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Best Restaurants in Charleston — Ranked by Locals · CharlestonRanked

Home/Restaurants

Charleston · Restaurants

Best restaurants in Charleston

The places locals actually book — from neighborhood lunch spots to tasting-menu nights.

Showing 72 of 589 · May 6, 2026

1
41-A George St, Charleston
Legend Deli
Counter-order deli on George Street slinging sandwiches and cold beer steps from the College of Charleston.
4.9436 ratings
Open
2

Mexican39 Sandwich25 Thai8 Takeout524 Downtown239 West Ashley70 Mount Pleasant57 Seafood85 Outdoor seating416 Pizza54 Brunch232

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AreaDowntown239 West Ashley70 Mount Pleasant57 North Charleston49 James Island39 Sullivan's Island29 Folly Beach23 Isle of Palms20 Hanahan17 Daniel Island14 Summerville9 Johns Island7 Kiawah Island6 Goose Creek4 Seabrook Island4 Wadmalaw Island2

CuisineItalian45 Sushi35 Mexican39 BBQ25 Seafood85 Steakhouse17 Vietnamese3 Thai8 Pizza54 Sandwich

1291 Folly Rd #119, CharlestonTrending

Alvin Ord's Sandwich Shop - James Island

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

4.8★·8.7k ratings

Open

Maya Del Sol Kitchen

3225 Rivers Ave, North Charleston

Maya Del Sol Kitchen

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

4.8★·215 ratings

Rebel Taqueria

1809 Reynolds Ave, North CharlestonTrending

Rebel Taqueria

Taco and beer spot on Reynolds Ave in North Charleston with live music nights and a loyal neighborhood following.

4.7★·1k ratings

Dashi

1262 Remount Rd, North CharlestonTrending

Dashi

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

4.7★·1.7k ratings

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar

198 E Bay St STE 100, Charleston

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar

Tranquil eatery featuring sandwiches & charcuterie, classic Italian desserts, wine & cocktails.

4.7★·2.9k ratings

La Taqueria Express

2790 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston

La Taqueria Express

Counter-service Mexican on Ashley Phosphate, built on a loyal North Charleston following and straightforward tacos that don't need explaining.

4.7★·423 ratings

Gene's Haufbrau

817 Savannah Hwy, CharlestonTrending

Gene's Haufbrau

Classic pub fare & a long list of beers on draft at this lively tavern with pool & other games.

4.6★·1k ratings

MESU

570 King St, CharlestonTrending

MESU

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

4.6★·1.4k ratings

Metro Diner

Westwood Plaza Shopping Center, 1808 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Suite 1, CharlestonTrending

Metro Diner

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

4.6★·2.5k ratings

Cachita’s Kitchen

1340 Chuck Dawley Blvd, Mt Pleasant

Cachita’s Kitchen

Family-run Cuban-Mexican kitchen on Chuck Dawley, known for made-from-scratch plates and a loyal Mount Pleasant following.

4.7★·244 ratings

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

1502 N Hwy 17, Mt PleasantTrending

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

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

4.5★·2.3k ratings

Circe's Grotto

85 1/2, 85 Wentworth St, Charleston

Circe's Grotto

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

4.6★·389 ratings

Thailicious Thai Cuisine and Hotpot

1975 Magwood Dr Unit T, Charleston

Thailicious Thai Cuisine and Hotpot

Thai kitchen and hot pot spot tucked into a Magwood Drive strip center, serving beer alongside build-your-own broth pots and Bangkok staples.

4.6★·712 ratings

Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen

162 Spring St, Charleston

Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen

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

4.6★·577 ratings

Thai Elephants Restaurant (James Island)

915 Folly Rd, CharlestonTrending

Thai Elephants Restaurant (James Island)

Casual place with ornate, traditional decor offering classic Thai dishes as well as Japanese sushi.

4.8★·8.9k ratings

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

2205 Middle St, Sullivan's IslandTrending

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

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

4.5★·1.3k ratings

Porchetta Shop

109 President St, Charleston

Porchetta Shop

Counter-service spot on President Street built around porchetta sandwiches, with coffee and rotating small plates.

4.6★·598 ratings

Toro Birria

8440 Dorchester Rd ste 1, North Charleston

Toro Birria

Birria-focused Mexican counter on Dorchester Road serving consommé-dipped tacos with beer and wine in North Charleston.

4.6★·140 ratings

Mango Tree Thai Cafe

396 Huger St Suite 110, Charleston

Mango Tree Thai Cafe

Neighborhood Thai spot on Huger Street serving curries, noodles, and beer in a low-key strip mall setting.

4.5★·468 ratings

ThaiZapp Restaurant and bar

200 Meeting St Unit 2, CharlestonTrending

ThaiZapp Restaurant and bar

Straightforward restaurant offering traditional Thai cuisine, including chicken satay & dumplings.

4.7★·3.2k ratings

Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant - West Ashley

1975 Magwood Dr Suite B, Charleston

Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant - West Ashley

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

4.5★·1.7k ratings

Rico's Taco Cafe

6923 Rivers Ave, North Charleston

Rico's Taco Cafe

Counter-service taqueria on Rivers Avenue serving North Charleston's working lunch crowd with straightforward Mexican plates.

4.6★·221 ratings

Tacos El Pariente

2410 Clements Ferry Rd, Charleston

Tacos El Pariente

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

4.5★·283 ratings

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

817 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

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

4.4★·1.9k ratings

Frothy Beard Brewing Company

1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston

Frothy Beard Brewing Company

West Ashley craft brewery slinging pizza and wings alongside rotating house beers in a casual, family-friendly taproom.

4.5★·1.1k ratings

Daniela's Downtown

132 Spring St, Charleston

Daniela's Downtown

Neighborhood coffee shop and deli on Spring Street, pouring espresso and serving pastries alongside beer and wine.

4.6★·121 ratings

Rio Chico

520 Folly Rd #105, Charleston

Rio Chico

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

4.5★·598 ratings

Rancho Lewis

1503 King St, Charleston

Rancho Lewis

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

4.6★·8.2k ratings

Condado Tacos

1712 Towne Centre Way Space B-1, Mt Pleasant

Condado Tacos

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

4.4★·857 ratings

Taco Boy Charleston

217 Huger St, Charleston

Taco Boy Charleston

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

4.4★·3.3k ratings

Villa Cantina

1940 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, CharlestonTrending

Villa Cantina

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

4.8★·8.2k ratings

Azul Mexicano James Island

1989 Maybank Hwy Unit 101, Charleston

Azul Mexicano James Island

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

4.7★·9k ratings

The Grit Counter - North Charleston

3438 W Montague Ave, North Charleston

The Grit Counter - North Charleston

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

4.5★·1.6k ratings

MI LINDO OAXACA TAQUERIA

Wando Crossing, Mt Pleasant

MI LINDO OAXACA TAQUERIA

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

4.5★·210 ratings

Crust Wood Fired Pizza

Terrace Plaza, 1956 Maybank Hwy B, Charleston

Crust Wood Fired Pizza

Wood-fired Neapolitan pies and Italian wine on Maybank Highway, tucked into a James Island strip mall.

4.4★·930 ratings

Basil Park Circle

1070 E Montague Ave A, North Charleston

Basil Park Circle

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

4.7★·3.1k ratings

Tiki Taco

7089 Rivers Ave Ste A, North Charleston

Tiki Taco

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

4.4★·1.7k ratings

Cachita's Kitchen Downtown

2 N Market St, Charleston

Cachita's Kitchen Downtown

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

4.3★·194 ratings

East Bay Deli - West Ashley

858 Savannah Hwy, Charleston

East Bay Deli - West Ashley

Local deli chain doling out made-to-order sandwiches along with salads, baked potatoes & hot dogs.

4.4★·1.5k ratings

Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

1302 Meeting St, Charleston

Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

A collection of eclectic chandeliers light up the Mexican & Southwest food & frozen drinks.

4.4★·2.1k ratings

Tasty Thai & Sushi

320 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant

Tasty Thai & Sushi

Neighborhood strip-mall Thai and sushi spot on Coleman Boulevard, steady enough to earn loyal Mt. Pleasant regulars over the years.

4.5★·207 ratings

Southern Brews Coffee

2812 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island

Southern Brews Coffee

Dog-friendly coffee stop on Maybank Highway serving Johns Island commuters and farm-road regulars.

4.4★·428 ratings

El PinchoTaco

616 Meeting St ste b, Charleston

El PinchoTaco

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

4.4★·591 ratings

Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale

410 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant

Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale

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

4.4★·1.3k ratings

Mellow Mushroom Charleston - West Ashley

19 Magnolia Rd, Charleston

Mellow Mushroom Charleston - West Ashley

Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.

4.3★·1.6k ratings

KING STREET FOODS

347 King St, Charleston

KING STREET FOODS

Fast-casual counter on King Street serving sushi burritos and poke bowls where Hawaiian and Japanese overlap.

4.4★·315 ratings

San Miguel Mexican grill & bar

1711 Shoremeade Rd Suite 110, Mt Pleasant

San Miguel Mexican grill & bar

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

4.4★·1.1k ratings

Tiki Taco

1131 College Park Rd, Summerville

Tiki Taco

Casual strip-mall taco spot in Summerville slinging Mexican staples with beer and a loyal local following.

4.3★·1.5k ratings

Señor Tequila

1836 Ashley River Rd Ste A, Charleston

Señor Tequila

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

4.3★·2k ratings

Catrina's Tacos & Tequila

834 Foundation St #101, Charleston

Catrina's Tacos & Tequila

Neighborhood Mexican spot on Foundation Street slinging tacos and an extensive tequila list in a casual, no-fuss setting.

4.4★·204 ratings

Casa Fiesta

808 Folly Rd, Charleston

Casa Fiesta

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

4.3★·429 ratings

Lucy's Deliveries y Mas

933 Red Bank Rd, Goose Creek

Lucy's Deliveries y Mas

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

4.3★·945 ratings

Ru Ru's Tacos & Tequila

159 E Bay St, Charleston

Ru Ru's Tacos & Tequila

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

4.3★·1.6k ratings

Caviar & Bananas - Gourmet Market & Cafe

George Street Apartments, 51 George St, Charleston

Caviar & Bananas - Gourmet Market & Cafe

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

4.3★·604 ratings

Viva Tacos & Tequila

864 Island Park Dr Suite #105, Charleston

Viva Tacos & Tequila

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

4.2★·723 ratings

Jonny’s Red Tacos

9616 US-78, Ladson

Jonny’s Red Tacos

Strip-mall taqueria on US-78 in Ladson serving birria-style red tacos with consistent ratings from a loyal local following.

4.4★·130 ratings

Salud Tacos + Tequila

1000 Tanner Ford Blvd Unit 280, Hanahan

Salud Tacos + Tequila

Strip-mall taco and tequila spot in Hanahan with a loyal local following and a full bar.

4.4★·100 ratings

Woody's Pizza

39 Center St, Folly Beach

Woody's Pizza

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

4.3★·1.6k ratings

Giannone - Eatery & Italian Market

216 Scott St, Mt Pleasant

Giannone - Eatery & Italian Market

Family-run Italian market and deli on Scott Street serving imported goods, sandwiches, and wine in Mount Pleasant.

4.4★·36 ratings

Agaves Cantina

885 Island Park Dr, Charleston

Agaves Cantina

Low-key, unfussy Mexican eatery featuring classic standards plus patio seating, margaritas & beers.

4.2★·1.1k ratings

Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale

439 King St, Charleston

Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale

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

4.2★·1.5k ratings

CO Restaurant

340 King St, Charleston

CO Restaurant

Hip choice for contemporary twists on Southeast Asian staples like pho, banh mi & dumplings.

4.2★·1.2k ratings

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

767 Coleman Blvd Suite 1, Mt Pleasant

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

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

4.2★·127 ratings

Belle Station Sports Bar & Grill

545 Belle Station Blvd, Mt Pleasant

Belle Station Sports Bar & Grill

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

4.2★·302 ratings

The Market @ Paradiso

4399 McCarthy Street, North Charleston

The Market @ Paradiso

Neighborhood cafe and market on McCarthy Street in North Charleston, pouring coffee and serving sandwiches alongside beer and wine.

4.2★·48 ratings

Agaves Cantina Coleman Blvd

320 W Coleman Blvd unit p, Mt Pleasant

Agaves Cantina Coleman Blvd

Neighborhood Mexican cantina on Coleman Boulevard serving margaritas and tacos in a casual, reservable dining room.

4.2★·251 ratings

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Westwood Plaza Shopping Center, 1808 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

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

4.1★·363 ratings

Taco Boy Folly Beach

106 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach

Taco Boy Folly Beach

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

4.1★·3.4k ratings

Santi’s West Ashley

1660 Savannah Hwy, Charleston

Santi’s West Ashley

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

4.1★·501 ratings

Bessinger's BBQ

1602 Savannah Hwy, Charleston

Bessinger's BBQ

Landmark no-frills barbecue joint with meat slow-cooked in a wood-fire pit, plus outdoor seating.

4.1★·3k ratings

IOPizza Co

1101 Ocean Blvd Unit-C, Isle of Palms

IOPizza Co

Casual beach-strip pizza and sandwich counter on the Isle of Palms, steps from the ocean, with beer and a dog-friendly patio.

3.9★·177 ratings

25

VibeDate night24 Brunch232 Cheap eats83 Outdoor seating416 Late night7

AmenitiesReservations309 Takeout524 Delivery300 Clear