Charleston’s dining scene has evolved into one of America’s most celebrated culinary destinations, offering everything from innovative small plates to traditional Lowcountry classics. After countless meals exploring Charleston’s diverse restaurant landscape, I’ve curated this guide highlighting the essential spots that capture the true spirit of Charleston dining, from hidden neighborhood gems to beloved local institutions.

And if you’re looking for the perfect cocktail to cap off your meal, check out my Charleston Best Bars guide for the city’s top rooftop lounges, craft cocktail bars, and historic taverns!

Intimate Neighborhood Gems

These small-scale establishments offer exceptional dining experiences that showcase the artistry and passion of Charleston’s most dedicated restaurateurs. Reservations are essential for Chez Nous and Vern’s.

Chubby Fish

Chef James London’s daily-changing seafood sanctuary has a strict no-reservations policy, making it Charleston’s most sought-after walk-in dining experience.

Known For: Caviar sammich on tater roll, daily crudo selections, fried fish collar, and chili garlic shrimp
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Pro Tip: Lines typically begin forming about an hour before their 5 p.m. opening, and diners are given the option of taking a table then (if available) or saving a spot at a later seating that evening. Locals agree it’s most certainly worth the wait.

Chez Nous

This intimate Elliotborough trattoria operates with a daily-changing menu of just six dishes, showcasing French, Italian, and Spanish influences with seasonal Lowcountry ingredients.

Known For: Daily changing menu posted on Instagram, Old World wine pairings
Closed: Monday
Pro Tip: The hand-written menu changes daily and is posted each morning on their Instagram. With only 36 indoor seats, reservations are essential for this romantic neighborhood gem.

Vern’s

A dinner-only establishment offering sophisticated modern American cuisine with meticulous attention to seasonal ingredients and technique.

Known For: Seasonal preparations, sophisticated technique, and intimate dining experience
Closed: Tuesday & Wednesday
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the bread—it’s an experience in itself and sets the tone for the exceptional meal ahead.

Sweet Treats & Artisanal Delights

These Charleston spots have mastered the art of creating exceptional sweets and baked goods that showcase local ingredients and traditional techniques.

Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop

This King Street gem operates exactly as its name suggests—tiny in size but enormous in flavor, it serves some of Charleston’s most innovative European-influenced pastries.

Known For: Salted honey pie, naturally leavened focaccia, and kouign amann
Open Daily
Pro Tip: Lines form early and items sell out quickly. The pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) are legendary among locals and often gone early.

River Street Sweets

A Charleston Market staple since 1973, this confectionery creates handmade Southern sweets using traditional family recipes passed down through generations.

Known For: World Famous Pralines
Open Daily
Pro Tip: Watch the candy makers create fresh pralines right at the front of the store.

Off Track Ice Cream

Just off King Street, this artisanal ice cream shop crafts both traditional and vegan flavors using only clean ingredients sourced from Lowcountry farmers and purveyors.

Known For: Fresh mint chip, peach praline pecan, and innovative vegan options like Cookie Monster
Open Daily
Pro Tip: The five-scoop flight allows you to sample multiple flavors. Their vegan ice cream made with raw cashews and coconut cream rivals any traditional version.

Charleston Institutions

These legendary establishments have shaped Charleston’s culinary reputation and continue to set the standard for Lowcountry dining.

Chico Feo

This Folly Beach favorite brings “tropical equatorial” cuisine to a laid-back outdoor setting complete with mismatched furniture and frequent live music.

Known For: Pork belly tacos, Vietnamese bun cha, grilled fish tacos with house kimchi
Open Daily
Pro Tip: Don’t miss Vino Feo, their wine porch that opens select days of the week out front, offering a curated selection of natural wines in an even more relaxed setting than the main restaurant.

Edmund’s Oast

Charleston’s original fine casual restaurant and brewpub combines house-brewed beers with quality-driven comfort food in a warm atmosphere featuring a beautiful outdoor courtyard.

Known For: Salt chicken, house-brewed beers, outdoor courtyard dining, and seasonal menu
Open Daily
Pro Tip: Come early to enjoy their courtyard, or grab a margarita at nearby Rancho Lewis while you wait for a table.

Slightly North of Broad

Known simply as SNOB, this East Bay institution has been serving elevated Lowcountry cuisine since 1993, earning its place as a Charleston dining landmark.

Known For: Barbecue tuna with fried oysters, Charleston cream of crab soup, and New Zealand rack of lamb
Open Daily
Pro Tip: The lunch crowd consists largely of Charleston regulars who’ve been coming for decades. The apple pie with sour cream custard and walnut streusel is worth saving room for.

FIG

Standing for “Food Is Good,” this James Beard Award-winning restaurant, helmed by Chef Mike Lata, epitomizes Charleston’s farm-to-table movement with seasonally driven menus.

Known For: Ricotta gnocchi with parmesan and mint, daily menu featuring local seafood, and exceptional wine program
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Pro Tip: If you can’t snag a reservation, try for the bar—they accept walk-ins and you’ll still get the full FIG experience.

Final Thoughts

Charleston’s restaurant scene truly offers something for every palate and occasion, from casual beachside tacos to James Beard Award-winning fine dining. While the city is famous for its shrimp, grits, and she-crab soup, the establishments highlighted here showcase the creativity and innovation that have made Charleston’s dining scene so distinctive.

Planning a culinary trip to Charleston? I’d love to help you create the perfect dining itinerary, complete with recommendations for the best times to visit these sought-after restaurants and suggestions for the ideal wine pairings to complement your meals. Reach out using the button below, and let’s start planning your delicious Charleston adventure!