Many people come to Charleston, South Carolina, with one thing on their mind: food. The best grits you'll ever have, prepared in ways you never imagined. Festive dockside oyster roasts. High-end restaurants. Outdoor cafés. Fresh from the dock seafood. Every meal is an event in itself. Prepared with perfection. Served with a warm smile.
With endless options to please all palates, Charleston offers an extensive array of restaurants.
American/Eclectic
Traditional tastes, contemporary techniques.
Whether you're in the mood for modern cuisine like gourmet sandwiches and ""southern sushi"" or more traditional offerings like burgers and wings, Charleston has a restaurant that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Bring your appetite, grab a fork and dig in!
Asian
Transport yourself to Asia without ever leaving King Street.
Fresh, creative sushi rolls. Savory, flavorful banh mi. Traditional Japanese ramen. Dishes and flavors you wouldn't normally expect to find abound in Charleston. Close your eyes and take a bite and you'll feel like you're eating at an authentic asian restaurant halfway around the world.
Bakeries
Make your trip a little sweeter.
Fresh roasted coffees, bread still warm from the oven, cupcakes like you've never tasted before. Charleston bakeries are the perfect place to go when you get those afternoon sugar cravings. Grab a cup of coffee and a sandwich to go and walk along Battery for a lunch like you've never had before.
Barbecue
Marinated in the flavors, sights, and sounds of the Lowcountry.
If there's one single food the South really takes pride in, it's barbecue. And Charleston is no different. Satisfy your scratch-made, slow-smoked, craving for traditional, delicious 'cue. Don't forget the collard greens and mac and cheese.
Deli/Café
Taste Charleston, to go.
With so many things to see and do in Charleston, you don't always have time to sit down for a long, 3-course meal. In that case, stop by one of our delicious delis and cafes offering artisan sandwiches, salads, sushi, coffees, and more. Take it to go and spend lunch at White Point Gardens or Waterfront Park. Enjoy.
French
All the flavors of France, peppered with the hospitality of the Lowcountry.
Bienvenue. You don't have to go all the way to Paris to sample the best food France has to offer. From escargot to coq au vin, Charleston restaurants offer the finest French cooking this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Bon appetit, y'all.
German
Get a taste of authentic old world charm here in Charleston.
Charleston’s cuisine scene is a melting pot. While you’re here be sure to pull up a seat at one of the shared tables at one of our Bavarian inspired restaurants. Enjoy beers from around the world and good times with some new friends.
Greek
Mediterranean food so good, you may forget you’re not actually in Greece.
If you’re in the mood for light, fresh fare make a stop in one of our Greek restaurants. Enjoy salads, pastas and more with authentic mediterranean flavors and flair. Opa!
Ice Cream/Yogurt
The perfect treat to beat the heat.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Whether you're walking around downtown, soaking up the sun on Folly Beach, or doing some shopping in North Charleston, you're sure to find the delicious frozen treat to combat the summer heat.
Irish/English
Charleston: A melting pot for international food, drinks, and people.
Whether you're looking for traditional irish fare for dinner, or a place to split an ice cold irish beer with friends after a long day of sightseeing, Charleston has just the place you're looking for.
Italian
Old-world Italian cooking and traditions, Modern flavors and techniques.
Charleston is home to some of the best Italian restaurants in the South. From cozy atmospheres perfect for a romantic night out, to trendy, sexy restaurants to try with friends, you'll have a great experience no matter where you choose to go. Mangiamo, y'all!
Lowcountry/Soul
Food is the heart and soul of Charleston. One bite and you'll see why.
They say ""the best things in life are worth waiting for,"" and they couldn't be more right. Lowcountry cooking is done by hand with special attention to detail to ensure that every dish is one of perfection. Stop by and see for yourself why Charleston restaurants are consistently ranked amongst the best in the country.
Mediterranean
The tastes and techniques of the Mediterranean, with a Southern twist.
You can't eat shrimp and grits for every meal. Trust us, we've tried. Try something a little different and explore the spices and exotic dishes of the Mediterranean. From hummus, to couscous, to gyro, and spanikopita, we're sure you'll find something new to love.
Mexican/Southwestern
Come fiesta in Charleston.
You don't have to travel all the way to Mexico to get authentic Mexican inspired cuisine. From Cantinas to Taquerias, and everything in between, Charleston is the place to go to try the best Mexican and Southwestern-style restaurants in the Southeast. Buen Provecho!
Pizza
Come try a slice of the good life.
From fast food pizza you can take with you on the go to artisan pizzerias specializing in local ingredients, Charleston is a pizza lover's dream. Whether you prefer thick crust or neapolitan-style pizza, the perfect pie awaits you in Charleston.
Sandwich and Burgers
Sometimes you just need a little more for dinner.
We invite you to check out these restaurants that offer loaded sandwiches and burgers cooked just right. After a day of exploring all that the city has to offer, you deserve a hearty meal you can really sink your teeth into. These restaurants serve uniquely flavorful sandwiches and burgers with mouth-watering toppings. See for yourself.
Seafood
Fish so fresh you'll think it swam to the table.
No trip to Charleston is complete without some fresh from the dock seafood. From Lowcountry shrimp and grits, to fresh oysters and she-crab soup, Charleston is the place to go for delicious seafood and southern hospitality.
Steakhouse
Sink your teeth in.
Rare? Medium Rare? Well done? No matter how you prefer your steak, Charleston steakhouses are sure delight your carnivorous hunger. Whether you're looking for something upscale and romantic or casual and family-friendly, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in Charleston. Dig in!
Upscale/Southern
Southern cooking, elevated.
In Charleston, food is more than just sustenance, it's a way of life. Southern cooking is a work of art, meant to be relished and savored with every bite. So, make a reservation and see for yourself why Charleston restaurants are consistently ranked amongst the best in the country.
Now that your mouth is watering, we invite you to come and share our foodie life! Stay on Kiawah Island to enjoy the beach by day and Charleston dining by night.
