10 Restaurants in Charleston That Deserve a Michelin Star
Earning a Michelin star (or two or three) is the honor most chefs and restaurant owners dream about. Still, the gorgeous restaurants in the stately southern city of Charleston have yet to receive consideration for being included in the sought-after “red book” listing of the world’s top restaurants. But when the hallowed food reviewers come to town, these 10 Charleston restaurants are the places we think will be on the shortlist for earning a coveted Michelin star.
Magnolias
185 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-7771
This stunning Lowcountry spot is nestled downtown in a charming East Bay building that once housed Charleston’s earliest Custom House. And the history and genteel ambiance of Magnolia’s gorgeous restaurant add to the elegant experience diners have come to expect over the restaurant’s 30 years in town. Under the direction of chef Don Drake, the Magnolia kitchen serves up fantastic southern fare like Rack of Lamb and Shrimp over Grits along with a bourbon-laced Southern Pecan Pie that turns every diner into a fan of this down-south staple.
Slightly North of Broad
192 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-3424
While Slightly North of Broad is cheekily known by locals as “SNOB,” no one doubts that this beautiful low country bistro deserves every dining accolade the owners have stacked up along with their sister properties throughout the south. Guests come to SNOB knowing that wine pairings and thoughtful, creative dishes always surprise and delight diners, and the service here ensures that the dining experience is consistently top-notch. Some favorites at Slightly North of Broad are the Beef Carpaccio, BBQ Tuna and Roasted Duck Breast.
Fig
232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 805-5900
This 20-year local favorite spot in Charleston is the place to go to have a James Beard Award-winning meal and service. The name derives from “food is good,” but Fig is light years ahead of simply good food. The chef-driven menu combining the Lowcountry favorites with the freshest seasonal ingredients gives diners here a consistently outstanding experience. Some of the most outstanding dishes at Fig are the Ricotta Gnocchi + Lamb Bolognese appetizer, the Cast Iron Wagyu Bavette and the decadent Sticky Sorghum Pudding.
Circa 1886 Restaurant
149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 853-7828
It’s easy to see why Circa 1886 continues to be an award-winning restaurant in the South, and locals and visitors are always vying for a seat at this beautiful hotel restaurant on popular King Street. The most popular choices here are the Ashley and Cooper Tasting Menus with Wine Pairings that include delicious offerings like Sous Vide Pork Belly, Fois Gras Flan and Lobster Tail.
Charleston Grill
224 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 751-4017
For impeccable service and five-star food, locals and guests flock to Charleston’s best French-inspired restaurant, the Charleston Grill. Located at historic Charleston Place downtown, the Grill offers diners an unmatched experience alongside their award-winning, seasonal menus overseen by chef Suzy Castelloe. Some of the best dishes to try at Charleston Grill are the Truffle Caviar, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and the Imperial Osetra Caviar, or reserve a spot in the private Vintner’s Room for an elegant dining experience.
Halls Chophouse
434 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 727-0090
Run by the same family as SNOB, Halls Chophouse has a Charleston legacy as one of the finest upscale spots in town. From the downstairs bar and dining room to the upstairs main dining area, Halls Chophouse is the epitome of a relaxed yet proper steakhouse. With notable dishes such as Manchester Farms Quail, a 34-ounce Tomahawk Steak and Crab- and Parmesan-Encrusted Grouper, guests here are destined to remember their experience at Halls as one of the best of Charleston.
The Establishment
28 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 789-4028
This top-tier dining spot focuses solely on seafood and in Lowcountry, being considered one of the very best is a high compliment. The Establishment serves only the freshest catch, so the menu rotates with availability. Recently some offerings included Chicken Liver Mousse, Flounder Grenobloise and Tagliatelle with Ahi Dulce and Lobster. Helmed by chef Elliott Howells, The Establishment is a gorgeous spot deserving of Michelin consideration.
Tempest Charleston
32 N Market St Ste C, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 996-4966
The stunning stained glass ceiling creates an unmatched ambiance in Tempest Charleston that you won’t soon forget. But the service and outstanding food are why you will want to come back again to see if chef partner Jamie Lynch has caught the eye of the Michelin tasters. Some of the best dishes to try here to decide for yourself are the Monkfish, the Chatel Farm Ribeye and the Butterflied Whole Snapper.
Peninsula Grill
112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-0700
With a huge following both in the rarified air of AAA-Four Diamond restaurants and the foodies of the South, Peninsula Grill is overdue for Michelin consideration. This gem in Charleston’s Historic District is known for impeccable service, spectacular food and a warm and memorable comfortable ambiance of the Peninsula’s iconic carriage lantern-lit courtyard, the sultry Champagne Bar and the beautiful dining room. Guests rave over dishes like She Crab Soup, House Smoked Heritage Duck Breast and Lobster “3 Way,” and a visit here makes it clear why this restaurant is regularly included as one of the best restaurants around.
High Cotton
199 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 2940
(843) 724-3815
With Lowcountry delicacies like Prince Edward Island Mussels, Shrimp and Grits and Lobster Mac and Cheese on offer at High Cotton, it’s easy to see why locals and visitors have high praise for High Cotton. The genial service, top-quality food and Charleston hospitality on display here make High Cotton worthy of star consideration.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charleston page, here!
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