44 Best Southern Restaurants in Charleston

“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!“

“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.“

“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. :)“

“It was a nice experience The cozy dining areas were beautifully decorated. The appetizers were delicious. We had fried green tomatoes and fried pimentos . The food was cooked perfectly. I had the shrimp and grits, my daughter had the chicken and dumplings. They were both very tasty.“

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

“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….“

“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❤️❤️“

“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!!!“

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

“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 !“

“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!“

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

“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..“

“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!“

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

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

“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!“

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

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

“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.“

“Excellent food and 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!“

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

“a fun new experience with good food.“

“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.“

“Food here is on point! Got the okra soup and rice with porkchops and macaroni N cheese with the corn bread..Absolutely Delicious! Corn bread fire!...Will be BACK ...how they cook is how u want ur Thanksgiving to be like...5 stars 🌟 well earned nice staff too“

“Probably the best plantation experience in Charleston. House tour is well worth it and the gardens a must see ... they are so expansive. With animals and an excellent restaurant. A must see. DEFINITELY dine at their restauranr; one of the best meals we had in the area.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“I'll tell ya! Ducked into this Gem of a restaurant to get out of the rain🌧 I Had the Forporksmen my wife (3Putt) enjoyed the Pork belly pastrami. Portions are generous, Fantastic flavors, and homemade chips. Not a healthy lunch, Not a balanced lunch...but that may have been effected by the Burbon😉!“

“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 !!“

“Awesome BBQ. The folks are so kind.“

“amazing food amazing staff get the fried chicken“

“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!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

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