Lunch/Breakfast Spots Near the Tour
Fast and French: Rub elbows with the locals at this bustling bistro offering affordable French eats. Be sure to check out their daily special, complete with a glass of wine.
Harken Cafe: Petite, Parisienne-inspired hideaway in the heart of the French Quarter for sweet treats, salads, sandwiches, and a variety of delicious drinks.
Millers All Day: Hip "diner-style" restaurant on King St serving breakfast all day with a southern twist.
goat.sheep.cow: Check out the daily sandwich special offered Tuesday-Friday at this favorite spot for cheese, charcuterie, wine, and gourmet groceries.
Ruru's Tacos + Tequila: Trendy spot for Mexican-inspired cuisine on East Bay St. Enjoy the patio with one of Charleston's largest selections of fine tequilas.
Sorelle Mercato: Located on Broad Street, this polished spot serves Southern Italy inspired cuisine with a modern twist. Pick up some authentic Italian groceries to bring home or enjoy casual all-day food and beverages in their charming cafe style seating area.
Barbecue
Palmira Barbecue: This acclaimed West Ashley barbecue spot blends South Carolina barbecue traditions with Puerto Rican flavors, serving wood-fired smoked meats, house-made sausages, and creative sides in a laid-back atmosphere.
Lewis Barbecue: It's hard to miss this Charleston favorite Texas-style smokehouse. Enjoy masterfully smoked meats and classic sides of slaw and pickles at their bar and outdoor tables.
Best-Kept Secrets
Hannibal's Kitchen: Experience authentic Lowcountry flavors at this humble family-owned joint in downtown Charleston.
Bowen's Island: Located just outside of Folly Island, this local favorite serves a variety of essential Lowcountry seafood and offers an undisturbed view of the river, marshes, islands, and wildlife.
Muse Restaurant and Wine Bar: Intimate spot off of King Street with outdoor seating, elegant dining rooms, and of course a much-celebrated bar. The highlight is the warm and lively staff!
The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene: A laid-back spot for fried seafood serving dinner with creek views. Located in Mt. Pleasant.
babas on cannon / babas on meeting: Inspired by the neighborhood bars and cafes of Europe, these locations serve espresso and pastries in the morning, sandwiches and salads at lunch, and cocktails and wine in the evenings.
Southern Food
Magnolias: Magnolia’s has the best southern food around and great seafood. It’s located on East Bay so it’s the perfect stopping point after a morning of downtown exploration.
Husk: Husk is a really popular restaurant that books out weeks in advance. We'd recommend going for lunch and grabbing a seat in their bar instead of their formal dining area (they are two separate buildings).
Poogan's Porch: Tucked away on charming Queen Street in a beautifully restored Victorian house, this popular Southern restaurant features porches and a massive wine cellar.
Seafood
167Raw: 167Raw has amazing oysters and fish tacos. It's very small so you may not get a table right away. It’s worth the wait!
Chubby Fish: Chubby Fish is a trendy seafood restaurant that is fairly new to the Charleston area. Their dishes are unique and their wine selection is top notch. They don't take reservations, so make sure to get there early to put your name on the waitlist.
Leon's Oyster Shop: If you’re looking for a trendy restaurant with endless Instagram opportunities, Leon’s is it. It’s a laid back place offering everything from oysters on the halfshell to fried chicken sandwiches. Their frozen gin and tonics cannot be missed.
The Ordinary: Formerly a 1920s bank, The Ordinary is a gorgeous upscale spot for seafood in a buzzing downtown location.
Hanks Seafood: A bustling eatery serving classic seafood cuisine in a grand, traditional setting.
Fleet Landing: A southern seafood staple with a patio overlooking the water. Can get very busy at brunch time, so make sure to call ahead!
Obstinate Daughter: Obstinate Daughter has tasty small plates, great pizza, seafood, and the best cocktails around. Located on Sullivan's Island. Make sure to try BeardCats, located beneath the restaurant, for the best gelato in Charleston.
Sullivans Fish Camp: Also located on Sullivans Island, this is a fun, beach casual restaurant with a modern take on nostalgic fish camp decor. Fresh local ingredients and inventive twists on traditional seafood dishes. The fish and chips are as good as everyone says!
Italian
Melfi's: Melfi's is a fun but sophisticated classic Italian restaurant with fresh pasta, salad, and thin-crust pizzas. Here, you can trust you're in good hands; this spot comes from the team behind the popular Leon's Oyster Shop and Little Jack's Tavern.
Indaco: Rustic Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pasta, and a large selection of wines in a sleek wood-polished interior.
Le Farfalle: A family-owned regional Italian restaurant nestled downtown, featuring authentic cuisine and a broad selection of cocktails, wine, and beer. Sleek interior with tree-dappled outdoor seating.
Sorelle: Located on Broad Street, this charming and polished spot serves Southern Italy inspired cuisine with a modern twist. Featuring a market, restaurant, and bar, Sorelle is perfect for a variety of occasions. Grab a quick bite to eat at the Mercato or head to the second story to indulge in a more intimate experience.
Pelato: Brand new casual restaurant featuring Brooklyn Italian cuisine with outdoor seating. Shareable plates and reasonable prices make this great for families.
Special Occasion
Halls Chophouse: Celebrating? This is a classic Charleston spot for fine dining. If you’re looking for a mouth-watering steak and unbelievable service, look no further than Halls Chophouse.
Chez Nous: Chez Nous is a small, romantic restaurant located inside a historic Charleston single house. It’s the perfect place for special occasions.
Circa 1886: Tucked within the original carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion, this fine dining restaurant evokes the romance and old-world charm of historic downtown Charleston.
Marbled & Fin: In the mood to indulge? Marbled & Fin delivers with mouthwatering steaks, fresh seafood, and a chic downtown setting. It’s the go-to spot when only the best will do.
R Kitchen: This cozy spot flips the script with a five-course tasting menu that changes nightly, crafted right before your eyes. With just 20 seats and no set menu, R Kitchen is intimate, inventive, and always one of a kind. Make sure to snag a reservation ahead of time!
Spanish/Tapas
Malagon: Upscale but intimate favorite for authentic tapas and Spanish cuisine. Pick up a bottle of Spanish wine and snacks at their market!
Estadio: Estadio serves up a playful mix of Spanish classics like patatas bravas and paella, paired with standout gin tonics and a lively downtown vibe. It’s perfect for sharing plates and drinks with friends.
Asian
Xiao Bao Biscuit: A local favorite, this eclectic and hip restaurant is located in a converted gas station! They offer a rotation of multicultural Asian dishes and creative cocktails.
Shiki: Shiki is a quaint and cozy spot for the best-quality sushi in town with a large selection of fresh fish and sakes as well as plenty of options from the kitchen.
Kwei Fei: This bold spot cranks up the flavor with spicy Sichuan dishes like La Zi Ji and tingly beef noodles. Loud, lively, and unapologetically fun, Kwei Fei turns every meal into a full-on flavor party.
Beautiful South: A sister restaurant to Kwei Fei, Beautiful South puts a bold, modern spin on Southern Chinese cuisine with dishes like hand-folded dumplings, spicy noodles, and creative cocktails. Don’t miss their Sunday dim sum service, where you can enjoy a variety of shareable plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
Other
Sorghum and Salt: If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, try Sorghum and Salt. They have a different menu every day and use only the freshest ingredients.
Felix Cocktails et Cuisine: Modern Paris-inspired restaurant and bar perfect for date night. Enjoy French plates and unique cocktails in a sleek and lively atmosphere.
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly
The Daily: This hopping little spot is frequented by locals and visitors alike for the authentic local coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters and the small bites or grab-and-go provisions made with locally sourced ingredients.
The Grocery: The Grocery offers something for everyone - seafood, salads, small plates, and more. The food and ambience make for an unforgettable dining experience.
Huriyali: A hip and unstuffy breakfast and lunch cafe featuring delicious health-conscious food, smoothies, and juices.
Basic Kitchen: Basic Kitchen is tranquil and light-filled, with an adorable outdoor patio, succulent cocktails and specialty drinks, and plates with an emphasis on fresh. They also have a great brunch!
Leyla: Authentic family-owned Lebanese cuisine served in a central King Street location.
For the Sweet Tooth
Kaminsky's: A charming Charleston favorite, perfect for a sweet end to a romantic date night or a post-dinner spot with the family. Serving famous pies and other house-made desserts, plus milkshakes and specialty coffees.
Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: A boutique Italian-American eatery with a variety of desserts, cocktails, wine, and small plates. Open late!
Off Track Ice Cream: Easygoing option for a unique selection of ice creams with locally-sourced ingredients and even vegan options!