• Dining in Historic Charleston

Charleston South Carolina Restaurants


Historic Downtown Peninsula Dining No matter your choice of meal, whether it be a light brunch or an elegant five-course dinner at one of the country's top restaurants, Charleston offers it all and then some! With the best restaurants in Charleston, SC to choose from, You'll have your pick of traditional southern fare, fresh and local seafood.

Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina, are one of the many ways our beautiful city shows its multicultural diversity, with options for gourmet cuisines with French, African, Spanish, or Caribbean influences. There is also a variety of Charleston restaurants for those with more casual tastes. Are you looking for a great taco? We've got you covered. Sushi more your style? When you are looking for the best Charleston restaurants, certainly has many of them listed below:

289 East Bay Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 579-4997
Fish Market and Oyster Bar. Open Monday - Saturday @ 11am. Closed Sunday.
No Reservations
39 John Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 722-8881
French brasserie. Burgers, steaks, sushi, and salads. Indoor-outdoor patio seating. Lunch and Dinner Served. Bar open until 2:00 a.m., Sunday Brasserie Brunch. Outdoor Patio Dining. Private Group 130 ppl.
82 Queen St. Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-7591
Lowcountry cuisine, she-crab soup, crab cakes, barbecue shrimp & grits. Garden Courtyard. Daily Lunch and Dinner. Sunday Brunch. Outdoor Courtyard Dining. Private Group 36 ppl.
12 Anson St. Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-0551
Anson hopes to reopen in early November '15. Seafood, chops, light entrees, barbecue or cashew-crusted grouper, she crab soup, shrimp & grits. Dinner Nightly. Private Group 100 ppl.
160 East Bay Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 577-2180
630 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 577-5393
Barsa a Spanish tapas restaurant located on Upper King Street [the corner of King and Line Streets] serves everything from small plates to paellas perfect for any size group. Free parking, a courtyard for dining and cocktails, and have become a destination spot for those seeking fine wine and a locally sourced and seasonally inspired menu.
549 East Bay Street Charleston SC 29403
(843) 266-2437
Big (i.e. Bier) things are happening on the corner of East Bay and Chapel in Charleston, SC! Taps at your table and craft beer always on tap. Charleston's first high-tech Biergarten. Bavarian inspired-southern made cuisine, bier cocktails, wine, liquor, TV's, Outdoor Patio and a Bier Wall.
96 North Market Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 853-3888
Your favorite Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
40 Broad Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 853-8081
Wes puts together a very diverse menu. The Muffaletta is un-paralleled in the city and his Curry Chicken Salad is another top menu item. In addition, he loves to incorporate great Asian influences and, most importantly, the great Southern BBQ cooking he grew up eating.
Reservations are not required.
14 N. Market Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 737-8700
Perfect for everyday dining or a special evening out, Burwell's Stone Fire Grill has stepped things up a notch. This is the first of the next generation of steakhouses... high energy, affordable and exceptional quality.
1085 Morrison Drive Charleston SC 29403
(843) 619-0202
At Butcher & Bee, they lovingly craft sandwiches using time-honored preparation techniques using the finest local ingredients the region has to offer with an ever-changing menu both adventurous and familiar.
1 Ashley Pointe Drive Charleston SC 29407
(843) 766-1644
Great food, fabulous view of the harbor and historic Charleston featuring a wrap-around deck & bar overlooking the Ashley River; accessibility for groups, and curbside to-go.
Call to book reservations (843) 766-1644
476 King St Charleston SC 29403
(843) 737-5159
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit are our small grab & go eateries serving a variety of piping hot Callie's award-wining biscuits, pimento cheese sandwiches, and a range of other delicious and locally inspired breakfast, lunch and late night treats.
Reservations not required.
103 Spring Street Charleston SC 29407
(843) 817-7311
Cannon Green provides an updated spin on entertaining. An inspired restaurant, elegant walled courtyard, and historic private event room for up to 225 guests make up this unique urban space that has been thoroughly renovated to expertly carry out all of your most important celebrations. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 5:00 - 11pm with dinner service starting at 5:30pm and brunch on Sunday from 11am-3pm.
51 George Street & 188 Meeting Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 577-7757
The Caviar & Bananas experience is filled with a love of best-of-breed products, sourced locally and from around the globe. Our gourmet market and cafe is designed to indulge and gratify the five senses with all things gourmet. Bring an appetite. Bring a friend. Bon appetite. Open 7 days a week.
224 King Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-4522
The menu, which changes regularly, is divided into four categories: Pure, Lush, Southern, and Cosmopolitan, each section beautifully reflecting its title, or allow the chef to create your own special tasting menu. Jazz Nightly. Dinner Nightly. Private Group 40 ppl.
6 Payne Court Charleston SC 29403
(843) 579-3060
We are a pint-sized, convivial, neighborhood restaurant located in downtown Charleston, which features food & wine from Southern France, Northern Italy & Northern Spain. Lunch & Dinner Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am - 3:00pm & 5:30 pm - 10:30pm
Reservations not required.
86 Society Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 965-5866
Specializing in crafting mouth-watering meals and providing superb customer service. Order online for delivery or pickup!
149 Wentworth Street Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 853-7828
Drawing inspiration from classic Southern dishes and always highlighting what is local and in season, Executive Chef Marc Collins puts a healthful, distinctive spin on classic Lowcountry dishes. Menu changes seasonally. Dinner Mon-Sat. Private Group 38 ppl.
39-D John St. (behind 39 Rue de Jean Hutson Alley) Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 722-8838
Coast's chefs meet daily with local farmers and fishermen to procure the freshest seafood and produce in the Lowcountry. At the heart of the restaurant is the hickory and oak custom made wood burning grill, a feature you will only find at Coast. Dinner Nightly. Outdoor Patio Dining. Private Group 31 ppl.
18 Pinckney Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 534-2434
Cru Cafe is a culinary destination off the beaten path in in a classic 18th century Charleston single-style home. Cru Cafe and its award-winning Cru Catering division are consistently ranked as top eateries by locals and tourists alike. Open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday - Saturday.
1081 Morrison Drive Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 727-1145
Edmund Egan was an English-born brewer who came to Charleston in the 1760s and started producing beer soon after. He had great success and donated large amounts of money to the American Revolution, earning him the name "The Rebel Brewer". Oast is an old European term for a kiln used in the drying of hops. Together the two make the name Edmund's Oast.
55 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-4144
Taste, learn, create, and blend a custom wine in an intimate class led by our sommeliers. Almost every wine is a blend: a blend of grapes, vineyards, special oak aging techniques, and more. This mysterious blending process is part of what makes wine so complex, interesting, and delicious.
129 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 405-5115
Eli's Table features a menu offering bold, worldly flavors while using fresh and local ingredients. With the flair our Executive Chef has brought to Eli's Table, guests are treated with a new way to savor their favorite classics. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
232 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 805-5900
FIG is a local neighborhood eatery located in the heart of downtown Charleston, serving seasonally-inspired cuisine with a commitment to using local and sustainable foods. Dinner served Monday - Saturday,
43 Cannon Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 937-4303
1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite 100, Charleston, SC 29464
(843) 849 1043
214 N. Cedar Street, Summerville SC 29483
(843) 804 9410
At Five Loaves Cafe, they go to great lengths to create a healthy, sustainable and more responsible menu and restaurant for their customers. Every day, they partner with local purveyors and makers of food, wine and bee and local farms to provide fresh vegetables, chicken, ,turkey , beef, antibiotic and hormone free. Lunch, Dinner, Mon-Sat. Sunday Brunch.
Reservations not required.
186 Concord Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 722-8100
Charleston is the areas casual seafood restaurant with a waterfront view that is a distinctive destination unto itself. Housed in a 1940s retired naval building on the east side of the Charleston peninsula, Fleet Landing restaurant features contemporary Southern seafood fare in a setting that celebrates the areas waterfront heritage.
98 Broad Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 577-9797
Love our ethnic specials! A taste of the world each weekend. Call for the dish of the week. Lunch and Dinner Mon-Sat.
Reservations not required.
481 King St Charleston SC 29403
(843) 577-5557
Gourmet food is of the highest quality and flavor, prepared well and presented in an artful manner. We wanted to bring unique, home-made artisan doughnuts to Charleston! Open Tues - Sun 7am - 3pm.
106 Church Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 480-2526
Proudly offering exclusive and exceptional cheese, charcuterie, wine and gourmet groceries from around the world. Goat.Sheep.Cow is tucked away on Church Street in Charleston's historic South of Broad neighborhood. Excellent sandwiches and cheese. Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm.
225 East Bay Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 266-4222
Dinner at Grill 225 is about memorable food, impeccable service and just the right atmosphere. USDA Prime Beef, International and local seafood. Fillets, steaks, lamb, and veal. Serving Dinner Daily. Private Group 125 ppl.
434 King Street Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 727-0090
As a premier steakhouse we use the finest freshest USDA prime steaks and meat for the best burgers in Charleston. Our vegan and vegetarian dishes are specially made upon request. Our fine dining restaurant features live music every night, classic jazz on select evenings and soulful sounds during our Gospel Sunday Brunch. Serving Dinner Monday-Saturday. Sunday Brunch.
Corner of Church and Hayne Streets Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-3474
Great food and a charming ambiance can only equal an extraordinary dining experience! Hank's Seafood restaurant is located in a turn-of-the-century warehouse overlooking the Historic Market. Dinner Nightly at 5 pm.
199 East Bay Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-3815
From conversation and laughter in the bar to the stylish dining rooms of heart pine floors and antique brick, you'll come to understand true Charleston hospitality. That is, there's always cause for celebration - of the neighbors, food and drink and each other. Dinner Mon-Friday at 5 pm. Brunch Saturday & Sunday. Private Group 60 ppl.
76 Queen Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-2500
The menu changes daily and is driven by the market. The restaurant is as casual as it is chic, evoking a way of life centered on seasonality and the grand traditions of Charleston life... one lived at a slower pace, preferably with a cocktail and a wide porch in the late afternoon.
Lunch Mon-Sat. Dinner Daily. Brunch Sunday.
215 Meeting Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 723-6000
Seafood, sandwiches, and drinks! There has been 118 years of customer service in these buildings and they are proud of it.
No Reservations Required.
501 A King Street Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 212-5113
439 King Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 723-NACHO
At Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale offers real Mexican-ish food prepared fresh and fast. Dog friendly and smoking is allowed on the patio! Open Daily Mon - Sun 11am - 2am.
Reservations not required.
78 N. Market Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 853-8270
Kaminsky's "most excellent" desserts are prepared fresh each day by our talented pastry chefs with selections changing daily. Open daily noon to late night.
Reservations not required.
59 S. Market Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 722-6887
Starting with bricks of chocolate as the foundation, Kilwins makes over 75 different hand-made products. From Clusters and Barks to Corns, Brittles, and Nuts, from a range of sugar free confections to Sea Foam, Tuttles and Truffles, Kilwins makes it all by hand. Open Daily 10am - late night.
4 Vanderhorst Street Charleston SC 29403
(843) 853-7186
Kudu Coffee offers guests a high quality beverage experience in the cafe or courtyard. They roast their own specialty coffee at their roasting facility located at 708 King Street and offer a rotating list of single origin coffees as well as espresso. Open Daily.
698 King Street Charleston SC 29403
(843) 531-6500
Excellent Southern food. Serving lunch and dinner daily.
479B King Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 789-4299
The menu at the Macintosh presents a taste of chef Jeremiah Bacon's signature culinary style, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes stirred by the soul of the American table. The restaurant serves classic American fare that showcases the bounty of Charleston's local produce and seafood.
185 East Bay Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-7771
With every dish, Executive Chef Don Drake harmoniously blends traditional southern ingredients and cooking techniques with modern international flair for an "uptown" presentation. Lunch Mon-Sat., Dinner Nightly. Sunday Brunch. Private Group 140 ppl.
39 John Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 203-3000
Tucked away, off of Historic King Street, sits Michael's on the Alley. Providing Charleston's ultimate dining experience, serving only the highest quality cuts of steaks. Michael's features USDA Prime Angus and Choice steaks that are wet or dry-aged to your specific desire. Open Daily 5pm - until.
82 Society Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-1102
There are 100 wine offerings by the glass and 500 bottle offerings from producers all around the world, who create products that are true to their region, history, and varietal. The menu offers dishes inspired by the many cultures of the Mediterranean and is prepared with local ingredients. Dinner Nightly. Outdoor Dining. Private Group 30ppl.
463 King Street Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 737-0112
O-Ku offers an upscale dining experience celebrating authentic, traditional Japanese cuisine. O-Ku is a reflection of the minimalist interior of classic Japanese restaurants, while the exposed brick and high ceilings offer a reminder of Charleston's charms and unique history in the modern space. Lunch Mon-Fri. Dinner Nightly.
35 South Market Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 723-1151
Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Semi private group up to 60 ppl. Private Group 32 ppl and outside patio for group of 30 ppl.
For Group Reservations, please call (843) 723-1151
205 Meeting Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 722-4900
The Palmetto Cafe combines the very best of American Lowcountry cuisine with the freshest ingredients, from breakfast through to a long, lazy lunch. Breakfast and Lunch daily. Brunch Sunday.
17 Warren Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 853-5955
Charleston's finest Italian fare with exciting dishes and unique ambiance. At Pane e Vino, every dish is created using only the freshest, finest ingredients. Dinner Nightly. Sunday Brunch.
Call for Reservations (843) 853-5955
225 East Bay Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 723-0500
The Pavilion Bar is a rooftop oasis, complete with views of historic Charleston, a cascading pool, signature cocktails, eclectic cuisine offerings and the city's most spectacular sunsets. The Pavilion Bar maintains a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere for its guests. Open daily 11:30a.m. - midnight.
112 N. Market Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-0700
Acclaimed Chef Graham Dailey and his team create exceptionally flavorful fare using the finest Lowcountry produce and seafood combined with the very best ingredients flown in fresh daily from points around the world. Courtyard Dining. Dinner Nightly. Private Group 88 ppl.
72 Queen Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-2337
Poogan's Porch is one of Charleston's oldest independent culinary establishments, with a fresh approach to Lowcountry cuisine. Recognized by Martha Stewart Living, Wine Spectator and The Travel Channel, this beautifully restored Victorian house is the perfect southern spot. Lunch & Dinner Mon-Fri. Brunch & Dinner Sat & Sun. Private Group 200 ppl.
547 King Street Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 793-2964
Visit Prohibition Charleston, where you can expect culinary delights to leave you completely jazzed, from savory seafood entrees, to the finest cuts of meat prepared with perfection. Award-winning cocktail wizardry with extensive liquor, wine and beer offerings await you at the bar and with dancing, live music and weekly events.
32-C North Market Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 580-2244
Queology has been cooking BBQ with a balanced, signature flavor of savory, sweet & smokey that folks can't resist. Choose from three world famous sauces to spice up your barbecue.
Reservations not required.
212 Rutledge Ave, Charleston SC 29403
(843) 789-4342
You'll find Ross cooking up something new everyday at the Kitchen. Trained at Johnston & Wales, he opened R. Kitchen aspiring to provide an intimate atmosphere for enjoying great food.
Reservations are required.
192 East Bay Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-3424
An eclectic Lowcountry bistro that brings together an abundance of fresh ingredients and thoughtful, expert presentation with a friendly, contagious energy. Lunch and Dinner Daily.
495 King Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-0100
Stars Restaurant supports reuse, restore, reclaim, and sustain. Stars Restaurant will feature a live fire grilling and rotisserie, 1930's Grill Room and Rooftop Bar. Open Nightly 7 days a week 4pm til 2am.
387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 722-0600
The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, named for Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Marion, features classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
80 North Market Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 577-2511
The name says we're famous for tender, juicy Certified Angus Beef steaks and TBonz also serves a complete menu to whet any appetite. From fresh, local seafood to low country specialties, customers will savor the flavor in our casual atmosphere. Open Daily lunch, dinner, and late night.
334 East Bay Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 577-0094
Locally owned and operated neighborhood, Ted's Butcherblock shop and gourmet cafe has been Charleston's trusted source for the best quality, best tasting meats and housemade prepared foods you will find. Offering everything from all-natural meats, poultry, game and fresh seafood for your kitchen, to housemade sausages, pates, and gourmet prepared meals.
No reservations needed.
19 Vendue Range Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-7970
Drawing Room is one of Charleston's newest and most highly acclaimed downtown restaurants, providing the perfect spot for cocktails, shared plates and dinner in the historic French Quarter district. Locally sourced seafood and produce are the mainstay of the innovative menu. Open Daily for dinner.
4 Cannon Street Charleston SC 29403
(843) 302-8825
A gathering place of warmth and familiarity, with a menu based on seasonal ingredients available from local and regional farmers and fishermen he knows and has worked with for many years. The Grocery's kitchen is stocked with house-made charcuterie and fresh, local fish and seafood, and the restaurant accommodates an in-house canning program to preserve fresh produce for the menu.
Call for Reservations (843) 302-8825
544 King Street Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 414-7060
The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in an old bank in Charleston on King Street. The menu celebrates the "merroir" of the Coastal Carolinas and the East Coast, striving to support local and regional fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, farmers and producers. Hours Tuesday-Sunday 5pm until closing.
155 Meeting Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 534-0043
Our food is fresh, southern, and home-made goodness. Whether you are looking for our Deluxe Stuffed French Toast or you want to try creamy homemade grits with generous helpings of shrimp, you are sure to find something to please your taste buds. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
412 King Street Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 735-5800
Classic Charleston influenced interior and home cooking aromas inspire the ambiance of this local favorite. At the heart of Virginia's you will find gracious southern hospitality and comfort foods that make you feel right at home. Breakfast and Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Mon-Sat, Brunch Sat & Sun.
224 Rutledge Avenue Charleston SC 29403
email restaurant no phone
Asian Soul Food - Select dishes from China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam prepared locally & inspired by grandmothers everywhere. Lunch and Dinner Mon-Sat.
No Reservations
317 East Bay Street Charleston SC 29401
(843) 628-3480
Zero Cafe + Bar is located in downtown Charleston in the award winning Zero George Hotel. Chef Vinson Petrillo has a passion and appreciation for natural, local ingredients infused with a contemporary American Style. All of the dishes are elegantly prepared in the professional display kitchen, located in the property's original circa 1804 carriage house. Dining Tuesday through Sunday from 5 pm to 10pm.
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