50 Best Southern Restaurants in Charleston

“Leon's is literally in my dreams! My boyfriend and I went there for the first time three years ago. It blew our minds! Affordable, delicious food, and such a fun atmosphere. We returned a couple of times on the same trip. We live in NJ... and set up a trip last year JUST to go to Leons. I am actually scared to post a review because I selfishly want to keep it a secret for my boyfriend and I. Man, if you like chicken and oysters... you cannot go wrong. Damn, now I need to set up another trip. :)“

“Fantastic atmosphere. Saturday brunch with Beth, server as pleasant as con be. Highly recommend Shrimp and grits with Bloody Mary. A must when visiting Savannah.“

“Excellent service! The atmosphere was an amazing place to grab a drink and/or eat for the evening while socializing.“

“What a quaint place!! From the food to the service, everything was great! Servings were generous & the Orange juice was yummy!! Can’t wait to go back next time I’m on the Island. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Jenn was the best waitress I have ever had and I go to restaurants for fun. She was caring and was passionate! The buffalo Brussels sprouts were amazing and the shrimp Gnocchi was to die for!!! 10/10 would recommend and ask for Jenn!!!“

“We went for lunch, there were so many great choices! We had the Pimento Cheese for an appetizer and it did not disappoint. My friend and I shared the Chicken Tenders and Classic Vegetarian plate full of great southern veggies. Delish! The atmosphere was inviting and the service was great. Definitely highly recommend!“

“The food was decent. I didn’t think there were a ton of options and it was a little overpriced. The service was good. Our server was wonderful. They did get super busy though and they didn’t seem to handle that very well. We waited a long time for the check. Overall it was good but I probably wouldn’t go back“

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

“literally everything we had here tonight was fantastic. the calamari strips are some of the best calamari I have ever had. the drinks were wonderful. I had this seard fish with the succotash which was so good. my boyfriend had the pot roast melt and loved it. the owner was absolutely fantastic. we will definitely be back repeatedly!“

“Visited this restaurant based upon a friend's suggestion. The food was amazing as well.as the service. We didn't eat in the restaurant as it is very small . There was a line to get in and it moved quickly. Definitely try this place if you are visiting Charleston.“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“Best pulled pork I have ever had. Exceptional service to note. I was in town for business and has a few minutes to explore the bay. I'm so glad we stumbled across this gem. And the kettle chips..... 🔥🔥🔥 Get some, you won't be disappointed!“

“I have mixed feelings. Our first visit was over a decade ago and it was wonderful. Our anniversary was yesterday and it was an ok experience. We sat in the courtyard AB’s was placed under the above heater. We started smelling gas and the heat never reached the table area. So we were freezing. The appetizers were wonderful. The couple got seated next to us ten minutes after us and received their food first. Was told about different and best food options and a dessert menu. We were not given either. Bbq in the shrimp and grits was over powering any other flavor. Husband got fish and grits and it was excellent. Not a 0 but I’m in no hurry to go back or recommend to anyone else. Ruined my anniversary to be honest….“

“amazing food amazing staff get the fried chicken“

“Delicious biscuits! I had a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit - it was flaky and flavorful. The lady at the counter was friendly, sweet, and kind; she even gave me a sticker, and a card to entice me to come back. I also bought some mixes, and a package of their sausage biscuits (for later). We even went to a nearby Publix store for their pimento cheese (they were out at the shop). Yum!“

“I have no clue on who the owners are, but I can tell you that all of their food is made with Love ❤️. You can see it and you can taste it. Everything I have ever had has always been so delicious. This place is a Charleston Gem and I pray this little place continues to Thrive and Prosper. Charleston Loves You❤️❤️“

“Best restaurant in Charleston! It really is a must!“

“Dinner was very good & everyone was so very nice. Had reservations & they seated us at 5. It was Mothers Day& graduation week so they were really busy BUT no one made us feel rushed. We will definitely come back..“

“Wonderful fine dining - great atmosphere and some of the best food ever.“

“Natalie was amazing. Great food recommendations! Nice conversation and vibe. Enjoyed the experience.“

“Best meal, service, and atmosphere we've had in Charleston! All our food was delicious, but the shrimp and grits was out of this world! Best decision we made was to eat there.“

“The food was incredible and our server, Courtney B was outstanding!! Courtney helped us select the perfect items and she made it fun!! Awesome!“

“Excellent food and service.“

“just a great experience, food , wine and service.“

“The restaurant had been recommended by our Uber driver and it did not disappoint. This is more of a cafeteria style restaurant. You order at the cashier and someone brings the food to you on a try. Do not be fooled by the basic setup here. The food is outstanding. They offer a variety of sauces at the table. We had wings, brisket potato salad and beans. All were top-notch. The portions are big so come hungry.“

“Awesome BBQ. The folks are so kind.“

“Kayla B was a friendly as she was persuasive — how did we end up with that second round of cocktails?! — and make great recommendations about what paired best with the proteins we ordered. Easy to speak with, funny and laid back. The food was outstanding, as usual, which was even better on the patio in the late afternoon sun. A favorite for locals and“

“The aqua terrace bar is a really nice spot for a cocktail. The view is nice. The atmosphere is great. The bartender was awesome. Super friendly. They were having technical difficulties the night I was there so they didn't have food. So I can't rate that. But the drinks were great. The location was great.“

“The food was amazing the crystal was an amazing server prompt attentive ever though the whole restaurant was slammed 10 out of 10 would ear here again“

“WOW! Very pleasantly surprised! The food was amazing! Daniel was the perfect host, explaining all the different foods and we were never rushed! We were visiting our son, his family and we’re from Florida. We’ll be back! I wish I could give it 10 Stars!“

“My favorite birthday cake is coconut. My daughter got me one of your 12 pound coconut cakes for my 70th birthday. Absolutely the best coconut cake I’ve ever had. Highly recommend !“

“At at Toast All Day!! Teri was an awesome bartender and took care of all our needs. Great food and atmosphere.“

“Casually stopped in for dinner once last week and was back 3 times the same week. Delicious food, fast service, awesome atmosphere, dog friendly!! Loved everything I have tried so far!“

“a fun new experience with good food.“

“Delicious brunch. Wonderful friendly staff. Warm atmosphere.“

“This was an experience we should have done years ago. Everyone was awesome. Great atmosphere, great food and the wait staff went above and beyond. I recommend this for any special occasion. We will do this again.“

“We just toured Middleton Place today and I can only say that you must see these gardens, and acreage in person. Photos do not do it justice! There is so much to take in it’s overwhelming! The colors, the glistening water, the Live Oaks with moss hanging from the trees that will blow your mind! It’s almost too much to take in at first! The tour of the home, the gardens, the slave quarters, and much more. This is a must-see plantation! The history lesson in itself is inspiring. Take some time and visit this historical site. There is also a beautiful gift shop on the premises! So many beautiful things to purchase for yourself or as gifts. Thank you for preserving these premises.“

“Some of the best food ever! If in Charleston, it is a must. Love the Charleston Carb House!“

“Omar and the chef were great. Wings are incredible! Service Top Notch !it has been a long time since we have been able to say that !!“

“The food was excellent. I had the Bogarden omelette with ham, my husband had a BYO breakfast sandwich & My SIL had the ham & cheese omelette. The portions are large enough to share, the veggies were fresh and full of flavor and there was a large drink selection. It is a small indoor seating area but a back patio and tables on the sidewalk provided plenty of seating for this unique and fun cafe. Coffee & water were self serve and plentiful but if you are a coffee snob/connoisseur… bring your own.“

“Blanka our waitress was adorable and attentive and very friendly. Food was great. So thankful for the partnership with Dock street Theater for dinner and a show. The Grilled Pork chop WOW, delicious! Thick!! Biggest chop I ever had! Tender, juicy and very flavorful. Creamy Mac and cheese. Pecan Pie!!! divine!! Swamp Fox is one of our favorite places. I'm thankful to be a local so I can visit often!!“

“Some of the best food ever! If in Charleston, it is a must. Love the Charleston Carb House!“

“The Smokehouse Platter and extra side of Brisket was AMAZING! Chance was Great dealing with us older couple from Colorado and Carolina transplants! Thank you Paul the rub on the ribs was unforgettable! Cheers with another Jameson Orange 🥃🥃“

“My family visited this establishment while we stayed at the attached hotel.

The staff was very friendly to my family, they greeted us and came to our table promptly. The tables and floors were clean throughout, there were no bad smells on the smell of good food.

Having a small child, I can say this was also one of the few times a restaurant brought a clean high chair for our toddler (very much appreciated).

We had the buffet on Saturday and regular breakfast on Monday, we will be back!“

“wonderful place to unwind and socialize. the cook has amazing specials“

“We were pleased to find this food hall when we needed lunch and so many restaurants nearby were overpriced and/or were busy. We all decided on Taco Art. Service was very friendly and efficient. Food was good. Easy to get cold water from the fountain machine. We weren’t crazy about the atmosphere to eat upstairs, but that isn’t the fault of this food stall in a food hall.“

“Great place to dine with a large or small group. Delicious food with great service. We had a group of 34 and everything went smoothly. Highly recommended!!“

“this was our first time here everything was wonderful very delicious we are coming back“

“A little slow

Vegetarian options: The cook which I can't remember his name. Use that african american man probably in his forties But he was great And can cook like nobody's business add a very good time while waiting on the food

Dietary restrictions: Yes

Kid-friendliness: Yes

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“