Where to Find the Best Food in Charleston?

Charleston is one of the few Southern cities that offer an abundance of fine dining options, from upscale seafood restaurants to small hole-in-the-wall spots. If you’re looking for the best food Charleston has to offer, you’re in luck. The city offers a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional Lowcountry cuisine to the freshest seafood and some of the most innovative restaurants in the South. We’ve rounded up the eight essential restaurants to try in Charleston and what to order at each one.

First, there is The Ordinary. Located right on Upper King Street, The Ordinary offers modern interpretations of classic seafood dishes, like their signature shrimp and scallop over creamy grits with bacon and Ameri-Della ham. They also have an extensive oyster selection, as well as a great selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and craft cocktails.

If you’re looking for a traditional Lowcountry dining experience, FIG is perfect. Located in downtown Charleston, FIG offers a variety of classic Southern dishes like Frogmore Stew, She-Crab Soup, and Geechie Boy Grits. They also have a great selection of desserts, like Pecan Torte and Buttermilk Pie.

One of the most unique dining experiences in Charleston is the newly opened Two Boroughs Larder. The restaurant utilizes farm-to-table practices and sources ingredients from local farms, fisheries, and trawlers. The menu is constantly changing, but it typically features creative sandwiches, daily-special entrées and even a “snack bar” section with housemade charcuterie and amazing salads.

For seafood lovers, Headmaster Seafood is a must-visit spot. Located in West Ashley, Headmaster offers creative seafood dishes like lamb belly grilled octopus and grilled romaine hearts with mussels. And don’t forget to check out their selection of housecrafted cocktails.

If you’re looking for something a little more casual, Hominy Grill is one of Charleston’s jewels. Hominy Grill serves up classic breakfast dishes like shrimp and grits with bacon, as well as daily lunch specials like chicken and dumplings.

Another casual spot to check out is The Alley Downtown on East Bay Street. This restaurant offers burgers and sandwiches, as well as an assortment of pies for dessert.

For an upscale dining experience, Halls Chophouse is a great choice. Halls Chophouse features prime steaks from all over the US, as well as sides like Lobster Mac & Cheese and Creamed Spinach with Bacon.

Last but not least, check out 195 King Street Kitchen and Bar. This restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Charleston and offers traditional favorites like Pimento Cheese Burger Bites and Fried Pickles alongside more unusual creations like Wednesday night’s Chili Bowls and Sweet Potato Tacos.

With all of these amazing places to eat in Charleston, you really can’t go wrong – no matter where you choose to dine. From upscale steakhouse-style restaurants to casual canteens and everything in between, Charleston has something to offer everyone – no matter your preference or budget.

If you’re still looking for more options when it comes to figuring out where to find good food in Charleston, one of the best places to look is Charleston Grit. At Charleston Grit, you can find curated lists of the best places to eat in Charleston all in one place, sorted by type of cuisine, location and budget. So if you’re looking for great food in Charleston, why not get started with Charleston Grit?

An Insider’s Guide to Charleston: Where to Find the Best Food and More

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in history, art, and culture. There’s no shortage of sights to see and explorations to experience, but as a traveler, you might miss out on some unique gems that only locals know about. Here’s an insider’s guide to the best of Charleston, from restaurants to cultural experiences and lesser-known attractions.

Local attractions

Charleston has an intriguing mix of centuries-old buildings and newer architectural marvels. Everyone knows about Rainbow Row, the historic quarter where houses adorned in pastel hues line the streets. But if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, visit the Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston. This tree-lined, serene quadrangle is surrounded by 19th-century academic buildings and is open for visitors. Charleston City Market is another must-visit, boasting a vast collection of souvenirs, crafts, and artworks from local artisans.

If you’re interested in nature, then the Magnolia Cemetery is an excellent choice. Located on the banks of the Cooper River, this historic cemetery has a beautiful landscape that’s ideal for a peaceful stroll.

Dining Spots

Charleston is a foodie paradise with a unique cuisine that blends Southern American, Caribbean and French influences. For breakfast, head over to Hominy Grill, a favorite of locals known for dishing up delicious grits and huevos rancheros. For lunch, venture out to the Tattooed Moose for their duck fat fries and buffalo chicken sandwich. As for dinner, try 82 Queen, a restaurant located in a 200-year-old building where you can sample everything from She Crab Soup to Shrimp and Grits.

Charleston’s food scene is more than just the cuisine; it’s about the history behind it. A visit to the Charleston Tea Plantation, founded in 1963, is a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of tea cultivation in America. It offers a glimpse of not only tea production but also the Gullah culture and how African people used tea as a medicinal herb.

Cultural experiences

One of the most fascinating and unique cultural communities in Charleston is the Gullah/Geechee people. The Gullah/Geechee culture is a blend of African and American traditional culture, language, and cuisine. You can take a Gullah tour in the city to learn about their history, art, food, and spirituality. The annual MOJA Arts Festival, a haven for jazz music, theater, dance, and visual arts, is another cultural treat you don’t want to miss.

Charleston is also known for its grand plantation houses with exceptional architecture. The Aiken-Rhett Museum, which was once the elegant residence of a wealthy Governor, offers a chance to travel back in time and learn about the 19th-century South’s lifestyle.

Local history

Charleston is a city that has seen both the worst and the best of American history. The Old Slave Mart Museum, built-in 1859, is a preserved site that sheds light on the city’s dark past and honors the enslaved Africans. Fort Sumter, the site of the commencement of the American Civil War, marks Charleston’s significant role in American history.

Another place of historical significance in Charleston is the Dock Street Theater, America’s first theater, established in 1736. George Washington himself watched a play here during his tour of the nation. It’s still an active venue that showcases plays, classic concerts, operas, and more.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

For a unique and offbeat experience, take a boat trip down the Wando River. You can observe the barrier islands and the marine wildlife that call them home. Alternatively, take a bike ride through the city lined up with shady avenues and peek into historic homes and buildings. If you’re in the mood for something spooky, take a ghost tour and learn about Charleston’s haunted past.

Final thoughts

Charleston is a city with history and culture that offers an exciting, unconventional, and unforgettable experience for visitors. Exploring its less-trodden paths and experiencing its unique food culture will give you an authentic understanding of the city. With this insider’s guide, uncover the hidden treasures, culture, and history that makes Charleston so special.