Introduction
Charleston, South Carolina is a city that is known for its incredible hospitality, beautiful beaches and rich history. But it’s also known for its amazing culinary scene. With an abundance of restaurants and eateries offering a variety of cuisines, there are endless possibilities when it comes to exploring Charleston’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re looking for a classic Southern dish or something more exotic, the Holy City has something to offer everyone.
From high-end eateries to casual cafes, Charleston is home to some of the best restaurants in the Southeast. The city’s diverse culinary scene has been shaped by its unique blend of cultures and influences, which makes it one of the most exciting places to explore. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are plenty of reasons to visit Charleston for its food.
Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Charleston, SC
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Charleston, here are 10 must-try restaurants that should be on your list:
High Cotton
This upscale restaurant serves up classic Southern fare with a modern twist. Menu items include Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits, as well as more contemporary dishes such as lamb chops and grilled octopus. High Cotton also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
The Ordinary
This seafood-focused restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of oysters, clams and other fresh seafood dishes, as well as a selection of traditional Lowcountry favorites. The Ordinary also boasts an impressive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner date.
Halls Chophouse
For a truly luxurious dining experience, head to Halls Chophouse. This upscale steakhouse offers an extensive menu of prime cuts of beef, including filet mignon and ribeye. The restaurant also features an impressive wine list and craft cocktails.
Husk
Husk is one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. The menu focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and features a range of dishes from classic Southern classics to more inventive creations. Husk also offers a full bar, as well as an extensive wine list.
Magnolia’s
This beloved Charleston institution serves up classic Lowcountry cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features a range of dishes, from fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits to braised pork shank and grilled oysters. Magnolia’s also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list.
Fleet Landing
Located on the waterfront, Fleet Landing is a great spot for seafood lovers. The menu features a range of dishes, from classic fish and chips to more creative offerings like crab cake sliders and seared scallops. The restaurant also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list.
FIG
FIG (Food Is Good) is a farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu features an array of dishes from classic Southern favorites to more inventive creations. FIG also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list.
The Grocery
The Grocery is a cozy bistro that serves up locally-sourced, seasonal dishes. The menu features a range of dishes, from house-made pastas and flatbreads to salads and sandwiches. The Grocery also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list.
The Macintosh
This hip gastropub is located in downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of dishes from classic comfort food to more inventive creations. The Macintosh also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list.
Poogan’s Porch
Poogan’s Porch is a historic restaurant that serves up classic Southern fare. The menu features a range of dishes, from fried chicken and pulled pork sandwiches to more inventive creations. Poogan’s Porch also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list.
7 Unforgettable Dining Experiences in Charleston
In addition to the restaurants listed above, there are several other unforgettable dining experiences to be found in Charleston. Here are seven of the best:
Cru Catering
Cru Catering is a full-service catering company that specializes in custom menus for any occasion. From intimate dinners for two to large-scale events, Cru Catering can help make any event memorable. The team also works with local farmers and purveyors to ensure the freshest ingredients.
Prohibition
Prohibition is a speakeasy-style bar that serves up classic cocktails and small plates. The bar also features live music and DJs, making it a great spot for a night out.
SNOB
SNOB (Slightly North of Broad) is an upscale restaurant that serves up classic Southern fare with a modern twist. The menu features an array of dishes, from Lowcountry classics to more inventive creations. SNOB also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
The Darling Oyster Bar
The Darling Oyster Bar is a seafood-focused restaurant located in the heart of downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of oysters, clams and other seafood dishes, as well as a selection of classic Lowcountry favorites. The Darling Oyster Bar also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
82 Queen
82 Queen is a classic Lowcountry restaurant located in the heart of downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of dishes, from classic Southern favorites to more inventive creations. 82 Queen also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary is a seafood-focused restaurant located in the heart of downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of oysters, clams and other fresh seafood dishes, as well as a selection of traditional Lowcountry favorites. The Ordinary also boasts an impressive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner date.
The Grocery
The Grocery is a cozy bistro that serves up locally-sourced, seasonal dishes. The menu features a range of dishes, from house-made pastas and flatbreads to salads and sandwiches. The Grocery also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list.
Exploring the Flavors of Charleston: Where to Eat and What to Try
When visiting Charleston, it’s important to sample the local cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat and what to try while in the Holy City:
Southern Classics
No trip to Charleston would be complete without sampling some of the city’s classic Southern dishes. From biscuits and gravy to fried chicken and collard greens, there are plenty of comforting dishes to try. Some of the best spots to sample Southern classics include Hominy Grill, Poogan’s Porch and The Drawing Room.
Lowcountry Cuisine
Lowcountry cuisine is a style of cooking that is unique to Charleston and the surrounding area. It typically consists of fresh seafood, rice and vegetables cooked in a flavorful broth. Popular dishes include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup and frogmore stew. Some of the best places to sample Lowcountry cuisine include FIG, Fleet Landing and The Obstinate Daughter.
Local Specialties
In addition to classic Southern dishes and Lowcountry cuisine, Charleston is also home to some unique local specialties. These include pimento cheese, boiled peanuts and benne wafers. Some of the best places to sample these local specialties include Xiao Bao Biscuit, Lewis BBQ and Butcher & Bee.
A Foodie’s Guide to Charleston: The Best Local Dishes
When visiting Charleston, it’s important to sample the local cuisine. Here are five must-try dishes while in the Holy City:
Biscuits & Gravy
Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern dish that is popular in Charleston. The dish consists of fluffy biscuits topped with creamy sausage gravy. It’s a comforting and delicious dish that is sure to satisfy any appetite.
Shrimp & Grits
Shrimp and grits is a classic Lowcountry dish that is popular in Charleston. The dish consists of creamy stone-ground grits topped with sautéed shrimp and bacon. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please.
She-Crab Soup
She-crab soup is a creamy soup made with blue crab, sherry and spices. It’s a classic Lowcountry dish that is popular in Charleston. The soup is rich and flavorful, and is sure to warm you up on a cold day.
Frogmore Stew
Frogmore stew is a classic Lowcountry dish that is popular in Charleston. The stew is made with corn, potatoes, sausage, shrimp and crab. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy any appetite.
Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern dish that is popular in Charleston. The cheese is made with mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, pimentos and spices. It’s a creamy and flavorful dip that is perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a topping for burgers.
An Insider’s Guide to the Best Eats in Charleston
Charleston is home to some of the best restaurants in the Southeast. Here are five must-try eateries while in the Holy City:
5 Church
5 Church is an upscale restaurant that serves up classic American fare with a modern twist. The menu features an array of dishes, from steaks and seafood to salads and sandwiches. 5 Church also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Trattoria Lucca
Trattoria Lucca is a cozy Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of dishes, from classic pasta dishes to more inventive creations. Trattoria Lucca also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits
The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits is a rooftop restaurant located in downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of dishes, from classic burgers and sandwiches to more inventive creations. The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Xiao Bao Biscuit
Xiao Bao Biscuit is a casual Asian-fusion restaurant located in downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of dishes, from dumplings and noodles to curries and stir-fries. Xiao Bao Biscuit also offers an extensive beer list and craft cocktails.
Hominy Grill
Hominy Grill is a cozy bistro that serves up classic Southern fare with a modern twist. The menu features an array of dishes, from Lowcountry classics to more inventive creations. Hominy Grill also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
A Gastronomic Journey Through Charleston’s Finest Eateries
Charleston is home to some of the finest restaurants in the Southeast. Here are five must-visit eateries while in the Holy City:
Leon’s
Leon’s is an upscale restaurant that specializes in classic French cuisine. The menu features an array of dishes, from steak frites and coq au vin to more inventive creations. Leon’s also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Saffron
Saffron is a cozy Indian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of dishes, from classic curries to more inventive creations. Saffron also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
The Grocery
The Grocery is a cozy bistro that serves up locally-sourced, seasonal dishes. The menu features a range of dishes, from house-made pastas and flatbreads to salads and sandwiches. The Grocery also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list.
The Macintosh
The Macintosh is a hip gastropub located in downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of dishes from classic comfort food to more inventive creations. The Macintosh also offers a full bar and an extensive wine list.
The Obstinate Daughter
The Obstinate Daughter is a casual restaurant located in the heart of downtown Charleston. The menu features an array of dishes, from pizza and pasta to more inventive creations. The Obstinate Daughter also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Conclusion
Charleston is a city that is known for its incredible hospitality, beautiful beaches and rich history. But it’s also known for its amazing culinary scene. From high-end eateries to casual cafes, Charleston is home to some of the best restaurants in the Southeast. Whether you’re looking for a classic Southern dish or something more exotic, the Holy City has something to offer everyone. So if you’re looking for a great place to eat in Charleston, be sure to check out the restaurants listed above for an unforgettable dining experience.
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