In recent years, Charleston, South Carolina, has emerged as a culinary hotspot, enticing foodies from around the world with its mouthwatering flavors, innovative dishes, and warm southern hospitality. The city’s vibrant food scene is a delightful blend of traditional Lowcountry cuisine, contemporary creations, and international influences. From cozy cafes to award-winning restaurants, Charleston offers an unforgettable gastronomic adventure for every palate.
Lowcountry Cuisine
At the heart of Charleston’s food scene is traditional Lowcountry cuisine, which offers an array of local ingredients and time-honored recipes. This distinctive culinary style draws inspiration from the coastal geography, African and European heritage, and the region’s agricultural bounty. Signature dishes such as shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and Hoppin’ John showcase the rich flavors and textures of the Lowcountry.
Award-Winning Restaurants
Charleston is home to numerous award-winning restaurants helmed by talented chefs who have garnered national and international acclaim. Here is a short list of the more popular ones.
Upscale establishments:
- FIG: an acronym for "Food Is Good," is a renowned farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Charleston, SC. This award-winning establishment, led by Chef Mike Lata, celebrates the region's freshest ingredients, creating innovative and seasonally-inspired dishes that showcase the richness of Lowcountry cuisine.
- Husk: Husk, nestled in the historic district of Charleston, SC, is a celebrated restaurant that redefines Southern cuisine with a contemporary twist. Under the creative guidance of Chef Travis Grimes, Husk showcases the bounty of local ingredients through an ever-changing menu, paying homage to the region's culinary traditions.
Seafood Delights
With its coastal location, it’s no surprise that Charleston boasts a thriving seafood scene. Freshly caught fish, shrimp, oysters, and crabs grace the menus of many local restaurants, offering visitors a taste of the ocean’s bounty.
- The Darling Oyster Bar: The Darling Oyster Bar, located in the heart of Charleston, SC, is a stylish and vibrant seafood eatery that perfectly captures the coastal charm of the city. With its stunning raw bar display and open kitchen, this chic restaurant offers an array of fresh, locally-sourced oysters, as well as a variety of delectable seafood dishes and creative cocktails.
- Ordinary: The Ordinary, located in a beautifully restored former bank building in Charleston, SC, is an upscale seafood-focused restaurant that celebrates the coastal flavors of the region. Under the skilled direction of Chef Mike Lata, The Ordinary serves up a diverse range of fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood dishes, from raw bar selections to inventive small plates and entrées
- 167 Raw: 167 Raw Oyster Bar, situated in the lively city of Charleston, SC, is an intimate and bustling seafood haven known for its exquisite selection of fresh oysters and other oceanic delights. With a cozy, nautical-themed interior and a commitment to offering the highest quality seafood, this charming eatery invites patrons to indulge in a diverse array of dishes, from raw bar delicacies to mouthwatering lobster rolls.
International Flavors
Italian
Charleston’s food scene also embraces a variety of global cuisines, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural influences.
- Le Farfalle: Le Farfalle, situated in the heart of Charleston, SC, is a charming Italian restaurant that brings the warmth and flavors of Italy to the Lowcountry. With a welcoming atmosphere and stylish, rustic-chic interiors, Le Farfalle offers a delightful culinary experience featuring a menu crafted by Chef Michael Toscano.
- Trattoria Lucca: Trattoria Lucca, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Charleston, SC, is an intimate and authentic Italian dining experience inspired by the culinary traditions of Tuscany. Chef Ken Vedrinski crafts a menu that showcases the freshest seasonal ingredients, combining them with classic Italian techniques to create an array of mouthwatering dishes such as house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and flavorful antipasti.
Asian
Charleston’s food scene also embraces a variety of global cuisines, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural influences.
- Le Farfalle: Le FarXiao Bao Biscuit: Xiao Bao Biscuit, located in a repurposed gas station in Charleston, SC, is a trendy and eclectic eatery specializing in Asian comfort food with a Southern twist. The menu, inspired by the diverse flavors of China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, offers a creative fusion of East-meets-West dishes, including their signature dish, the "Xiao Bao Biscuit" – a tasty combination of Asian flavors served on a fluffy Southern biscuit.falle, situated in the heart of Charleston, SC, is a charming Italian restaurant that brings the warmth and flavors of Italy to the Lowcountry. With a welcoming atmosphere and stylish, rustic-chic interiors, Le Farfalle offers a delightful culinary experience featuring a menu crafted by Chef Michael Toscano.
- CO: CO, located in the vibrant city of Charleston, SC, is a modern and stylish Asian fusion restaurant that offers a fresh take on traditional Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. With its sleek, contemporary interiors and a menu that features a variety of small plates, noodle bowls, sushi rolls, and flavorful entrées, CO provides a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience for food enthusiasts seeking bold, exotic flavors.
BBQ
- Rodney Scott's BBQ: Rodney Scott's BBQ is a beloved Charleston, SC eatery that brings the art of whole-hog barbecue to life. Founded by James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott, this casual and lively joint serves up mouthwatering smoked meats, signature sauces, and classic Southern sides. With its laid-back atmosphere, friendly service, and commitment to quality ingredients, Rodney Scott's BBQ has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
- Lewis BBQ: situated in the bustling heart of Charleston, SC, is a renowned Texas-style barbecue joint that has earned a reputation for its mouthwatering smoked meats and laid-back atmosphere. Helmed by pitmaster John Lewis, the restaurant showcases his mastery of slow-smoked brisket, tender ribs, and succulent pulled pork, all cooked to perfection in custom-built smokers. Complemented by a selection of traditional Southern sides and craft beers, Lewis BBQ offers an authentic and unforgettable taste of Texas in a lively, rustic setting.
- Home Team BBQ: Home Team BBQ, located in Charleston, SC, is a beloved local institution serving mouthwatering Southern-style barbecue and comfort food in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Known for its tender smoked meats, including pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, Home Team BBQ expertly balances smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors to create an unforgettable dining experience. The menu also features a variety of delicious sides, from classic mac and cheese to collard greens, rounding out the quintessential Southern feast.
Southern Sweets
No visit to Charleston would be complete without indulging in some classic Southern desserts. Local bakeries and dessert shops, such as:
- Kaminsky's: Kaminsky's, nestled in the heart of Charleston, SC, is a cozy and inviting dessert bar that has been delighting sweet-toothed patrons for decades. With its warm, vintage-inspired ambiance and an extensive menu of indulgent treats, Kaminsky's offers the perfect setting to satisfy your dessert cravings. Known for their tasty selection of homemade cakes, pies, and brownies, as well as their signature milkshakes and specialty coffees
- Sugar Bakeshop: Sugar Bakeshop, located in the charming city of Charleston, SC, is a delightful and quaint bakery specializing in crafting exquisite handmade desserts. With its welcoming atmosphere and display cases filled with beautifully crafted treats, Sugar Bakeshop instantly transports visitors to a world of sweet indulgence. The bakery offers a wide range of delectable goodies, including cupcakes, cookies, tarts, and cakes, all made from scratch using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
Charleston’s dynamic food scene is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage, creativity, and passion for quality ingredients. With so many enticing options, every meal in this historic city promises to be a memorable culinary experience. So, loosen your belt and prepare to savor the remarkable flavors of Charleston, South Carolina!
