A Food Lover's Guide to Charleston

Located within the original carriage house of Wentworth Mansion®, sister restaurant Circa 1886 has earned a national reputation for its refined interpretation of Lowcountry cuisine. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Marc Collins, the restaurant blends seasonal ingredients, Southern traditions, and contemporary techniques to create one of Charleston’s most memorable dining experiences. For special occasions, anniversaries, or an elegant evening in the Historic District, Circa 1886 remains one of the city’s finest dining destinations.

Elegant and timeless, Peninsula Grill has become synonymous with special occasions in Charleston. Nestled within the Planters Inn, the restaurant offers refined cuisine, impeccable service, and one of the city’s most romantic dining settings.

A Charleston institution, High Cotton pairs classic Southern hospitality with elevated Lowcountry cuisine. Live jazz, polished service, and a menu rooted in regional traditions make it a longtime favorite among both visitors and locals.

For many travelers, Magnolias serves as an introduction to Charleston cuisine. Known for helping pioneer upscale Southern dining in the city, the restaurant continues to celebrate traditional Lowcountry flavors while maintaining its place among Charleston’s most beloved dining rooms.

Located inside a historic downtown building, Slightly North of Broad combines Southern ingredients with creative preparations. Its welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent cuisine have made it a Charleston favorite for decades.

Located near Charleston Harbor, The Establishment celebrates local seafood and Lowcountry ingredients while embracing modern culinary techniques. Its sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere reflects Charleston’s evolving dining scene.

Nestled among Charleston’s historic buildings and courtyards, 82 Queen offers one of the city’s most iconic dining experiences. Its famous she-crab soup and charming courtyard setting have made it a favorite for generations.

Husk helped redefine Southern dining by focusing exclusively on ingredients sourced from the South. The restaurant’s constantly evolving menu highlights seasonal products and regional culinary traditions through a contemporary lens.

Known for its warm hospitality and focus on regional ingredients, Anson blends traditional Southern flavors with contemporary influences. The result is a dining experience that feels both familiar and distinctly Charleston.

Housed inside a beautifully restored historic bank building, The Ordinary has become one of Charleston’s most celebrated seafood restaurants. Raw bar selections, creative preparations, and a lively atmosphere make it a must-visit for seafood lovers.

What began as a small oyster bar has evolved into one of Charleston’s most sought-after dining experiences. Known for lobster rolls, oysters, and fresh seafood, 167 Raw often draws long lines for good reason.

A Charleston favorite for more than two decades, Hank’s combines classic seafood dishes with attentive service and an elegant dining room. It remains one of the city’s most reliable choices for fresh seafood.

Just steps from the historic City Market, Amen Street specializes in fresh local seafood, oysters, and classic Lowcountry favorites. Its convenient location and broad menu make it popular among both visitors and locals.

Modern and sophisticated, Tempest showcases premium seafood, thoughtful preparations, and an impressive raw bar. Its stylish setting has quickly made it one of Charleston’s standout dining destinations.

Located on vibrant King Street, Darling Oyster Bar offers a lively setting, fresh seafood, and one of the city’s most popular oyster bars, making it an ideal stop during a day of exploring downtown Charleston.

Equal parts oyster bar and neighborhood gathering place, Leon’s is beloved for its casual atmosphere, fried chicken, oysters, and approachable charm.

Bright, fresh, and ingredient-driven, Basic Kitchen has become a favorite for health-conscious diners seeking vibrant vegetable-focused dishes. Its modern atmosphere and creative menu offer a refreshing contrast to Charleston’s more traditional dining establishments.

Inspired by the flavors of Spain, Malagón offers a warm and inviting dining experience centered around tapas, cured meats, seafood, and traditional Spanish dishes. It has quickly become one of Charleston’s most celebrated neighborhood restaurants.

Known for its commitment to local sourcing and seasonal ingredients, The Grocery helped define Charleston’s farm-to-table movement. Thoughtful preparations and bold flavors continue to make it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Few restaurants in Charleston feel quite as intimate as Chez Nous. With a menu that changes daily and a dining room that feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant, it has become a favorite among travelers seeking something uniquely Charleston.

Led by acclaimed culinary talent, Lowland celebrates the ingredients, traditions, and flavors of the American South through a contemporary lens. The restaurant’s thoughtful approach to Southern cuisine has made it one of Charleston’s most talked-about dining destinations.

Housed in a beautifully restored historic bank, Brasserie La Banque brings French-inspired cuisine and timeless elegance to Charleston’s dining landscape. Its grand setting and classic menu make it a memorable choice for lunch or dinner.

A favorite among both locals and visitors, Millers All Day elevates classic Southern breakfast and brunch with scratch-made biscuits, fluffy pancakes, house-made pastries, and creative takes on Lowcountry comfort food. Its bright, welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to begin a day in Charleston.

Part European café, part neighborhood gathering place, Babas on Cannon offers an inviting atmosphere for breakfast, light bites, coffee, and wine. Its relaxed setting and thoughtfully prepared menu make it a wonderful stop before exploring nearby boutiques and historic neighborhoods.

Known for exceptional coffee, fresh pastries, and seasonal breakfast offerings, Harken Café has quickly become one of Charleston’s favorite neighborhood cafés. Its airy, contemporary space provides a refreshing contrast to the city’s historic streets while maintaining the same welcoming hospitality.

A longtime favorite among Charleston coffee enthusiasts, Second State Coffee focuses on carefully sourced beans and expertly prepared coffee. Its commitment to quality has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.

Located inside the historic Emeline Hotel, Clerks Coffee Company serves expertly crafted coffee drinks in a stylish setting just steps from Charleston City Market.

Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar, Bin 152, Vintage Lounge, and Uncork Charleston each offer thoughtfully curated wine selections ranging from rare vintages to approachable discoveries. Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or simply looking for the perfect glass to end the day, each provides a distinctive experience.

For expertly crafted cocktails, Circa 1886, The Gin Joint, Doar Bros., Vintage Lounge, and The Cocktail Club continue to set the standard for Charleston’s cocktail culture, combining creative spirits, welcoming hospitality, and memorable settings.

Charleston’s brewery community has grown into one of the Southeast’s most respected craft beer destinations. From Belgian-inspired ales to innovative IPAs and seasonal releases, local breweries provide another way to experience the city’s creative spirit.

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Munkle Brewing Co., and Revelry Brewing Co. each offer distinctive beers and welcoming taprooms that are well worth exploring during your visit.