Where to Eat the Best Cuisine in Charleston, SC?

Whenever you visit Charleston, South Carolina, you will find that the food here is nothing to be trifled with. The Charleston region is known for its great food and its unique style of cooking. Whether you’re looking to try traditional Southern cuisine or something exotic, you’re sure to find a place that has what you’re craving. Here are some of the best restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina, where you can experience the very best in local flavors.

Husk

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Charleston, Husk should be at the top of your list. This upscale restaurant serves up dishes that feature ingredients sourced exclusively from local farms, artisans, and fishermen. The menu changes seasonally, so you can always find something new and exciting to try. Husk is famous for its $65 prix-fixe dinner menu and its exquisite wine selection. Even better, the restaurant offers private dining for those who want to take their experience up a notch.

Leon’s Oyster Shop

When it comes to seafood in Charleston, most locals will tell you that Leon’s Oyster Shop is the place to go. This restaurant has a relaxed vibe and serves up some amazing seafood dishes. The menu includes fried oysters, jambalaya, gumbo, coconut shrimp and more. On Monday evenings, the restaurant serves up its “$1 shrimp special” – fresh local shrimp cooked in the restaurant’s secret recipe and served with hush puppies and pickles. Of course, while you’re here, be sure to order an oyster PoBoy sandwich as well!

Poogan’s Porch

If Southern cuisine is what you’re after, then you definitely need to head to Poogan’s Porch. This restaurant has been offering up traditional Southern specialties since 1976. The menu offers up favorites like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese fritters, and pulled pork sandwiches. Be sure to try the “fried shrimp and grits” – it’s a classic dish that’s perfect for locals and visitors alike.

Five Loaves Cafe

For a more casual dining experience, Five Loaves Café is a great option. This café has been serving Charleston locals since 2008 and offers up delicious meals made with fresh ingredients. Here you’ll find sandwiches, salads and soups in addition to daily specials like fish tacos, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and pesto pizzas. Plus, the café has an extensive beer and wine list as well as plenty of vegan options.

Slightly North of Broad

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, then Slightly North of Broad should be at the top of your list. This award-winning restaurant has been offering up innovative takes on traditional Southern cuisine since 1992. The menu includes favorites like she-crab soup, housemade pimento cheese, and hickory-roasted pork tenderloin. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience while in Charleston, be sure to check out Slightly North of Broad.

Charleston has no shortage of incredible restaurants where you can get a true taste of local flavor and cuisine. Whether you prefer a casual dining experience or an upscale one, there’s something for everyone here in Charleston. Be sure to check out some of the restaurants listed above for a truly unforgettable dining experience!

To learn more about the amazing restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina check out this article from Condé Nast Traveler.

Insiders’ Guide to Eating the Best Cuisine in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in American history, colonial charm, and fantastic cuisine. Over the last decade, Charleston’s dining scene has exploded onto the national stage, with multiple restaurants receiving a James Beard Foundation Award. So, whether you are looking for exceptional seafood, classic southern dishes, or modern, innovative cuisine, Charleston has something for everyone. Here is an insider’s guide to the best dining spots in Charleston, South Carolina.

Local Attractions

Charleston, SC, is full of charm, beauty, and southern hospitality. There are plenty of attractions to see for visitors, including the iconic Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter National Monument, and the Charleston City Market. The city has many historic homes, with The Battery and the Nathaniel Russell House being some of the most popular. The beaches around Charleston are gorgeous, and visitors can choose between Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms for a day beyond the city’s bustling streets.

Local History

Charleston was founded in 1670, and the city is rich in historic sites. The city’s historic district is home to many of the oldest buildings in the city, and the churches are also iconic assets. One of the most famous is St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, which is over 300 years old. The city also played a significant role in the Civil War, and Fort Sumter, where the war began, is one of the most visited sites by tourists to the region. Charleston’s history is not without a difficult past, and the city has worked hard to acknowledge and showcase the stories of the enslaved Black people who built the city.

Dining

Charleston’s food scene is a highlight for locals and tourists. The city is full of talented chefs, celebrated restaurants, and mouthwatering local bites. Known as the “holy city,” Charleston’s cuisine is a mix of traditional southern fare and contemporary cuisine. Seafood is the city’s most celebrated genre, with soft-shell crabs, shrimp and grits, and she-crab soup being a favourite dish among locals. The mac and cheese at Hominy Grill is a must-try, and fried chicken from Martha Lou’s Kitchen is also a must-visit spot for authentic southern hospitality. The Ordinary offers fantastic seafood and oysters, and Husk is a quintessential Southern restaurant where everything is made locally. Charleston wine and food festival is an iconic annual event where visitors get to experience the best cuisine across the city.

Cultural Experience

Charleston is known for its cultural art, from theatrical productions to museums. The city’s theatres include the Halsey Galleries, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and the Dock Street Theatre, all of which showcase the history of Charleston’s most celebrated artists. Apart from that, Fringe Arts Festival is an annual celebration of contemporary performing arts with local and international performers.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

Charleston is a vibrant city with many hidden gems tucked away for those who look hard enough. The Angel Oak Tree is a short drive from the city, and it’s a grand oak tree reputed to be over 400 years old and has survived many natural disasters. If you’re looking for an adventure, then kayaking on the Folly River is a must-do experience. The kayaks are affordable, and the scenery is fantastic. The best time to visit Charleston is in the spring or fall, and the low country is full of events during these seasons, such as the Charleston Marathon, one of the largest marathons in the state.

In conclusion, Charleston is a destination worth visiting for its stunning scenery, rich history, authentic southern cuisine, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Whether you’re there for a weekend getaway or a more extended stay, Charleston is a city that will steal your heart.