A Complete Foodie’s Guide to the 14 Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC, a city bursting with a blend of historical elegance and contemporary cool, offers one of the most exciting culinary scenes on the East Coast.

Here, Southern comfort food finds a new dimension, fresh seafood is a local staple, and a melting pot of international flavors awaits to surprise your palate.

Whether you’re seeking the best seafood in Charleston, SC, or exploring places to eat in Charleston, this guide introduces you to the top 14 eateries you shouldn’t miss.

We’ll also give you some handy tips on what to see and do during your culinary journey through this coastal gem.

Experience the Delight at Halls Chophouse

Considered one of the best restaurants in Charleston, SC, Halls Chophouse is the epitome of southern sophistication. This family-owned steakhouse is famous for its prime cuts of beef, aged to perfection between 28 to 40 days, and its array of succulent seafood.

The restaurant’s atmosphere exudes elegance, complemented by impeccable service and the lively hum of live music.

Their menu is a testament to culinary prowess, with dishes like the tender bone-in ribeye, the flavorful crab cakes, and the mouth-watering bananas foster caramel cake stealing the spotlight.

Whether you’re visiting for a quiet dinner or planning brunch in Charleston, SC, Halls Chophouse ensures an unforgettable experience. Make sure to reserve your spot, as this place gets busy fast!

Halls Chophouse
Website: https://hallschophouse.com/location/halls-chophouse-charleston
Address: 434 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 727-0090

Poogan’s Porch: A Peek into Southern History

Poogan’s Porch is a testament to the city’s culinary past. Housed in a historic Victorian home, the restaurant offers Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Named after the pet dog, Poogan, who once made the porch his home, the eatery is famous for dishes like creamy shrimp and grits, crispy buttermilk fried chicken, and the rich she-crab soup.

Visit Poogan’s Porch for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and don’t forget their brunch on weekends – a contender for the best brunch in Charleston, SC. They also offer catering and private dining options for those special occasions.

Poogan’s Porch
Website: https://www.poogansporch.com/
Address: 72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 829-4332

Jackrabbit Filly: An Asian Fusion Like No Other

No list of the top restaurants near Charleston, SC would be complete without Jackrabbit Filly. This Asian fusion restaurant has a unique backstory – it’s the creation of the minds behind the sought-after food truck, Short Grain.

Creators Corrie and Shuai Wang infuse Shuai’s Chinese heritage into the menu, mixing in Japanese and American influences for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Classic Asian comfort food gets a modern makeover with dishes like fried rice with ham and pineapple and pork and cabbage dumplings. Their chirashi bowl is a fantastic lunch option, and the dim sum menu is a delightful surprise for brunch-goers.

Jackrabbit Filly
Website: https://www.jackrabbitfilly.com/
Address: 4628 Spruill Ave #101, North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: (843) 460-0037

Bertha’s Restaurant: A Taste of Soul Food

Since 1979, Bertha’s Restaurant has been one of the go-to food places in Charleston for soul food. Founded by the late Albertha Grant, the restaurant preserves her legacy by serving mouth-watering family recipes to the community.

Bertha’s offers classics like fried chicken, fish, smothered pork chops, oxtails, and slow-simmered lima beans, giving a whole new dimension to comfort food. For dessert, indulge in the warm sweet potato pie or the creamy banana pudding.

Bertha’s Restaurant
Website: https://berthaskitchen.com/
Address: 2332 Meeting Street Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: (843) 554-6519

Sushi-Wa Izakaya: A Japanese Oasis

If you’re in search of the best seafood in Charleston, SC, Sushi-Wa Izakaya might just be the place. This Japanese eatery, led by Chefs Kazu Murakami and Chris Schoedler, offers an authentic dining experience focusing on fresh sushi. Their menu features an extensive selection of sushi, sashimi, rolls, and small plates.

At Sushi-Wa Izakaya, you can enjoy an exquisite omakase (chef’s choice) experience starting at $80 per person. The omakase needs to be booked in advance and is known to fill up fast, so make sure you snag a reservation early.

Sushi-Wa Izakaya
Website: https://www.sushiwaizakaya.com/
Address: 334 E Bay St #100, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 725-4800

Circa 1886 Restaurant: A Glimpse into the Lowcountry

Circa 1886 Restaurant offers a fine dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. Housed in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion, the restaurant combines an exquisite ambiance with a menu that embodies the flavors of the Lowcountry.

Their menu, which rotates seasonally, showcases the rich, local ingredients and unique dishes like garlic striped bass, seared scallops, crispy duck, and flounder. For a comprehensive experience, opt for their five-course tasting menu with wine pairings.

Circa 1886 Restaurant
Website: https://circa1886.com/
Address: 149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 853-7828

Slightly North of Broad: A Mix of the Contemporary and the Southern

Slightly North of Broad, also known as SNOB, is a food lover’s paradise. Offering a dynamic menu of contemporary Southern cuisine, SNOB is also renowned for its live, open-kitchen concept.

The restaurant offers standout dishes such as shrimp and grits, crab cakes, lamb chops, and pork tenderloin. Pair them with their extensive wine selection for an unforgettable dining experience. With options for

lunch, dinner, and even weekend brunch, SNOB ensures a memorable culinary journey.

Slightly North of Broad
Website: https://snobcharleston.com/
Address: 192 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 723-3424

Exquisite Indulgence at the Charleston Grill

Nestled within the luxurious embrace of the Belmond Charleston Place hotel, the Charleston Grill is a beacon of refined culinary artistry. Offering a uniquely curated dining experience, this restaurant unites sophistication and coziness in its chic ambiance, further enhanced by the soulful cadences of live jazz music.

The menu at Charleston Grill is thoughtfully divided into four categories: Pure, Lush, Cosmopolitan, and Southern, reflecting a diverse spectrum of styles and flavors. Whether you choose the silky indulgence of foie gras, the velvety sophistication of lobster bisque, the robust appeal of rack of lamb, or the heartwarming familiarity of crab cakes, the culinary experience promises to be unforgettable.

Don’t forget to try their six-course tasting menu accompanied by selected wine pairings, a well-spent $195 per person for the epicurean explorer. Reservations are suggested, so be sure to plan ahead for this delightful experience. If you’re seeking an exclusive dining encounter, Charleston Grill offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 18 guests.

While exploring the other fantastic restaurants in Bluffton, SC, don’t forget to carve out time for this exquisite dining experience in Charleston.

• Website: Charleston Grill
• Address: 224 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Phone: (843) 577-4522

Brunch Delights at Toast! All Day

Longing for a classic American breakfast or perhaps a spot of brunch Charleston, SC style? Toast! All Day is your go-to destination. Known for its hearty and flavorsome dishes that can be enjoyed all day, Toast! All Day has rightfully earned its fame for one of the most indulgent treats – bottomless mimosas. Available for just $15 per person with any entree purchase, it’s an irresistible offer for brunch enthusiasts.

Their menu features comfort food classics like pancakes, waffles, omelets, benedicts, and sandwiches. Additionally, signature dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomato BLT, and Eggs Meeting Street offer a delightful twist to your brunch experience.

With two convenient locations in Charleston, one on Meeting Street and one on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Toast! All Day is ready to welcome you every day from 7 am to 10 pm. And while you’re exploring the Southern coast, make sure to check out the other delightful restaurants near Charleston, SC, each offering a unique dining experience.

• Website: Toast! All Day
• Address: 155 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 / 2026 Sam Rittenberg Blvd #100A, Charleston, SC 29407
• Phone: (843) 534-0043 / (843) 556-0006

Queology: A Barbecue Joint Like No Other

If the tantalizing aroma of meats smoked over hickory wood awakens your appetite, then Queology is the place to be. A barbecue joint that is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, it’s one of the must-visit places to eat in Charleston.

Their menu encompasses a variety of succulent meats, including pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, and wings. The delectable homemade sauces add an extra dimension to the flavors. Choose from Carolina Gold, Memphis Sweet, and Texas Spicy to customize your dish. Other offerings include wholesome salads, delicious sandwiches, juicy burgers, and irresistible sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.

Open for lunch and dinner every day, Queology also offers an online ordering option for takeout or delivery. This is one of those food places in Charleston that you just can’t miss!

• Website: Queology
• Address: 32 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Phone: (843) 580-2244

Fine Dining Experience at Revival

The aptly named Revival is breathing new life into the Charleston dining scene. Housed in the historic Vendue hotel, this restaurant prides itself on reviving the traditional Southern dishes that have graced Charleston tables for generations, while adding modern twists that keep the dining experience exciting and unique.

The diverse menu at Revival provides dishes like she-crab soup, charred octopus, and the signature Chicken Bog, an old low-country recipe made from chicken, rice, and smoked sausage.

The knowledgeable staff and the sommelier are always ready to assist you in choosing the perfect wine pairing from their extensive selection.

• Website: Revival
• Address: 162 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
• Phone: (843) 469-2100

The Best of Barbecue at Swig & Swine

Charleston’s love for barbecue is undisputed, and Swig & Swine stands as a testament to that affection. Their “all wood, all the time” philosophy brings out the richest flavors of brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and wings, all slow-cooked in a wood-fired smoker. Complete your meaty feast with their classic sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans, or coleslaw.

Swig & Swine also boasts a carefully curated selection of craft beers to wash down the hearty fare. If you’re a fan of all things barbecue, Swig & Swine is a place you simply cannot miss when exploring the best restaurants in Southport, NC.

• Website: Swig & Swine
• Address: 1217 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
• Phone: (843) 225-3805

Lewis Barbecue: Where Texas Meets Charleston

Renowned pitmaster John Lewis brings his Texas roots to Charleston at Lewis Barbecue, another of the city’s popular food places. Famous for its succulent and flavorful beef brisket, this eatery also serves other mouth-watering choices such as hot guts sausage, pulled pork, and turkey breast. Lewis Barbecue also offers an array of enticing sides like green chili corn pudding and tangy slaw.

Lewis Barbecue also extends its charm outdoors with a spacious, dog-friendly patio perfect for soaking up the Southern sun while savoring their lip-smacking barbecue.

• Website: Lewis Barbecue
• Address: 464 N Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403
• Phone: (843) 805-9500

Luxurious Dining at Grill 225

Stepping into Grill 225, Charleston’s first USDA Prime steak house, is a venture into a realm of culinary luxury. They specialize in exquisite beef cuts, all aged for a minimum of 42 days. Whether it’s a filet mignon, New York strip, or a succulent ribeye, every dish is a journey of sumptuous flavors.

For seafood lovers, Grill 225 serves some of the best seafood in Charleston, SC. Their menu includes enticing options like jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster tails, and seared scallops.

• Website: Grill 225
• Address: 225 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Phone: (843) 266-4222

Authentic French Cuisine at Breizh Pan Crepes & Deli

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to satisfy your craving for authentic French cuisine, look no further than Breizh Pan Crepes & Deli. This intimate café boasts an extensive selection of savory and sweet crepes, all prepared in true Breton style. From the classic ham and cheese crepe to the tempting chocolate and banana crepe, the options are endless.

Breizh Pan Crepes & Deli is also a great choice for vegetarians, offering many delectable plant-based options. It’s a delightful spot for brunch Charleston, SC style, but with a French twist.

• Website: Breizh Pan Crepes
• Address: 39 George St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Phone: (843) 822-3313

Conclusion

Dining in Charleston, SC, is much more than a meal – it’s a journey filled with stories, heritage, and culture, all served on a plate. With this guide, you now have an insider’s tour of the best places to eat in Charleston. Whether you crave the best seafood in Charleston, SC, want to explore the brunch Charleston, SC style, or you’re on a quest for the best barbecue joint in town, this city never disappoints.

Remember, the gastronomic adventure doesn’t end here. Make sure to explore the culinary treasures that await at other nearby destinations, like the restaurants in Greenville, for a complete South Carolina food experience.

Bon Appétit!