Some would say Charleston tastes as good as it looks.
Many come to Charleston with one thing on their mind: food. The best grits you’ll ever have, prepared in ways you never imagined. Festive dockside oyster roasts. High-end restaurants. Outdoor cafés. Fresh from the dock seafood. Every meal is an event in itself. Prepared with perfection. Served with a warm smile. Enjoy.(Downtown Charleston)
An eclectic Lowcountry bistro brimming with contagious energy, devoted to local ingredients and thoughtful presentation. Here the dining room is a natural extension of the kitchen, a place where culinary skill, warm service and conversations meld together. Dinner nightly. Lunch M-F.
Husk is a celebration of the South, using only ingredients sourced from Southern farmers and purveyors. Adjacent to the restaurant space holds the bar at Husk, where a progressive wine list, Southern beers, and handcrafted cocktails are also available.
McCrady’s has been a downtown destination for generations. The elegant setting showcases Chef Sean Brock’s pursuit of the finest products available, many of which come from the Lowcountry. McCrady’s offers Modern American cuisine, an award-winning wine cellar and impeccable Four-Diamond service.
See what’s fresh at Charleston’s original raw bar and restaurant right on historic Market Street. Completely renovated with a new menu inspired by classic Charleston tradition that includes stuffed shrimp, she-crab soup, and seafood casserole that’s a legend among locals! Craft beers and a full bar.
By design and cuisine, Hank's resembles a decades-old market area fixture reminiscent of a classic 1940s Charleston fish house. Chef Frank McMahon serves local classics and innovative specials. Named Best Seafood Restaurant 13 years running by Charleston City Paper. Dinner nightly.
The SpiritLine Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina features fine cuisine prepared to order onboard, entertainment, dancing, fully stocked bar, and a magnificent cruise on Charleston Harbor. Departs Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mt. Pleasant. Call for information and reservations.
Our reflection of high steppin’ Lowcountry livin’, a mix of tasty, local ingredients, an inspired wine and cocktail program, Charleston hospitality and celebratory spirit! Dinner nightly. Saturday lunch. Sunday Jazz brunch. Live music nightly and happy hour specials from 4 – 7 pm.
Overlooking the historic City Market, Mercato combines an expressive, stylish, sexy and fun attitude with authentic and fresh Italian regional classics. The sophisticated surroundings include a European-style bar framed by richly-hued Venetian plaster walls. Live Jazz nightly.
Serving Fresh Lowcountry seafood everyday! Indoor/patio seating and banquet rooms are available. Visit James Island for waterfront dining or Market Street for rooftop dining. Reservations recommended.
Circa 1886 is home to some of Charleston’s finest fare. With a wine list that boasts close to 280 bottles, and contemporary cuisine influenced by Charleston’s rich history, diners experience an intimate evening that won’t soon be forgotten. Complimentary parking and patio dining. M-Sa 5pm.
The Peninsula Grill experience combines the very best Lowcountry produce and seafood with the finest ingredients, flown in daily from around the world. Enjoy Chef Graham Dailey’s innovative regional cuisine in our elegant dining room or the romantic courtyard. Reservations coveted.
Open 7 days a week. Voted best seafood in Southeast by Southern Living Magazine reader’s poll survey out of 18 states and 8 years running. A fourth or fifth generation are in the building 7 days a week to insure 100% satisfaction. A Hymen establishment since 1890.
From the ordinary to the extraordinary, Caviar & Bananas offers an epicurean experience to excite the senses. This upscale specialty food destination features gourmet prepared foods, sandwiches, salads, sushi, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, beer, wine, an espresso bar and more! Open 7 days. Second location in the City Market Great Hall: 188 Meeting Street.
Dinner only. Cypress opened in 2001 in downtown Charleston, S.C. Led by two-time James Beard nominee Craig Deihl, the restaurant’s team uses Lowcountry ingredients to showcase Deihl’s eclectic style as well as an in-house charcuterie program producing over 80 types of meats. Private dining available for groups up to 70 people.
Sunday Brunch 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; M-Sa Lunch 11:00 am- 3:45 pm; M-Su Dinner 4:00 – until. Blossom, located on historic East Bay Street in downtown Charleston, S.C., serves
American cuisine highlighting the Lowcountry’s best seafood. Executive chef Adam Close and his team offer simple, clean preparations which feature ingredients sourced from area
fishermen and local farmers. Private dining available for parties of 8-20.
One block from the historic Market area, Tommy Condon’s is a longtime Charleston tradition. Find an experience crafted after a true Irish pub, offering an atmosphere appropriate for families, couples and folks just looking to hoist a pint! Live Irish music Wednesday–Sunday nights.
The acclaimed Forbes Four Star Charleston Grill features a unique balance of Southern, French and Contemporary cuisines by Chef Michelle Weaver, live jazz nightly, impeccable service and a nearly 1,300-label wine list. Charleston Grill is a favorite among locals.
A southern twist on New York Delis, East Bay Deli is locally owned with five convenient locations. Voted "Best Deli" in Charleston for nine years running, they offer choices for the health conscious and those that like to splurge!
Burwell's Stone Fire Grill's stunning renovation represents classic Charleston dining, housing a premier culinary team passionate about prime steak, local seafood, and hospitality that guests crave. One of the newest hot spots downtown, and clearly the next generation of great steakhouses!
Certified Angus Beef steaks, Lowcountry specialties, combined with fresh local seafood. For over two decades, TBonz Gill & Grill has provided the community with a relaxed dining atmosphere, seasonally fresh menu and excellence in service. Award-winning selection of Homegrown Ales , family-friendly options.
Kaminsky’s entices visitors into its cozy, coffee shop environs with a rotating selection of delectable, daily-made desserts, pastries, pies and other treats, in addition to heaping milkshakes, specialty coffees and cold beverage creations. A full beer, wine and liquor selection.
Just off the historic Market area, a favorite among locals, Bocci’s is known for their fresh pastas, homemade sauces, veal, chicken and seafood. When combined with an excellent wine list, espresso, cappuccino, and desserts, Bocci’s delivers an Italian dining experience unique to downtown.
This sophisticated Southern dining spot blends the comforts of a traditional Southern kitchen with familiar regional dishes prepared with the utmost care for quality and flavor. The menu incorporates local fresh ingredients and old family recipes to bring you Southern cooking, Lowcountry style.
Magnolias ignited a culinary renaissance when it opened in Charleston, S.C., in 1990. Today, led by executive chef Donald Drake, Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with modern flair for artful presentations.
Private dining available for parties of 20-130.
Halls Chophouse is a family owned restaurant valuing hospitality and a dining experience that guests revere. Dinner is served seven nights a week and a fabulous Gospel Brunch is offered on Sundays, all with live music. Halls Chophouse…bringing Southern hospitality to the American Steakhouse.
Fun, eclectic restaurant serving the very best fresh seafood Charleston has to offer. Mix of raw shellfish, local seafood, Lowcountry recipes and regional favorites. Raw bar offers a variety of oysters and fresh seasonal shellfish, and a full-service bar serves up cold beers and unique cocktails.
39 Rue de Jean
French style cafe and bar offering the best in Brasserie cuisine. Indoor/outdoor patio seating, predominantly French wine list with champagne and sakes. Sunday Brunch from 10am, lunch daily from 11:30am, dinner service beginning at 5:30pm. Late night menu through 1am.
82 Queen
A staple in Lowcountry cuisine for 30 years, we've never forgotten our roots. Executive Chef Steven Lusby continues “Reconstructing the South” with fresh, local cuisine and gracious hospitality. 11 quaint dining areas and a 19th century courtyard underneath a breathtaking Southern Magnolia tree.
Aaron’s Deli
Aaron’s Deli is a New York style deli with Southern hospitality. Serving great deli sandwiches, po-boys and huge burgers. Aaron’s is located next door to Hyman’s Seafood and is a Hyman’s family business for 23 years.
Alluette’s Café
Alluette’s Café, a “slow food movement restaurant” is open for lunch and dinner. Its Lowcountry Gullah-Geechee menu offers local organic fruits and vegetables, hormone free meats, vegetarian, and vegan options. Rave reviews from O magazine and Southern Living.
Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar
Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar, located in the heart of Charleston's Historic District, specializes in fresh, local, sustainable seafood. We have a wide variety of oysters, clams, shellfish and fish. Full service bar with wine, beer and craft cocktails.
Anson Restaurant
Open Su-Th 5:30-10pm;F-Sa 5:30-11pm, Bar Opens Daily at 4pm. Charleston flavors and elegant decor in the heart of the old City Market. Specializing in delicious seafood caught daily in Charleston waters. Crispy whole flounder, shrimp & grits, oysters, intimate dining. Private rooms available.
Bake House
Bake House Charleston is the historic district's preeminent bakery and coffee house, offering tantalizing cakes, cookies, brownie bars, tarts, quiches, sandwiches and our delectable custom-roasted Bake House Blend coffee, conveniently located on East Bay Street between The Battery and The Market.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market
You’ll love what Bubba’s servin’ up! Come experience this delightful destination filled with fantastic food and fun, where each visit creates fresh memories for family and friends, and each visit tops the last. Menu includes a variety of Southern and Cajun dishes!
Butcher & Bee
A craft sandwich shop serving honest to goodness sandwiches made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Open for lunch and late night.
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Pâtissier
Transport yourself to France...Located on Society Street right off of King Street, third generation French Chocolatier Christophe Paume is creating an art of chocolates and pastries. Featuring hand-painted chocolates, french pastry, baguette sandwiches and french press coffee. Visit the French Chocolate Cafe.
Coast Bar & Grill
Charleston’s freshest seafood, with laidback Lowcountry style. Coast’s chefs meet daily with local farmers and fishermen to procure the freshest seafood and produce available. Featuring wood-grilled fish, a full raw bar, and a refreshing drink list. Open nightly from 5:30. Outdoor seating available.
Cru Cafe
It’s the Holy City’s hidden gem. Located in a classic 18th-Century Charleston home near the Market, Cru Cafe offers gourmet comfort food such as Four Cheese Macaroni and Chinese Chicken Salad. Guests can dine inside or on our outdoor porch.
Cupcake
Fans flock to Cupcake, Charleston's first and only bakery dedicated to happiness in a paper liner. Flavors rotate daily, and are complemented by vegan and gluten-free flavors. Find out why so many folks (including USA Today and Ellen DeGeneres) are sweet on Cupcake!
Dixie Supply Cafe & Bakery
Traditional Lowcountry dishes. Breakfast, including creamy stone-ground grits, omelets, Stuffed French Toast and pancakes. Lunch, homemade pickles, tomato pie, daily specials or a classic Dixie Burger, done your way! Bakery & more. As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. “Eat dessert first, life is uncertain.”
FIG
At this neighborhood bistro, James Beard winner Chef Mike Lata serves up seasonal cuisine, focusing on fresh, sustainable product from local farmers. FIG has been featured in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Food Network and The New York Times.
FISH
South Carolina’s only French Master Chef Nico Romo blends classic French technique with artful Asian flair to create a menu complementing local harvests. Straight-off-the-boat seafood, innovative dim sum, handcrafted cocktails and boutique wines. Local favorite for quick, creative $10 lunch.
Fleet Landing
Fleet Landing is historic downtown's Best Waterfront Dining featuring classic & contemporary Southern seafood fare, regional favorites, burgers, salads & more. Enjoy waterfront views from the wrap-around deck and maritime chic dining room. Reservations recommended, full bar, parking, family friendly.
Food for the Southern Soul
"Get your 'Cue On!" at Food For The Southern Soul's City Market 'Cue-osk featuring our award-winning BlackJack Barbecue. Pulled Pork & Sliced Beef Brisket Sandwiches with Lowcountry Red Rice & Macaroni & Cheese. Grab it to go or a seat.
Hominy Grill
Nationally acclaimed and locally beloved, Hominy Grill is a Charleston institution. James Beard award-winning chef Robert Stehling has won accolades nationwide for his simple, pared-down approach to classic low country specialties served in a cozy and lively setting.
Lowcountry Bistro
Lowcountry cuisine with a creative touch featuring fresh, local ingredients and simple, southern, scratch cooking. With double Charleston porches and a gorgeous view overlooking the Market, LB's offers Charleston favorites like She Crab Soup, Chicken & Waffles, Shrimp & Grits, and more.
Manny's Neighborhood Grill
Convenient to historic plantations and sites, folks from all walks of life come in for the energy-charged atmosphere, warm welcome and superb food. Specializing in seafood, pasta, pizza and Mediterranean cuisine. Manny's Neighborhood Grill, where the food is delicious and the fun never ends!
Nicks Bar-B-Q
Everything is scratch-made. Yes, Everything! From our BBQ that is slow-smoked for up to 14 hours to our flour-and-rolling Pin-Fresh pies you can taste tradition in every bite. Join us for Lunch and Dinner.
O-Ku
Named one of Esquire’s Top 20 Best New Restaurants of 2010, O-Ku offers upscale Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist that showcases rare seafood from the world’s finest fish markets in a modern atmosphere on upper King Street.
Oak Steakhouse
Oak Steakhouse captures the essence of fine dining in Charleston, offering an inspired menu of succulent steaks, seafood specialties and vegetarian dishes in a stunning setting inside a restored 150-year-old bank on historic Broad Street.
Old Towne Grill & Seafood
We are Charleston landmark being the oldest family owned restaurant in Charleston. Specializing in flame grilled steaks, broiled-steamed-fried seafood, slow roasted chicken, large salads, great sandwiches, Greek dishes, desserts and full bar. Private dining rooms available for larger groups.
Poogan’s
Tucked away on charming Queen Street, Poogan’s Porch is Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishment. Recognized by Martha Stewart Living, Wine Spectator and The Travel Channel, this beautifully restored Victorian house is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner or brunch.
Sermet's Downtown
Sermet's Downtown combines an elegant Charleston fine dining atmosphere with crisp hospitable service to create the ultimate culinary experience. The open & uplifting restaurant design offers true Mediterranean cuisine that maintains the integrity of it's roots- fresh, innovative, and healthy.
Social Restaurant + Wine Bar
Social Restaurant + Wine Bar is the preeminent wine bar of Charleston. Housed in a 19th century warehouse, Social offers more than 50 wines by the glass from its 4,000 bottle wine cellar. The Modern American cuisine is meant to be shared + complement the wine.
Southend Brewery and Smokehouse
Southend Brewery and Smokehouse specializes in custom-crafted beers and excellent regional cuisine including smoked BBQ and wood oven pizzas. Southend features two private harbor-view banquet rooms and live music in the main dining room.
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room brings the art of live fire cooking to Charleston. Executive Chef Thurston focuses on the details of seasoning, balance and presentation of each dish. Dedicated to serving locally sourced food, Stars’ menus are not to be missed.
Sticky Fingers Ribhouse
Our famous ribs, wings, brisket and barbecue are smoked onsite over hickory wood and complemented with traditional, southern sides and our five signature barbecue sauces for an authentic smokehouse experience. Also located in Mt. Pleasant and Summerville. Open daily at 11 a.m.
Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar
Casual dining featuring regional specialties reminiscent of the old south. Award-winning shrimp & grits and Certified SC farm fresh ingredients, which are artfully prepared by Chef Klatt. Overlooks historic Marion Square and features evening live jazz piano. Private dining in The Parkview Room for 30.
Sweet CeCe's
Like no other frozen yogurt shoppe, Sweet CeCe's delights guests with its 14' tall "walk-in" toppings silo! Locally harvested farm-fresh berries, other natural and decadent toppings fill our "cold-bar". The ultimate vacation experience for frozen yogurt lovers! Sweet CeCe's has no sugar added, non-fat and gluten free frozen yogurt flavors.
Ted's Burtcherblock
Ted's is a locally owned and operated butcher shop and gourmet market offering the finest selection of meats and prepared foods in the Lowcountry. Enjoy homemade prepared meals, sandwiches, boutique wines, hand-crafted beers, artisanal cheeses and specialty foods. Hours: Tues-Sat 11am-7pm
The Grocery
The Grocery presents an ingredient inspired menu rooted in Southern and Mediterranean flavors ranging from small bites to family style portions. The warm, familial setting boasts an open kitchen and wood-burning oven, heightening the atmosphere in the former furniture warehouse.
The Library at Vendue Inn
The Library at Vendue Inn offers a creative new upscale approach to Southern cuisine. Whatever the occasion, the Library offers the perfect mixture of ambiance, service and outstanding menu options. Lowcountry reborn fresh local innovative.
The Macintosh
The Macintosh explores the breadth of Lowcountry flavors in a comfortable setting. Executive chef and partner Jeremiah Bacon creates upscale, American cooking using the seasonal bounty provided by local farmers and fishermen throughout the menu.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary is a James Beard nominated convivial seafood hall and oyster bar, helmed by award-winning Chef Mike Lata. Housed in a thoughtfully restored historic bank in the Upper King District, Lata supports local and regional fisherman, farmers and producers.
Tristan
Located in the heart of Charleston, Tristan offers a modern atmosphere, dynamic seasonal menus and unparalleled service. Menus feature inspired twists on traditional ingredients. Dinner service begins at 5:30. Lounge Happy Hour begins at 5. Sunday Brunch: 11:30 to 2:30.
Verde
Verde is a quick service, salad-focused restaurant. Our fresh, healthy ingredients and specialty dressings take salads and wraps to a whole new level. Build your own or try one of our signature creations, for under $10.00. Hours: Mon-Sat, 11am-9pm; Sun, 11am-5pm.
Wentworth Grill
A hidden gem in the Historic District; savor mouth-watering selections thoughtfully created by experienced Chef Tyler Murray. Enjoy the ambiance with patio seating and fireside dining. Plus, cool cocktails, warm lattes and free WiFi make the lounge a perfect escape.





























