The 8 Best Places to Eat in Charleston, SC

There’s hundreds of amazing restaurants in Charleston, many boasting unique personalities and farm-to-table fare. We’ve rounded up 8 of the best restaurants in Charleston that you can’t miss on your next visit.

If the Lowcountry culture, incredible history, and beautiful views of Charleston weren’t enough to convince you book your trip as soon as possible, perhaps the promise of an impeccable food scene will be.

If you’re a foodie, you can thank us later and if you’re not a foodie…well, you’re about to be.

1. Charleston Crab House

If you’re looking for a Charleston dinner spot with a classic Lowcountry seafood dining experience, this is it! The menu features extensive local seafood options, but we HIGHLY recommend one of their world-famous steampots. Not only was the steampot delicious, but it was also such a fun dining experience. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of non-seafood options available too!

Location: Market St., French Quarter

Reservations Recommended? We recommend making a reservation if you’re visiting on a weekend or during the busy season (spring & summer).

Price: $$ Visit their website here.

2. The Establishment

Okay, this spot is a little more of a splurge but it’s SO. WORTH. IT. The Establishment was one of the best places to eat in Charleston that we’ve been to. It would be a perfect spot to go to celebrate an anniversary, a promotion, or to simply treat yourself to an experience a little extra special.

The restaurant ambiance is so elegant, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the food & drinks are absolutely delicious. We’re still talking about how much we loved our dinner here. The menu encouraged us to try things that we normally wouldn’t have chosen and we loved everything we ordered! 10/10 recommend this Charleston restaurant next time you’re in town.

Pro tip: If you’re wanting to save a little money while still having the incredible experience here, we recommend sharing the entree and ordering an appetizer to go with it. Psst! Get the crab gnocchi, it’s absolutely to die for.

Location: 28 Broad St.

Reservations Recommended? Yes!

Price: $$$ Visit their website here.

3. Oyster House

Another MUST if you’re trying to hit all the best places to eat in Charleston. Located right on Market Street in the French Quarter, you’re close to all the action! We walked from our hotel (the French Quarter Inn) to dinner and then walked to Church & Union for a drink after. Evenings don’t really get much better than that!

Location: 35 S. Market St

Reservations Recommended? Yes, especially if you’re visiting during the busy season.

Price: $$ Visit their website here.

Need hotel recommendations? Check out our top 4 Charleston hotels!

4. Church & Union

Speaking of Church & Union, this spot was another favorite. It’s an old church that has been renovated into one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. Make a reservation for dinner, or sit at the bar and grab a delicious cocktail as you take in the soaring ceilings, stained glass, and dramatic decor… you just might feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

Location: 32B N. Market St.

Reservation Recommended? Yes, especially if you’re hoping to eat dinner there. The bar is first-come-first-served and could be a good option for anyone without a reservation.

Price: $$$. Visit their website here.

5. Leon’s Oyster Shop

If you love oysters, fried chicken, delicious cocktails, and one of the best dining ambiances Charleston has to offer, then Leon’s is a can’t miss! Leon’s is home to elevated Southern comfort food and one of the best fried chicken sandwiches you’ll eat. They also have cheap beer, soft serve ice cream, rosé on tap, and frozen gin & tonics.

Pro tip: If you don’t think you can squeeze this stop into your dinner plans while you’re in Charleston, try visiting for lunch!

Location: 698 King St.

Reservations Recommended? Don’t bother! Leon’s is first-come-first-served only!

Price: $$. Visit their website here.

Right image courtesy of Leon’s Oyster Bar

6. Poogan’s Smokehouse

If you’re looking for something more casual and family-friendly, then make sure Poogan’s Smokehouse is on your list. With the modern, industrial-chic decor you’ll still get the best dining ambiance while knowing their locally-sourced, slow-cooked Southern BBQ will be a crowd pleaser for everyone around your table.

Location: 188 E Bay St.

Reservations Recommended? Yes. Walk-ins are welcome but we recommend booking a reservation to be safe, especially if your group is a little larger.

Price: $$. Visit their website here.

7. Hyman’s Seafood

Okay, while this spot might look a little unassuming from the outside, it’s pretty much everything you would want from an unpretentious, yet incredibly delicious, seafood restaurant. The menu is a bit large, but you really can’t go wrong with anything, and there’s plenty of options for anyone who isn’t a fan of seafood. Hands down, this is one of the best places to eat in Charleston, SC.

Pro tip: You HAVE TO try the Boom Boom Shrimp appetizer! We loved it so much we ordered it twice.

Location: 215 Meeting St.

Reservations Recommended? First come, first served only.

Price: $$. Visit their website here.

8. Darling Oyster Bar

For anyone out there who loves raw oysters, this is your spot. Darling Oyster Bar is the cutest, most stylish little spot with vintage appeal and top-notch food and cocktails. While their raw oysters are one of the more popular things on the menu, they also have plenty of cooked seafood offerings, as well as sandwiches and burgers for the non-seafood lovers.

Location: 513 King St.

Reservations Recommended? Yes.

Price: $$$. Visit their website here.