In Charleston, deciding where to eat can take as long as deciding what to see.
That’s a good problem to have. This is a city where a plate of shrimp and grits can tell you 300 years of history, where some of the best meals come out of a small soul-food kitchen on the East Side, and where a line outside a barbecue joint at 11 a.m. is completely normal. It’s also a city that keeps changing, with new cocktail bars, rooftop spots and chef-driven kitchens opening every year.
Lowcountry cooking grew out of West African, European and Caribbean traditions meeting the rice fields, marshes and ocean around Charleston. That’s why rice, okra, oysters, shrimp and slow-cooked greens show up everywhere. This guide covers the best places to eat and drink in Charleston, South Carolina, from famous dinner reservations to casual lunch counters, barbecue, oyster bars, rooftops and cocktail spots, plus what to order and how to plan it all.
What Are the Best Places to Eat and Drink in Charleston?
The best places to eat in Charleston include FIG and Husk for Lowcountry dinners, Hannibal’s Kitchen and Bertha’s Kitchen for Gullah Geechee and soul food, The Ordinary and 167 Raw for oysters, Rodney Scott’s and Lewis Barbecue for barbecue, and Bowens Island for rustic waterfront seafood. For drinks, try The Rooftop at the Vendue for views, Husk’s bar for bourbon and Last Saint for cocktails.
Charleston Restaurants at a Glance
| Place | Best For | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIG | Special seasonal dinner | Downtown | $$$$ |
| Husk | Modern Southern | Historic District | $$$ |
| Hannibal’s Kitchen | Gullah Geechee, soul food | East Side | $ |
| Bertha’s Kitchen | Classic soul food lunch | North Charleston | $ |
| The Ordinary | Oysters, seafood dinner | Upper King | $$$$ |
| 167 Raw | Raw bar, lobster roll | Downtown | $$$ |
| Leon’s Oyster Shop | Fried chicken, casual | Upper King | $$ |
| Rodney Scott’s BBQ | Whole-hog barbecue | Upper King | $ |
| Lewis Barbecue | Texas-style brisket | NoMo | $$ |
| Bowens Island | Rustic oysters, sunset | Near Folly Beach | $$ |
In This Guide
- Best restaurants in Charleston
- Best places to drink in Charleston
- Breakfast, brunch and coffee
- What food is Charleston famous for?
- Best Charleston restaurants by type
- Where to eat by neighborhood
- Costs and reservations
- 1-day and 2-day food itinerary
- FAQs
Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC
1. FIG: The Dinner Reservation Worth Planning Around
Best for: date nights, food-focused trips · Area: Meeting Street, downtown · Book ahead: yes
If you only book one big dinner in Charleston, many locals will tell you to make it FIG. Chef Mike Lata opened it in 2003, and it’s been one of the city’s defining restaurants ever since. The name stands for “Food Is Good,” and the idea is simple: cook what local farmers and fishermen bring in, and cook it well.
The menu changes often, so come ready to order by season rather than chasing one famous dish. Expect beautiful local vegetables, just-caught fish and plates that look simple but taste anything but.
Good to know: FIG is small and tables go fast. Reservations open about four weeks ahead, and a few bar seats are kept for walk-ins, so arriving right at opening can pay off.
2. Husk: Modern Southern Cooking in a Historic House
Best for: first-time visitors, brunch, bourbon · Area: Queen Street, Historic District
Husk helped put ingredient-driven Southern cooking on the national map. The rule in the kitchen is that everything should come from the South, and the menu shifts with what regional farmers and producers have. It’s set in a restored Victorian house on Queen Street, a short walk from the French Quarter, so it fits easily into a day of sightseeing.
Brunch here is a local favorite, and its shrimp and grits are among the most talked-about in town. Next door, the Husk Bar sits in an old brick kitchen house and takes walk-ins. More on that below.
3. Hannibal’s Kitchen: Gullah Geechee and Soul Food
Best for: traditional local flavor · Area: Blake Street, East Side · Price: $
You can’t understand Charleston food without Gullah Geechee cooking, and Hannibal’s Kitchen is one of the most welcoming places to start. This no-frills, family-run spot on the East Side has fed the neighborhood for decades and has become a true Charleston institution.
Order the shrimp and crab rice, the house specialty. Round it out with lima beans, collard greens, okra soup or fried whiting. Don’t come expecting polished service or fancy plates. That’s not the point. Come for cooking that tells the story of the people who shaped this city.
4. Bertha’s Kitchen: A Soul Food Legend in North Charleston
Best for: lunch · Area: North Charleston · Price: $
You can’t miss the bright purple building. Bertha’s Kitchen was started by Albertha Grant, and her family still runs it today. It’s a cafeteria-style lunch spot where you point at what you want: fried chicken, pork chops, okra soup, lima beans, red rice, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. It has earned national recognition, including a James Beard “America’s Classics” award. It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown and absolutely worth it.
5. The Ordinary: Oysters in a Grand Old Bank
Best for: raw bar, seafood dinner · Area: 544 King Street, Upper King · Price: $$$$
FIG’s seafood-focused sibling fills a 1920s bank building with soaring ceilings and an old vault door. It’s loud, lively and all about what’s coming off the boats: oysters from up and down the East Coast, fish chowder, seafood towers and whole roasted fish. Try the cold-smoked oysters if they’re on.
It’s a splurge, and it’s open for dinner only on select days. If you can’t get a table, the bar is first-come, first-served and serves the full menu.
6. 167 Raw: The Line Is Worth It
Best for: raw bar, lobster roll, tuna burger · Area: East Bay Street · Price: $$$
167 Raw began as a small fish market with a few seats, a spin-off of a family market on Nantucket, and it has turned into one of the most popular restaurants on the peninsula. It doesn’t take reservations, so expect a wait. Put your name down, wander the French Quarter and come back hungry for oysters, a lobster roll or the well-loved tuna burger.
7. Leon’s Oyster Shop: Fried Chicken and Champagne
Best for: casual lunch or early dinner · Area: Upper King · Price: $$
Not every great Charleston meal needs a tablecloth and a reservation made weeks ago. Leon’s, in an old auto body shop, is relaxed, a little quirky and always busy. The fried chicken regularly wins “best in Charleston” votes, and the oysters are just as good, so order both. Add a side of charred cabbage and a glass of bubbly. It’s a great choice when your group can’t agree between seafood and comfort food.
8. Rodney Scott’s BBQ: True South Carolina Whole Hog
Best for: South Carolina-style barbecue · Area: King Street, Upper King · Price: $
If you want barbecue that tastes like South Carolina, this is the place. Pitmaster Rodney Scott grew up cooking whole hogs over wood coals in the small town of Hemingway, and he won a James Beard award for it. Order the pulled whole hog with his peppery vinegar sauce, a rib plate and sides of mac and cheese and collards. Save room for the banana pudding.
9. Lewis Barbecue: Texas Brisket in Charleston
Best for: brisket, groups · Area: North Morrison (NoMo) · Price: $$
John Lewis brought Central Texas barbecue to Charleston, and it caught on fast. The star here is the brisket, sliced thick with a peppery bark, along with hot guts sausage, beef ribs and good sides. It’s casual and filling, and the big outdoor space works well for groups. If you’re torn between styles, do Rodney Scott’s one day and Lewis the next. They’re completely different, and both are great.
10. Bowens Island Restaurant: Oysters on the Marsh
Best for: oyster roast, sunset · Area: Bowens Island, on the way to Folly Beach · Price: $$
Some restaurants stick with you because of the food. Bowens Island sticks with you because of the whole scene. It’s a rustic, family-run seafood spot on a marsh island, where steamed oysters are shoveled onto your table by the bucket and you shuck them yourself as the sun goes down over the water.
It’s casual, unfussy and a perfect add-on to a Folly Beach day. Oyster season peaks in the cooler months. You’ll need a car, and it’s worth checking the hours before you go.
11. Fleet Landing: Waterfront Seafood Downtown
Best for: harbor views, families · Area: Concord Street waterfront · Price: $$
For such a watery city, surprisingly few downtown restaurants sit right on the water. Fleet Landing, in an old Navy building on the harbor, is one of them. The menu is classic Lowcountry seafood, including shrimp and grits, fried shrimp, crab cakes and she-crab soup. The deck is the place to be on a nice day. It’s an easy stop between Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row and the Battery.
12. Magnolias: A Charleston Classic
Best for: traditional Southern dinner · Area: East Bay Street · Price: $$$
Magnolias was one of the restaurants that started Charleston’s modern food scene back in 1990, and it still delivers polished, classic Southern cooking. Start with fried green tomatoes, then try the shrimp and grits or the Down South egg roll. It’s a reliable pick for a family dinner or anyone who wants the classics done well in a warm, historic room.
13. Chez Nous: A Tiny, Romantic Hideaway
Best for: a quiet date · Area: Payne Court, Cannonborough/Elliotborough · Price: $$$
Tucked in a small house on a side lane, Chez Nous (“our house” in French) serves a tiny handwritten menu of just a couple of starters, mains and desserts each day, inspired by southern France, Italy and Spain. It feels a world away from busy King Street, which is exactly why couples love it. Seating is limited, so book ahead and check which days it’s open.
14. Halls Chophouse: Charleston’s Favorite Steakhouse
Best for: steak, celebrations, brunch · Area: Upper King · Price: $$$$
After a few days of seafood, sometimes you want a steak. Halls is a family-run chophouse known for warm, over-the-top hospitality, dry-aged beef and a lively bar. It regularly tops local readers’ polls for fine dining, service and brunch. Dress up a little and make a reservation.
15. Kultura: Filipino Food With Big Flavor
Best for: something different · Area: Rutledge Avenue · Price: $$
Charleston’s food scene isn’t all Southern. Kultura started as a pop-up and was named one of the best new restaurants in America by Eater in 2023. Expect bright, bold Filipino dishes made for sharing. It’s a great break from heavy Southern meals and shows how much the city’s dining scene is growing.
16. King BBQ: Where Chinese Barbecue Meets the Carolinas
Best for: adventurous eaters · Area: North Charleston · Price: $$
One of the most original restaurants in the area, King BBQ blends Chinese barbecue traditions with Carolina smoke, so think char siu-style pork, crispy pork belly and smoked meats with a twist. Bon Appétit named it one of the country’s best new restaurants in 2024. It’s a short drive from downtown in North Charleston.
Best Places to Drink in Charleston
Charleston’s bar scene is almost as varied as its restaurants. You can sip bourbon in an old kitchen house, drink cocktails with a view of the harbor, or spend an afternoon hopping between breweries in North Morrison.
17. The Rooftop at the Vendue: The Classic Harbor View
On top of the Vendue hotel in the French Quarter, this two-level rooftop has been voted Charleston’s best rooftop bar year after year. The views stretch over church steeples and the harbor, and it’s especially good around sunset. It doesn’t take reservations, so come a bit early on weekends. Pair it with a stroll through Waterfront Park.
18. Husk Bar: For Bourbon Lovers
Even if you don’t eat at Husk, the bar next door is worth a visit. It’s in a historic brick kitchen house, with a big bourbon list, classic cocktails, Southern spirits and a few small bites. Because it takes walk-ins, it’s much easier to get into than the dining room.
19. Last Saint: Great Cocktails, No Fuss
For creative cocktails without a stiff, fancy mood, Last Saint is a local favorite. It has a neighborhood-bar feel, friendly bartenders and a drinks list that takes itself seriously. It’s a great after-dinner stop when you want another round without heading into a crowded club.
20. Citrus Club and The Cocktail Club: Rooftops With Style
Want to dress up? Citrus Club on top of The Dewberry hotel is Charleston’s most glamorous rooftop, with sweeping views and playful, high-end cocktails. Expect a dress code and higher prices. For something quieter, The Cocktail Club on Upper King has a rooftop garden that grows herbs for its drinks.
21. Breweries in North Morrison and Beyond
Charleston has a busy craft beer scene. In NoMo, Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. pours creative beers with a good food menu, and Revelry Brewing has a popular rooftop deck. Holy City, Westbrook and Commonhouse, whose beers you’ll see on tap around town, are all worth a stop if you have a car or a designated driver.
Breakfast, Brunch and Coffee in Charleston
Start the day the Southern way. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit on King Street makes small, buttery biscuits filled with ham, cheese or blackberry jam, perfect for eating while you walk. Husk and Halls Chophouse both do a popular weekend brunch. For coffee, Harlow and Pearl has become one of the most photographed cafés in town. Brunch is a big deal in Charleston, so book weekend tables in advance.
What Food Is Charleston Famous For?
Charleston is famous for shrimp and grits, oysters, she-crab soup, Gullah Geechee dishes like red rice and okra soup, Carolina Gold rice, Frogmore stew (Lowcountry boil), whole-hog barbecue and benne wafers.
| Dish | What It Is | Where to Try It |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp and grits | Local shrimp over creamy stone-ground grits, often with gravy or sausage | Husk, Magnolias, Fleet Landing |
| Oysters | Raw, steamed or roasted; best in cooler months | The Ordinary, 167 Raw, Bowens Island |
| She-crab soup | Rich, creamy crab soup with a splash of sherry | Fleet Landing and many downtown menus |
| Shrimp and crab rice / red rice | Gullah Geechee rice dishes | Hannibal’s Kitchen, Bertha’s Kitchen |
| Whole-hog barbecue | Pulled pork cooked over wood coals, vinegar-pepper sauce | Rodney Scott’s BBQ |
| Frogmore stew | Shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes boiled together | Seafood spots around the coast |
A bit of history: shrimp and grits started as a simple breakfast for Lowcountry fishermen. It only moved to dinner menus in the 1980s and ’90s, when restaurants like Slightly North of Broad turned it into the city’s signature plate. She-crab soup is rich, so sharing a cup before your main dish usually works better than ordering a big bowl.
Also look for Carolina Gold rice on menus. This heirloom grain once made Charleston one of the richest cities in America, and farmers and chefs have brought it back.
Best Charleston Restaurants by Type
| If You Want… | Go To |
|---|---|
| A special-occasion dinner | FIG, Husk or Halls Chophouse |
| Traditional local food | Hannibal’s Kitchen or Bertha’s Kitchen |
| Oysters and seafood | The Ordinary, 167 Raw or Bowens Island |
| A casual meal | Leon’s, Rodney Scott’s or Lewis Barbecue |
| Romance | Chez Nous or FIG |
| Waterfront dining | Fleet Landing downtown, Bowens Island by car |
| Something different | Kultura or King BBQ |
| Cocktails | Last Saint, Husk Bar or The Cocktail Club |
| A rooftop view | The Rooftop at the Vendue or Citrus Club |
Where to Eat in Charleston by Neighborhood
Historic District and French Quarter
This is where you’ll be if you’re sightseeing on foot, close to Husk, Magnolias, 167 Raw, Fleet Landing, the Vendue rooftop, Waterfront Park and the City Market. It’s convenient, but the blocks right around the market lean touristy. Walk a little farther and you’ll often eat better.
Upper King Street
Upper King is Charleston’s main dining and nightlife strip. The Ordinary, Leon’s, Rodney Scott’s, Halls and plenty of bars are all within a few blocks, so you can eat dinner and walk to drinks without needing a car.
Cannonborough/Elliotborough and the East Side
These neighborhoods feel less like a tourist district and more like where locals actually spend their evenings. Look for small independent restaurants, cafés and bars, plus Chez Nous, Kultura and Hannibal’s Kitchen nearby.
North Morrison (NoMo) and North Charleston
NoMo has turned into a hub for barbecue and breweries, with Lewis, Edmund’s Oast and Revelry. A little farther, North Charleston is home to Bertha’s Kitchen, King BBQ and the Park Circle neighborhood’s growing restaurant scene.
James Island, Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant
With a car, the food map gets much bigger. Head toward Folly Beach for Bowens Island and casual beach bars, or cross the Ravenel Bridge to Mount Pleasant and Shem Creek, where seafood restaurants sit on docks over the water and you can watch shrimp boats come in.
How Much Does It Cost to Eat in Charleston, and Do You Need Reservations?
Charleston can get expensive fast, especially if every dinner includes oysters, cocktails and a top downtown restaurant. The trick is to mix it up. Plan one or two big dinners, then fill the rest of your trip with barbecue, soul food, biscuits and casual seafood. Lunch is also a cheaper way to try popular places.
Yes, you need reservations for the most popular Charleston restaurants, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. FIG, The Ordinary, Husk, Halls and Chez Nous can book up weeks ahead. Reserve your one or two must-visit dinners before you arrive, then keep everything else flexible. Walk-in bars, counter-service lunch spots and places outside the busiest blocks give you room to change plans.
A Simple Charleston Food Itinerary
One Day of Eating in Charleston
Breakfast: biscuits at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. Lunch: shrimp and crab rice at Hannibal’s Kitchen, or fried chicken and oysters at Leon’s. Afternoon: walk Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row and the Battery, then have a sunset drink at The Rooftop at the Vendue. Dinner: FIG or Husk. Nightcap: Last Saint or the Husk Bar.
Two Days of Eating in Charleston
Day 1: follow the plan above and keep your meals downtown.
Day 2: go beyond the historic core. Have whole-hog barbecue at Rodney Scott’s or brisket at Lewis for lunch, then visit a brewery in NoMo. Spend the afternoon at Folly Beach and finish with a sunset oyster roast at Bowens Island. You’ll get a much better feel for Charleston’s range than you would eating every meal near the City Market.
Tips for Eating Your Way Through Charleston
- Book your most important dinner first, ideally before you arrive.
- Don’t stack three heavy Southern meals in one day. Mix in seafood, lighter plates or something like Kultura.
- Share starters so you can try more local dishes.
- Walk a few blocks past the tourist zones. The best meals are often a street or two away.
- Try both sides of Charleston: polished Lowcountry dinners and casual family-run kitchens.
- Check opening days. Many restaurants close on Mondays or Tuesdays, and some are dinner-only.
- Use rideshare or a designated driver for breweries and restaurants outside downtown.
Menus, prices and hours change often, so check with each restaurant directly before you go.
Between meals, there’s plenty more to see. Our guide to things to do in Charleston, South Carolina covers Fort Sumter, the historic district, plantations and nearby beaches.
Related Guides
Still putting your plans together? You might also find these useful:
- Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
- Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Things to Do in South Carolina in December
- Things to Do in South Carolina in October
Eating and Drinking in Charleston: FAQs
What food is Charleston, South Carolina known for?
Shrimp and grits, oysters, she-crab soup, Gullah Geechee dishes like red rice and okra soup, Carolina Gold rice, Frogmore stew and whole-hog barbecue.
Where should I eat in Charleston for the first time?
Mix it up: one Lowcountry dinner at FIG or Husk, a Gullah Geechee lunch at Hannibal’s Kitchen, oysters at The Ordinary or 167 Raw, and barbecue at Rodney Scott’s.
What is the best area for restaurants in Charleston?
Upper King Street has the biggest cluster of restaurants and bars. The Historic District and French Quarter are best if you’re sightseeing on foot, and NoMo is great for barbecue and breweries.
What is the best seafood restaurant in Charleston?
It depends on the mood: The Ordinary for an upscale seafood dinner, 167 Raw for a raw bar and lobster roll, Fleet Landing for downtown waterfront dining, and Bowens Island for a rustic oyster roast.
Where can I eat Gullah Geechee food in Charleston?
Hannibal’s Kitchen on the East Side and Bertha’s Kitchen in North Charleston are two of the best-loved spots for Gullah Geechee and soul food.
Where is the best barbecue in Charleston?
Rodney Scott’s BBQ for South Carolina whole hog, Lewis Barbecue for Texas-style brisket, and King BBQ for a creative Chinese-Carolina mix.
Do I need reservations for Charleston restaurants?
For popular dinner spots, yes, especially on weekends. Some top tables book up weeks in advance. Casual spots like Leon’s, Rodney Scott’s and 167 Raw work on a walk-in basis, so expect some waiting.
What is the best rooftop bar in Charleston?
The Rooftop at the Vendue is the classic pick for harbor views and a lively crowd. Citrus Club at The Dewberry is the most upscale choice.
What is the best Charleston restaurant for a romantic dinner?
Chez Nous is small and intimate, and FIG is perfect for a special evening.
Is Charleston expensive for eating out?
It can be, especially downtown. Balance one or two splurges with barbecue, soul food, biscuits and casual seafood to keep costs down.
Final Thoughts: Eat a Little of Everything
The best way to eat in Charleston isn’t to chase one perfect restaurant. Mix old and new. Have oysters one day and barbecue the next. Book one polished dinner, then eat red rice at a family-run counter. Try the dishes tied to the city’s Gullah Geechee roots instead of spending the whole trip chasing the most photographed places.
That mix of history, heritage and fresh ideas is what makes the best places to eat and drink in Charleston, South Carolina worth planning a trip around.
Need ideas for between meals? See our guide to the best things to do in South Carolina, including Charleston’s historic district, Fort Sumter and nearby beaches. For more trips, browse all of our travel guides.