Let’s be real. You don’t just come to Charleston for the history or the pastel-colored houses. You come to eat. The city’s food scene isn’t just a list of places to grab a bite; it’s a full-blown, can’t-miss character in the Charleston story itself.
From tucked-away gems to celebrated institutions, every meal here feels like an event. Deciding where to eat can be the single most important (and deliciously difficult) part of planning your trip.
Get ready to loosen your belt a notch. We’re diving fork-first into a handpicked guide of the absolute best places to eat in Charleston.
We’ve hunted down the spots where locals wait in line, where chefs are pushing boundaries with Lowcountry ingredients, and where every single bite makes you understand why this city is a heavyweight champion of Southern dining.
Whether you’re craving crispy fried seafood by the water, a plant-based feast that’ll make you forget about meat, or a fine-dining experience you’ll talk about for years, this list is your golden ticket. Your table is waiting.
1. Halls Chophouse: The King of Steakhouse Glamour
Walking into Halls Chophouse on King Street feels like stepping into a classic American dream. The energy is electric, the service is sharper than a new chef’s knife, and the smell of perfectly grilled meat hits you like a welcome hug.
This isn’t just a steakhouse; it’s a Charleston dining institution that has mastered the art of the grand experience. Owned and operated by the Hall family, you’ll often find them greeting guests by name, which adds a layer of genuine hospitality that’s rare at this scale.
They source incredible, aged beef, but let’s talk about something that often steals the show: the Sunday Gospel Brunch. Imagine digging into a stack of banana bread pancakes or a hefty steak and eggs plate while a live gospel choir fills the soaring space with soul-stirring music.
It’s a party on a plate and a treat for the ears. While it’s a paradise for meat lovers with its filets and ribeyes, they also offer stunning seafood towers and have become famous for their sensational burgers at the bar.
A meal here is an investment, but for a celebratory night out or a brunch you’ll never forget, Halls sets the bar sky-high.
2. FIG: Where Farm-to-Table Feels Like Family
If you want to understand how Charleston’s modern food scene evolved, you must visit FIG. Chef Mike Lata’s mantra, “Food Is Good,” is a humble understatement for what happens in this elegant yet approachable space.
For over two decades, FIG has been the gold standard for Charleston restaurants dedicated to seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking. They work directly with local farmers and fishermen, so the menu changes daily based on what’s just been pulled from the soil or the sea.
What does that mean for you? It means your plate tells a story of the Lowcountry that very week. You might find delicate crudo with Carolina Gold rice grits, a simple but mind-blowing pasta with foraged mushrooms, or a whole fish prepared with exquisite care.
The vibe is polished but not stuffy—it’s the kind of place where food lovers feel instantly at home. Snagging a reservation here is a competitive sport, and for good reason.
It’s a masterclass in how to let pristine ingredients shine, making it a cornerstone of any food-focused trip to Charleston.
3. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ: A Pitmaster’s Palace
For a totally different, utterly essential Charleston food experience, head to Rodney Scott’s. This is barbecue with a capital “B,” and it’s a celebration of whole-hog tradition that earned pitmaster Rodney Scott a James Beard Award.
The vibe is casual, the lines can be long, and the smell of hickory smoke will cling to your clothes in the best way possible. This is one of the top Charleston restaurants for authentic, no-frills, soul-satisfying flavor.
The process is an all-day labor of love. They cook whole hogs over hardwood coals, then chop the meat—tender inside, crispy outside—and sauce it with Rodney’s signature tangy, peppery vinegar-based sauce.
Get it on a sandwich with a heap of coleslaw, or go for a BBQ plate with classic sides like crispy, smoky baked beans and creamy potato salad. It’s messy, it’s glorious, and it’s a taste of South Carolina barbecue history.
4. The Ordinary: A Cathedral of Seafood
Housed in a stunning, historic bank building with sky-high ceilings, The Ordinary lives up to its name in irony only. This place is extraordinary. Chef Mike Lata’s (yes, of FIG fame) seafood hall is a temple to everything that swims in Southern waters.
The grandeur of the space makes you feel like you’re dining in an oyster-filled cathedral, and the buzz of the crowd adds a fantastic, lively energy. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking the best seafood restaurants in Charleston.
Their raw bar is legendary. You can sample oysters from up and down the East Coast, presented with expert shucking and simple, perfect accompaniments. But don’t stop there.
The menu soars with dishes like a decadent lobster roll on a buttery bun, crispy oyster sliders, and a show-stopping seafood tower that’s practically a geography lesson on a plate. It’s sophisticated yet unfussy, focusing on the pure, clean taste of the ocean.
Whether you’re dressed up for a big night or popping in for a dozen oysters and a glass of sweet tea at the bar, The Ordinary delivers a uniquely Charleston experience.
5. Xiao Bao Biscuit: Asian Soul Food with a Southern Twist
Tucked into a former gas station, Xiao Bao Biscuit is cool, creative, and constantly packed.
This spot is a brilliant, delicious mash-up of Asian culinary traditions and Southern soul, all served in a vibrant, no-reservations space covered in eclectic art.
It’s a favorite haunt for chefs after their shifts and anyone looking for bold, exciting flavors. Think of it as a passport to a world of taste without leaving the peninsula, and a true standout among unique restaurants in Charleston.
The menu changes but is always packed with punchy, shareable dishes. You might find their famous Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese cabbage pancake loaded with goodness, or a fiery Mapo Tofu that will wake up your taste buds. Their take on Cabbage Pancakes is a thing of beauty.
They also have fantastic options like a juicy, double-stacked smash burger that has developed a cult following of its own. It’s loud, it’s fun, and the food is bursting with personality. Just be prepared to wait—it’s first-come, first-served, and totally worth every minute.
6. Basic Kitchen: Wellness-Conscious & Flavor-First
Don’t let the name fool you. There’s nothing “basic” about the vibrant, health-forward food at this airy, sunny spot on Wentworth Street. Basic Kitchen is the answer for when you want to eat something that makes your body feel amazing, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
It’s a haven for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone craving a bright, vegetable-centric meal, easily ranking as one of the best healthy restaurants in Charleston.
Their menu is full of colorful, Instagram-worthy bowls, hearty salads, and inventive veggie plates. The “Basic Bowl” with turmeric rice, roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and a glorious green goddess dressing is a local obsession.
They also have a killer avocado toast and a veggie burger that will make you question why you ever needed meat on a bun. Even their french fries, baked in the oven until crispy, are a guilt-free delight.
With its laid-back California-meets-Charleston vibe, it’s the perfect spot for a rejuvenating lunch or a light, delicious dinner that leaves you feeling fantastic.
7. Bertha’s Kitchen: A Soul Food Legend
For a taste of genuine, home-style Lowcountry soul food, you make the pilgrimage to Bertha’s Kitchen in the Neck Area. This James Beard America’s Classic award-winning spot is humble, no-frills, and serves some of the most beloved food in the entire city.
The recipes have been passed down for generations, and eating here feels like being welcomed into someone’s family kitchen. It is, without a doubt, a legendary Charleston SC restaurant.
You go through a cafeteria-style line, and the tough part is choosing. The fried chicken is crispy and juicy perfection. The simmered turkey necks are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.
And you absolutely must get their iconic red rice, a Lowcountry staple cooked with tomatoes and sausage. Every plate is a generous, comforting, and deeply satisfying meal that represents the heart of Charleston’s food culture.
The sweet tea is just right, and the peach cobbler is the only proper way to end your feast. It’s affordable, authentic, and an unforgettable part of the city’s culinary story.
8. Chubby Fish: The Catch-of-the-Day Hotspot
In the lively neighborhood of Elliotborough, Chubby Fish has taken the city by storm. The concept is brilliantly simple: serve the absolute freshest seafood Charleston has to offer, prepared with creative flair, in a cozy, bustling space.
There are no reservations, and the wait can be long, but regulars will tell you it’s part of the adventure. The chalkboard menu changes multiple times a day based on what the local boats have brought in, so every visit is a surprise.
You might find flash-fried local squid with a zippy sauce, crudo with unexpected tropical fruits, or a stunning grilled fish collar that’s packed with flavor.
They treat off-cuts and lesser-known species with as much respect as the premium fillets, which is a thrill for adventurous eaters. The energy is infectious, the staff is knowledgeable and passionate, and the food is consistently exciting.
It’s the perfect embodiment of modern, sustainable, and incredibly tasty Charleston seafood. Just get there early, put your name on the list, and enjoy the anticipation.
9. 167 Raw: The Oyster & Lobster Roll Mecca
Originally from Nantucket, 167 Raw brought its seafood magic to Charleston and immediately became an obsession. It’s a tiny, bustling spot on East Bay Street where the wait is legendary but the payoff is a pristine, perfect bite of the sea.
They are famous for two things: an incredible selection of cold, briny oysters and what many argue is the best lobster roll in Charleston. Be prepared to queue up—they don’t take reservations, and the small space fills up instantly.
The lobster roll is a thing of beauty: chilled, sweet lobster meat lightly dressed in mayo on a perfectly grilled, buttery split-top bun. It’s simple, luxurious, and worth every penny. Their tuna burger is another sleeper hit, a juicy patty of high-quality tuna that rivals any beef burger.
The vibe is East Coast casual, the service is speedy and friendly, and the quality is unwavering. It’s a small-batch, high-quality operation that has earned its dedicated following. Consider it your essential downtown seafood pit stop.
10. Leon’s Oyster Shop: Fried Chicken & Champagne Vibe
Leon’s, housed in a refurbished garage with a retro-cool feel, has mastered the art of the perfect combination: world-class fried chicken and ice-cold oysters.
The atmosphere is effortlessly cool, with garage doors open on nice days and a buzzing patio. It’s a place where you can dress up or come straight from the beach and feel right at home. This spot is a cornerstone for finding great food in Charleston with a side of fantastic atmosphere.
Let’s talk about that chicken. It’s buttermilk-brined, double-dredged, and fried to a shattering crisp, while staying incredibly juicy inside.
You can order it as a sandwich with pickles and mayo (a must-try) or as a platter with sides. And those oysters? They’re shucked to order and fantastic.
Don’t skip the sides either—their Brussels sprouts and crispy potato salad are famous in their own right. Leon’s is the definition of a good time: delicious, casual, and full of the lively Charleston spirit.
11. Vern’s: A Cozy Neighborhood Gem
Vern’s feels like the wonderful, delicious secret that all of Charleston decided to share. Tucked away in a small space on Bridge Street, this is a date-night haven or a special occasion spot for those in the know.
The vibe is intimate, warm, and slightly romantic, with soft lighting and a small, open kitchen. The menu is a tight, thoughtful collection of dishes that blend European technique with Lowcountry soul, making it a top choice for dinner in Charleston.
Chef and co-owner Dano Heinze creates dishes that are both beautiful and deeply satisfying. You might find handmade pasta draped in a rich, meaty ragù, a flawlessly seared local fish with seasonal vegetables, or a roasted chicken that redefines simplicity.
Each plate is balanced, elegant, and crafted with clear care. Because the space is so small, reservations are crucial. Getting a table at Vern’s feels like winning a prize—it’s an experience of understated excellence and genuine hospitality that you’ll remember long after the meal.
12. Dave’s Carry-Out: The Fried Seafood Holy Grail
Over on the east side of the peninsula, Dave’s Carry-Out is a no-nonsense, order-at-the-counter institution that has been serving some of the city’s best fried seafood for decades.
Don’t come here for ambiance; come here for perfectly crispy, hot, and generously portioned shrimp, fish, and oysters that taste like the ocean. For an authentic, down-home Charleston SC dining experience that focuses purely on flavor, Dave’s is the spot.
The whiting or flounder sandwich, piled high on soft white bread with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of mayo, is a local masterpiece. Their fried shrimp are plump and sweet, and the sides—think tangy collard greens and savory red rice—are the real deal.
Grab your food in a brown paper bag, find a spot on a nearby bench or wall, and dig in. It’s affordable, incredibly delicious, and represents a foundational layer of the city’s food culture. This is where the locals go for a quick, phenomenal seafood fix.
13. Maison: A French-Inspired Culinary Vacation
Sometimes in the heart of the South, you crave a little taste of Paris. Maison, on King Street, delivers just that with a charming Lowcountry twist.
The space is beautiful—think marble, dark wood, and Parisian subway tiles—but the feeling is welcoming, not intimidating. Chef Vandy Vanderwarker creates a menu that feels both classically French and freshly local, offering a delightful fine dining Charleston escape.
You can indulge in steak frites with a perfect peppercorn sauce, delicate scallops with seasonal purees, or a stunning roasted chicken with lemon and herbs.
Their pastry program is also outstanding, meaning you must save room for dessert. The croissants and pastries at breakfast are worth setting an alarm for.
Whether you’re there for a cozy brunch, a leisurely lunch, or a romantic dinner, Maison provides a transportive experience. It’s proof that Charleston’s restaurant scene can effortlessly embrace global flavors while staying true to its roots.
14. The Grocery: Elevated Farm-to-Table Comfort
The Grocery, in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough district, is the neighborhood restaurant you wish was in your neighborhood. Husband-and-wife team Kevin Johnson and Joanna St. Clair have created a space that feels both refined and comfortable.
The focus is on hyper-seasonal, Southern-inspired dishes made for sharing, placing it high on the list of Charleston’s best restaurants for a thoughtful meal.
The menu changes with what’s fresh, but you can always expect creative, vegetable-forward small plates, handmade pastas, and exceptional main courses.
Dishes like their chicken liver toast or crispy local squid are legendary among regulars. They also offer a whole fish or a roast for the table, which is a fantastic way to experience their style with a group.
The cocktails are crafted with the same care as the food. It’s the kind of place that feels special without being fussy, where every detail—from the warm bread service to the knowledgeable waitstaff—is considered.
15. Jackrabbit Filly: Funky Chinese-American Fusion
In the up-and-coming Park Circle area of North Charleston, Jackrabbit Filly is a blast of energy, color, and incredible flavor.
Chef Shuai Wang and his wife Corrie (who also run the beloved Short Grain food truck) have created a vibrant diner-meets-hip-hop-hangout spot that serves playful, personal Chinese-American food.
It’s loud, fun, and some of the most exciting eating in the entire metro area, a true destination for unique food in Charleston.
The menu is packed with craveable, shareable dishes. Their crispy cumin lamb ribs are a must-order, falling off the bone with a spicy, fragrant kick.
The “Not Your Mama’s” chow mein is a deliciously messy, upgraded version of the classic. And for something truly special, try their take on a whole fried flounder.
The vibe is irreverent and joyful, with great music and a team that clearly loves what they do. It’s worth the short trip from downtown for a meal that is pure, unadulterated fun on a plate.
16. Butcher & Bee: Creative Plates & The Best Whipped Feta
With its industrial-chic design and an ethos centered on creative, mezze-style sharing, Butcher & Bee has been a trailblazer in Charleston’s food scene.
Their motto is “Serve Others,” and they live it through inventive, vegetable-loving food that encourages conversation and passing plates. The menu is full of surprises, but one item has achieved cult status: the Whipped Feta with Honey. It is, quite simply, a dish you will dream about.
Beyond that iconic spread, you’ll find a constantly changing lineup of bold small plates. Think smoky roasted carrots with labneh, crispy smashed potatoes with zhoug, or a spectacular avocado crunch toast.
They also offer a fantastic, chef’s-choice tasting menu that’s a great way to experience their range. The atmosphere is cool and communal, perfect for a group of friends who want to try a little bit of everything. It’s a cornerstone of modern, vegetable-forward eating in the city.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your personal roadmap to eating incredibly well in Charleston, South Carolina. This list is more than just names; it’s a curated journey through the city’s soul, from its historic roots to its cutting-edge future.
You’ve got award-winning fine dining, legendary barbecue pits, vibrant vegan plates, and tucked-away seafood shacks. Each spot offers a unique chapter in the story of Charleston.
The hardest part now is choosing where to start. Maybe build your itinerary around a theme: one day for Lowcountry classics, another for new-school innovation.
Remember, part of the fun is getting lost down a charming alley and stumbling upon your own favorite. But with this guide in your pocket, you’re guaranteed to find some of the best restaurants Charleston has to offer.