The best restaurants in Charleston, SC
compiled a list of our favorite local Charleston restaurants that offer a variety of atmospheres and price
points. Whether you are in town for a quick visit or are a long time Charlestonian, this list will get you
out of the tourist traps and delighting in delectable cuisine!
Husk
Cuisine: Modern Southern
Price: $$$
Nestled in a beautifully restored Victorian home in downtown Charleston, Husk is a culinary institution that reimagines Southern cuisine. The menu is filled with Southern flavors combined with subtle global influences, using the freshest ingredients to provide truly delicious dishes. Reservations are recommended, but The Bar & Patio area is operated on a first come, first serve basis so if you’re just looking for a light bite and a drink that’s a good last-minute option.
FIG
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price: $$$
An acronym for “Food Is Good,” FIG is a cornerstone of Charleston’s fine dining scene. Located in a charming historic building, the restaurant emphasizes seasonality and simplicity, offering dishes that highlight local produce and meats in a refined setting. If you’re looking for a true dining experience, FIG prides itself on ensuring all staff are educated on all aspects of food and beverage culture to provide the best dining experience for all guests.
The Ordinary
Cuisine: Seafood
Price: $$
Housed in a former bank building on King Street, The Ordinary offers a fresh take on a classic Southern oyster hall to give you the best quality seafood from a range of local and national suppliers. The menu features a variety of oysters and cooked seafood dishes, all prepared with an emphasis on quality and sustainability. If you’re a seafood lover, The Ordinary has to make it onto your list of Charleston restaurants to visit.
Poogan’s Porch
Cuisine: Southern, Lowcountry
Price: $$
Located in a charming Victorian home on Queen Street, Poogan’s Porch offers classic Southern comfort food in a cozy setting. Their menu changes seasonally to provide the best quality dishes and flavors, but some dishes are available year-round such as their award-winning shrimp and grits so you’ll be sure to find something you love whenever you visit. The restaurant prides itself on traditional recipes and warm hospitality, making it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Visit the Poogan’s Porch website
Bowens Island
Cuisine: Seafood
Price: $$
A rustic, no-frills spot offering some of the freshest seafood in Charleston, Bowens Island is known for its oysters and lowcountry boils. The restaurant provides a truly local dining experience with scenic marsh views and picnic table seating. It’s the perfect place to enjoy steamed oysters, fried shrimp, and hushpuppies while watching the sunset over the water. Their platters are a particular favorite for anyone who just can’t choose between the rest of the menu!
Visit the Bowens Island website
The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene
Cuisine: Seafood
Price: $$
Situated on Shem Creek, The Wreck offers a laid-back atmosphere with a menu featuring fried shrimp, oysters, and other seafood staples. The restaurant is a favorite for its no-frills approach to fresh seafood. With its picnic table seating and waterfront views, it’s one of the best restaurants in Charleston for a traditional experience. Importantly, the restaurant does not take reservations – it is first come, first served only and is only open from 5pm-8:30pm Tuesday to Sunday so you will need to plan your visit!
Visit The Wreck of Richard & Charlene’s website
Xiao Bao Biscuit
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Price: $$
If you’re looking for bold, inventive dishes from a different cuisine, Xiao Bao Biscuit has to make your list. Offering a unique blend of Asian flavors with Southern ingredients, Xiao Bao Biscuit features dishes like okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) and pad kra pow, all prepared with a creative twist. The restaurant does not take reservations, with the exception of one large group (8-10 people) per night where only a set sharing menu will be served. If you’re looking for an informal but excellent dining experience, just stop by for a bite to eat.
Visit Xiao Bao Biscuit’s website
Wild Olive
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $$
Located on Johns Island, Wild Olive brings rustic Italian charm to the Lowcountry. The restaurant focuses on house-made pasta, local vegetables, and sustainable meats, creating a cozy, welcoming vibe. Dishes like lamb Bolognese and gnocchi with brown butter sauce showcase a refined simplicity that keeps regulars coming back. With its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, Wild Olive offers an authentic Italian dining experience in a relaxed Lowcountry setting.
Moe’s Crosstown Tavern
Cuisine: Pub Fare
Price: $
Moe’s Crosstown Tavern is known for its epic burgers, wings and bar food done right. Named one of the 50 Best Bars In America, Moe’s is everything a sports lover wants. From sports on the TVs to local beers on tap, it’s a low-key hangout perfect for a laid-back night out or post-beach bite to eat. A truly friendly atmosphere and consistent quality have made it a staple among locals and visitors alike so if you’re looking for a good night out with great food and drink, this has to make your list.
Visit the Moe’s Crosstown Tavern website
Jack of Cups Saloon
Cuisine: Eclectic
Price: $
Jack of Cups is a cozy spot with a seasonally evolving and inventive menu so whenever you visit you’ll be sure to find something you love. The menu itself is vegetarian-leading, offering delicious options for vegetarians and vegans from their green curry mac to their impossibly fish burger, but they also cater for omnivores so the meat lovers among you won’t be left out! For anyone looking for something offbeat without compromising on quality, Jack of Cups Saloon has to make your list as one of the best restaurants in Charleston.
Visit the Jack of Cups Saloon website
Revelry Brewing
Cuisine: Brewery + Food Truck
Price: $
Revelry Brewing is one of Charleston’s favorite craft beer destinations, combining an industrial-chic vibe with a lively rooftop and rotating food trucks. Located just north of downtown, it’s a go-to for both locals and tourists looking to relax with a cold pint and bold flavors. The beer selection is impressive, from tropical hazy IPAs and crisp pilsners to rich stouts. Downstairs, the brewery’s ground level often hosts food trucks offering tacos, sliders, or BBQ, while the rooftop boasts a breezy atmosphere and skyline views that are perfect for sunset drinks. It’s casual, vibrant, and ideal for mingling or unwinding after a day of exploring the city.