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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 80 of 590 · May 6, 2026

1
1503 King St Ext, CharlestonTrending
Sushi-Wa
Compact King Street Extension sushi counter serving omakase-style dinners with reservations and a short beer list.
5.02.6k ratings
Open
2

Mexican39 Sushi35 Thai8 Vietnamese3 Downtown240 West Ashley70 Mount Pleasant57 Seafood85 Outdoor seating416 Takeout524 Pizza54

Filters

All filters4 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dashi

1262 Remount Rd, North CharlestonTrending

Dashi

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

4.7★·1.7k 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

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

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

Pink Bellies

595 King St Ste 1, CharlestonTrending

Pink Bellies

Counter-service Vietnamese on upper King, built around pho, banh mi, and rice bowls with a tight beer list.

4.6★·2.1k 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shokudô

479B King St, Charleston

Shokudô

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

4.5★·114 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

Ichiban Steak House & Asian Fusion

1716 Old Towne Rd, Charleston

Ichiban Steak House & Asian Fusion

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

4.4★·2k ratings

Wasabi of Daniel Island

194 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston

Wasabi of Daniel Island

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

4.5★·1.6k ratings

843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House

6601 Rivers Ave, North Charleston

843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House

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

4.4★·2.4k 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

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

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

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

Kings Sushi

1119 Wappoo Rd # H, Charleston

Kings Sushi

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

4.4★·1k 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

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

Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - West Ashley

1680 Old Towne Rd, Charleston

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.

4.4★·1.3k 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

James Island Fire Grill hibachi sushi

1411 Folly Rd, Charleston

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.

4.7★·8.7k 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

Saltus River Grill

802 Bay St STE C, Beaufort

Saltus River Grill

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

4.3★·1.6k 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

Kanpai Japanese Restaurant

1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd suite b-9, Mt Pleasant

Kanpai Japanese Restaurant

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

4.3★·268 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

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

Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill

644 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant

Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill

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

4.3★·1.1k ratings

Osaka Asian Bistro

100 Folly Rd Blvd, Charleston

Osaka Asian Bistro

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

4.2★·476 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

Ginza Japanese Grill - West Ashley

946 Orleans Rd # G1, Charleston

Ginza Japanese Grill - West Ashley

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

4.2★·454 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

Sake House Japanese Sushi & Hibachi Restaurant

4952 Centre Pointe Dr #112, North Charleston

Sake House Japanese Sushi & Hibachi Restaurant

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

4.1★·3.9k 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

Bushido Sushi & Hibachi Charleston

1975 Magwood Dr V, Charleston

Bushido Sushi & Hibachi Charleston

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

4.0★·505 ratings

Taste Of Tokyo

3032 W Montague Ave #204, North Charleston

Taste Of Tokyo

Easygoing, modern eatery offering self-serve Japanese staples, such as teppanyaki & sushi rolls.

4.0★·1.1k 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

Tsunami Japanese Restaurant

1909 US-17 Ste K, Mt Pleasant

Tsunami Japanese Restaurant

Local chain serving a menu of sushi & Pan-Asian entrees in a contemporary, stylish space.

4.0★·1k ratings

25

VibeDate night25 Brunch232 Cheap eats83 Outdoor seating416 Late night8

AmenitiesReservations310 Takeout524 Delivery300