Downtown Charleston is a food lover’s paradise, offering an impressive array of dining options that showcase the best of Lowcountry cuisine and beyond. From upscale establishments helmed by James Beard Award-winning chefs to casual seafood joints, the peninsula is home to some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the South.
Key Highlights:
- Mix of traditional Lowcountry cuisine and innovative modern interpretations
- Several restaurants led by James Beard Award-winning chefs
- Strong focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
- Options ranging from fine dining to casual, family-friendly eateries
- Unique fusion of Southern, African, and European culinary traditions
Top 12 Restaurants in Downtown Charleston
- FIG (Food Is Good)
- Cuisine: Modern American with Lowcountry influences
- Known for: Seasonal menu and commitment to local ingredients
- Chef: Mike Lata (James Beard Award winner)
- Signature dish: Coddled Sea Island Egg with stone crab and bottarga
- Husk
- Cuisine: Modern Southern
- Known for: Exclusively Southern-sourced ingredients and daily changing menu
- Chef: Originally opened by Sean Brock (James Beard Award winner)
- Must-try: Fried chicken skins with pimento cheese
- Charleston Grill
- Cuisine: Contemporary, with global influences
- Known for: Elegant atmosphere and live jazz
- Chef: Michelle Weaver
- Accolades: Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond ratings
- The Ordinary
- Cuisine: Upscale Seafood
- Known for: Fresh, locally-sourced seafood and impressive raw bar
- Chef: Mike Lata
- Housed in: A renovated 1920s bank building
- 167 Raw
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Known for: Fresh oysters and lobster rolls
- Tip: No reservations, expect a wait
- Must-try: Tuna burger
- Chez Nous
- Cuisine: European (French, Italian, Spanish)
- Known for: Daily changing menu with just two options for each course
- Ambiance: Intimate setting in a historic single house
- Unique feature: Menu posted daily on Instagram
- Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ
- Cuisine: Barbecue
- Known for: Whole hog barbecue and traditional sides
- Chef: Rodney Scott (James Beard Award winner)
- Signature: Pulled pork sandwich with rod rod sauce
- Xiao Bao Biscuit
- Cuisine: Asian Soul Food
- Known for: Eclectic mix of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Thai influences
- Must-try: Okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage pancake)
- Housed in: A former gas station
- Leon’s Oyster Shop
- Cuisine: Seafood and Fried Chicken
- Known for: Casual atmosphere and great oysters
- Must-try: Char-grilled oysters and fried chicken sandwich
- Bonus: Great cocktail and beer selection
- Bertha’s Kitchen
- Cuisine: Soul Food
- Known for: No-frills, authentic Southern cooking
- Awards: James Beard America’s Classics Award (2017)
- Signature: Fried chicken and lima beans
- Halls Chophouse
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
- Known for: Prime steaks and exceptional service
- Tip: Don’t miss their famous Gospel Brunch on Sundays
- Must-try: Dry-aged tomahawk ribeye
- Circa 1886
- Cuisine: Modern Southern
- Known for: Innovative takes on classic Southern dishes
- Location: Carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion
- Chef: Marc Collins
[Source: Eater Charleston – Essential Restaurants]
Expert Insight
“Downtown Charleston’s restaurant scene is a beautiful tapestry of old and new. Our chefs honor traditional Lowcountry ingredients and techniques while pushing the boundaries of what Southern cuisine can be. It’s this balance of reverence and innovation that makes dining here so exciting.” – Matt Lee, Charleston-based cookbook author and food writer
Navigating Charleston’s Culinary Landscape
With so many outstanding options, deciding where to dine in downtown Charleston can be delightfully overwhelming. Consider mixing high-end dining experiences with more casual local favorites to get a true taste of the city’s culinary diversity. Don’t forget to make reservations well in advance for popular restaurants, especially during peak tourist seasons.
