Best restaurants in Charleston

Pelato - Charleston

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

Hyman's Seafood

Vast seafood spot & deli spread over most of a city block in buildings that date back to the 1890s.

Lewis Barbecue

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

The Harlow

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

Hank's Seafood Restaurant

Bustling eatery & bar serving up seafood, including raw-bar items, in a grand, classic setting.

167 Raw

Tiny East Bay oyster bar. Boston-fresh fish, cash counter, line out the door.

Sushi-Wa

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

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

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

The Royal Tern

Laid-back Johns Island seafood spot on Maybank Highway, serving local fish and cold drinks to island regulars.

SHIKI

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

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.

The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips

Huge filets of fish ’n’ chips constitute the entire menu at this unassuming British specialist.

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.

WELTONS TINY BAKESHOP

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

LoLA

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

Baguette Magic Folly Rd

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

Home Team BBQ

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

Swig & Swine

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

Chubby Fish

Tiny Cannonborough seafood spot with a daily-changing chalkboard menu. No reservations.

167 Sushi Bar

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

Page's Okra Grill

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

Wild Olive Restaurant - Johns Island, SC

Rustic-chic dining with a simple menu of artisanal Italian dishes & a sizable wine list.

The Ordinary

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

Poke Burri / Lifting Noodles Ramen

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

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

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

Konnichiwa

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

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.

The Establishment

Stylish seafood restaurant offering classic Southern dishes alongside beer, wine & bourbon drinks.

KISS Cafe

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

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.

Ray's Pizza

No-frills Folly Road pizza counter doing takeout and delivery for the James Island crowd.

Anson Restaurant

Stylish Southern coastal fixture with a full bar & wine list uses carefully sourced ingredients.

La Pizzeria

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

Hachiya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

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

WildFlour Pastry

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

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar

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

Oscar's of Summerville

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

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.

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.

MESU

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

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.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

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

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.

Long Island Cafe

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

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.

Orlando's Brick Oven Pizza

Airy, modern pizzeria with counter seating serving brick-oven pies with classic salads & draft beer.

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.

Cuoco Pazzo Trattoria

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

Rodney Scott's BBQ

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

Low Country Fish Camp

Cozy, rustic bar/eatery with a country vibe & seafood plates, plus happy hours & outdoor seating.

Palmira Barbecue

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

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.

Home Team BBQ

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

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - Mt Pleasant

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

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.

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.

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.

Charleston Crab House

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

Mondo's Italian Restaurant

Traditional Italian fare in a casual atmosphere with outdoor patio, daily specials & a full bar.

Maguro Sushi Bar

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

Porchetta Shop

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

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar

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

Aji Asian Bistro

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

Melfi's

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

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.

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.

Zen Asian Fusion

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

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.

East Bay Meeting House

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

The Library Restaurant

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

Hege's Restaurant

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

Bowens Island Restaurant

Cinderblock seafood shack on a salt marsh. Cluster oysters, fried fish, beer.

Opal Restaurant & Bar

Mediterranean fare & an extensive wine selection are offered in a lofty, sophisticated setting.

Fabio's Italian TAKE-OUT

Counter-service Italian spot on Ashley River Road, slinging takeout pasta and dinner plates to West Ashley locals.

Pizza A Modo Mio and Cafe

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

CudaCo. Seafood House

Casual seafood and oyster bar on Folly Road, pulling in locals with raw bar staples and cold beer.

By the Grace of GRITS Catering

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

King BBQ

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

Mercantile & Mash

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

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.

King's Pizza by: Italian Bistro

Understated pizzeria with basic decor turning out New York–style pies & familiar Italian classics.

Tokyo Bistro

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

ThaiZapp Restaurant and bar

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

Revival

Sleek, modern eatery at the Vendue Hotel focusing on Lowcountry staples with heritage ingredients.

The Ocean Room

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

Le Farfalle

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

Dukes Barbecue

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

Frannie & The Fox

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

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

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

Easton Barbecue Co.

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

The Mason Jar By Fatboys

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

Daniela's Downtown

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

Volpe's

Neighborhood Italian on Rutledge Ave serving wine and pasta in a casual, no-fuss room.

Mario's Italian Ristorante

Easygoing Italian establishment with exposed-brick walls offering pasta, pizzas & desserts.

Alfredo's On Folly

Folly Beach Italian spot dishing pasta and pies a block off the strip, with beer, wine, and free parking.

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.

Cedar Creek Tavern Charleston

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

Migliori's Pizzeria

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

O-Ku

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

Saveurs du Monde Cafe

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

Shokudô

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

Hutson Alley

Tucked into a cobblestone alley off John Street, this intimate steakhouse and seafood spot draws regulars with a compact, focused menu.

The Washout

Unfussy, wood-lined eatery offering Southern seafood specialties & sides plus beer & wine.

Ichiban Steak House & Asian Fusion

Grilled hibachi fare, sushi & Pan-Asian plates served in an upscale lounge setting with bar.

LongHorn Steakhouse

Casual steakhouse chain known for grilled beef & other American dishes in a ranch-style space.

The Grit Counter - North Charleston

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

Wasabi of Daniel Island

Sleek Japanese venue serving creative sushi rolls, hibachi & Thai bites in modern digs with a patio.

The Kingstide

Waterfront restaurant with terraces offering seafood specialties amid stylish surroundings.

Art's Bar & Grill

Unpretentious Coleman Boulevard neighborhood bar slinging burgers, seafood, and cold beer to Mount Pleasant regulars since the 1970s.

Swig & Swine Mount Pleasant

Pit-smoked barbecue joint off SC-41 in Mount Pleasant, with beer, wine, and a loyal following of 873 reviewers.

843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House

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

Crust Wood Fired Pizza

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

Easterby's Family Grille

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

Chow Bella Kitchen & Culinary

Italian catering and culinary consulting operation on Signal Point Road, handling weddings and private events out of a working kitchen.

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.

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.

Tasty Thai & Sushi

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

Kings Sushi

Neighborhood sushi spot on Wappoo Road serving rolls, hibachi, and all-you-can-eat buffet with beer on tap.

Coconut Joe's

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

Saveurs Du Monde Cafe WestEdge

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

KING STREET FOODS

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

Coastal Crust James Island

Neighborhood pizza and Italian spot on James Island's Harbor View Road, pouring beer and wine alongside wood-fired pies.

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.

Wreck of the Richard & Charlene

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

Anjo’s Pizza & Pasta

Neighborhood Italian spot in a Mount Pleasant strip mall, slinging pizza and pasta for dine-in or delivery.

The Longboard

Casual surf-themed seafood spot on Sullivan's Island serving oysters, brunch, and cold beer steps from the beach.

James Island Fire Grill hibachi sushi

Hibachi tables and sushi rolls on Folly Road, serving James Island's suburban strip with teppanyaki theatrics and standard Japanese fare.

Tommy Condon's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Nothing-fancy, family-friendly spot combining Irish pub with Lowcountry seafood & live music.

Saltus River Grill

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

Ruby’s New York Style Bagels

New York-style bagels and coffee on Ashley River Road, with a loyal West Ashley following.

Baroni's New York Pizza

Local chain serving NY-style, stone-oven-baked pies, plus grinders & pasta, in a casual setting.

Ciao Bella Restaurant, Pizzeria, Martini Bar Charlston SC

West Ashley strip-mall Italian with a full martini bar, wood-fired pies, and enough parking to bring the whole family.

Coast

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

Charleston Crab House

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

Kanpai Japanese Restaurant

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

Coastal Crust

Neighborhood pizza and coffee spot on Simmons Street in Mount Pleasant, slinging pies and espresso with beer on tap.

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.

Cod Tail Seafood & Chicken

Casual counter-service spot on Skylark Drive slinging fried seafood and chicken out of a strip mall suite.

Poogan's Smokehouse

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

Melvin's BBQ - James Island

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

Vespa Pizzeria

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

The Mill Street Tavern

Tavern serving updated American food in a wood dominated interior or on the riverside terrace.

Swig & Swine

Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill

Sleek venue featuring signature sushi rolls & hibachi entrees, plus a full bar & daily happy hour.

Jeff's Bagel Run

Hand-rolled bagels and counter coffee on the Isle of Palms, drawing a steady beach-town breakfast crowd.

Ruby's New York Style Bagels, LLC

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

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet

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

Pizzeria Di Giovanni

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

Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q

Laid-back chain known for slow-cooked BBQ & cheese biscuits, plus burgers, salads & classic sides.

The Crab Shack

Shellfish can be eaten by the bucketful at this relaxed joint serving seafood with a Southern twist.

California Dreaming

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

Osaka Asian Bistro

Chinese & Japanese dishes, plus creative maki, served in a simple dining area with a sushi bar.

Melvin's BBQ - Mt Pleasant

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

Southern Roots Smokehouse

Low-key outlet for smoked meats & classic sides served in a rustic BBQ spot with beers & cocktails.

Saltwater Cowboys

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

Bagel Nation

Neighborhood bagel shop on Magwood Drive serving breakfast sandwiches and coffee to West Ashley regulars.

Wando River Grill

Waterfront bar-and-grill on the Wando River serving fried seafood and cold beer with a dock and occasional live music.

Handy and Hot

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

CO Restaurant

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

TBonz Gill & Grill

Easygoing restaurant offering handcut steaks, Southern-style rib platters & other classic dishes.

Home Team BBQ

Grimaldi's Pizzeria

Casual, Brooklyn-based pizzeria chain serving brick-oven pies & calzones, plus wine & beer.

Benne’s by Peninsula Grill

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

Tolli’s Trattoria

Neighborhood Italian on Johns Island's commercial strip, serving pizza and pasta with beer in a strip-mall setting.

The Market @ Paradiso

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

Ginza Japanese Grill - West Ashley

Neighborhood strip-mall Japanese grill in West Ashley serving sushi and cooked plates with free parking and delivery options.

Sake House Japanese Sushi & Hibachi Restaurant

Family-friendly Japanese spot featuring sushi, hibachi cooking tables & a lengthy sake selection.

Vincent Chiccos

Serene hideaway offering refined Italian fare, a chef's tasting menu & patio dining in elegant digs.

Bagel Nation

Casual eatery that offers multiple varieties of bagels to go as well as stacked bagel sandwiches.

Water's Edge

Sophisticated operation serving freshly caught fish, with outdoor seating & a casual downstairs bar.

Ristorante LIDI

Traditional Italian dishes prepared in a charming atmosphere with red-&-white checkered tablecloths.

Bushido Sushi & Hibachi Charleston

Sushi plus hibachi & tempura entrees served by chefs that combine classic & Western-inspired styles.

Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House

Haute hub at Kiawah Island Golf Resort with Southern BBQ meals, local craft beers & outdoor seating.