103 Best Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina

Against a backdrop of classic French-bistro style—think gleaming wood, cozy booths, and white-papered tables—Charleston's night owls feast on such favorites here as steamed mussels in a half dozen preparations. Order them with pommes frites, as the French do. Each night of the week there's a special, such as the popular bouillabaisse on Sunday. If you're seeking quiet, ask for a table in the dining room on the right. It's noisy—but so much fun—at the bar.

This landmark mainstay continues to thrive as an atmospheric, fine-dining establishment. As always, the food has strong Southern leanings, with seafood highlights, including Charleston bouillabaisse; don't miss the creamy grits (perfection) or authentic fried green tomatoes. Indoor and garden dining make this a great place to linger, perhaps under a gazebo or in an elegant, art-rich (and air-conditioned) room inside the historic residence. Also notable is the genuinely caring service and extensive wine list featuring new varietal blends (no house wine here), which has earned it high and consistent praise.

The cuisine at this fine-dining mainstay is rooted in traditional Lowcountry, including shrimp and grits and roasted oysters. Horse-drawn carriages pass outside the wide windows, and the softly lit, gilt-trimmed dining room is ideal for romantic occasions, though some locals prefer the more casual scene downstairs.

Locals are infatuated with the martinis and potato chip service at Babas, but the Euro-styled café also boasts a top-notch coffee program.

Come for freshly baked bread to go, but stay for an egg-and-sausage breakfast sandwich or a decadent chocolate croissant.

Stop in for the coffee, stay for the delicious seasonal desserts: heavenly sweet 'n' salty brownies, cheesecake bars, and whoopie pies.

James Beard Award semifinalist Alex Lira and some of his industry buddies opened this chill hot-dogs-and-raw-oysters joint as a neighborhood hangout with killer cocktails. Locals gather here to sprawl out on the velvet couch with a tiki cocktail and challenge each other over pinball. Even more cross bridges just to pick up a half or whole Peruvian rotisserie chicken to go.  

The kitchen at this buzzy all-day hot spot balances guilt-free ingredients with tantalizing flavors, from tempura cauliflower wings to local fish with tabbouleh and mint yogurt. The vegan- and vegetarian-friendly bowls, burgers, and tacos are served in the bright and cheery dining room and a tucked-away garden out back.

On Folly Beach, this 24/7 quick stop for gourmet sandwiches, local ice cream, and 75-cent hot dogs has been a mainstay for decades.

Grab a latte at this charming coffee shop that's staffed by people with developmental disabilities.

One of Charleston's oldest speakeasies, the Blind Tiger can go toe-to-toe with any newcomer. Name the beer, name the backdrop, and the Tiger can deliver in spades, starting with two indoor bars and a historic, handsome outdoor patio. The kitchen also turns out solid bar food—the truffle duck sandwich and French onion soup make this a regular lunch spot for Broad Street attorneys.

Begin your meal here with a half-dozen raw oysters, then fill up with a platter of ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. That's the concept behind this raw-bar-meets-BBQ joint that sits directly on the water, above a water sport outfitter and within sight of shrimpboats. It’s so chill there’s a note on the menu allowing customers to buy the kitchen a round of beers ($10 for six; $20 for 12). The local spot is a sister concept by the chef/owner of nearby Ella & Ollie’s.   

There's a distinct European flavor to this sidewalk café where you can grab a sandwich to-go or stay and relax with a sorbet or glass of wine.

Carmine’s serves fare that both draws locals and also compels I-95 travelers to go out of their way for dishes that even native-born Italians rave over. Fancy for Walterboro (think chandeliers, a baby grand piano, tablecloths), it’s got a casual-nice atmosphere that’s still quirky. Besides the kind staff, the real star is the food: The veal marsala with fresh mushrooms is a tender treat, the lasagna is divine, and the tiramisu is crave-worthy. 

This perennial favorite inside the Charleston Place hotel provides what many regard as the city's highest gastronomic experience. The dining room's pale wood floors, flowing drapes, and elegant Queen Anne chairs provide a soothing setting for entrées—including a Wagyu tenderloin and fish a la plancha—broken into "From Our Waters" and "From Our Fields" on the seasonal menu. A jazz ensemble adds a hip yet unobtrusive element to the experience.

Situated in a restored and windowed corner building, Chasing Sage sets the stage for just about any dish to look good, but the seasonal cooking here would probably taste just as good in the dark. (In fact, when the restaurant's opening was delayed for one year by the pandemic, its vibrant to-go program proved as much.) Order as many vegetable-forward small plates as you can.

Located at the Wentworth Mansion, this former residential home is full of hand-carved marble fireplaces and stained-glass windows. The Ashley and Cooper tasting menus lean on Lowcountry roots with gussied up flair, like a grilled pimento cheese sandwich with prosciutto and paddlefish caviar, and foie gras flan with pickled pearl onions. The low lighting and quiet comfort of Circa 1886 make it hard to top for an intimate, romantic meal.

Come for the carefully constructed coffee, but don't leave without a to-die-for egg and country ham biscuit with jam.

Breakfast burritos, loaded sandwiches, and frosé make this the go-to post-surf session hot spot on Sullivan's Island.

Off a little alley in a restored indigo warehouse, Coast Bar & Grill has a stripped-down look with exposed brick walls and wood columns. Wood-fired seafood and heavy sauces are staples, but lighter dishes like fish tacos and ceviche make it a standout. Highlights include braised grouper served with tasty herbs, shiitake mushrooms, and decadent bacon-and-cheese grits, as well as the lobster and crab gratin, which comes complete with Parmesan mashed potatoes. The place can be noisy, but it's always fun. (It transforms into a boisterous bar in the later hours.) You can watch the cooks in the heat of the open kitchen in the front room or go in the back dining room where it is cooler. There are usually half-price wine specials, and there's live music on Sunday evening.

Ken Vedrinski's Italian homage to the sea on the Isle of Palms is worth the hike from downtown. The crudo (raw fish) with tangerines, wine vinegar, and pickled garlic makes an excellent starter before you dive into local blue crab with parsley, lemons, and bread crumbs or clams with preserved tomatoes and spicy peppers. If the chef is around, he'll be more than happy to make wine recommendations and provide some entertaining conversation. A bonus: this tiny restaurant has ocean views from its second-story patio.

Avocado toast will never get old at this lively coffee shop, which since opening in Charleston has brought its Israeli-influenced menu and healthful beverages to an Atlanta extension of the popular brand.

Founded by two young local bar scene vets who believe unironically in the power of a good breakfast, Daps supplies the West Side with an array of hashes and exceptional pancakes, brushed with sugary cereal on request. The brunchy sandwiches, including an extra-porky take on the standard bánh mì, are especially smart.

A vestige of a past era in Cannonborough-Elliottborough, this stalwart soul food joint still boxes up fried shrimp, deviled crab, and juicy pork chops. The menu changes daily, and it's wise to follow the recommendations of the chef just behind the counter in the open kitchen. Most folks take their okra soup, turkey wings, and country ribs to-go, but there are a few barstools and a couple of simple tables just inside the door.

The signature oyster presentation at this upscale seafood spot in a historic single house includes caviar, chives, and champagne. This delectable mouthful sets the tone for further treats to come, including spicy tuna tartare and an impeccably fried flounder with malt vinegar fries. It's a few steps out of the way on Calhoun Street, but worth the walk—and a perfect reservation before a show at the Gaillard Center. 

If you're staying near I-95 or looking for a family-friendly bar to watch a game, this independent joint is a step above the fast-food and other chain restaurants in the vicinity. The menu of sandwiches, steaks, and seafood mixes with Southern comfort foods, and has a homemade look (and taste) about it. Prices are reasonable, and the patrons are mostly local.

The wood-fired oven is on full display at this Italian-leaning eatery that churns out decadent pizzas—including one dripping with taleggio and burnt honey—and shareable plates like blue crab fritters and a platter of rich pork and beef meatballs sizzling in a cast-iron skillet. Spacious, green-cushioned, round booths are the choice seating inside, but if weather allows, ask for a table in the lovely courtyard, a space shared with the Emeline Hotel.

This local favorite, also known as Fast & French, has been a fixture in the neighborhood for 40 years, thanks to the consistent food, the esprit de corps of the staff, and the family-style tables for sharing breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its popular fondue grew from a once-a-week special to a daily affair, and you can also get your cheese fix with the wonderful Bucheron cheese salad. Nightly specials, such as bouillabaisse, are reasonably priced and come with a petite glass of wine. The subtly sweet chocolate mousse cake is the best way to end your meal.

The Southern roots of this eatery's chef-owners show in the classic eats like deviled eggs, meat loaf, fried catfish po'boys, and overstuffed pimento-cheese sandwiches, along with sweets like bread pudding with whiskey sauce. The Saturday brunch is a must, with its fluffy buttermilk biscuits with gravy and savory pork tamales. Meals are served on sheets of brown paper that drape over the restaurant's wooden tabletops, another clever touch.

Three words: maple bacon doughnuts. If that's not enough to get you in the door, any number of other creative options—think raspberry Nutella or berries and mascarpone—should do the trick. Mark Remi and the late Allison Smith opened their sweetheart of a store because they suspected there was an untapped enthusiasm for artisanal doughnuts. The verdict? Unqualified success. There are 7 to 10 varieties daily, filled with homemade jam and other fillings. Just name your flavor.