Your Guide to Charleston Restaurant Week: Where to Eat, What to Try, and Where to Stay

Your Complete Guide to Charleston Restaurant Week 2026

Charleston Restaurant Week is one of the Holy City’s most anticipated culinary events—an incredible opportunity to explore the flavors, chefs, and dining rooms that have made Charleston one of the most celebrated food destinations in the country. Whether you’re planning a full-on foodie getaway or simply want to taste the best of downtown, this semiannual event offers a delicious reason to visit.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect from Charleston Restaurant Week, how to plan your dining itinerary, and why staying at The Restoration Charleston puts you in the perfect position to make the most of the city’s culinary scene.

What Is Charleston Restaurant Week?

Charleston Restaurant Week is a citywide celebration of local dining, hosted twice a year and featuring dozens of restaurants across downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, allowing guests to sample signature dishes, exclusive seasonal plates, and chef-inspired pairings at an exceptional value.

The event showcases the best of Charleston’s food culture—from Lowcountry classics and Southern comfort to seafood-forward dining, international flavors, and modern chef-driven cuisine.

When It Happens

Charleston Restaurant Week typically occurs in January and September, transforming the city into a culinary playground during two of Charleston’s most desirable travel windows.

Winter events pair perfectly with mild coastal weather and fewer crowds, while fall Restaurant Week coincides with seasonal festivals, rooftop dining, and long outdoor evenings.

Why Charleston Restaurant Week Is the Perfect Reason to Visit

Charleston has earned its reputation as one of the top food cities in the United States. Restaurant Week gives visitors and locals alike the chance to explore the city’s dining icons and rising stars—all within walking distance of downtown’s most charming streets.

Here’s why the event is worth planning a trip around:

Exclusive Charleston Restaurant Week Menus & Pricing

Participating restaurants craft custom prix-fixe offerings—often featuring their most innovative or beloved dishes. This gives you the opportunity to indulge in multi-course meals at restaurants that typically require advance planning or come at a higher price point.

A Food-Lover’s Guide to Dining in Charleston

If you travel for flavors, this is your Super Bowl. Restaurant Week creates a curated map of Charleston dining, making it easy to try multiple restaurants across neighborhoods like:

  • Historic District

  • King Street Corridor

  • French Quarter

  • East Bay

  • Upper King

A Great Time to Explore Downtown

January and September offer some of the best weather of the year—cool evenings, comfortable daytime temps, and vibrant seasonal happenings. Between meals, stroll cobblestone streets, explore galleries, or enjoy rooftop cocktails overlooking the city.

Best Places to Eat During Charleston Restaurant Week

Whether you’re craving seafood, Southern comfort, or contemporary cuisine, Charleston’s culinary scene never disappoints. Here are some recommendations to help map out your tasting itinerary.

Iconic Charleston Restaurants to Consider During Restaurant Week

While offerings vary each year, popular participating restaurants often include:

Where to Find Creative & Contemporary Menus

Charleston’s new wave of culinary talent is just as impressive. Look to the Upper King area and surrounding neighborhoods for modern, inventive options from emerging chefs.

Why The Restoration Is the Best Hotel for Charleston Restaurant Week

While Charleston Restaurant Week is full of flavor, where you stay matters—especially when your plans revolve around downtown dining, exploring, and relaxing between meals.

The Restoration Charleston offers the ideal blend of boutique charm, residential-style comfort, and walkable proximity to many Restaurant Week participants.

Stay Steps from Top Charleston Restaurant Week Spots

Located just off King Street, The Restoration places you at the heart of the city’s culinary corridor. Most participating restaurants are within a 5- to 15-minute walk, making it easy to enjoy multiple reservations in a day without needing a car.

Spacious Suites Designed for Longer, Slower Stays

After a full day of savoring Charleston’s menus, spacious suites with kitchenettes, seating areas, and spa-style bathrooms offer the perfect retreat. It’s the culinary traveler’s dream stay—room to unwind and recharge.

Rooftop Dining at The Watch During Charleston Restaurant Week

No restaurant-focused trip is complete without a visit to The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits, where seasonal menus and panoramic views elevate every meal.

Enjoy lunch overlooking downtown or sip a cocktail at sunset before heading out to your Restaurant Week dinner reservation.

Amenities Made for Food Lovers

  • Complimentary bikes for exploring coffee shops and quick bites

  • On-site breakfast options at The Rise Coffee Bar

  • Curated experiences and special events depending on the season

  • Easy access to Charleston’s markets, bakeries, and distilleries

Your Charleston Restaurant Week Itinerary

Planning ahead ensures you get the most out of your dining adventure. Here’s a sample itinerary to help you structure your culinary getaway:

Day 1 – Arrival + Rooftop Dining

  • Check into The Restoration

  • Stroll King Street

  • Enjoy rooftop dinner at The Watch

Day 2 – Lowcountry Classics & Local Favorites

  • Breakfast at The Rise Coffee Bar

  • Explore the Historic District

  • Lunch at a participating seafood restaurant

  • Sunset cocktails on King Street

  • Dinner at one of Charleston’s iconic fine-dining destinations

Day 3 – Contemporary Flavor & Chef-Driven Menus

  • Morning bike ride to the Battery

  • Lunch at a modern, chef-forward concept

  • Afternoon shopping + galleries

  • Dinner on Upper King

Day 4 – Departure

  • Brunch at a Restaurant Week participant

  • Final stroll before checkout

Tips for Planning the Perfect Restaurant Week Trip

Booking Charleston Restaurant Week Reservations

Restaurants fill up quickly, and popular time slots go first. Reserve as soon as menus are released.

Build Your Itinerary Around Walkability

Staying downtown makes it easy to maximize your reservations while minimizing transportation. Visit our neighborhood page for some of our favorite spots.

Explore Beyond Dinner

Lunch menus often feature incredible value and lighter options, perfect for trying more restaurants during your stay.

Check Menu Details

Some restaurants offer additional wine pairings, chef’s specials, or tasting-only dishes exclusive to Restaurant Week.

Stay Flexible

New restaurants join every year—stay open to discovering something new.

Why Booking a Hotel During Charleston Restaurant Week Matters

Restaurant Week attracts thousands of visitors. Staying centrally ensures:

  • Quick access to dining

  • Walkable routes

  • A comfortable home base

  • Opportunities to explore between meals

The Restoration Charleston blends boutique luxury with location, making it an ideal choice for food-loving travelers.

Book Your Charleston Restaurant Week Stay at The Restoration

Whether you’re visiting for the food scene, exploring the city’s history, or celebrating a special occasion, Charleston Restaurant Week is one of the best times to experience the Holy City. And this year, your culinary getaway gets even better.

Enjoy Our 20% Winter Hotel Special During Restaurant Week

For a limited time, enjoy 20% off winter stays at The Restoration Charleston.
This seasonal offer makes it easier than ever to savor Restaurant Week menus, discover new favorites, and unwind in spacious, residential-style suites just steps from King Street’s top dining destinations.

Book Your Restaurant Week Stay & Save 20%