Charleston might be home to one of the most buzzed about about culinary scenes in the country, but let’s not forget the forerunners—the restaurants that paved the way for so many others. So, if you’re seeking a taste of how it all began in the Holy City, here are 10 restaurants you can’t miss.
Zero George
Discreetly tucked away in the chic boutique hotel Zero George, this jewel box of a restaurant—whose food is prepared in an even tinier kitchen by chef Vinson Petrillo—offers a refreshingly unique type of fine dining experience. The ever-rotating prix fixe menu is full of whimsical surprises—think mozzarella balloons and baby radishes in edible soil—and the service is professional, yet warm. When the weather’s fine, nab a seat in the picturesque courtyard.
Since 2003, chef Mike Lata has delivered on the acronym of the restaurant’s name: Food is Good. The creative menu changes frequently—many credit this casual corner bistro with pioneering the farm-to-table movement in Charleston—but the Fish Stew Provençal is a beloved mainstay. It’s presented in a charming Le Creuset cocotte, and brims with sweet, locally caught seafood and Carolina gold rice. Save room for the luscious Butterscotch Pot de Crème.
A grand dame of the local dining scene, this is where locals gather for a more refined dining experience. Fittingly, the menu features indulgent fare such as Oysters Rockefeller, seared foie gras, and roasted duck breast. End the evening on a sweet note with a slice of the legendary (and heavenly) 12-layer coconut cake. Gentlemen, take note: though jackets aren’t required, they’re certainly encouraged.
Locals affectionally refer to this downtown staple as SNOB for short, but the ambiance and cuisine is thoroughly approachable. Though the specialty is low country cuisine, as evidenced by the popular shrimp and grits and seafood okra stew, the kitchen partners with area purveyors for original creations, including a peach salad finished with burrata, and Heritage Farms pork chop glazed with apricot.
Opened in 1996, this casual, low-key eatery—it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—is where chef and owner Robert Stehling doles out hearty fan favorites like okra and shrimp beignets, catfish po-boys, and arguably the best fried chicken in town. To this day, lines form early so be prepared to wait, especially during weekend brunch.
Chef Sean Brock is one of the South’s most recognized chefs, and many credit this restaurant for putting him on the culinary map. Though crowds still flood the main dining room, bypass them and beeline to the adjacent Bar at Husk, where the menu is brief, but smart. The famed Husk Cheeseburger, stuffed with two bacon-infused patties, American cheese, and house pickles, is an absolute must.
From the team that introduced FIG comes this seafood-centric spot housed in a 1920s bank building. Beyond standard raw bar offerings of oysters and clams, you’ll also find imaginative bites like smoked amberjack pâté, yogurt-dressed shrimp salad, and the best-selling crispy oyster sliders with house made Hawaiian buns. (Tip: the best seats in the house are at the long, lively bar.)
On the ground floor of Belmond Charleston Place is where you’ll find acclaimed chef Michelle Weaver’s culinary love letter to the South. The service is polished, yet personal, and Weaver’s imaginative menu is broken down into four categories: pure, lush, cosmopolitan, and southern. In short? There’s something for every palate. Nightly jazz simply rounds out the elegant vibe.
Despite its size, this family-owned operation consistently turns out spot-on steaks, spirited co*cktails, and cheerful service night after night. It’s terrific for all occasions, from celebrating anniversaries to happy hours. If you’re not in the mood to splurge, the bar menu thoughtfully includes hearty snacks (including burgers and steak nachos) at wallet-friendly prices.
The warm design of the space—think exposed wood beams and ceilings, Robin egg blue dining chairs, and mirror-lined walls—set the tone for an equally convivial, hearty meal. Sunday brunch is an especially popular affair, serving up stick-to-your ribs plates of country fried steak, sausage biscuit bread pudding, and banana pudding stuffed french toast.
Amen Street on Bay offers a fantastic spot for lunch or happy hour.
Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar. What it's known for: Located in an 1800s brick building, Amen Street revives the historic name for the centuries-old street. ...
Charleston's historic downtown remains the shopping and dining hub for the region. Downtown retail, anchored by King Street, draws a strong and varied customer base.
You can absolutely wear jeans in Charleston — just know that you might be a little warm if you plan to wear them on hotter days, and they might feel a little casual for some of the city's nicer restaurants.
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The wealthiest person in South Carolina is Robert Faith with a network of $5.8 billion, according to Forbes. He is the founder, chairman and CEO of global real estate firm Greystar. Greystar is based in Charleston and manages more than $240 billion in real estate across five continents, reports say.
We've rounded up some of the best known celebrities who call Charleston home and places that you may be able to spot them. Quite possibly, the best known celebrity in Charleston is Bill Murray.
Big John's Tavern is Charleston's oldest tavern in one of America's oldest towns. This rustic bar is full of history and has seen more than its fair share of lore that has grown over the years.
Recently, three South Carolina main streets were ranked among the 100 “most picturesque” in the nation by a poll of 3,000 seasoned travelers through Mixbook to determine the most charming main streets in America. Of those, King Street in Charleston was named among the top 10 as the best overall.
Overview. Southern Hospitality focuses on the careers and personal lives of the staff at Leva Bonaparte's restaurants and bars. The series is primarily centered around Republic Lounge & Garden, but occasionally features Bonaparte's other property Bourbon and Bubbles Restaurant & Bar.
The results come as Charleston also earned a top spot on last year's food-focused Tripadvisor list. Also in 2023, Food & Wine magazine readers gave the city recognition for its restaurants and overall dining scene. In the magazine's report, Charleston earned praise for its Southern fare, seafood and other cuisine.
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