the Best Places to Eat in Charleston, South Carolina: my top 6 lowcountry Favorites

Known for its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and coastal beauty, Charleston is also a foodie’s mecca, especially if you appreciate thoughtful, well-executed food.

I lived in Mount Pleasant full-time for two years after college, then on and off while travel nursing – and I’ve returned a dozen times since.

I’m a foodie at heart and have truly tasted my way through the Charleston food scene firsthand.

While new Charleston restaurants constantly pop up, there are a handful I always return to – places I genuinely crave when I’m away. This guide focuses on my tried-and-true favorites, chosen for consistency, flavor, and quality rather than trends or over-the-top ambiance.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Charleston, these are the spots I recommend without hesitation.

You may find there are plenty of high-end options, but my ideas of the best places to eat in Charleston tend to be a little more relaxed – I’m much more of a Bib Gourmand diner than a white-tablecloth, Michelin-star kind of eater.

Much of this Lowcountry city’s food identity is rooted in blending Southern traditions with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.

These restaurants showcase exactly why the Charleston food scene continues to earn national recognition.

the Best Places to Eat in Charleston: 167 Raw — Halibut Ceviche

1. 167 Raw (Downtown Charleston)

Food Style: New England–style oyster bar

Neighborhood: Downtown Charleston

167 Raw is one of the most iconic Charleston restaurants and easily one of the best places to eat in Charleston for seafood lovers. This popular oyster bar consistently delivers bold flavors and impeccably fresh ingredients.

What to Order:

Shrimp tacos (a must)
Halibut ceviche
Soft-shell crab sandwich (seasonal and absolutely worth it)

👉 Tip: Expect a wait – it’s part of the experience and a common theme among the best Charleston restaurants.

2. Chubby Fish (Downtown Charleston)

Food Style: Creative seafood & small plates

Neighborhood: Downtown Charleston

Chubby Fish is one of the most talked-about spots in the Charleston food scene, and for good reason. With a constantly changing menu based on what’s freshest, this restaurant offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in the city.

There are no reservations, and waits can be long, but Chubby Fish is consistently recommended when visitors ask where to eat in Charleston for something truly special. The kitchen excels at letting high-quality ingredients shine.

What to Order:

Whatever seafood is freshest that day
Seasonal small plates
Trust the kitchen — you won’t be disappointed

Chubby Fish has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, frequently appears on “best Charleston restaurants” lists, and received a Michelin recommendation, solidifying its reputation as one of the best places to eat in Charleston.

👉 Read my full Chubby Fish review – yes, it was that good!

the Best Places to Eat in Charleston: Chubby Fish — Pompret Tempura soy beurre blanc

3. Lewis Barbecue (Downtown Charleston)

Food Style: Texas-style barbecue

Neighborhood: Upper King Street

Lewis Barbecue brings authentic Texas-style BBQ into the heart of the Charleston food scene. Everything is smoked in-house, and the quality is consistently excellent.

What to Order:

Brisket (but you can’t go wrong with any meat)
Mac and cheese
Collard greens
Brisket nachos (ask — they’re not always listed)

Not all standout Charleston restaurants serve seafood, and Lewis proves there’s room for great barbecue in the city’s evolving dining landscape.

the Best Places to Eat in Charleston: Lewis BBQ — Nachos, brisket, potato wedges, collards and mac n’ cheese

4. Acme Lowcountry Kitchen (Isle of Palms)

Food Style: Southern coastal cuisine

Neighborhood: Isle of Palms

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen is a classic choice for experiencing authentic Lowcountry food, especially if you’re spending time near the beach. It’s casual, welcoming, and consistently delicious.

What to Order:

Shrimp and grits (multiple variations)
She-crab soup (often a daily special)
Fresh daily fish specials

If you’re deciding where to eat in Charleston outside of downtown, Acme is a fantastic option that highlights traditional Lowcountry food with a coastal twist.

the Best Places to Eat in Charleston: Acme — Loaded Brussels, She Crab Soup

5. Vicious Biscuit (Mount Pleasant & Summerville)

Food Style: Southern biscuit sandwiches
Neighborhoods: Mount Pleasant, Summerville

Vicious Biscuit is a go-to for breakfast or brunch and a favorite among locals. Known for its oversized biscuit sandwiches, it’s a fun and flavorful addition to the broader Charleston food scene.

What to Order:

The Vicious (my personal favorite)
Any specialty biscuit sandwich
Don’t miss the jam bar

It’s one of those Charleston restaurants that proves casual food can still be unforgettable.

the Best Places to Eat in Charleston: Viscous Biscuit — The Viscous

6. Boxcar Betty’s (West Ashley, North Charleston & Mount Pleasant)

Food Style: Southern-style fried chicken sandwiches
Neighborhoods: West Ashley, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant

Boxcar Betty’s is fast, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re narrowing down where to eat in Charleston when you want comfort food without the fuss, this is an easy win. It’s also the best take-out for the plane ride home!

the Best Places to Eat in Charleston: Boxcar Bettys — Not Your Waffle

What to Order:

The Boxcar fried chicken sandwich
Stuffed mushroom salad
Fried green tomatoes

Not all of the best places to eat in Charleston require a long wait or reservation — Boxcar Betty’s is proof.

Notable Mentions

If you’re looking for more Charleston restaurants, here are a few other spots downtown and the surrounding areas worth checking out:

Downtown
- Leon’s – Savory fried chicken and seafood dishes
- Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe – A must-visit for decadent desserts
- Poogan’s Porch – Famous for its biscuits and Southern comfort food
- Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop – a newer establishment with delicious savory and sweet baked goods
North Charleston
- Jackrabbit Filly – Creative Asian-Southern fusion near Park Circle
Sullivan’s
- The Co-Op – frosé and eatery, maybe you’ve seen the on Instagram
Mount Pleasant
- Saveurs du Monde Cafe – Authentic French pastries and coffee
- Page’s Okra Grill – A local favorite for Lowcountry classics
- Toni’s Detroit Style Pizza – Amazing deep-dish pizza
- Verde – Fresh, healthy salads and grain bowls
- Grace & Grit – seafood, grits and other local flavors
- Salt Water Cowboys – my favorite spot on Shem Creek… Get the nachos!
- Five Loaves – creative sandwiches and plenty of healthy options

the Best Places to Eat in Charleston: Kaminsky's — Milkshake @ Kaminsky’s

Welton's Tiny Bakeshop — Foccacia @ Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop

the Best Places to Eat in Charleston: Welton's Tiny Bakeshop — Foccacia @ Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop

Where to stay in Charleston?

You really can’t go wrong with where you stay in the Charleston area – there’s so much to do, and most neighborhoods offer easy access to great food, history, and coastal scenery.

That said, where you stay can shape your experience, especially when it comes to walkability, driving, and overall convenience.

Downtown Charleston tends to be the most expensive option, but if it’s within your budget, it’s a fantastic place to stay. Being in a walkable area allows you to explore many of the city’s best Charleston restaurants on foot, which is a huge plus.

Downtown streets can be narrow, parking is limited, and certain areas are prone to flooding depending on the weather – all good reasons to prioritize a walkable location if you stay here.

My personal favorite place to stay is Mount Pleasant. I may be biased since this is where I lived most of the time, but it’s typically more affordable than downtown and incredibly convenient.

Mount Pleasant is centrally located between downtown Charleston and the beaches of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, making it a great home base if you want a mix of city exploring, beach time, and easy access to the wider Charleston food scene.

Downtown:

The Vendue: An artsy hotel with a fantastic location and a rooftop bar

HarbourView Inn: High-end, waterfront hotel

Hyatt Place: Good value for location- close to many Charleston restaurants & shopping

Mount Pleasant:

Hotel Indigo: Mid-range hotel just across the bridge

IOP:

Wild Dunes Resort: Well-known resort with plenty of amenities and beach access

North Charleston:

DoubleTree by Hilton: A classic, good-quality hotel close to the airport

Are these the Best Places to Eat in Charleston, South Carolina?

Charleston’s reputation as a top food destination is well earned.

From casual oyster bars and biscuit joints to creative seafood kitchens and classic Lowcountry food, the Charleston food scene continues to impress both locals and visitors – especially me!

After living several years in Charleston, these Charleston restaurants have earned my top recommendations.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to eat in Charleston, this list offers a relaxed, approachable take on the best places to eat in Charleston without chasing trends or white-tablecloth dining.

Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, exploring the Charleston food scene through these favorites is one of the best ways to experience the city.

Will they be your favorites too? Only one way to find out – get eating.

Hi, I’m Amber —

A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring the world through hiking, food, culture, and the beauty of God’s creation. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.