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The 12 Best Restaurants in Charleston to Add to Your Eating Itinerary
On the menu: buttery biscuits, pulled pork sandwiches, excellent okonomiyaki, and so much more.
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43 Comments
Lily_H
February 1, 2021
Braised in the South just opened on John's Island. Great spot for some top-notch backyard BBQ and while you're there you can satisfy your sweet tooth at Braised in the South's ice cream window! Oh, and the chefs are the winners of season 8 on The Great Food Truck Race!
Laura L.
February 9, 2020
My daughter and I spent a long weekend in Charleston a little over a year ago. The highlight of our foodie based trip was dinner at Chez Nous and after dinner drinks at The Ordinary. Wonderful!
Magansmunchies
January 26, 2020
Daps Breakfast is one you don't want to miss! I'm still dreaming about their fluffy fruity pebble pancakes. Fleet Landing has great seafood and waterviews. Rodney Scott's bbq is the absolute best!
Mckenzie
January 22, 2020
Hi! Just wanted to recommend an update to this list – Butcher and Bee actually moved locations several years ago and changed from just a lunch spot to a lunch and dinner restaurant (plus weekend brunch). Still very good!
Neil B.
January 17, 2020
167 Raw for me. Driving to Florida in February but staying in Charleston to go to 167. Fish tacos, amazing. Oysters fresh, cold and constantly changing menu.
Linda
December 19, 2018
I do have to say, the pictures I have seen are beautiful! Haven’t seen green In a long time so you can guess where I live. None other than Southern CA in the High Desert. I’m just looking and finding out about Charleston. My family and I are truly thinking on moving there in a few years. So let me enjoy with reading and looking at pictures of Charleston. I can almost smell the fresh air already. Merry Christmas to All and Have a very Blessed 2019!
Dawn
October 20, 2015
Go out to Isle of Palms and dine at Long Island Café. Don't let the fact that it sits beside the Harris Teeter in the strip mall deter you. Always full of locals. Traditional fried seafood done right, plus creative, fresh dishes, homemade desserts, locally sourced ingredients, decent wine & beer lists. We go at least once per beach trip.
Jackie
September 23, 2015
I agree! There are too many great restaurants to visit them all. One of my new favs is Leon's Oyster Shop. Chicken sandwich. Best. Ever. Also The Ordinary. It's pricey but the smoked oysters and BBQ shrimp are definitely worthy. Can't wait to return.
Jen R.
September 23, 2015
Just came back from visiting my friend who lives there, one of my favorites was Persimmons Cafe! Also loved The Grocery.
Valerie
September 23, 2015
We went last March and had such a great experience. Other highly note worthy spots were 167 Raw- great for snacks and drinks. Minero's for Mexican food, their homemade tortillas are delicious and great wings! And Hall's Chop House. This family owned restaurant was amazing, great drinks and a good bar menu.
Heather
September 23, 2015
On my last several visits to Charleston, I've made a point to eat at Pane e Vino on Warren Street. Delicious Italian in a quaint spot with very friendly staff.
Jesse K.
September 8, 2015
Me and my friends always make Gee's Infamous Dogs & More a stop after the bars, best hot dogs known to man.
Ileana M.
September 1, 2015
My husband and I def got the vibe that Charleston is a romantic city - we got engaged there! It's close enough for us to take a road trip from Florida (with a stop for boiled peanuts on the way). Some other spots we like: The Gin Joint, SNOB, Charleston Cooks, Heirloom Bookshop. We're due for another visit - saving your list!
Marie
August 31, 2015
I went to CofC and wound up staying in Charleston for a total of 15 years, I left in 1986, and so many wonderful-sounding restaurants have been established since then. Bowen's Island was a favorite. I was there when the Market Place Restaurant was still open, as well as Henry's. I really need to get back there for a long visit and try some of that wonderful food.
Amos
August 31, 2015
I recently visited Charleston and totally enjoyed the Hominy Grill and Callie's Hot little Biscuit, but the best place I went was off the radar. You must try Boxcar Betty's. I am still dreaming about that Boxcar Sandwich.
davidpdx
August 13, 2015
Earlier this year we had wonderful eats at FIG, The Ordinary, Fleet Landing, McGrady's, and Minero. I thought Minero was especially enjoyable and a good value.
Betsey
August 12, 2015
I visit every year as my parents own a tine condo on Kiawah Island. Thanks for this list! Its great to add new places to my to-do's. If you want to splurge, I will always recommend any of the places on Kiawah. The Jasmine Porch has amazing Sunday brunch. I really like Sesame, in the Citadel Mall. They have amazing create-your-own burgers and great beer selections. I also discovered Charleston Donuts via a Groupon when I was down in May. You can create your own donuts! Right there! Anyway, glad you were able to make the move! I hope to someday, as well (as soon as they change their entire political system).
Catherine L.
August 12, 2015
Wait WHAT? create your own donuts?! I will DEFINITELY have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendations -- I haven't explored much outside of Charleston, but I'd really like to expand my eating repertoire!
Betsey
August 12, 2015
I KNOW!!! There's a Groupon for them TODAY. Get it, you will not be disappointed.
Betsey
August 12, 2015
Also, one more thing, King of Pops is a food cart with quirky flavored Popsicles. They are at the main farmer's market, and are also sold at some shops. Delish. And I follow Sweet Lulu's Bakery on Wheels on Instagram, but I've never tried her stuff. She has all these cute desserts in mini Mason jars. She also goes to several farmer's markets.
Midge
August 12, 2015
I've lived in Charleston off and on for the last 10 years and I would say you nailed it. I'd just add a couple unsung places: The Lot on James Island and my neighborhood fave, the Park Cafe. And while you're at the Husk Bar, you'd better get a cheeseburger (thanks to Emily Nunn, who introduced me to them)!
Catherine L.
August 12, 2015
I live super close to Park Cafe, and have yet to check it out! It's next on my list :)
Midge
August 12, 2015
Sounds like we're neighbors. I'll stop in Sugar sometime and say hello. I could use one of those ginger cookies ;)
dymnyno
August 11, 2015
The lobster roll at The Ordinary is fabulous! FIG is a must; Poe's on Sullivan's Island; McCready's and Husk are wonderful (Sean Brock);Shrimp and grits at Magnolia. Charleston is a great walking town...my son and granddaughter live in Mt Pleasant(a suburb). He is a realtor at Domicile where you will find the home of your dreams! I have been selling wine to the best establishments for many years!I love it even though I am am not a southerner. Go in the spring for architectural and garden tours. Shopping on King Street is wonderful. Stay at the Plantation Inn which also has a great restaurant.
Judy_N
August 11, 2015
I was in Charleston recently and had an amazing time! I would highly recommend Poogan's Porch and Hominy Grill for breakfast/brunch!
sapelo
August 11, 2015
I really must add Two Boroughs Larder to the list of AMAZING restaurants in Charleston. My husband and I ate there one night on our honeymoon and loved it so much we went back the following evening too.
It's a small space with great food and amazing people, really a gem!
It's a small space with great food and amazing people, really a gem!
Justin T.
August 11, 2015
Great list! My wife and I moved to Charleston from Philadelphia back in December, so to see this article pop up during my daily browsing of Food52 was exciting! Every meal we've ever had at FIG has been absolute perfection closely followed by the amazing food at Edmund's Oast. Butcher & Bee late night always has a particularly great and unique selection, the best of which I've had so far was a riff on their frequently appearing banh mi that had red snapper in it. As eve pointed out, Husk seems to be kind of overrated and while everything we've ever eaten that was good, it was never spectacular.
Awads
August 11, 2015
Rutledge Cab Co., also partly owned by THE bill murray, is a really nice surprise in a former restaurant desert (very near to the Riverdogs stadium). And if you get to Folly Beach, the Lost Dog for breakfast or lunch is a must!
Samantha W.
August 11, 2015
My favorite place -- maybe for nostalgia alone -- is Gaulart & Maliclet (aka Fast and French). And if Sublime Key Lime Pies still exist, you'd be remiss to end summer without a piece of frozen, chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick.
Catherine L.
August 11, 2015
I am ashamed to say that I haven't been to Fast & French yet! But I hear only the best things. Yet another reason for me to check it out :)
eve
August 11, 2015
Having recently visited Charleston and enjoyed some fine food, I can add a couple of recommendations. Poogan's Porch which is so much better than and just next door to Husk (which I did not enjoy). And Lee Lee's Hot Kitchen - a kitschy jewel of a place with good food. I ate at Hominy Grill every. single. day.
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