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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 116 of 591 · May 7, 2026

1
434 King St, CharlestonTrending
Halls Chophouse
Sizable cuts of beef & seafood served in elegant surrounds, also known for its Sunday gospel brunch.
4.844k ratings
Open
2

Sushi35 BBQ25 Sandwich25 Bakery21 Steakhouse17 Downtown240 West Ashley70 Mount Pleasant57 Seafood85 Outdoor seating416 Takeout525 Pizza54

Filters

All filters5 active

AreaDowntown240 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

Legend Deli

41-A George St, Charleston

Legend Deli

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

4.9★·436 ratings

Open

Lewis Barbecue

464 N Nassau St, CharlestonTrending

Lewis Barbecue

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

4.7★·15k ratings·bbq · brisket · outdoor

Sushi-Wa

1503 King St Ext, CharlestonTrending

Sushi-Wa

Compact King Street Extension sushi counter serving omakase-style dinners with reservations and a short beer list.

5.0★·2.6k ratings

SHIKI

334 E Bay St Suite E, CharlestonTrending

SHIKI

Compact, unpretentious locale for sashimi, specialty sushi rolls & Japanese kitchen entrees.

4.9★·6.1k ratings

WELTONS TINY BAKESHOP

684 King St, Charleston

WELTONS TINY BAKESHOP

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

4.8★·370 ratings

Baguette Magic Folly Rd

778 1/2, 792 Folly Rd Unit A, CharlestonTrending

Baguette Magic Folly Rd

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

4.7★·860 ratings

Home Team BBQ

2209 Middle St, Sullivan's IslandTrending

Home Team BBQ

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

4.7★·1.9k ratings

Alvin Ord's Sandwich Shop - James Island

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

Swig & Swine

1217 Savannah Hwy, CharlestonTrending

Swig & Swine

House-smoked meats & creative sides served in a funky BBQ spot with outdoor seating, beer & bourbon.

4.7★·3.8k ratings

Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse

167 E Bay St, CharlestonTrending

Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse

Serves Brazilian-style grilled meats and gourmet salads in a cozy ambience.

4.7★·2.6k ratings

Halls Chophouse Nexton (Summerville)

300 Nexton Square Dr, SummervilleTrending

Halls Chophouse Nexton (Summerville)

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

4.7★·20k ratings

167 Sushi Bar

289 E Bay St, CharlestonTrending

167 Sushi Bar

Compact East Bay sushi bar with a focused menu, sake list, and reliable omakase options in a spare, dimly lit room.

4.8★·3k ratings

Page's Okra Grill

302 Coleman Blvd, Mt PleasantTrending

Page's Okra Grill

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

4.7★·12k ratings

Poke Burri / Lifting Noodles Ramen

835 Savannah Hwy, Charleston

Poke Burri / Lifting Noodles Ramen

Dual-concept West Ashley strip mall spot serving build-your-own poke bowls and Japanese ramen under one roof.

4.7★·554 ratings

Burwell's Stone Fire Grill - Prime Steak & Fresh Seafood

14 N Market St, CharlestonTrending

Burwell's Stone Fire Grill - Prime Steak & Fresh Seafood

Refined American & steakhouse fare offered in elegant, contemporary accommodations.

4.7★·1.5k ratings

Konnichiwa

975 Savannah Hwy Suite 129, Charleston

Konnichiwa

Strip-mall Japanese on Savannah Highway serving sushi and cooked dishes, with beer and wine, to a loyal West Ashley crowd.

4.7★·472 ratings

Sena Cafe

2170 Snyder Cir #117, Mt Pleasant

Sena Cafe

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

4.7★·520 ratings

Grace & Grit

320 Wingo Way #100, Mt PleasantTrending

Grace & Grit

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

4.7★·17k ratings

KISS Cafe

1802 Crowne Commons Way #C1, Johns Island

KISS Cafe

Neighborhood coffee shop in a Johns Island strip mall serving bagels, pastries, and beer and wine alongside the usual espresso drinks.

4.7★·673 ratings

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - James Island

798 Folly Rd Unit A, CharlestonTrending

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.

4.8★·9.1k ratings

Hachiya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

688 Citadel Haven Dr, CharlestonTrending

Hachiya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Relaxed, family-friendly Japanese restaurant offering a sushi menu, tempura & teppanyaki meals.

4.6★·2.5k ratings

WildFlour Pastry

1750 Savannah Hwy, Charleston

WildFlour Pastry

Neighborhood bakery-cafe on Savannah Highway slinging scratch pastries and coffee to the West Ashley morning crowd.

4.7★·536 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

Oscar's of Summerville

207 W 5th N St, SummervilleTrending

Oscar's of Summerville

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

4.6★·20k 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

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

1622 Highland Ave, CharlestonTrending

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Tennessee whole-hog pit barbecue outfit on Highland Ave, with live music and cold beer to back it up.

4.6★·1.2k 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

Pizza a Modo Mio (New York Pizzeria)

3125 Bees Ferry Rd, Charleston

Pizza a Modo Mio (New York Pizzeria)

New York-style pizza shop on Bees Ferry Road, slinging pies by the slice alongside bagels out of a strip mall.

4.6★·649 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

Annie O' Love's Cookie Cafe

1901 Ashley River Rd, Charleston

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.

4.6★·438 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

Palmira Barbecue

2366 Ashley River Rd Building 1, CharlestonTrending

Palmira Barbecue

Colombian-inflected barbecue from pitmaster Hector Gaitan on Ashley River Road, where smoked meats meet South American spice.

4.5★·1.4k 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

Home Team BBQ

1205 Ashley River Rd, CharlestonTrending

Home Team BBQ

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

4.5★·4.9k ratings

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - Mt Pleasant

1150 Queensborough Blvd Suite B, Mt PleasantTrending

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - Mt Pleasant

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

4.5★·1.4k 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

Maguro Sushi Bar

874 Orleans Rd #7, CharlestonTrending

Maguro Sushi Bar

Compact Japanese counter in West Ashley strip mall serving sushi with a tight menu and an unusually high local following.

4.8★·2.9k 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

Aji Asian Bistro

1011 Harbor View Rd, Charleston

Aji Asian Bistro

Neighborhood hibachi grill & sushi specialist serving bento boxes, noodle bowls & wok-fried rice.

4.6★·470 ratings

Hugh-Baby's BBQ & Burger Shop

1028 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston

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.

4.6★·802 ratings

Rodney Scott's BBQ

1011 King St, Charleston

Rodney Scott's BBQ

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

4.5★·7.9k ratings·bbq · casual · takeout

Oak Steakhouse

17 Broad St, Charleston

Oak Steakhouse

Locally sourced beef & sustainable seafood in an elegantly renovated historic bank building.

4.5★·1.5k ratings·source:cwg · wedding-venues

Zen Asian Fusion

2037 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston

Zen Asian Fusion

Hip restaurant serving sushi & Asian-fusion cuisine boasts a large bar with happy hour.

4.5★·2.3k ratings

Sushi Taro Japanese Restaurant

1171 Basketweave Dr, Mt PleasantTrending

Sushi Taro Japanese Restaurant

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

4.5★·768 ratings

The Library Restaurant

6613 N Kings Hwy Unit D, Myrtle Beach

The Library Restaurant

Select dishes are prepared tableside at this formal mainstay with robust wine list & tuxedoed staff.

4.6★·1.3k ratings

Pizza A Modo Mio and Cafe

6231a SC-162, Hollywood

Pizza A Modo Mio and Cafe

Neapolitan pizza and espresso from a dog-friendly roadside café on SC-162 in Hollywood.

4.6★·296 ratings

By the Grace of GRITS Catering

2597 S Allen Dr a, North Charleston

By the Grace of GRITS Catering

North Charleston catering operation specializing in Southern comfort food and barbecue for weddings and private events.

4.7★·90 ratings

King BBQ

2029 Carver Ave, North Charleston

King BBQ

Chinese-run barbecue spot on Carver Avenue in North Charleston, pulling steady locals with smoked meat and a full bar.

4.5★·695 ratings

Mercantile & Mash

701 E Bay St Suite 100-1, Charleston

Mercantile & Mash

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

4.5★·971 ratings

Tokyo Bistro

1501 N Hwy 17 B, Mt Pleasant

Tokyo Bistro

Sushi is served alongside familiar Japanese dishes & Chinese specialties at this informal eatery.

4.5★·781 ratings

The Ocean Room

1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island

The Ocean Room

High-end steakhouse & sushi lounge in an oceanside setting in the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island resort.

4.5★·302 ratings

Grill 225

225 E Bay St, Charleston

Grill 225

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

4.5★·1.6k ratings

Dukes Barbecue

331 Folly Rd, Charleston

Dukes Barbecue

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

4.5★·1.2k 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

Easton Barbecue Co.

6270 SC-162, Hollywood

Easton Barbecue Co.

Roadside SC-162 pit stop in Hollywood slinging barbecue with beer and wine on the side.

4.6★·131 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

Cedar Creek Tavern Charleston

2578 Ashley River Rd, Charleston

Cedar Creek Tavern Charleston

Sprawling neighborhood bar-and-grill on Ashley River Road with wings, live music, and a loyal local crowd.

4.5★·245 ratings

O-Ku

463 King St, Charleston

O-Ku

Happening Japanese eatery & lounge with trendy environs sporting exposed brick & high ceilings.

4.5★·1.4k ratings

Saveurs du Monde Cafe

1960 Long Grove Dr, Mt Pleasant

Saveurs du Monde Cafe

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

4.4★·814 ratings

25

VibeDate night25 Brunch232 Cheap eats83 Outdoor seating416 Late night8

AmenitiesReservations310 Takeout525 Delivery300