired Neopolitan pizza, pasta & an extensive wine list in an upscale neighborhood trattoria.

Hege's Restaurant

This restaurant presents French cooking without pretension in a homey, curtain-framed dining room.

Fam's Brewing Co. featuring Famulari's Pizzeria

Family-run brewery and pizzeria on Folly Road pairing wood-fired pies with house-brewed beers in a laid-back, sports-bar setting.

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - Charleston, SC

Fast-casual Greek chain outpost on Folly Road serving gyros, bowls, and baklava in a strip mall off James Island.

The Restaurant at Zero George

Upscale hotel eatery creating seasonal New American cuisine & craft cocktails.

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.

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.

Muse | Restaurant & Wine Bar

An extensive number of wines are available to pair with Mediterranean dishes such as homemade pasta.

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.

Le Farfalle

Bright & airy neighborhood osteria for thoughtfully sourced, reimagined Italian cuisine & cocktails.

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.

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.

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.

Rio Chico

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

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.

Coterie

Hip American restaurant offering contemporary dishes & cocktails, plus a leafy patio with seating.

SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar

Neighborhood Italian spot in Mount Pleasant with a wine bar focus, live music, and a menu built around pasta and wood-fired dishes.

Bricco Bracco

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

Pinky's on the Beach

Casual beachside bar and grill on Folly's main strip, serving burgers and cold beer steps from the Atlantic.

Condado Tacos

Ohio-based taco chain with build-your-own options and a full bar, planted in the Towne Centre shopping complex.

Migliori's Pizzeria

Hand-tossed pies, sandwiches & salads served with beer & wine in a casual modern spot with a patio.

Big Bad Breakfast-Charleston

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

Taco Boy Charleston

Tacos with innovative fillings & frozen cocktails in a funky, vibrant setting, plus outdoor seating.

Lenoir

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

Shokudô

Compact Japanese dining room on upper King serving izakaya-style plates with a focused sake and beer list.

Villa Cantina

Neighborhood Mexican cantina on Sam Rittenberg with margaritas, live music, and a reliable Cal-Mex menu.

Blind Tiger Pub

Upscale bar food in an alehouse dating back to 1803, featuring a charming, brick-walled courtyard.

La Rustica - on Magnolia

Neighborhood Italian on North Magnolia serving wood-fired pies and pasta in a casual, well-worn room outside Charleston proper.

Azul Mexicano James Island

Neighborhood Mexican spot on Maybank Highway serving tacos and margaritas with beer on tap and a strip-mall patio.

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.

843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House

Casual eatery offering BBQ beef, pork & veggies cooked on tabletop grills, plus sushi.

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.

Basil Park Circle

Traditional & contemporary Thai dishes like curries in a stylish small-chain outpost.

O'Brion's Pub & Grille

Neighborhood Irish pub in I'On Village with wings, drafts, and enough TVs to catch whatever game you need.

Husk

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

Wood & Grain

Relaxed, modern setting for locally sourced seafood & creative pizzas prepared in a wood-fired oven.

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.

Paisano's Pizza Grill

Down-to-earth pizzeria with a neighborhood vibe also offering sandwiches, wings & salads.

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.

Events at 495 + Satellite Rooftop Bar

American eatery with a seasonal menu & mid-1930s vibe boasts a rooftop bar & wood-fired oven.

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.

Paisano's Pizza Grill

Neighborhood strip-mall pizza joint in Mount Pleasant slinging pies and beer to a loyal local crowd since the '90s.

Catch 23 Restaurant

Casual seafood spot steps from the Folly Beach pier, with live music and a straightforward menu built for post-surf crowds.

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.

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - West Ashley

Neighborhood sushi bar and sports pub on Old Towne Road, serving rolls alongside draft beer and wall-to-wall screens.

The Southern Bar & Grill

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

Paisano's Pizza Grill

Down-to-earth pizzeria with a neighborhood vibe also offering sandwiches, wings & salads.

Blind Tiger Pub

Upscale bar food in an alehouse dating back to 1803, featuring a charming, brick-walled courtyard.

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.

San Miguel Mexican grill & bar

Strip-mall Mexican in Mount Pleasant with margaritas, live music, and a loyal local following on Shoremeade Road.

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.

Katsubō

Japanese katsu specialist tucked into a North Charleston strip mall on Spruill Avenue, serving panko-breaded cutlets with housemade sauces.

Coast

Relaxed eatery tucked in a former warehouse, with outdoor seating & a menu of locally sourced fish.

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.

Casa Fiesta

Neighborhood Mexican spot on Folly Road serving margaritas and Tex-Mex standards to James Island regulars.

Kanpai Japanese Restaurant

Calm, cozy eatery featuring creative takes on sushi, plus Japanese & Korean dishes.

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.

Poogan's Smokehouse

Industrial-chic hot spot serving locally sourced, traditional Southern BBQ & stylish cocktails.

Vespa Pizzeria

Wood-fired pizzas made with local produce are served in a room decked out with recycled Vespa tires.

Bay Street Biergarten

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

Little Jack's Tavern

Classic tavern with wood floors & checkerboard tablecloths for comfort food, cocktails & burgers.

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.

Azul Mexicano

Neighborhood Mexican cantina on East Montague serving tacos, cold beer, and reliable Tex-Mex to North Charleston regulars.

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet

Vintage rowboats adorn the ceiling of this Southern restaurant with a diverse local seafood menu.

Toast! All Day