A Charleston classic—crispy fried green tomatoes served over creamy grits.
Magnolias
Dig into Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene with must-visit spots for seafood, southern classics, and more.
Charleston, South Carolina seduces food lovers with its perfect blend of Lowcountry tradition and culinary innovation. This coastal gem serves up heritage dishes alongside bold, chef-driven creations in settings ranging from charming colonials to breezy waterfront patios. Diners can savor freshly caught seafood, perfectly executed southern classics and unexpected flavor combinations that tell the story of this historic port city. Whether you're seeking award-winning fine dining or beloved local eateries, Charleston's food scene delivers unforgettable tastes that capture the essence of southern hospitality and coastal charm.
A bold take on the Southern BLT—crispy fried soft-shell crab at Peninsula Grill.
Courtesy of Explore Charleston, explorecharleston.com
Top Fine Dining Spots
FIG (232 Meeting St.)With its name literally an acronym for Food Is Good, FIG offers a celebrated fine dining destination serving refined southern cuisine with a laser focus on seasonal, local ingredients. At the helm of this Charleston institution, James Beard-winning Chef Mike Lata creates simple yet masterful dishes like chicken liver pâté, fresh fish entrees and the ever-popular ricotta gnocchi and lamb Bolognese.
Husk (76 Queen St.)Located in historic downtown, Husk has been serving innovative, thoughtful southern cuisine since 2011. Led by Executive Chef Ray England, this beloved restaurant showcases the best seasonal ingredients and celebrates southern heritage (with subtle global influences) through its daily changing menu. It’s earned its reputation as “equal parts neighborhood gathering place for locals and bucket list dining destination for travelers.”
The Ordinary (544 King St.)Experience this seafood haven housed in a grand historic bank on King Street. The buzzing atmosphere elevates locally sourced treasures—from briny raw oysters to succulent peel-and-eat shrimp—into “fancy seafood” worth admiring. With its unique seafood-centric menu and exceptional service, The Ordinary is anything but.
Peninsula Grill (112 N. Market St.)Step into Charleston's culinary crown jewel where elegant ambiance meets extraordinary flavors. Savor perfectly executed classics like roast duck and filet mignon before indulging in their legendary Ultimate Coconut Cake—a rich, 12-layer masterpiece so divine it's earned national acclaim in Bon Appetit and The New York Times. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, this refined yet intimate setting provides an unforgettable culinary experience.
Affordable Eateries That Delight
Pink Bellies (595 King St.)Dive into Charleston's most vibrant Vietnamese-inspired casual eatery, where Chef Thai Phi transforms traditional recipes into playful gastronomic delights. Feast on addictive garlic noodles, banh mi with blueberry jam and Sui Cao dumplings while sipping imaginative cocktails like pho-infused gin. Who would have thought that this lively, affordable sensation evolved from a humble food truck to a must-eat-at destination?
Hannibal's Kitchen (16 Blake St.)This beloved family-owned eatery has been serving authentic Gullah-Geechee cuisine for over 40 years. Dig into generous portions of fried chicken, shrimp and grits and crab rice, topped with friendly service in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This local gem honors a true taste of Charleston's soulful heritage at an affordable price.
Bodega (23 Ann St.)Transport yourself to New York City without leaving Charleston at this delightful urban oasis. Executive Chef Alec Gropman crafts nostalgic brunch classics with subtle Lowcountry twists that perfectly bridge two distinctive food cultures. Whether downtown or in its Mount Pleasant location, Bodega’s affordable, crave-worthy comfort dishes will become your new vacation tradition.
Xiao Bao Biscuit (224 Rutledge Ave.)This vibrant spot is known for its creative fusion of flavors, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Malaysian and southern. Turn up the heat with spicy dishes like Thai yellow curry and Japanese cabbage pancakes and share favorite dishes like pad kra pow and okonomiyaki with your travel companions. Located in a converted gas station, this affordable eatery boasts a strong cocktail game and international beer options—making it perfect for adventurous eaters seeking unique, affordable eats.
Savoring Southern charm and gourmet flavors at Magnolias—Charleston's beloved restaurant blending traditional Lowcountry cuisine with modern culinary artistry
Traditional Southern Restaurants
Magnolias (185 East Bay St.)Looking for elevated southern cuisine? Head to Magnolias, a Charleston staple for more than 30 years. With its charming atmosphere as a backdrop, this culinary landmark revolutionized Lowcountry cuisine, serving traditional ingredients elevated by modern flair. Shellfish over Grits, need we say more?
Poogan's Porch (72 Queen St.)Set in a charming, restored Victorian house, this iconic restaurant offers a great place for brunch and beyond. Since 1976, this local favorite has dished up a timeless southern dining experience. Enjoy classic dishes like fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and she-crab soup amidst heart-of-pine floors and dual staircases, evoking Charleston's past. The eatery’s namesake? A beloved neighborhood dog named Poogan, of course.
Rodney Scott's BBQ (1011 King St.)Calling all southern BBQ lovers! This award-winning eatery offers authentic whole-hog barbecue with slow-cooked meats and traditional vinegar sauce, thanks to renowned pitmaster Rodney Scott. Round out your meal with some classic sides like collard greens, hush puppies and to-die-for mac and cheese. Order at the counter, take your feast to a picnic table and dig into this quintessential southern BBQ experience.
The warm and inviting interior of Virginia's on King—where timeless Southern elegance meets hearty, home-style Lowcountry cuisine in the heart of Charleston.
Virginia’s on king
Virginia's on King (412 King St.)A local favorite, Virginia’s on King serves southern cooking Lowcountry style in a cozy atmosphere (think exposed brick walls, wood floors and high-backed booths). For brunch, savor fried green tomato eggs benedict. For supper, dig into traditional dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. Crafted with local ingredients and family recipes, the cuisine comes with warm southern hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
Coastal Seafood Spots
Leon’s Oyster Shop (698 King St.)Parked in a converted garage, Leon’s Oyster Shop blends a laid-back vibe with standout southern flavors. Known for its char-grilled oysters, Old Bay-brined fried chicken and soft-serve ice cream, it’s been a must-visit for travelers since opening its doors in 2014. Pair your meal with champagne, rosé on tap or local craft beer for the ultimate Charleston dining experience.
Hyman's Seafood (215 Meeting St.)Fresh seafood doesn’t have to break the bank! A Charleston culinary staple, Hyman’s Seafood boasts a lively dining experience serving generous portions of fresh, local seafood. Enjoy classic Lowcountry dishes (think fried shrimp, she-crab soup and oysters) in a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking quality and tradition at an affordable price.
A delectable spread of fresh seafood delights at 167 Raw—Charleston's go-to spot for oysters, lobster rolls, and craft cocktails in a chic, laid-back atmosphere.
Mike Ledford
167 Raw (193 King St.)Seafood lovers flock to 167 Raw, Charleston's most respected oyster bar. This bustling Nantucket transplant serves the freshest oysters, signature pastrami'd swordfish and legendary lobster rolls. Watch chefs craft chilled seafood masterpieces from the raw bar for dinner and a show. Arrive early or enjoy neighboring Bar 167 during the inevitable wait.
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar (186 Concord St.)Experience waterfront dining in a restored 1940s naval building, where maritime history meets stunning views of Charleston Harbor. Locals swear by the legendary shrimp and grits and seafood towers—an authentic Lowcountry experience that captures Charleston’s coastal soul.
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant (10 Hayne St.)Nestled in a restored century-old warehouse near Charleston City Market, Hank's Seafood Restaurant wows diners with fresh seafood, focusing on authentic Lowcountry recipes. Locals rave about the legendary she-crab soup and perfectly pan-fried crab cakes, while the impressive seafood tower steals the spotlight. This historic, upscale setting makes Hank’s a must-visit for travelers seeking classic Charleston flavors.
Southern seafood platter of grilled shrimp, fish and scallops
adobe stock
Hidden Gems for Brunch and Beyond
Vern’s (41 Bogard St.)Tucked in Charleston’s Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood, Vern's redefines cozy dining with its ingredient-driven menu and intimate ambiance. Run by husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Bethany Heinze, this charming bistro offers innovative dishes like rabbit pasta and charred sourdough, paired with an inventive wine list. Perfect for a refined yet relaxed culinary experience.
Millers All Day (120 King St.)Step back in time at Millers All Day, a retro brunch haven on King Street. Savor southern comfort with their famous fried chicken biscuits, shrimp and grits and cornmeal pancakes crafted from locally sourced grains. Watch the antique mill in action while enjoying Charleston's most beloved all-day breakfast spot—where classic flavors meet creative twists in a charming, laid-back atmosphere.
Ma'am Saab (251 Meeting St.)Nestled in Charleston’s historic district, Ma’am Saab offers an elevated take on Pakistani cuisine with a southern twist. Chef Maryam Ghaznavi’s menu features crowd favorites like butter chicken, bihari kebabs and vibrant biryanis. Sip on innovative craft cocktails amidst eclectic decor and a warm ambiance—perfect for special occasions or a night out with friends.
Tips for Your Charleston Culinary Adventure:
Make reservations as needed. This guarantees you’ll get a table at fine dining restaurants and popular hot spots.
Explore neighborhoods. Charleston's culinary scene spreads throughout the city. Venture beyond the touristy areas to discover hidden gems.
Embrace local flavors. Don't be afraid to try dishes unique to the Lowcountry, like she-crab soup, shrimp and grits and oysters.
Check online. Menus can change frequently, especially at restaurants that focus on seasonal ingredients.
Traveler’s Tip: Don’t forget to take advantage of your AAA Member benefits to keep your wallet in check. Many restaurants allow AAA Members to enjoy these culinary experiences without overspending.
