Where Are the Best Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina?

When looking for the best restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina, there is no shortage of choices. With a diverse array of cuisines and an international flair, Charleston offers a world of culinary delights for even the most discerning palate. From casual dining spots to white-tablecloth atmospheres and high-end establishments, the city has something for every taste and budget.

To help you find the perfect restaurant for your next meal out in Charleston, here are some of the city’s best offerings.

Restaurants in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re looking for a fun, lively atmosphere, downtown Charleston is an ideal spot for food lovers. With local seafood at its finest, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right restaurant.

One standout spot is The Ordinary, located on King Street. Seafood, oysters and innovative dishes like roasted scallops and octopus puttanesca will bring a smile to your face. If steak is more your style, make sure to check out Hall’s Chophouse, where you can savor USDA prime cuts cooked to perfection. For an Italian experience, try La Fourchette on East Bay Street. The menu features handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas as well as decadent desserts crafted by pastry chef Yves Robert.

Best Restaurants in North Charleston, South Carolina

Located half-an-hour north of downtown Charleston, North Charleston is home to some of the city’s most noteworthy restaurants. Delight in the flavors of Southeast Asia at Holy Cow Thai Street Food, where you can sample dishes such as pad thai and pad see ew. For robust Italian flavors in a comfortable atmosphere, make sure to try Osteria La Fromagerie on Harborview Road. Expertly prepared pastas and world-class seafood are must-haves here. And if you’re craving Mexican specialties? Head to Taqueria La Venganza Taqueria y Mariscos where you can dine on tacos, burritos and a variety of seafood options in a casual setting.

South of Broad Restaurants in Charleston

The South of Broad area of Charleston is brimming with elegant restaurants. For classic French cuisine in a chic atmosphere, go to Spero on East Bay Street. The menu offers robust flavors such as steak tartare and seasonal seafood dishes like pan-seared seabass or local seafood stew. Highly acclaimed brunch spot Poogan’s Porch is also located here. Menu items include traditional Southern dishes like shrimp and grits and homemade buttermilk biscuits with house-cured ham.

Best African and Caribbean Restaurants in Charleston

If you’re looking for an exciting, flavorful culinary experience, don’t miss some of the best African and Caribbean restaurants in town. Start with Taste of West Africa, located on Summerville Avenue.Sample delectable dishes like jollof rice with plantain or shepherd’s pie with jerk chicken. And for an island experience head to Saffron on Meeting Street. Indulge in the flavors of India, Jamaica and Morocco with specialties like oxtail curry or fried plantains served with spicy jerk lamb shank.

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Charleston

Finally, it’s worth noting that the city has plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries as well. The Coconut Cult on Ashley Avenue offers plant-based Mexican, Caribbean and Latin American specialties like jackfruit tacos and burrito bowls made with Impossible meat. And Jianna on Meeting Street serves up Italian specialties like vegan parmesan cheese, mushroom carpaccio, and roasted eggplant pizza made with housemade vegan mozzarella.

Whether you are looking for something soft and cozy or lively and upscale, Charleston has all types of restaurants to offer food-lovers who visit the city. Make sure to do some researching ahead of time if you have specific dietary needs — this will help ensure that you get the most out of your visit by finding the perfect place for your taste buds each time you come to Charleston. In short, no matter your tastes or budget you will be able to find a place that perfectly caters to them in this amazing South Coastal city. Make sure to check out this guide from Eat Sharbinger for more suggestions about where to dine in Charleston!

Insider’s Guide: A Taste of Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is a city that will take your breath away. It is a place where history meets modernity, where charm and sophistication blend with a laid-back Southern attitude.

If you are planning a visit to Charleston, here are some insider tips to explore the city beyond the usual tourist itinerary.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Usual

When in Charleston, it’s easy to get caught up in the most prominent attractions. But for a true insider’s experience, explore the off-the-beaten-path places that only locals know. Visit the stunning Angel Oak Tree, a 500-year-old live oak with a unique, sprawling canopy that provides a perfect backdrop for a picnic. Take a stroll through West Ashley Greenway, a 10.5-mile bike path that snakes through tidal creeks, salt marshes, and forests.

Another hidden gem, the Magnolia Cemetery, might not be on your conventional itinerary, but it has a fascinating history and breathtaking views. It’s the final resting place for notable figures, including politicians, writers, and even Civil War soldiers.

Cuisine: A Journey through Charleston’s Dining Scene

Charleston’s dining scene is exceptional, and stunning diversity exists in its cuisine. Whether you are a fan of seafood, Southern-style food, or international recipes, the restaurants in Charleston have something for every palate.

Start with a visit to The Ordinary, a seafood-focused restaurant that sources its fish straight from local waters. The Ordinary’s oyster services are world-famous, and the caviar is delightful. Explore the taste of South Carolina at Lewis Barbecue, where the legendary pitmaster, John Lewis, serves mouth-watering beef brisket, pork ribs, sausages, and all the Southern sides.

Experience Charleston’s vibrant food culture and history through a food tour. Taste of Charleston is a guided food tour that takes you through the city to meet the local artisans, sample gourmet foods, and experience Lowcountry cuisine.

Cultural Experiences: Charleston’s Rich Traditions

Charleston is a cultural hotspot that boasts world-class museums and galleries. Visit The Charleston Art Gallery to admire an extensive collection of contemporary and traditional artwork created by local artists. Housed in a beautiful Georgian mansion, the Gibbes Museum of Art showcases an impressive assortment of American paintings, works on paper, and sculptures.

Experience Charleston’s music culture at The Music Farm, a local venue steeped in traditional and contemporary music. Explore the city’s historical roots by attending a performance at Dock Street Theatre, America’s oldest playhouse. It has hosted stars such as George Gershwin and Edwin Booth.

The Past Meets the Present: Charleston’s Historical Legacy

Charleston’s history is a remarkable journey marked by turbulent times, tragedies, and achievements. Explore the city’s role in the Civil War by visiting Fort Sumter, a historic landmark that witnessed some of the war’s significant battles. At the Old Slave Mart Museum, learn about Charleston’s past as the nation’s most significant slave-trading city. You might also want to visit the Aiken-Rhett House, a preserved mansion that vividly depicts Charleston’s wealthy merchant class’s opulent lifestyle from the late 18th to mid-19th centuries.

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Charleston’s Hidden Gems

For an immersive and authentic Charleston experience, you have to go beyond the ordinary. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride at night, and you’ll experience everything that Charleston is famous for- its breathtaking architecture, illuminated gardens, and historic landmarks. Visit Caw Caw Interpretive Center, an 11-campground with miles of trails that takes you through South Carolina’s diverse ecosystem.

Take a scenic drive along the Southern coastline down to Edisto Island, where you can enjoy a day surrounded by beautiful beaches, marshlands, and natural wildlife. Or visit the Charleston Tea Plantation, America’s only working tea plantation, where you can take a fascinating tour and taste some of the homegrown tea.

Charleston is a place that blends the old and new, where you can escape to another time and delight in the finest things life has to offer. We hope this insider’s guide will help you discover its authentic charm and hidden treasures and create unforgettable memories.