Barbecue · Chinese-American
King BBQ
A North Charleston barbecue stop blending Chinese flavors with Southern smoke. The menu includes smoked meats, duck, ribs and shrimp toast.
CHARLESTON DINING / 18 PLACES
Charleston’s 18 Best
A map for finding your next memorable meal.
A locally curated list of Charleston restaurants, with concise original descriptions and direct links for details and directions.
Soul food · Lowcountry classics
Bertha’s Kitchen
A long-running North Charleston favorite for fried chicken, fish and classic Southern sides. The family restaurant received a James Beard America’s Classics award in 2017.
Pizza · Natural wine
Renzo
Wood-fired pizza, a lively bar and a natural-wine list make this North Central neighborhood restaurant an easy place to share dinner.
French · Bistro
Maison
A relaxed French bistro for classic Parisian cooking, from steak frites and escargot to rabbit en croûte. The bar also offers an early-evening martini stop.
Gullah Geechee · Lowcountry
Hannibal’s Kitchen
A neighborhood restaurant serving Charleston and Gullah Geechee staples, including crab rice, okra soup and slow-cooked sides, on the East Side.
Senegalese · African
Bintü Atelier
Chef Bintou N’Daw’s menu draws on Senegalese cooking and a range of African cuisines, with dishes such as beef suya, shito crab rice and supa kanja.
Seafood · Seasonal
Chubby Fish
A first-come, first-served neighborhood seafood restaurant centered on the day’s local catch. The menu changes with what is available from the water.
American · Neighborhood bistro
Vern’s
A cozy neighborhood bistro where seasonal cooking meets an adventurous wine list. The menu reflects local produce alongside influences from California and Europe.
Seafood · Raw bar
The Ordinary
A seafood restaurant and raw bar in a restored 1920s bank on Upper King. Oysters, shellfish towers and seafood dishes anchor the menu.
French · Daily-changing menu
Chez Nous
An intimate French restaurant with a concise menu that changes daily. Dinner and weekend brunch offer a simple choice: follow the kitchen’s latest selections.
Steakhouse · Seafood
Marbled & Fin
A contemporary steakhouse pairing wagyu, seafood towers and caviar with a signature bone marrow and broiled oyster starter.
Seafood · Carry-out
Dave’s Carry-Out
A laid-back fish shack serving fried fresh catch and familiar Charleston sides. A convenient carry-out stop just off King Street.
Japanese · Sushi
Shiki
A long-standing, intimate sushi restaurant on East Bay Street, known for fresh seafood, a welcoming dining room and takeout for a night at home.
Italian · Sandwiches
Da Toscano Porchetta Shop
A counter-service sandwich shop built around porchetta and other Italian specialties. Housemade focaccia carries the shop’s hearty breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
Seafood · Oyster bar
167 Raw Oyster Bar
A bustling seafood spot for oysters, lobster rolls and other cold-water favorites. There are no reservations; join the queue and explore nearby while you wait.
Sichuan · Chinese
Kwei Fei
A James Island restaurant for Sichuan flavors, including lamb dumplings, spicy noodles and mapo tofu. Order a few dishes to share, with leftovers for later.
Seafood · Italian · Island dining
The Obstinate Daughter
A stylish island restaurant serving wood-fired pizza, pasta and seafood near the beach. A good fit for a meal before or after time on Sullivan’s Island.
French · Neighborhood bistro
Merci
An intimate French bistro at Pitt and Montagu, with seasonal cooking and a small dining room. Check with the restaurant for current menus and availability.
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