As one of the nation’s premier foodie destinations, Charleston’s culinary scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors. Whether I’m traveling or enjoying my time as a local, I’m drawn to dishes that truly capture the essence of a place, and in Charleston, that essence is found in its vibrant Lowcountry cuisine.
Lowcountry cuisine, influenced by Southern, African, and European traditions, celebrates the region’s coastal heritage. With fresh seafood, rice, local vegetables, and a distinctive Southern flair, it embodies Charleston’s deep connection to its history, the land and sea. Here, I’ve curated a list of 11 of the best restaurants in Charleston where you can experience the authentic flavors of the city’s Lowcountry soul.
Savor Classic Lowcountry Flavors at the Best Restaurants in Charleston
Charleston’s culinary identity is deeply rooted in its Lowcountry traditions, and these six restaurants perfectly capture that classic Southern charm and soul of Charleston. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood at Hank’s Seafood Restaurant or indulging in authentic barbecue at Rodney Scott’s BBQ and Lewis Barbecue, these iconic spots reflect the heart of Charleston’s food culture.
From refined dining at Magnolias and 82 Queen to the lively atmosphere at The Darling Oyster Bar, each restaurant offers a unique take on traditional Lowcountry cuisine. Together, these iconic spots represent the best of Charleston’s timeless culinary heritage.
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
Southern Seafood cuisine at its finest, with everything you’d expect from one of the best seafood restaurants in Charleston. Enjoy Charleston seafood classics like raw, fried, and grilled oysters, generous servings of shrimp & grits, salmon, flounder, swordfish, bouillabaisse, crab cakes, and scallops. Don’t miss the Seafood à la Wando or buttermilk fried chicken for non-seafood lovers. Southern sides include favorites like collard greens, coleslaw, stone-ground grits, and fried green tomatoes. Entrees: $28 - $42. 10 Haynes Street.
{Classic Charleston fish house with an old-fashioned saloon-style bar. With its white tablecloths, exhibition raw bar, and white-jacket service, Hank’s manages refined dining without the stuffiness. If reservations are full, head for the community table or bar—arriving by 5 p.m. gives you the best chance for open seating.}
Why go: Hank’s Seafood Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Charleston for Lowcountry seafood classics. The portions, the service, the interior, the vibe and the quality are all spot on. It’s the restaurant we visit most often as locals—and for good reason.
Pause Point: As you settle into Hank’s, take a moment to soak in the timeless ambiance of Charleston’s classic seafood house. Whether you’re at the saloon-style bar, watching the expert shucking at the raw bar, or seated at a white tablecloth table, let the rich history of the space transport you. Before diving into your meal, pause to savor the warm, lively hum of conversations, the clink of glasses, and the charm of Charleston encapsulated in every detail.
Magnolias
A standout among the best restaurants in Downtown Charleston, Magnolias offers upscale Southern cuisine with a modern approach to classic Lowcountry dishes. The extensive menu features all the Lowcountry classics, with appetizers like fried green tomatoes, scallops, mussels, deviled eggs, crab cakes, livers, and Brussels sprouts. You’ll also find soups, salads, and sandwiches (BLT, crab cake, rib melt, burger). For entrees, my favorite is the buttermilk chicken breast served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, creamed corn, a cracked pepper biscuit, and sausage herb gravy. Other standout dishes include jambalaya, catfish, bouillabaisse, and shellfish over grits. Entrees: lunch $16 - $35, Dinner $28 - $50 avg. 185 East Bay Street.
{Another Charleston classic. White jacket and white tablecloth dining with exceptional Southern hospitality. As with most top Charleston restaurants, reservations are highly recommended.}
Why go: Magnolias is my go-to Lowcountry local's lunch spot in a refined setting. I absolutely love the buttermilk chicken breast with Southern sides. Another Charleston gem where value truly shines.
Pause Point: Before savoring the rich Southern flavors at Magnolias, take a moment to appreciate the blend of elegance and comfort that defines this Charleston gem. Let your senses absorb the refined yet inviting atmosphere—white tablecloths, attentive service, and the soft buzz of conversation. As your meal arrives, pause to enjoy the colors, textures, and aromas on your plate. Whether it’s the creamy richness of mashed potatoes or the crispy buttermilk chicken, slow down to fully experience the harmony of flavors that make each bite a celebration of Lowcountry cuisine.
82 Queen
A gorgeous Charleston interior, excellent service, and a menu to match. Signature dishes include Carolina Crab Cakes with okra, sweet corn, and black-eyed pea succotash, served with Charleston red rice and Lowcountry remoulade. The menu also offers shrimp & oyster po’ boys, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, jambalaya, shrimp (or fish) & grits, pork chops, roasted duck, and more. Entrees: lunch $18 - $25, dinner $30 - $50 avg. 82 Queen Street.
{A Charleston classic in the heart of the Historic French Quarter, 82 Queen spans three charming buildings and boasts a stunning courtyard that feels steeped in Southern history.}
Why go: Walking down the alleyway-style entrance to 82 Queen’s courtyard is an experience in itself—there’s character right from the start. And then, there’s the variety. I always go for the crab cakes with all the Southern Lowcountry sides. It feels like a little piece of Charleston history with every visit.
Pause Point: As you walk through the charming alleyway entrance to 82 Queen, pause for a moment to take in the lush courtyard and historic setting. Let the gentle rustle of the leaves and the warmth of the Charleston sun transport you to a different time. When your meal arrives, pause once more to savor not just the taste but the story behind each dish—a taste of Lowcountry history served with every bite. Relish the blend of flavors that make this restaurant a beloved part of Charleston's culinary legacy.
The Darling Oyster Bar
A vintage-styled Charleston raw bar with a fantastic vibe. Beyond the fresh raw oysters, you’ll find fried, steamed, and baked oysters, mussels, a towering seafood plateau, shrimp and classic shrimp & grits (don’t forget to add the fried egg on top). Other highlights include crab tagliatelle, fry baskets, fried chicken, and scallops, plus sandwiches for a more casual option.. Entrees: $14 - $30 avg. 513 King Street.
{Dinner only: 4–11pm, Sunday brunch starts at 11am. Reservations recommended, but bar seating and walk-ins right at opening are great alternatives.}
Why go: It’s all about the hip vibe and vintage charm at The Darling. The energy hums without being overwhelming, making it one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Charleston. Add in fresh seafood, great value, and a lively atmosphere, and you have a winning dining experience.
Pause Point: Before diving into the fresh seafood spread at The Darling, take a moment to appreciate the vintage charm and lively energy that fills the space. From the gleaming raw bar to the buzz of conversation, let the ambiance set the tone for a fun, relaxed dining experience. When your oysters arrive, pause to take in the presentation—the textures and colors that make this spot a feast for both the palate and the eyes. Snap a quick photo, then savor each bite, allowing the vibrant atmosphere and fresh flavors to transport you to the heart of Charleston's King Street.
Lewis BBQ
Wood-smoked Texas-style barbecue by renowned Pitmaster John Lewis, served in a spacious, industrial-style setting with a laid-back Texas-themed interior. Sink your teeth into the perfectly tender beef brisket, accompanied by Southern sides like collards, mac n' cheese, and pickled onions. Pulled pork is another standout—order both, as the meats are sliced to order and served on trays for a true Texas BBQ experience. $15 - $25 per person avg. 464 N Nassau Street.
{Also famous for the Texas Hot Gut Sausages, and don’t miss the daily specials. On Sundays, indulge in a Texas-sized country fried steak with gravy that’s hard to beat. It can get busy, so be sure to arrive early.}
Why go: At Lewis BBQ, it’s all about the experience. Watching the pitmasters work their magic, the rustic charm of the interior, and the unmatched flavor of the brisket and sides make this one of the best barbecue spots in Charleston.
Pause Point: As you enter Lewis BBQ, pause for a moment to savor the smoky aroma of meats cooked low and slow. Take in the casual yet inviting atmosphere, from the rustic wooden tables to the anticipation of those around you. When your brisket arrives, resist the urge to dive right in. Appreciate the craftsmanship behind each slice, then enjoy the rich, smoky flavor that defines this authentic Charleston barbecue experience.
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ
Here, you’ll find all the pit-cooked and smoked BBQ essentials that have made Rodney Scott’s a household name. From crispy pork skins and pimento cheese with smoked sausages to whole hog BBQ, pulled pork shoulder, tender beef brisket, and pit-cooked chicken and turkey breast. YEnjoy your BBQ as sandwiches with sides or served on trays. And of course, don’t miss the classic Southern sides like collard greens, mac n' cheese, and potato salad. $12 - $22 per person avg. 1011 King Street.
{Rodney Scott smoked his first pig at age 11. Now Charleston’s own James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef Southeast, you might even spot Rodney himself while you’re here.}
Why go: Rodney’s feels like home—it’s BBQ just the way I remember it growing up. From the tender meats to the Southern sides, it’s comfort food at its best. On one of my first visits, Rodney was sitting at a picnic table, having lunch, and chatting with folks. That warmth and hospitality really stuck with me.
Pause Point: Before diving into the smoky, tender BBQ at Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, take a moment to appreciate the history and tradition behind each dish. As you sit down, let the warmth of the space and the scent of slow-cooked meats remind you of the comfort and familiarity of home-cooked meals. If you’re lucky enough to spot Rodney himself, pause to take in the connection between the chef and his craft—a legacy of pit-smoked excellence. Savor that first bite of whole hog BBQ, letting it bring back memories of backyard barbecues and Southern hospitality.
Charleston's Lowcountry Cuisine with a Contemporary Spin
In this second half of the list, you’ll discover five of the best Charleston restaurants that offer a modern take on Lowcountry cuisine. At celebrated restaurants like Fig and Husk, traditional Southern ingredients are reimagined through creative, contemporary techniques, while spots like Chubby Fish and The Ordinary showcase innovative approaches to Charleston seafood dishes.
With fresh interpretations of classic recipes and stylish interiors, these restaurants represent the evolution of Charleston’s culinary scene, delivering a refined yet contemporary approach to Southern dining.
Chubby Fish
Chubby Fish offers a menu filled with raw items, whole fish, small plates, and entrees, changing daily based on availability. Expect dishes like ceviche, crudo, tartare, raw oysters, along with small plates featuring poached fish, grilled oysters, and lamb ribs. Entrées might include an oyster roll, garlic shrimp, tagliatelle, or wreckfish. Entrees: $22 - $40 avg. 252 Coming Street.
{Featuring seasonal ingredients from local farms, rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean. No reservations are accepted, so expect a line starting around 4:30 pm, with doors opening at 5 pm. It’s a small, unassuming space with limited seating.}
Pause Point: As you step into the cozy, unassuming space of Chubby Fish, take a moment to appreciate the anticipation that comes with a daily changing menu. Every visit brings something new, reflecting the fresh ingredients from local farms and waters. Before your meal arrives, pause to savor the lively energy in the room—small, intimate, and buzzing with excitement over the evening’s offerings. When your plate arrives, take an extra moment to enjoy the creative presentation of ingredients that tell the story of Charleston’s seasons and seas.
FIG
Southern cuisine with influences from South American and French culinary traditions. Expect pairings such as the roasted B-liner snapper with fino sherry, Siberian kale, red grape, and almond, or dishes like chicken liver pâté, Parisian-style beef tartare, duroc pork schnitzel, or cast iron wagyu bavette. Entrees: $42 - $50 avg. 232 Meeting Street.
{A seasonal, locally sourced menu with a modern approach in a refined, modern space. White tablecloth dining. The bar offers the full menu without reservations.}
Pause Point: Before your meal at FIG, take a moment to appreciate the refined yet modern ambiance of this Charleston restaurant, where each detail reflects a blend of Southern charm and international influence. As your plate arrives, pause to admire the artistry of the presentation, knowing that each ingredient has been carefully sourced from local farms and purveyors. Let the anticipation build, and when you take that first bite, savor the harmony of flavors that balance Lowcountry traditions with French and South American techniques.
The Grocery
Lowcountry cuisine with a Mediterranean spin and contemporary plating. A sampling of the menu includes fried oysters, crudo, spaghetti nero, poached tilefish with saffron cream, duck liver mousse, and steak tartare. Small plate, à la carte style dining. $30 - $70 per meal. 4 Canon Street.
{A small, urban-styled space with an open kitchen concept. The restaurant offers community table and bar seating, helmed by Chef Kevin Johnson, a former vegetarian turned master of Lowcountry flavors.}
Pause Point: As you settle into the urban, open-kitchen space of The Grocery, take a moment to absorb the lively energy of the room, where Mediterranean-inspired dishes are crafted before your eyes. Pause to appreciate the creative plating and the bold blend of flavors that give each dish a contemporary twist. When your meal arrives, savor the fresh, locally sourced ingredients paired with Mediterranean flair, a reflection of Charleston’s evolving culinary scene. Let the open kitchen concept draw you into the experience, turning every bite into a connection with the chef’s vision.
Husk
A contemporary approach to Southern eating, Husk’s dishes showcase a creative twist on Southern classics. Menu highlights might include smoked rigatoni with Broadbent bacon, egg and cheese, Blue Ridge rabbit pot pie with lowland carrots and puff pastry, Brasstown short rib with groundnut grits, or black grouper with butterkin pumpkin, harissa spätzle, and cabbage. Entrees: $30 - $42 avg. 76 Queen Street.
{The menu changes frequently, sometimes daily, based on seasonally available ingredients from Southern providers. Originally made famous by founding chef and James Beard Award winner Sean Brock (no longer associated with Husk), the restaurant’s Victorian exterior contrasts beautifully with its modern interior. The full menu is also available at The Bar without a reservation.}
Pause Point: Before diving into the ever-changing menu at Husk, take a moment to reflect on the restaurant’s commitment to honoring Southern ingredients in creative, contemporary ways. As you approach the beautifully restored Victorian exterior, let the contrast between history and modernity set the tone for your meal. When your dish arrives, pause to admire how the seasonal, locally sourced elements come together on the plate, each bite a tribute to the richness of Southern farms and producers. Savor the layers of flavor, knowing they’ve been crafted with both tradition and innovation in mind.
The Ordinary
Their tagline is “fancy seafood in Charleston.” The menu features a raw bar, fancy seafood towers (their description), and caviar service, alongside small and large plates like amberjack pâté, crudo, wagyu steak tartare, Jerusalem artichoke velouté, Baltimore-style fish cake, Creole seafood gumbo, triggerfish, and New England-style fish chowder. Dinner only. $50 - $100+. 544 King Street.
{Housed in a 1920s renovated bank building with soaring ceilings and arched windows, The Ordinary provides a unique backdrop for enjoying Charleston’s best seafood. Another option is visiting for appetizers, such as oysters or light bites.}
Pause Point: As you enter The Ordinary, housed in a striking 1920s renovated bank, take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the soaring ceilings and arched windows that set the stage for an elevated seafood experience. Before your first bite, pause to enjoy the artistry of the seafood tower or small plate before you, with its careful arrangement of fresh, local ingredients. Whether indulging in oysters or savoring a delicate pâté, let the refined yet approachable atmosphere guide you into a leisurely appreciation of one of the best Charleston restaurants for seafood.
Exploring Charleston's Culinary Soul: From Fine Dining to Local Lunch Spots
As much as these 11 restaurants capture the elegance and cultural depth of Charleston, they are undoubtedly some of the best restaurants in Charleston. From the upscale seafood at The Ordinary to the smoky goodness of Rodney Scott’s BBQ and the Southern traditions at Husk, the city's culinary landscape is rich with both refined and unpretentious gems that locals and visitors alike cherish.
For a true taste of Charleston, both fine dining and everyday bites are part of the journey. If you’re curious about where locals eat everyday, check out my curated guide to 10 places where locals eat lunch in Charleston. And for a worldly twist, explore international dining in Charleston's best restaurants that bring a global touch to Charleston’s food scene. Happy Eating!
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