A Definitive Guide to the Best Charleston Restaurants
Whether you are looking for the perfect shrimp and grits or a plate of Southern BBQ, we have the best recommendations for Charleston restaurants on this page! The Charleston area is known for its fresh seafood, fine dining, and award-winning chefs, but the jewel of the Lowcountry is known for more than just seafood and barbecue. Read about these 10 restaurants to get a taste of what the area has when you visit Charleston, South Carolina!
For more great restaurants, craft breweries, and more in the Isle of Palms area, read our vacation guide to learn about our frequently updated recommendations!
10 Charleston Restaurants You Will Want to Visit
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen combines upscale yet casual elements of traditional coastal cuisine with classic fare. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a casual beach atmosphere with flavor profiles that exemplify fresh local ingredients and sustainable seafood. We love eating outdoors at Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, especially on the weekends.
Obstinate Daughter
The Obstinate Daughter is a Lowcountry “food fort” inspired by the rich cultural history that makes the Carolinas special. While it is a Southern restaurant, it is influenced by Spanish, Italian, and French cuisine and serves the freshest ingredients by working with a long list of local farmers, breweries, and fishermen.
The Windjammer
Lively spot with bar menu, a deck overlooking the water & beach volleyball court out back. The Windjammer was founded in 1972 by brothers Malcolm and James Burgis and has become the premiere spot on IOP for live music and good food.
Poe’s Tavern
Poe’s Tavern pays homage to legendary American horror author Edgar Allen Poe who served in the army on Sullivan’s Island for two years. A modern gastropub, Poe’s Tavern is always busy serving Poe themed burgers, sandwiches, and fish tacos for lunch and dinner.
Home Team BBQ
For Smokin’ hot barbecue, Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ on Sullivan’s Island is the place to be. Founded by CIA-trained chef and pitmaster Aaron Seigel, this barbecue joint dishes up heaping helpings of made-from-scratch comfort food, from pulled pork to cornmeal fried catfish. If you are interested in cooling down with an alcoholic beverage, the house-made game-changer will define your entire vacation.
Page’s Okra Grill
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Page’s Okra Grill is a simple, Southern concept that delivers on bold Southern flavors embodied in their world-famous shrimp and grits. The Mt. Pleasant location offers a takeout menu, but we really love drinking a Drunken Palmer on their picturesque patio.
The Longboard
Full of great seafood and innovative, bold flavors, The Longboard is a Sullivan’s Island Restaurant that was born on the U.S. Virgin Islands and matured in the Lowcountry. Enjoy fresh oysters, creative cocktails, and an innovative brunch menu you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the Lowcountry.
Coda del Pesce
Most every dish at Coda del Pesce features fresh, locally or sustainably caught seafood in primi, secondi and piatti selections that change daily based on what’s fresh and available. The core of the menu is reflective of the local waters and the owner, Vedrinski will offer a fresh perspective to the style of cuisine.
Nico Oysters and Seafood
This modern French oyster bar is owned by Charleston restauranteur Nico Romo and is featured on Bravo reality TV show Southern Charm. Nico | Oysters + Seafood is a must-stop for anyone looking to eat an elevated meal on Shem Creek.