Charleston restaurants
 

Our third trip to Charleston coming up in September. Familiar with most of the great restaurants. Any new (last 2-3 years) restaurants we should try? Any tours or attractions that might be considered hidden treasures?

If you want to get off the beaten restaurant path, head out to John's Island. Wild Olive is a new Italian restaurant (http://www.wildoliverestaurant.com/) getting great reviews. Other restaurants farther away from downtown Charleston include: the Mustard Seed, Fat Hen, and the Boulevard Diner.

Make it a day trip out to John's Island and stop by to see Angel Oak (the magnificent old live oak tree). Neighboring Wadmalaw Island is home to Charleston Tea Plantation and Irvin House Winery (now producing Firefly vodka!).

Enjoy!

We absolutely loved Wild Olive...so much so, that we ate there twice on our 10 day trip to the area last month. The food and service were both excellent. Chef Neuville does an excellent job of incorporating local produce and meats into his recipes.

If you're in the mood for something very local and off the beaten bath, try Bowen's Island, located on James Island. I don't know if I would even use the word "restaurant" to describe the setting, as it's more like a collection of shacks that look like they should be condemned. However, one taste of the super fresh seafood (served fried or boiled) and your concerns for the appearance of the place will fade away.

There are a ton of Charleston threads on this board, many suggesting restaurants. A board search is suggested.

Much as I love Boulevard Diner and Mustard Seed, they really don't fall into "great."

Reckon you've eaten your way through most of the standards -- how about FIG? Sustainable seafood, local produce, generally spectacular. Or Oak, if you like Brett McKee's cooking -- they now offer smaller portions at smaller prices. Sienna on Daniel Island is a winner too but that requires a car.

I happen to really like Fast and French, a relative newcomer -- great value and good food. La Fourchette goes into the same French bistro genre -- frites in duck fat are decadent, and their cassoulet is excellent.

If you've never done a kayak trip, add one to your itinerary. Shem Creek and the harbor, barrier islands, etc. Fabulous!