If you’re looking for the restaurants listed in every glossy airplane magazine, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want to know which spots truly rank as the best restaurants in Charleston, SC for a celebratory Thursday or where to find the absolute best shrimp and grits on the Peninsula, keep reading.
Look, we know everyone comes here for the cobblestones and the history, but to really know Charleston, you have to eat your way through it. As someone who’s spent years navigating the crowds on King Street and scouting hidden gems from Broad to Morrison, I’ve learned which spots are the real deal and which are just for show.
From fried seafood that tastes like a Sunday afternoon to high-end Italian that’s worth every bit of the hype, these are the 12 spots where we actually go when it’s our turn to pick the table.
Quick Take OnWhat This Guide Covers
Best restaurants in Charleston, SC
A curated mix of long-standing local favorites and standout newcomers, chosen for consistency, quality, and genuine local approval.
Best spots in downtown Charleston, SC
Walkable restaurants near historic streets, shopping areas, and popular attractions, ideal for pairing sightseeing with memorable meals.
Best seafood & Italian restaurants in Charleston, SC
From oyster bars and fresh Lowcountry seafood to handmade pasta and refined Italian cooking, highlighting two of the city’s strongest culinary influences.
Best spots for lunch, dinner & family meals
Flexible picks for casual lunches, relaxed family dining, and elevated dinner experiences, so you’re covered at any time of day.
Hidden gems in North Charleston, SC
Worth-the-drive eateries offering bold flavors, relaxed settings, and a different side of Charleston’s evolving food scene.
1. FIG
Classic Charleston Excellence (Downtown)
Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, FIG (Food Is Good) has been a cornerstone of the city’s fine dining scene for decades. With seasonal menus that champion local produce and seafood, Fig’s French-inspired approach reflects the city’s culinary heritage. It’s earned James Beard recognition and continues to be a top choice for food lovers visiting Charleston.
Why go: French-American cuisine with farm-to-table sourcing
Best for: Dinner, special occasions
Nearby: Historic streets & nightlife
Pro tip: Reserve well in advance — locals book Fig weeks before visits.
2. 167 Raw Oyster Bar
Fresh Seafood Favorite
For an iconic best seafood restaurant in Charleston, SC, 167 Raw Oyster Bar is a must. Known for its fresh oysters, ceviche, and classic Lowcountry seafood plates, this raw bar brings a lively atmosphere to downtown dining. TripAdvisor reviewers consistently rank it among the city’s top seafood spots.
Why go: Local oysters & seafood classics
Best for: Lunch, casual dinner
Vibe: Laid-back, bustling
3. Sorelle
Southern Italian Flavors (Downtown)
If you’re craving best Italian restaurants in Charleston, SC, Sorelle is the modern classic. Located in the historic part of the city, this Italian restaurant pairs traditional pasta and Italian fare with local Lowcountry ingredients.
Why go: Italian pasta with Southern flair
Best for: Dinner, date night
Vibe: Elegant yet approachable
4. Hall’s Chophouse
Charleston’s Steakhouse Legend
When it comes to best steak restaurants in Charleston, SC, Hall’s Chophouse is iconic. Celebrated for its perfectly cooked cuts, classic sides, and stellar service, Hall’s serves a memorable steakhouse experience right downtown. Locals and visitors alike consider it a destination for special occasions.
Why go: Prime steaks & attentive service
Best for: Dinner, celebrations
Vibe: Polished and traditional
5. The Ordinary
Elevated Seafood on King Street
Another downtown gem, The Ordinary blends a seafood raw bar concept with elevated plating and eclectic Southern seafood preparations. Located on Charleston’s famed King Street, it’s one of the best dinner and seafood picks in town.
Why go: Creative seafood dining
Best for: Dinner
Vibe: Stylish, lively
6. Indaco
Rustic Italian Family Favorites
Also in downtown Charleston, Indaco is a community-loved place melding Italian favorites with a welcoming setting, perfect for gatherings and relaxed meals. The wood-fired pizzas and house pastas make it a standout for families and groups.
Why go: Italian comfort food
Best for: Lunch, family dinner
Vibe: Casual, fun
7. Leon’s Oyster Shop
Lunch Legend
Whether you’re strolling historic streets or seeking a relaxed meal, Leon’s Oyster Shop delivers one of the best lunch restaurants in Charleston, SC. With fresh oysters, crispy sandwiches, and coastal fried fare, this is a favorite lunchtime stop for locals.
Why go: Great lunch & oysters
Best for: Lunch
Vibe: Casual, social
8. Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
Raw & Fresh
For another top seafood experience, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar offers a variety of fresh catches and raw bar items that consistently receive rave reviews. It’s right in downtown Charleston and a great complement to your seafood tour of the city.
Why go: Seafood classics done well
Best for: Lunch & dinner
Vibe: Trendy, local favorite
9. Vern’s
Michelin-Star Innovation
A more refined choice, Vern’s blends refined modern cuisine with seasonal creativity. Awarded a Michelin star, Vern’s offers a special dinner experience that highlights unique flavor combinations and thoughtful presentation.
Why go: Michelin-starred fine dining
Best for: Dinner, special night
Vibe: Intimate, artistic
10. King BBQ (North Charleston)
Casual & Delicious
Heading into North Charleston, you’ll find King BBQ, a fresh, casual barbecue spot that merges Chinese-American flair with Southern barbecue classics. Ideal for those exploring beyond downtown and craving something different yet delicious.
Why go: Casual barbecue twist
Best for: Lunch, early dinner
Vibe: Relaxed, local gem
11. Ellis Creek Fish Camp
Marshside Eats
Just across the water from downtown, Ellis Creek Fish Camp offers a scenic seafood experience with marsh views and classic Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits and fish sandwiches. It’s among the best restaurants in Charleston, SC, for relaxed seafood with a view.
Why go: Fresh seafood with views
Best for: Lunch, casual dinner
Vibe: Outdoor, laid-back
12. Kultura
Filipino Flair, Modern Style
One of Charleston’s most exciting newer kitchens is Kultura — a Filipino restaurant capturing global influences and vibrant flavors right in the heart of the city. This spot represents Charleston’s evolving food scene and is a must-try for adventurous eaters.
Why go: Filipino & fusion flavors
Best for: Dinner
Vibe: Cool, creative
Tips for Dining in Charleston
A little planning goes a long way when eating out in Charleston. The city’s dining scene is popular year-round, and knowing a few local habits can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Plan Ahead
Reservations genuinely matter in Charleston, especially at well-known restaurants such as FIG and Hall’s Chophouse. These spots often book out several days in advance, and during peak travel seasons, even earlier. Downtown Charleston, in particular, fills up quickly on weekends and most evenings, so last-minute walk-ins can be unpredictable. If you have a specific restaurant in mind, booking ahead will save time and frustration and help you stick to your plans.
Try Local Specialties
Charleston’s food identity is deeply tied to its coastal and Southern roots. Dishes like she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and freshly shucked oysters aren’t just menu staples, they’re part of the city’s culinary culture. When dining at seafood restaurants, it’s worth prioritizing these local classics, as many chefs use regional ingredients and time-honored recipes that you won’t find elsewhere.
Choose the Right Time to Go
Timing can significantly affect your dining experience. Lunch hours, usually between 12 and 2 PM, are ideal for casual restaurants and oyster bars, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and quicker service. Dinner service at fine dining restaurants typically peaks between 6 and 9 PM, especially downtown, so earlier or later reservations can feel less rushed. Early evenings are also a great time to take advantage of happy hour, when many restaurants offer discounted oysters, drinks, and small plates.
Best Times to Go
- Lunch: 12–2 PM for casual spots
- Dinner: 6–9 PM for fine dining
- Happy Hour: Early evenings often offer deals on oysters and drinks
Charleston’s culinary scene shines because it blends historic Southern cooking, coastal seafood traditions, and global influences. From Michelin-starred spots and Italian favorites to casual Raw Oyster Bars and barbecue twists, this city has something delicious for every meal, diner, and appetite.
Whether you’re visiting Charleston for the first time or rediscovering it through food, the best experiences often come from knowing where to look — and when to go. If you enjoy thoughtfully curated food guides like this, you’ll find more hand-picked café and restaurant recommendations waiting for you on BestCafes.co.uk.
