10 Best Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina

Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina are famous for a rich Lowcountry heritage, fresh coastal seafood, innovative farm-to-table Southern cooking, and international acclaim. Local cooks rely on the bounty of nearby estuaries to serve fresh oysters, soft-shelled crabs, and shrimp. The city's food culture is deeply rooted in Gullah Geechee history, which influenced regional staples like Hoppin' John and rice dishes. Chefs work closely with nearby farms for hyper-seasonal produce, ensuring each dish features sustainable local goods. Trendsetting restaurants like FIG modernized the appreciation for regional ingredients, earning international acclaim and Michelin-guide recognition. Meals are often served inside beautifully preserved 18th-century and 19th-century downtown buildings, providing a side of history with every plate.

The types of restaurants commonly found in Charleston, South Carolina are upscale Southern bistros, historic seafood houses, fine dining carriage houses, traditional Lowcountry taverns, modern American gastropubs, coastal raw bars, and French-inspired cafes. The list below shows the different types of Charleston, South Carolina restaurants.

• Upscale Southern Bistros: Restaurants elevating traditional ingredients with modern flair and artful presentation.
• Historic Seafood Houses: Waterfront spots serving fresh Atlantic catches and Lowcountry seafood gumbo.
• Fine Dining Carriage Houses: Elegant destinations offering seasonal and local menus inside historic estates.
• Traditional Lowcountry Taverns: Casual spots serving classic dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits.
• Modern American Gastropubs: Posh dining destinations and cocktail bars in repurposed historic buildings.
• Coastal Raw Bars: Establishments focusing on chilled oysters on the half shell and fresh seafood towers.
• French-Inspired Cafes: Intimate spots serving elevated Southern coastal fare with European techniques.

Yes, Charleston, South Carolina provides authentic Southern and Lowcountry restaurants including Poogan's Porch, Magnolias, FIG, Slightly North of Broad Restaurant, and Circa 1886 Restaurant. Poogan's Porch has served classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits and fried chicken for nearly fifty years inside a Victorian-style house. Magnolias presents traditional ingredients and cooking techniques elevated by modern flair, serving classics like the down south egg roll. These restaurants preserve time-honored methods to deliver traditional flavors rooted in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

Yes, easy online reservations are available for major restaurants in the city. Diners planning to visit FIG, Circa 1886 Restaurant, The Establishment, Church and Union Charleston, and Iron Rose frequently use digital booking links to secure seating. Digital reservation portals help visitors lock in tables for special occasions or business gatherings in the historic district. Using these platforms is recommended due to the high demand for tables at award-winning establishments.

The signature dishes of the best restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and wood-grilled octopus. The most popular food in Charleston, South Carolina is listed below.

• She-Crab Soup: A rich and creamy local staple flavored with crab roe and mace.
• Shrimp and Grits: A comforting classic featuring plump shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits.
• Wood-Grilled Octopus: Tender octopus charred over an open fire and served with seasonal accompaniments.
• Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato and wine sauce at Columbia Restaurant.
• Duck Fat Roasted Beef Tenderloin: A premium cut of beef roasted in duck fat for extra richness at Circa 1886.
• Lowcountry Seafood Gumbo: A hearty stew filled with fresh local seafood and traditional spices.

Yes, Charleston, South Carolina has a strong appetite for traditional Southern and fresh coastal dishes. The city is home to a high concentration of James Beard nominated chefs and a thriving arts scene that supports local dining. Residents and visitors frequently pack the outdoor patios and historic dining rooms to celebrate with sustainable local produce from South Carolina's Lowcountry farmers and fishermen. The community values the historic atmosphere of downtown buildings where communal meals provide a primary way the local population connects.

The price of a meal at popular restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina averages $60 per person. Visitors pay for high-quality experiences at places like FIG and Circa 1886 Restaurant to enjoy refined Southern ingredients and historic settings. Diners seeking budget-friendly options spend between $20 and $30 at local raw bars and casual taverns for fresh oysters and burgers. The use of premium ingredients like Osetra caviar and Kobe-style beef at fine dining destinations drives prices well over $100 per guest.

Yes, customers can find vegan options at restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina including FIG, Slightly North of Broad Restaurant, Magnolias, Poogan's Porch, The Establishment, and Iron Rose. FIG happily accommodates plant-based requests by designing custom vegetable plates using fresh produce from local farms. Slightly North of Broad Restaurant crafts meat-free courses utilizing seasonal root vegetables and fresh greens. Iron Rose serves contemporary Southern dishes that can be modified to fit strict dietary requirements.

Yes, Charleston, South Carolina restaurants deliver gluten-free options including FIG, Slightly North of Broad Restaurant, Magnolias, Poogan's Porch, and Iron Rose. FIG serves naturally gluten-free seafood seared to order and paired with fresh unbreaded salads. Slightly North of Broad Restaurant provides wheat-free alternatives, allowing guests to safely enjoy traditional Lowcountry plates. Poogan's Porch customizes elegant Southern dishes to safely accommodate wheat-free dietary requirements. Iron Rose offers gluten-free modifications for their contemporary Southern menu to ensure a safe meal for celiac guests.