50 Best Southern Restaurants in Charleston

“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.“

“Stopped at the James Island one for breakfast… amazing!!! This place is the best!!! Please come open one in Greenville!!!“

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

“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“

“Love coming here for the Catfish Sandwich and frozen Cin and Tonic!“

“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.“

“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“

“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!“

“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..“

“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.“

“Amazing food and drinks with great service.“

“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.“

“Best bbq I’ve ever had. Brisket was perfect. Even the side dishes shined and were delicious in their own right. Coleslaw had some jalapeño kick to it. Lived up to the hype! Highly recommend.

Parking: Plenty of parking across the street in the shopping complex.“

“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“

“I try and visit this restaurant every time I’m in town, Food is always top notch, always greeted with charm from all the employees and I can’t go a time without a sweet interaction from the manager Miah! I will always recommend this place to all my friends and family. Wish I lived closer to town so I can enjoy it everyday! Thank you Maple street biscuit company“

“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 !“

“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!“

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

“This is a tradition for my family every time someone comes to visit my fiancé and I in Charleston. We love the food. We love being able to wander around the boat as we go along. It’s fun, it takes its time on a fantastic route through the harbor and the food is always great, specifically the she crab soup and the salmon!“

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

“a fun new experience with good food.“

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

“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.“

“Yesterday treated my parents to what they both said was the best restaurant meals they have enjoyed in the wider Charleston area - soft shell crab and grilled seafood trio in many attempts. Outside on the patio with an incredibly gracious and attentive server (Kathy Lynn? - a recent transfer from Phoenix) made the experience all the more remarkable. We’ll be back and as this review attests - will recommend to others. Thanks for your successful efforts.“

“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 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 🥃🥃“

“Our food and service here were both phenomenal. We loved everything we had! And our waitress was engaging and fun to visit with. It's a beautiful restaurant too but loud. The large table next to us was laughing and carrying on so much that we had to shout to place our order. They need some noise dampening put into place. But we would definitely still return!“

“Our group (30) had reservations for dinner today. The staff was waiting for us and immediately got us all seated and had our orders taken and into the kitchen for prepping. Service was quick and efficient, and WARM when brought to our tables. Salads were well prepared and on the tables as soon as we arrived. Jaden and her coworkers worked well together. The restaurant is clean and inviting...along with the staff. I highly recommend O'Charley's.“

“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.“

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

“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!!“

“I've come here quite a few times for the fried chicken. They serve you half a chicken; leg, thigh, breast, wing. So that's quite plenty. I also get mashed potatoes and collards. Potatoes are perfect and the collards are a little sweeter than I prefer. I also finally came here for their breakfast buffet. Everything was yummy. And they had quite a variety and even a omelet station. The only complaint I have was some of the eggs had egg shells in it. One piece was so thick and hard it cut the inside of my mother's mouth. But it might have just been an off day. Either way I like this place and we'll continue dining here.“

“Yesterday treated my parents to what they both said was the best restaurant meals they have enjoyed in the wider Charleston area - soft shell crab and grilled seafood trio in many attempts. Outside on the patio with an incredibly gracious and attentive server (Kathy Lynn? - a recent transfer from Phoenix) made the experience all the more remarkable. We’ll be back and as this review attests - will recommend to others. Thanks for your successful efforts.“