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.

Legend Deli

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

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.

Lewis Barbecue

Texas-style brisket and hot guts in a big open-air pit yard on the upper peninsula.

Edmund's Oast

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

Orlando's Pizza Mt Pleasant

Cash-friendly Mt Pleasant pizza spot on Mathis Ferry Road serving New York-style pies with beer and wine.

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.

Naan at Mt Pleasant

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

WELTONS TINY BAKESHOP

Compact King Street bakery turning out pastries and coffee from a small-format shop with outdoor seating.

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.

Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

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

Heavy's Barburger

Smash burgers and chicken sandwiches out of a Morrison Drive bar with cold beer and a dog-friendly patio.

Bistronomy By Nico

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

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.

Moe's Crosstown Tavern

No-frills hot spot for watching sports, playing pool & drinking beer also offers American chow.

Baker's Bar

Neighborhood pizza and beer spot on Windermere Boulevard with live music and a loyal West Ashley following.

Grace & Grit

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

Vicious Biscuit

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

Edmund's Oast Exchange

Sprawling craft beer hall on Morrison Drive with an extensive rotating tap list and a kitchen to match.

Berkeley's

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

La Pizzeria

Brick-oven pizzas & other Italian comfort fare from a cozy, low-key family-run Italian spot.

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar

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

Chez Nous

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

Bar Mash

Whiskey-forward bar on East Bay with a deep bourbon list, pub bites, and live music most nights.

D'Allesandro's Pizza

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

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.

Container Bar

Repurposed shipping containers turned walk-up bar on Mt. Pleasant Street, with outdoor seating and dogs welcome.

The Pass

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

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.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

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

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.

Citrus Club

Rooftop cocktail bar on the eighth floor of 334 Meeting, with skyline views, live music, and valet.

Wild Common

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

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.

Toasted Crust

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

Rodney Scott's BBQ

Whole-hog pitmaster Rodney Scott's flagship. Wood-burned pork, white bread, hot sauce.

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar

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

Circe's Grotto

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

Little Palm

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

Little Line Kitchen & Provisions

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

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.

Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen

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

Three Girls on Spring

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

Indaco

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

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.

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.

The Brick

Bustling sports tavern & American grill with an upbeat atmosphere, plus karaoke & comedy nights.

Bedford Falls CHS

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

Melfi's

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

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe

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

The Palmetto Cafe

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

Oyster House Seafood & O-Bar

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

Bin 152

Many wines by the glass, plus cheese & charcuterie, in an art-adorned, rustic-cool space.

Island Cabana Bar & Ship Store

Waterfront bar and ship store on the Charleston peninsula serving cold drinks and casual bites near the maritime district.

Leon's

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

The Griffon

Intimate English pub for fish 'n' chips, burgers & craft beer, with walls covered in signed dollars.

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.

East Bay Meeting House

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

Renzo

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

Coleman Public House

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

Mercantile & Mash

Sprawling setup combining grocery, whiskey bar, coffee, wine & butcher shops, plus dining & games.

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.

The Belmont

Dimly lit King Street cocktail bar. Old movies on the back wall, classic drinks executed right.

Felix Cocktails et Cuisine

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

Muse | Restaurant & Wine Bar

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

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.

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.

Recovery Room Tavern

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

Frannie & The Fox

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

Daniela's Downtown

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

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.

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.

Toast! All Day

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

Coterie

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

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.

Benny Palmetto's, Pizza

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

Shokudô

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

Pour Taproom: Charleston

Pour-your-own rooftop taproom with soaring views & 70 craft beers, plus sandwiches & nachos.

Timber Pizza Co.

Wood-fired pizza spot on Meeting Street, hauling its DC roots into the NoMo corridor.

Blind Tiger Pub

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

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.

Bar Vauté

French wine bar and cocktail lounge tucked below street level at the corner of Broad, pulling double duty as a late-night café.

Church and Union Charleston

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

Xiao Bao Biscuit

Asian-soul corner spot in a converted gas station on Spring Street. Famous for the okonomiyaki.

Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French Inc.

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

Matador Charleston

Tex-Mex counter on Meeting Street slinging tacos, margaritas, and queso to a steady downtown lunch crowd.

The Living Room at The Dewberry

Marble-and-leather hotel lobby bar at The Dewberry serving coffee, cocktails, and brunch off Meeting Street.

Husk

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

Sorelle Mercato

Italian-leaning café and market on Broad Street serving espresso, wine, and provisions in a compact, dog-friendly space.

Cachita's Kitchen Downtown

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

Events at 495 + Satellite Rooftop Bar

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

Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

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

Poogan's Porch

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

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.

Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale

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

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 Reel Bar

Festive tavern for craft taps & comfort chow in nautical-themed digs offering regular live music.

Wreck of the Richard & Charlene

Bare-bones outfit with creek views draws locals with Lowcountry-style fried seafood; dinner only.

Blind Tiger Pub

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

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.

Bodega Mt. Pleasant

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

Bay Street Biergarten

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

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.

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.

The Kickin' Chicken

Casual local chain serving chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders & wraps, plus burgers & fries.

Ru Ru's Tacos & Tequila

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

Henry's On The Market

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

Caviar & Bananas - Gourmet Market & Cafe

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

Poogan's Smokehouse

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

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.

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.

King Street Dispensary

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

Zachary's Daiquiris | Downtown Charleston Bar

Frozen daiquiri counter on upper King, pouring strong, simple drinks with a no-fuss New Orleans-style carry-out culture.

Ruby's New York Style Bagels, LLC

New York-style bagels and coffee on Coleman Boulevard, covering breakfast and takeout in Mount Pleasant.

Pizzeria Di Giovanni

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

Home Team BBQ

California Dreaming

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

Melvin's BBQ - Mt Pleasant

Family-friendly BBQ eatery serving ribs & other Southern dishes in casual, woodsy surrounds.

On Air

Narrow King Street bar with live music and cocktails, drawing a loyal local crowd most nights.

Henry's On The Market

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

Saltwater Cowboys

Smoked meats, local seafood & a robust drink menu in a sprawling locale directly on Shem Creek.

Sunsets Creekside Bar

Waterfront bar on Shem Creek serving cold beer and live music with marsh views from a worn-in deck.

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.

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.

CO Restaurant

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

El Jefe Texican Cantina

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

A.C.'s Bar & Grill

Low-key watering hole with pool tables serving pub food such as burgers, cheesesteaks & nachos.

Tínto Café and Provisions

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

Benne’s by Peninsula Grill

Daytime coffee shop and evening cocktail bar from the Peninsula Grill team, tucked into the Market Street corridor.

Uptown Social

Thin-crust pizza, sliders & upscale pub fare in a sports-centric alehouse with a rooftop deck.

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.

Agaves Cantina Coleman Blvd

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

Ritual Nightclub

Third-floor nightclub on Calhoun with live music, a full bar, and a reservation option for those who plan ahead.

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.

Victor’s Seafood and Steak

Elegant restaurant offering craft cocktails & a wine list with hand-cut steaks, plus a raw bar.

Republic Garden & Lounge

Nightclub with innovative cocktails & small plates, served in a sophisticated setting.

Husk Bar and Patio

Share House

Neighborhood restaurant and bar on Ann Street with live music, a dog-friendly patio, and a communal sensibility in the lower peninsula.

Azul Mexicano Downtown

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

Charleston's Smallest Bar

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.

Fugazzi at Revelry Brewing

Revelry Brewing's in-house bar and kitchen, pouring house beers alongside casual plates in a North Morrison industrial space.