Best Places to Eat in Charleston | Top Restaurants & Food Guide

Best Places to Eat in Charleston: Top Restaurants & Must-Try Dishes

Charleston isn’t just a journey through pastel streets and oak-lined alleys — it’s a pilgrimage for the palate. From centuries-old Lowcountry recipes to inventive modern kitchens, the city offers food lovers everything from cozy biscuit spots to elegant seafood dinners. Here’s your guide to the best places to eat in Charleston — whether you’re craving Southern comfort, fresh seafood, or a rooftop cocktail with skyline views.

Staying at The Restoration Hotel Charleston puts you just minutes from many of these gems — perfect for a spontaneous dinner or planned foodie adventure.

What Makes Charleston’s Dining Scene Special

Charleston’s cuisine is deeply rooted in Lowcountry tradition — a blend of African, European, and Native American influences shaped by rice fields, coastal marshes, and generations of culinary craft.

Expect rich, soulful dishes like Shrimp and Grits, She‑Crab Soup, and Frogmore Stew — paired with fresh seafood, local produce, and a hospitality vibe that makes every meal feel like homecoming.

Whether you’re after haute cuisine or down-home comfort, Charleston delivers.

Top Restaurant Picks in Charleston

Here’s a curated list of standout spots across different moods and meal times — from brunch to fine dining, seafood to biscuits:

Restaurant / Spot Why It’s Worth Visiting / What to Try
82 Queen Known for classic Lowcountry cuisine — their She-Crab Soup and Southern seafood dishes are local legends.
FIG (Food Is Good)   Consistently rated among Charleston’s top restaurants thanks to its inventive menu, seasonal produce, and refined dining experience.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit For morning or midday comfort — their biscuits (plain, pimento-cheese, or savory) are buttery, flaky icons of Charleston.
Ellis Creek Fish Camp A laid-back seafood spot with marsh-front vibes — perfect for fresh fish, hushpuppies, and a casual local meal.
Hank’s Seafood For a classic upscale seafood dinner — elegant, polished, and reliably delicious.
High Cotton Southern-style comfort with a refined touch — great for brunch or dinner with live music and local hospitality.

What to Eat: Iconic Charleston Dishes Not to Miss

  • Shrimp and Grits — Creamy, savory, and quintessentially Lowcountry.

  • She-Crab Soup — Rich, velvety, and full of coastal flavor; a must at traditional restaurants.

  • Frogmore Stew / Lowcountry Boil — A communal seafood-feast favorite: shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes boiled together.

  • Fresh Seafood & Local Catch — From fried oysters and grilled fish to lowcountry-style crab dishes, seafood is everywhere if you know where to look.

  • Biscuits & Southern Breakfasts — For cozy mornings or lazy brunches, few things beat a buttery biscuit with sweet tea.