A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
Husk. French Quarter / Downtown · Lowcountry Southern — Landmark Southern restaurant operating since 2011 inside a restored Victorian home; every ingredient on the menu must come from the South. The…
Halls Chophouse. King Street / Downtown · American Steakhouse — Family-run Charleston institution since 2009 on King Street; consistently rated among the city's best steakhouses. Known equally for prime cuts and for…
Bertha's Kitchen. North Charleston · Soul Food / Gullah — James Beard America's Classic honoree (2017), founded in 1980. Gullah-influenced soul food at its most honest: fried whiting, stewed chicken neck, red rice,…
Hyman's Seafood. 215 Meeting St · 4.9★ (50,552 reviews)
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar. 186 Concord St · 4.6★ (12,058 reviews)
Magnolias. 185 E Bay St #200 · 4.7★ (5,311 reviews)
The Rooftop at the Vendue. 19 Vendue Range · 4.6★ (4,661 reviews)
Poogan's Porch. 72 Queen St · 4.3★ (6,648 reviews)
Cafés, bakeries & casual
FIG (Food Is Good). Downtown / Ansonborough · Farm-to-Table American — Two-time James Beard Award-winning restaurant helmed by chefs Mike Lata and Jason Stanhope. Seasonal, market-driven menu with impeccable sourcing…
Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar. 198 E Bay St Ste 100 · 4.7★ (2,829 reviews)
Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe. 78 N Market St · 4.4★ (2,171 reviews)
Saffron Bakery & Restaurant. 333 E Bay St · 4.2★ (2,038 reviews)
Baguette Magic. 792 Folly Rd Unit A · 4.7★ (775 reviews)
Harken Cafe. 62 Queen St · 4.6★ (873 reviews)
Bad Bunnies Coffee. 116A Spring St · 4.9★ (502 reviews)
La Pâtisserie. 404 King St · 4.6★ (722 reviews)
Fine dining & Michelin
Chubby Fish. Cannonborough-Elliotborough · Seafood / Market-Driven — Named to North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 and a Michelin-recognized spot; chef James London changes the entire menu daily based on the…
Leon's Fine Poultry and Oysters. Upper King Street · Oysters / Fried Chicken — Award-winning casual spot recognized by Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and the Michelin Guide as one of the best seafood shacks in the US. The grilled…
Malagón Mercado y Tapería. Cannonborough-Elliotborough · Spanish Tapas — One of three Charleston restaurants to earn a Michelin star in the Guide's 2025 American South debut. Chef Juan Cassalett's menu centers on Spanish…
Wild Common. Cannonborough-Elliotborough · American Contemporary (Tasting Menu) — Michelin one-star restaurant offering a creative multi-course tasting menu priced under $100, led by Executive Chef Orlando…
Slightly North of Broad Restaurant. 192 E Bay St · 4.7★ (2,849 reviews)
FIG. 232 Meeting St · 4.7★ (1,687 reviews)
The Ordinary. 544 King St · 4.6★ (1,529 reviews)
Circa 1886 Restaurant. 149 Wentworth St · 4.8★ (1,009 reviews)