Charleston is so much more than a dance! This South Carolina city is a popular destination for history, art, culture and the fantastic water views. Along with the visual beauty, the food scene is on a level anyone can appreciate. Farm-to-table specialties, James Beard winners, and the freshest, top-notch seafood one can find will have your tastebuds performing their own dance! Check out the top restaurant experiences you will find in Charleston according to Yelp reviewers.
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Magnolias
Check out Magnolias, a staple in Charleston, South Carolina's dining scene. This restaurant combines creative dishes with elegance. Magnolia is known for its elegant ambiance and amazing flavors, which make it a favorite of visitors and locals seeking low-country classics.
Review: Magnolias was everything I hoped for and more. From the moment I walked in, the staff was so warm and welcoming--it felt like I was being invited into someone's home for a great meal.
I started with the East Bay Breeze, a tequila-based cocktail that was refreshing, smooth, and well-balanced--just the right amount of sweetness. The only thing that threw me off was a little graininess at the bottom, but honestly, that was a small price to pay for such a well-made drink.
Then came the crab cake appetizer, and wow. Hands down, the best I've ever had. Perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of crispness on the outside and so much flavor packed inside. The corn and pickled onions took it to another level, adding a little sweetness and acidity that made every bite even better.
For my entrée, I got the grilled swordfish special, and let me tell you--it was cooked perfectly. Flaky, moist, and seasoned beautifully. The potatoes were so good, and the mix of spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms was such a great complement to the dish. I don't know who's back there cooking, but it felt like someone's grandmother with years of experience and all the right secrets in the kitchen.
And then there was the bread. Soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and served with what I'm convinced was the most perfect whipped butter ever. Whatever cows made the milk for that butter were living their absolute best lives because it was rich, creamy, and just melted into the bread beautifully.
I wish I had more time in Charleston just so I could go back before I leave, but if anything, this just gives me an excuse to return. If you're in town, do yourself a favor--go to Magnolias.
Learn more about Magnolias here
The Darling
Enjoy good food in a cozy atmosphere with exceptional service. At The Darling, you'll tick all the boxes! Aside from amazing crab dishes, they also have cocktails crafted to perfection.
Review: One of us tried a raw oyster for the first time. Surprisingly it wasn't bad. Our hushpuppies, crab quiche, seafood frittata and cheesecake were so good. The hushpuppies were crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. The crab quiche and seafood frittata were filled with plenty of crab meat and seafood and full of flavor. The cheesecake was topped with caramel sauce, chocolate and crushed pecans. Sooooo good! We highly recommend @darling_oyster_bar. Loved the atmosphere as well. Make a reservation!!!
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Learn more about The Darling here
Frannie & the Fox
Craving for Italian and American flavors, and can't decide where to eat? Frannie & Fox is the place to be! They offer brunch and Italian and American-inspired dishes. They have pizza, pasta, and other dishes you can enjoy. You'll experience a casual yet redefined dining.
Review: This place is incredible and we're lucky to have walked in and gotten a table without a reservation. The patio is so cute with about a dozen tables outside. The beef carpaccio and pizza standout as the best food we ate here. It was so good.
Learn more about Frannie & the Fox here
167 Raw Oyster Bar
167 Raw Oyster Bar offers seafood dishes along with the freshest oysters in town, making it a paradise for seafood lovers. It's perfect for slow days; it has a laid-back vibe. They also have drinks perfect for each dish. Truly a gem in Charleston.
Reviewer: When I heard of the Oysters French, 167 Raw Oyster Bar was immediately added to my list of restaurants I wanted to try. So when I visited at the end of January, this was a must try destination and it did not disappoint.
My friend and I were seated at the raw bar watching while the chefs prepared chilled seafood and engaged in friendly conversation. It was also Restaurant Month; I ordered à la carte while my friend ordered from the featured menu. We shared a half dozen of the Oysters French, the crispy oysters, the clam bucatini with added caviar, and the tuna burger.
We also enjoyed the Mexican chocolate pudding and the homemade key lime pie, which our server gave to us on the house since I was celebrating a birthday.
I wish I lived closer, so I could go again! If you are in the Charleston area, I highly recommend.
Learn more about 167 Raw Oyster Bar here
Poogan's Porch
If comfort food is what you are looking for, Poogan's Porch is a must-try. It feels like having homemade meals in a beautiful historic house setting, and the hospitality makes the place feel like a home away from home.
Reviewer: Our group of 4 needed a brunch spot on a Sunday before driving back home. Poogan's Porch had been on our radar for a while so we headed there.
Parking can be tricky and/or very expensive in the area. We ended up parking in the garage down the street.
We put our name in and waited about an hour for a table.
Once seated, we ordered coffees and an appetizer. Hubby and I shared the pimento cheese fritters with bacon jam. These fritters were very tasty. Gooey on the inside, crispy on the outside. Absolutely lovely with the bacon jam.
For our main course, we both ordered the chicken & waffles. I ordered mine without peaches. The bourbon huckleberry syrup was delicious! I would recommend ordering the syrup on the side, especially if you don't think you'll eat it all. The syrup turned the waffle a moldy purple blue color which was a little weird. Also, I took half my meal to-go and it was very soggy where the syrup was poured on. The waffle was good reheated in the air fryer at home.
Overall, good coffee and brunch food. Friendly service and southern old house ambiance.
Learn more about Poogan's Porch
Sorelle
Make a special night out more memorable by dining at Sorelle. They serve Italian-inspired dishes made from local produce. Reviewers appreciate their hospitality and the place's welcoming atmosphere. This place is perfect for an intimate dinner with your family and loved ones.
Review: Such a beautiful restaurant! Multiple levels that feel cozy, warm, and intimate. I was initially greeted by friendly and courteous staff, and was asked if they would like me to take my coat. I feel like not a lot of restaurants offer this kind gesture, so that stood out to me among other establishments.
For the food, I started with the broccoli Caesar which is a take on Caesar salad, but with broccolini instead. It was filled with lots of flavor and was a very light app prior to the main course. I also had pane which is a delicious bread in several seasonings. It came with olive oil that tasted pretty standard to me. I would've preferred some sort of seasoning in the oil, but not a big deal as the bread was packed with flavor. For the main course, I had the pillows of gold which is filled with cheese and topped with other seasonings. Absolutely delicious, but the portion is very small.
Overall this was a great experience and I will be back! Just know one plate of pasta is not enough for one meal and you will most likely need one or two apps to feel satisfied.
The Obstinate Daughter
The Obstinate Daughter is a jewel in Sullivan's Island that serves European flavors, from fresh seafood to house-made pasta and coastal-inspired cuisine made from high-quality ingredients. Their creativity in the dishes they offer makes them a must-try place.
Review: Been wanting to try O/D for a long and finally made it out on a Thursday night. It was cold and windy, but we sat on the heated patio. Our server was very friendly and suggested that we order a small plate, a pasta and a pizza as the best combination. We took her suggestion and did just that, as well ordered one of their signature cocktails.
The farro/Brussels appetizer was generous and had a great flavor. The ricotta gnocchi with short rib was delicious and practically melted in your mouth. Rutledge pizza had a nice little hint of heat and a great, crispy crust. Oh, and drinks were strong! Overall, a fantastic experience and would definitely return, as well as recommend to others!
Learn more about The Obstinate Daughter here
Honeysuckle Rose
Experience Honeysuckle Rose's relaxed, cozy spot with an inviting vibe and discover its delicious food and well-crafted cocktails. Its laid-back ambiance and well-thought-out menu make it stand out with locals and tourists. Brunch, lunch, or a casual dinner would be an excellent experience and discovery at Honeysuckle Rose.
Review: When you think about the best dining experiences of your life, what comes to mind?
For me, Honeysuckle Rose is on that list. Honeysuckle Rose is more than fine dining, it is a culinary experience in an intimate setting with luxurious food and wine from around the world.
The team provides extraordinary service while educating you on the origins of the wine and dishes. A few highlights from our visit were the Pumpkin Swordfish, New England venison, and Von Winning Riesling (Pfalz, Germany).
Both dessert and our take-home breakfast treat were created by the extremely talented Heather Hutton.
Eight exceptional courses with eight wine pairings (or non- alcoholic mocktails) create an unmatched experience for a momentous evening in downtown Charleston.
Learn more about Honeysuckle Rose here
Fig
Have a memorable dining experience at Fig, where they execute the farm-to-table philosophy of the dining scene. They use seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques to create dishes with bold flavors that make customers come back.
Review: FIG is one of Charleston's top restaurants, known for its locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menu. Reservations are essential--set an alarm and book as soon as they're available! Menu highlights include the Ricotta Gnocchi with Lamb Bolognese, the Pork Schnitzel with cider vinegar, chicories, and rock shrimp, and the Grilled Grey Triggerfish served with savoy cabbage, sweet potato, and chanterelle mushrooms. The servers are exceptional at tailoring recommendations to suit your mood.
Kaminsky's
In Kaminsky's, you'll find your next favorite spot for your sweet tooth! They have different flavors of cakes and pies, perfect for after-meal cravings. They are famous for their decadent chocolate cake. Truly, a haven for dessert lovers.
Review: Visited on February 21st. This place was amazing. I had never heard of a cafe that also caters to adult "alcohol added" desserts. Collectively we tasted the Mochatini, Bushwhacker, and the Up All Night. Our overall consensus was the "Up All Night" was the best! The Hummingbird cake (spice cake, pineapples, bananas, cream cheese icing and pecans) it was delicious and large enough for 2 ½ servings. We also had the Toll House which was rich with chocolate chips and also plenty enouh to share. Overall, we were pleased with our visit and dessert choices. Coffee was good as well, smooth!
They have a bar inside the cafe and an attached restaurant bar calls TBonz. Although the vibe looked chill, we didn't eat there so this review is only for Kaminsky's. We will definitely be back when we're back in Charleston area. Thank you to server, she was delightful and professional.
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