The Ultimate Charleston Restaurant Guide — From Local Favorites to Must-Try Spots

If you know us, you know that food is a huge part of how we travel and explore—and that love for great dining starts right here at home in Charleston, South Carolina. As full-time locals and passionate foodies, we’ve eaten our way through the city (more than once) and put together this comprehensive restaurant guide to help you find the best places to eat in Charleston, from high-end Southern cuisine to hidden gem taco spots.

This guide includes our personal ratings, our honest thoughts, and tips on what to order. Whether you’re planning a trip to Charleston or just looking for your next date night spot, you’ll find something here worth bookmarking.

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Top-Tier Favorites (9–10 Ratings)

Costa | $$$ | Downtown | Coastal Italian

Rating: 10/10
Hands down the best meal we’ve had in a while. They even comped four desserts after a reservation delay. Get the octopus pasta and beef carpaccio — life-changing!

Southbound | $$$$ | Downtown | Southern

Rating: 10/10
Yes, it’s pricey—but it’s absolutely worth it. The chef’s counter is a unique experience, and the vibes are immaculate.

Xiao Bao | $$ | Downtown | Asian Fusion

Rating: 10/10
Rotating menu, bold flavors, cozy-chic atmosphere. A go-to for us. We always leave happy.

Jackrabbit Filly | $$ | Park Circle | Asian Fusion

Rating: 10/10
Sister spot to Xiao Bao—just as excellent. Amazing flavors, fun setting, and a creative rotating menu. Catch the owner/chef of this restaurant on Season 22 of Top Chef Destination Canada.

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Elite Hotspots (8–9 Ratings)

167 Raw | $$$ | Downtown | Seafood

Rating: 9/10
Fresh seafood, buzzy atmosphere, no reservations. Totally worth the wait.

Ma’am Saab | $$$ | Downtown | Pakistani

Rating: 9/10
A sensory experience. Incredible ambiance, unforgettable butter chicken and lollipop chicken, and the best Negroni in town.

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Solid Go-To Spots (7–8 Ratings)

If you want consistently good food without breaking the bank, here are some solid choices:

• Leon’s — killer fried chicken and oyster shooters with a great patio
• Malagon — cozy Spanish tapas, great for date night
• Frannie & the Fox — trendy and perfect for a girls’ night
• Coterie — international fusion with standout drinks
• Wild Olive — Johns Island gem, super charming
• Nigel’s Good Food — Gullah-style comfort food, HUGE portions
• Community Table — modern comfort food with an awesome patio

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Charleston Classics & Tourist Favorites (6–7 Ratings)

These are the restaurants that make Charleston… well, Charleston. Some are pricier or more touristy, but still worth checking out:

• Magnolia’s — classic Southern, beautiful interior
• The Darling — raw bar lovers will swoon
• The Watch — great rooftop views and wine deals
• Poogan’s Porch — touristy, but a solid intro to Lowcountry cuisine
• O-Ku — sleek sushi and cocktail spot
• Red’s Ice House — Shem Creek views, casual vibes, live music

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🚫 A Note on Not-So-Favorite Spots

We believe in supporting local businesses and sharing honest travel tips — and while most of our experiences were fantastic, there were a few spots that didn’t quite live up to the hype. That said, we don’t want to tear down any local restaurants publicly. If you’re curious about which places we’d skip next time, feel free to reach out directly — we’re always happy to share the full scoop privately!

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Our Pro Tips for Dining in Charleston

• Make reservations early, especially for popular downtown spots.
• Go during off-hours for better seating and service at no-reservation restaurants.
• Ask about off-menu specials—many spots like to surprise regulars.
• Don’t skip Shem Creek for a casual seafood day with views and vibes.
• Be sure to explore Park Circle, Johns Island, and Mount Pleasant for some under-the-radar gems.

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Let’s Eat!

We’ll keep updating this guide as we try new places and revisit old favorites. If you’re visiting Charleston or even if you live here, we hope our notes help you eat well and enjoy all the incredible flavors this city has to offer. Want more detailed reviews or itineraries? Be sure to check out our other posts or shoot us a message (we have a spreadsheet full of restaurants that will fit your niche)!

– Audrey & Tanner