Chubby Fish— Is It Worth the Wait? An honest review of one of the top restaurants in Charleston, SC

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Updated May 2026

Charleston is one of the most iconic food destinations in the United States. While I haven’t spent enough time in places like New York City or San Francisco to compare every dining scene, Charleston absolutely deserves recognition as one of the country’s top culinary cities.

I lived in the Charleston area for several years, and even after moving away, I find myself returning often. I’ve always loved good food, but Charleston transformed me into a true foodie.

Between award-winning chefs, fresh local seafood, and an ever-growing restaurant scene, there’s always something new to try.

On my most recent visit, I finally decided it was time to experience Chubby Fish for myself. The restaurant had been on my list for years, but the lack of reservations- and my tendency to revisit old favorites- had kept me away.

With a short trip and a long list of cravings, I figured it was finally time to see whether one of Charleston’s most talked-about restaurants was worth the wait.

Why Everyone Is Talking About Chubby Fish

Founded by Chef James London in 2018, Chubby Fish has become one of the most sought-after restaurants in Charleston, SC. The restaurant focuses on local Lowcountry ingredients, fresh seafood, and creative preparations that showcase the region’s coastal bounty.

Chubby Fish isn’t just popular with diners – it has also earned national recognition within the food world. The James Beard Foundation has recognized the restaurant, and it frequently appears on “best restaurants in Charleston” lists from both major food publications and local critics. In 2025, Chubby Fish also received a Michelin recommendation.

During the years I lived in Charleston, I ate my way through countless restaurants – from neighborhood seafood spots to nationally recognized fine dining destinations. Even after moving away, I return regularly and make a point of revisiting old favorites, while trying new spots.

That perspective is what made me hesitant to wait in line for Chubby Fish. Charleston has no shortage of excellent restaurants, and there are plenty of places where you can walk in or make a reservation weeks ahead. A restaurant has to be truly exceptional for me to spend part of a vacation standing in line for dinner.

👉 Check out the best places to eat in Charleston

What to Know Before You Go

Lining up to get into Chubby Fish
Outside of Chubby Fish

Chubby Fish is a 40-seat restaurant and is open from 5-10 pm.

There are no reservations, which means securing a table requires a bit of planning. If you’re visiting Charleston specifically to dine here, I would strongly recommend building your day around it.

We arrived around 3:45 PM on a Saturday in December and were able to get a first seating, though there were still approximately 25 people ahead of us.

The restaurant requires your entire party to be present, so make sure everyone is present before the line starts moving at 5 pm.

Depending on the season and day of the week, I would plan to arrive at least 1-2 hours before opening if dining here is a priority.

It’s not casual or spontaneous dining – but if you plan it right, the payoff is worth it, especially for one of the most talked-about seafood spots in Charleston.

What We Ordered at Chubby Fish

Everything we ordered was thoughtful, bold, and incredibly well-executed – a true standout among seafood restaurants in Charleston. We wanted to “splurge” on our meal, not knowing when we’d get the opportunity to return. Between two people, we shared the following:

Caviar Sandwich
Tuna Crudo
Grilled Oysters
Poached Grouper
Tempura Fish with Soy Beurre Blanc
Bone Marrow
Ube Banana Pudding

The Dishes I’d Order Again

Caviar Sammich’ – tater roll, crème fraîche
Grilled Oysters – crab fat curry, cashews

Caviar Sammich’

The Caviar Sammich’ is famous here. I was hesitant about trying it, but I went for it. It exceeded expectations and completely changed how I view caviar. It was rich, balanced, and indulgent without being overwhelming.

Grilled Oysters

The grilled oysters with crab fat curry were very unique. It tasted like a panang curry–style sauce (one of my favorites). I barely tasted the oysters themselves, but honestly? The curry was so good I didn’t mind

Pomfret Tempura – soy beurre blanc

Fish Tempura

The tempura fish surprised me the most! The fish was light, crispy, and elevated by the soy beurre blanc, which really stole the show.

Yellowfin Tuna Crudo

The Yellowfin Tuna Crudo was fresh and delicate, with the sweetness of the apple complementing the fish nicely. The cucumber purée added a refreshing brightness that made the dish feel light and balanced. It was an excellent way to start the meal before moving on to some of the richer seafood dishes.

Bone Marrow

The bone marrow was unreal. It was deeply flavorful and one of my favorite bites of the night. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, it delivered exactly what I hoped it would. This was one of those dishes that immediately makes you pause after the first bite.

Ube Banana Pudding

I’m not usually a banana pudding person, which made the ube banana pudding one of the biggest surprises of the evening.

After several rich seafood dishes, it felt like the perfect palate cleanser. It was light, refreshing, and not overly sweet. Most importantly, both flavors came through clearly – you could distinctly taste the ube and the banana rather than one overpowering the other.

Bone Marrow – shrimp tempura, spicy mayo
Ube Banana Pudding
Yellowfin Tuna Crudo – granny smith apple, cucumber

One Dish I Probably Wouldn’t Reorder

Poached Fish

Poached Grouper – cabbage, fennel, daikon

This was the only dish that didn’t completely win me over.

The poached fish of the day was grouper. The grouper itself was cooked well, but the smoky flavor dominated the plate more than I personally prefer. It certainly wasn’t bad – I simply found myself reaching for the other dishes more often.

That being said, don’t let my opinion stop you from trying it!

How Much Does Chubby Fish Cost?

We’re non-alcoholic diners and ordered generously so we could try more of the menu.
Our total came out to around $200 for two people.

They typically recommend four dishes for two, but we intentionally ordered extra due to the long wait and short trip. If you’re prioritizing quality seafood in Charleston, this felt worth it.

Final Verdict: Is Chubby Fish Worth the Wait?

Without hesitation: yes.

There are very few restaurants that continue to occupy space in your mind long after you’ve finished eating. Chubby Fish is one of them.

Charleston has an incredible food scene, and there are dozens of restaurants I would happily recommend. Even so, Chubby Fish managed to stand out. Between the quality of the seafood, the creativity of the menu, and the execution of each dish, it earned a permanent spot in my Charleston rotation.

If you’re visiting Charleston, SC, and can plan for the wait, Chubby Fish absolutely deserves a place on your dining itinerary.

More Charleston Travel Guides You’ll Love

If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, SC, these guides will help you make the most of your time in the city — from where to eat to what to do beyond the table.

Best Restaurants in Charleston: A curated list of my go-to Charleston restaurants — from casual eats to standout spots worth planning around.
3 Day Charleston Itinerary: From walking the historic streets downtown to coastal views, beaches, and neighborhoods worth exploring, this guide covers the must-dos for first-time and repeat visitors.

Where to Stay in Charleston, SC

Choosing the right place to stay can shape your entire Charleston experience. These are three areas I regularly recommend.

Mount Pleasant

This is where I lived for the majority of my time in Charleston, and it’s my favorite spot. It’s situated between the downtown peninsula and the beaches of Sullivan and IOP. Plus, Mount Pleasant offers so much on its own, like the Ravenel Bridge and waterfront.

My pick: Hotel Indigo – easy bridge access, close to all local attractions, clean and reasonably priced. It’s also dog-friendly, and you can usually find good deals!

Downtown Charleston (The Peninsula)

Perfect if you want to be close to historic sights, walkable streets, shopping, and restaurants. Expect higher prices, but unbeatable charm and convenience.

My pick: Hotel Bennett – if you want to splurge on a hotel, this is the one I’d pick! It’s the perfect location – situated between Upper and Lower King Street.

This dazzling pink hotel has been on my mind since it first opened. Make sure to make reservations at the Champagne Lounge, Camellias‘ for an Insta-worthy experience.

Isle of Palms

Great options if you want to pair your Charleston trip with beach time. It’s a little farther from downtown, but also quieter. These areas are more laid-back and ideal for slower mornings and coastal walks.

My pick: Wild Dunes Resort – Residences at Sweetgrass – Wild Dunes offers plenty of activities and is loved by both locals and visitors!

There are multiple spots you can stay at Wild Dunes, but we picked the residences at Sweetgrass. We were placed in a 2-bed ocean-front condo and thought the price was reasonable (likely fluctuates based on time of year).

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 years of traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring destinations across Asia and America through hiking, scenic landscapes, local food, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures. 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.