Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or just passing through on your road trip, it’s almost impossible to resist dropping into one of the many delicious low country restaurants. Charleston is highly recognized for its historic remains and beachy atmosphere, but also has a variety of decadent restaurants scattered throughout the city. This is a short, yet detailed list of the go-to restaurants all Charleston foodies would recommend – below are the 15 best places to eat in Charleston SC!
Page’s is the place to go for the best southern comfort food! From breakfast to dinner, Page’s offers a variety of southern favorites destined to satisfy everyone. Page’s Okra Grill, located on Coleman Boulevard, gives you a glimpse of the southern lifestyle with delicious meals and all around southern hospitality. Southern comfort food is always a treat, and Page’s is a local favorite!
After a long beach day any person would love to just sit back and take in the ocean breeze over a good meal. Ask any Charleston native where to go on IOP and they’ll tell you Coconut Joes! Coconut Joes has Island-inspired dishes and a beautiful view of the beach that will make you never want to leave. Don’t have enough time to sit down and dine? Just stop into Coconut Joes To-Go!
King Street Grill is your typical bar and grill restaurant with TV’s plastered on all walls to catch the hottest game on TV. It’s the perfect place to go with friends and grab a bite with casual food and drinks. Overall a great hangout spot!
A step up from a traditional steakhouse, Halls is the best place for celebrating any occasion with delicious food and service. Halls is probably one of the most well known restaurants in the Downtown area.
Mozzo is similar to a typical deli, yet has a wide variety of choices that will satisfy any vegan or non-vegan. Located on Coleman Boulevard, this casual deli is by far one of the best-known sandwich places. You could definitely find a Charleston foodie chilling at Mozzo.
Water’s Edge is another one of the restaurants located on Shem Creek with a beautiful view. It has more of a sophisticated environment, but has a delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner menu. Perfect for any occasion!
Whether you’re catching up with friends or just dining with a significant other, Five Loaves Café (located both in Mount Pleasant and Downtown Charleston) is an absolute go to café. Five Loaves has a friendly atmosphere and is always bustling with newcomers and natives who are dying to try menu favorites. Five Loaves has an assortment of healthy choices on their menu that can make anyone happy!
On the corner of King and Calhoun Street in historic Downtown Charleston, Carolina Ale House Rooftop provides a perfect view of Marion Square while enjoying classic bar and grill food. Apart from being in a picture perfect location, this restaurant gives you the typical bar and grill experience with TVs that can be seen from anywhere inside. Any Charleston foodie would recommend Carolina Ale House to tourists after a long day of shopping on King.
This extravagant restaurant located on the first level of the Market Pavilion Hotel is the perfect place to dine with family. Grill 225 provides prestigious service and has a luxurious menu that will not disappoint. Although this restaurant is more of a fine-dining steakhouse and is on the pricier side, any Charleston foodie can agree it is well worth it!
Located above Grill 225 is one of the best rooftop restaurants Charleston has to offer. The Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar serves both lunch and dinner, and provides one of the best views of the city. Whether you’re sitting closer to the edges or in the middle near the pool, you get a spectacular view of the Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor. Typically this restaurant is not known to newcomers because of the location, however any Charleston foodie could tell you how amazing it is!
Vickery’s is the perfect restaurant to dine with a view of Shem Creek. The view and food paints the perfect picture of the Charleston lifestyle. Any Charleston foodie would recommend Vickery’s in a heartbeat!
Located further north on Highway 17, The Rusty Rudder is a smaller restaurant typically not known to many newcomers. You will usually find Charleston residents dining there for lunch or dinner. The Rusty Rudder has a beautiful and peaceful outdoor patio that makes the entire experience peaceful and relaxing with the décor and live music.
Most Charleston natives find themselves on Sullivan’s Island at the beach catching waves or laying out under the sun. After a long day at the beach, Poes never disappoints. Poes has an unique atmosphere and is decorated in dedication to Edgar Allan Poe. This island restaurant is always bustling with people and is a go-to place for many foodies.
Located on the island, the Boathouse is another well-known place that has a diverse seafood menu. It has a phenomenal view of the ocean and has a southern yet vintage atmosphere.
Tavern and Table is an absolute MUST when dining on Shem Creek. The calm atmosphere and delicious menu is excellent for dining with family. Definitely one of the fancier restaurants on Shem Creek, but always a favorite among locals!
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