41 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.“

“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!“

“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….“

“Poogan’s Porch was definitely worthy of the hype! My family loved our experience there last night! We started the night with their delicious biscuits. We ordered the Pimento cheese fritters and the Crab Cake. Crake cake could rival Boston’s. My wife got the shrimp and Grits. She let me sample them. They were devine. I ordered their Famous bone in Chicken with greens and beans and rice. The Chicken was juicy and the hot honey took it to the next level. The greens had pieces of ham and the beans and rice were delicious as well. We were so full we didn’t have any room for dessert.“

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

“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“

“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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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❤️❤️“

“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!“

“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!!!“

“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 !“

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

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

“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!“

“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..“

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

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

“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!“

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

“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.“

“I would definitely recommend S.N.O.B. for the quality of their food only. My friends and I were there on March 24, 2025, during an unexpected cold snap. We're from Florida and the weather was cold, windy and brutal. The four of us were seated at a table that was almost smack dab in front of the entrance door. Thus, people were constantly coming in and out. The manager should have had enough forethought to not place a table there, let alone sit people there in low fifty degree weather and high winds. We just wanted to get our food and get out.“

“a fun new experience with good food.“

“Ive been wanting to try this place for awhile and it didn't disappoint. Great food and atmosphere. The manager was nice enough to give me a tour of the pit room. Had a good time talking with him about bbq. For BBQ people like me you need to go to Rodneys.“

“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.“

“The food is wonderful. Perfect experience ❤️“

“Visited here to see the light show and it was very beautiful. There was one food truck and one drink truck. I would have given it 5 stars if there were more options like hot cocoa and coffee because it was cold out. Also, the beer and wine were too expensive. One beer should not cost the amount of a 6-pack at the grocery store.“

“Had lunch here with my mother in law to be & fiancé after reviewing all the details of our reception at the Francis Marion in September. Sylvie was our waitress, & she was phenomenal. You're guaranteed a great time if she is serving you. Highly recommend the she crab soup, grits, & reuben, as well as the deviled crab. We couldn't have asked for a better experience overall & look forward to returning in September!“

“What truly made the experience exceptional was the bartender Cailey. She was absolutely amazing! She was friendly, attentive and genuinely passionate about what she does. The drinks were spot on, cocktails were crafted to perfection and she created such a fun, comfortable vibe at the bar. It’s rare to find someone who elevates your entire dining experience just through their energy and professionalism. Will definitely be back!“

“Visited this place with my bf!! Very good food!! Was greeted by a lovely host who gave us a menu to order being that we were ordering to go!! Then we ended up placing our order with the very nice bartender behind the counter. Not even 5mins he acknowledged us so we just ended up placing our order with him. Food came out fast and correct as well. Will be returning!!!! With or without my bf lol !!!“

“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 !!“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“Awesome BBQ. The folks are so kind.“

“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!“

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

“Outstanding service and an excellent dinner from start to finish. The blackened salmon gyro was absolutely delicious, and the cookie brownie sundae we shared was truly unforgettable. A fantastic experience all around.“

“Nice place for bbq. Got two turkey sandwiches with basket of fries 🍟 that were cold and fried onion ( 1 single large batter deep fried ring of an onion). The sandwich was good with thick nice portion of breast meat. Cole slaw was good as well.“

“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 🥃🥃“

“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.“