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The Top Restaurants in Charleston, SC

Magnolias
FIG
Slightly North Of Broad
167 Raw Oyster Bar
Poogan's Porch
Husk
The Obstinate Daughter
Frannie & The Fox
Darling Oyster Bar
Prohibition
Sorghum & Salt
Chubby Fish
Revival
Stella's
Fleet Landing
Cru Cafe
R Kitchen
Church and Union
Lenoir
Hall's Chophouse
Magnolias
gnocchi topped with Parmesan from fig in charleston
FIG
carpaccio dish from slightly north of broad in charleston
Slightly North Of Broad
mini scallops from 167 raw oyster bar in charleston
167 Raw Oyster Bar
salmon and a side of mac and cheese with a glass of red wine from poogan's porch in charleston
Poogan's Porch
fried seafood from the husk in charleston
Husk
pasta from obstinate daughter in charleston
The Obstinate Daughter
pizza, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, charcuterie board, meatballs, and sunny side up eggs from frannie and the fox in charleston
Frannie & The Fox
seafood platter with fresh oysters, shrimp, and crab from darling oyster bar in charleston
Darling Oyster Bar
toast topped with avocado, burrata, and greens from prohibition in charleston
Prohibition
mushroom and avocado on toast from sorghum and salt in charleston
Sorghum & Salt
vegan toast from chubby fish in charleston
Chubby Fish
crab dinner from revival in charleston
Revival
steak and thick cut potatoes from stella's in charleston
Stella's
mac and cheese, rice, and green beans from fleet landing in charleston
Fleet Landing
fish dinner and side salad from cru cafe in charleston
Cru Cafe
potato and chicken dinner from r kitchen in charleston
R Kitchen
poke nachos from church and union in charleston
Church and Union
bbq steak from lenoir in charleston
Lenoir
steak from hall's chophouse in charleston
Hall's Chophouse

Charleston is older than America – it was founded in 1670, and because of that, it retains the beautiful classic architecture of the era, along with a City designed for walking and carriage rides instead of cars. That’s led to a fantastic nightlife culture, with world class restaurants and great bars dotted throughout the city.

In fact, Charleston – along with its sister city of Savannah – is the crown jewel of low country cuisine. The low country, which describes the entire floodplains of the Southeastern United States region, is full of salt marshes and coastal waterways, providing bountiful access to incredible seafood, rice and more. Lowcountry cuisine is characterized by some of these ingredients, creating classic dishes like Shrimp and Grits, Hoppin’ John, Oyster Roasts, Brunswick stew and more.

Part of this rich culinary tradition is buttressed by the Gullah Geechee community. The Gullah Geechee people are the descendants of enslaved Africans who were brought to work on the plantations in the area. The culture of this West and Central African community has remained strong and united, and a number of restaurants in the Charleston area present themselves as Gullah Geechee cuisine, which focuses on rice forward dishes and crops like sorghum, okra and red peas. So the next time you’re visiting the low country, take a stroll around Charleston – aka Geechie City – and discover the flavors of one of the most delicious places in the country!

Looking for the hottest places in Charleston to eat? Here are the 20 best restaurants to visit, no matter what you’re in the mood for. Oh, the places you’ll go!

Magnolias | Photo: Facebook.com/magnoliascharleston

1. Magnolias

185 E Bay St | Charleston, SC 29401
 
When it comes to Southern cuisine, Magnolias provides everything to make your taste buds feel at home. With special dishes like Down South Egg rolls, Spicy Buffalo Fried Chicken Cobb Salads, or even a tasty Original Simmons, it’s certain to be a great meal.  They’re also just a short walk to the waterfront and inspired the opening of many of the restaurants that have helped to make the waterfront area what it is today!  Get more great waterfront restaurants in our guide to The Absolute Best Charleston Restaurants on the Water. 
 
 
FIG | Photo: Facebook.com/eatatFIG

2. FIG

232 Meeting St | Charleston, SC 29401
 
Their menu consists of three essential factors; integrity, flavor, and soul. That’s the Motto over at FIG that you can expect to find. Whether you’re going for the Dinner, Dessert, or Beverage menu, there’s nothing you won’t find in terms of Lowcountry dining.   With an excellent Downtown Charleston location, you’ll find locals AND tourists enjoying an incredible meal at FIG.  Click here for more great Downtown Charleston restaurants.
 
 
Slightly North of Broad | Photo: Facebook.com/slightlynorthofbroad

3. Slightly North of Broad

192 E Bay St | Charleston, SC 29401

Fresh and local ingredients mixed with fine dining, you get the best of both worlds. Whether it’s the presentation of the food or the taste, you will be blown away by what you receive. Try their Shrimp and Grits or their known Southern Medley, there’s more where that came from. You coming for Brunch, Lunch, or a Romantic Dinner?

 

167 Raw Oyster Bar | Photo: Facebook.com/167rawoysterbar

4. 167 Raw Oyster Bar

193 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

In the heart of Charleston, New England is present at 167 Raw Oyster Bar. Bringing out fresh seafood inspired by the East Coast; check out their RAW Bar, Tacos, and even their Po Boys. Does it get better than that?  They’re on our list of Essential Seafood Restaurants in Charleston – add them to yours for your next visit.

 

Poogan’s Porch | Photo: Facebook.com/poogansporch

5. Poogan’s Porch 

72 Queen St | Charleston, SC 29401
 
Being one of Charleston’s oldest independent restaurants, the city knows of this original tasty spot. A warm buttermilk biscuit or a bowl of she crab soup hits the spot every time, especially at the unforgettable Poogan’s Porch.  Try to snag a spot on the roof, where they have a Stunning Rooftop View of Charleston.
 
 
Husk | Photo: Facebook.com/husk

6. Husk 

76 Queen St | Charleston, SC 29401
 
They say, “If it’s not coming from the South, it’s not coming through the door,” and Husk stands on this. Specializing in fresh Southern cooking, the menu goes from Cornmeal Fried Catfish to Confit Potatoes and English Peas. Your stomach will thank you later. 
 
 
The Obstinate Daughter | Photo: Facebook.com/theobstinatedaughter

7. The Obstinate Daughter

2063 Middle St | Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
 
Southern, but influenced by Spanish, French, and Italian cuisine. Mixing the Carolinas with Europe combines for a large range in tastes, flavors, and inspirations. Whether it’s the Lowcountry Frites, Caprese sandwich, or the Miss Carolina pizza, it’s the best of both worlds here.
 
 
Frannie & The Fox | Photo:Facebook.com/frannieandthefox

8. Frannie & The Fox

181 Church St | Charleston, SC 29401
 
With a beautiful green courtyard and comfortable set up, Frannie & the Fox brings Italy to Charleston. Using wood-fired ovens, their pizza is top tier, but the flavor doesn’t stop there. Come find your perfect meal for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner!
 
 
Darling Oyster Bar | Photo: Facebook.com/darlingoysterbar

9. The Darling Oyster Bar

513 King St | Charleston, SC 29403
 
Being a classic in the city of Charleston, Darling Oyster Bar strives to bring the sea to the restaurant. Seared Diver Scallops, Raw Oyster Bars, and Fry Baskets.. our mouths are watering! No time to wait, head over now!
 
 
Prohibition | Photo: Facebook.com/prohibition

10. Prohibition

547 King St | Charleston, SC 29403
 
Take it easy at the speakeasy, Prohibition provides all the vibes for a dinner night out or even a fun filled brunch. With gems like Street corn, Steaks, and Warm Donuts for Dessert, they got it all covered! Fun’s on them!
 
 
Sorghum & Salt | Photo: Facebook.com/sorghumandsalt
 

11. Sorghum & Salt

186 Coming St | Charleston, SC 29403
 
With all locally sourced ingredients and flavors, Sorghum & Salt provides food, drink, and even separate Vegan menus. Craving slow roasted shortrib, summer potatoes, or sweet potatoes? Us too, let’s go. 
 
 
Chubby Fish | Photo: Facebook.com/chubbyfish

12. Chubby Fish

252 Coming St | Charleston, SC 29403
 
Lowcountry seafood with the best seasonal ingredients, Chubby Fish’ menu changes daily and you could never get tired of going! They have small plates, large plates, and even whole fish. There’s so many possibilities to choose from.
 
 
Revival | Photo: Facebook.com/revival

13. Revival

162 E Bay St | Charleston, SC 29401
 
With a modern touch on Southern cuisine, the must tries at Revival are known to “revive” you. From Lip Crab Cakes to Forbidden Shrimp and Grits, our stomachs are already growling for you. What’s the catch of the day? 
 
 

14. Stella’s

114 St Philip St Suite A |  Charleston, SC 29403
 
Bringing Mediterranean cuisine to the South, Stella’s provides the best modern Greek dishes since the 1940’s. You can find Spanakopita, Fried Calamari, and a variety of taste quenching desserts to top it off. Opa!
 
 
Fleet Landing | Photo: Facebook.com/fleetlanding

15. Fleet Landing

186 Concord St | Charleston, SC 29401

Located by the City Market in Charleston, there’s no way you can miss Fleet Landing! Being waterfront, not only do you enjoy the food, but the views too. You getting the Baked Spinach Dip, Crispy Steak Calamari, or a Dinner Speciality? 

 

Cru Cafe | Photo: Facebook.com/crucafe

16. Cru Cafe

18 Pinckney St | Charleston, SC 29401

Home to some of the best gourmet comfort food, Cru Cafe is a classic since the 18th century. With a menu full of selections such as Cru Caesar salad, Gourmet Grilled Cheese, and even Shrimp BLTs, what more could you ask for? There’s no way you’re leaving hungry. 

 

R Kitchen | Photo: Facebook.com/rkitchen

17. R Kitchen

SEVERAL LOCATIONS 

With five course testing menus, your tastebuds will go on a journey here. There’s a new menu every night, and you can come taste a different cuisine every time you come. Whether you’re with a party or on an intimate date, R Kitchen will set the tone. 

 

Church and Union | Facebook.com/churchandunion

18. Church and Union

32B N Market St | Charleston, SC 29401

The chef features classics such as fried chicken, their fresh catch, and even Lowcountry tacos. Located in Downtown, you’re in the middle of it all. Are we going for dinner or what because Church and Union is the place to be to eat! 

 

Lenoir | Photo: Facebook.com/lenoir

19. Lenior

68 Wentworth St | Charleston, SC 29401

Amping the South with style, that’s what you’ll find at Lenior. Drooling over plates such as K-town patty melts, Grits and Greens, and even Chocolate cheese pies, there’s a lot to go around. Not only is the food good, but make sure to snap a pic too, the decor is beautiful!

 

photo credit: twitter.com/charlestoncarib

20. Charleston Carribbean Creole

They may not have a brick and mortar location, but don’t let the folks at Charleston Carribbean Creole fool you – they make world class, flavorful food that uses the best of hte lowcountry. Come for shrimp po boys, conch fritters and more – stay for the good vibes and great crowd, something you’ll find at all of Charleston’s Best Black Owned restaurants.

Hall’s Chophouse | Photo: Facebook.com/hallschophouse

21. Hall’s Chophouse

434 King St | Charleston, SC 29403

Known as The Charleston Steakhouse, Hall’s Chophouse brings only the best of the best USDA Prime steaks. That’s not the only thing on the menu though, you can find seafood, chops, etc. too! Why choose one when you can choose all?