Restaurants to Visit in Charleston
With so many excellent restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. To help you navigate the city’s dining scene, we’ve compiled a list of 10 cool restaurants in Charleston that are worth visiting. From elegant fine dining to laid-back cafes, these restaurants showcase the best of Charleston’s diverse cuisine and are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lewis Barbecue
Founded by renowned Pitmaster John Lewis, Lewis Barbecue is a Charleston-based restaurant that has quickly gained popularity for its excellent brisket, which some have hailed as the best.
The dining room offers a unique experience with its modern, clean aesthetic and various nods to Texas and Mexico. Diners can enjoy a variety of mouth-watering dishes, including green chilli corn pudding and tender turkey slices.
Address: 464 N Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403
Open Hours:
- Sunday and Monday: 11 am – 9 pm
- Tuesday – Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
Butcher & Bee
It all started with sandwiches, a gourmet meal between two pieces of bread, but now the dream has grown beyond sandwiches to all types of foods.
Butcher & Bee offers a relaxed lunch experience with a diverse menu with standout dishes. Guests can indulge in a refreshing glass of Prosecco while savoring the bacon-wrapped dates.
Address: 1085 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
Open Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 am – 4 pm / 5 pm – 9 pm
- Friday: 11:30 am – 4 pm / 5 pm – 10 pm
- Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm / 5 pm – 10 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm / 5 pm – 9 pm
The Ordinary
Considered the city’s top destination for seafood lovers, The Ordinary is a sophisticated Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in a 1920s bank building.
The restaurant’s interior design features high ceilings, clean white tiles, and black wood accents that exude an elegant Parisian cafe ambiance. Some must-try dishes include oysters on the half shell and the famous crispy oyster slider.
Address: 544 King St., Charleston, SC 29403
Open Hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday, 5 pm to 10:30 pm
- Friday – Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm
- Sunday 5 pm to 10:30 pm
Xiao Bao Biscuit
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that’s not your typical Southern fare, look no further than Xiao Bao Biscuit, located at the corner of Rutledge Avenue and Spring Street.
The restaurant boasts a delightful fusion of soulful Asian cuisine, featuring mouth-watering spicy dishes such as Thai yellow curry with mung bean cakes. The converted gas station is a popular destination among Charleston’s creative community for business and casual dining.
Address: 224 Rutledge Ave. Charleston, SC 29401
Open Hours:
- Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm
Le Farfalle
A modern Italian that offers an elegant and sophisticated dining experience with a menu featuring contemporary takes on classic Italian dishes.
At Le Farfalle, guests can indulge in delectable pasta made in-house, wood-fired pizzas, and flavorful meats and seafood dishes. The chic and stylish decor adds to the ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening or a special occasion.
Address: 15 Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Open Hours:
- Monday – Saturday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm / 5:30 pm – 11 pm
- Sun 10 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm -10 pm
Jackrabbit Filly
 A unique Chinese-American-plus-Japanese spot that offers a creative and delicious blend of both cuisines. The restaurant’s menu features a range of dishes, including steamed bao buns filled with Japanese-style fried chicken and a savory noodle bowl topped with Chinese-style char siu pork.
The restaurant’s bright and colorful decor has a lively atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for a fun night out. So whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or savory, Jackrabbit Filly is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and delicious dining experience.
Address: 4628 Spruill Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Open Hours:
- Wednesday – Saturday: 11 am to 2 pm / 5 pm to 9 pm
- Sunday: 11 am to 2 pm
Babas on Cannon
A European-inspired café guided by the regional products of the southeast that transports diners to the streets of Paris with its charming ambiance and menu.
Babas on Cannon’s small space features high tables and a street-facing bar, and the front windows are painted with the menu, adding to its European vibe.
Address: 11 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Open Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday 7 am to 3 pm / 5 pm to 10 pm
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
A barbecue joint was established in 2017 through the friendship of Rodney Scott and Nick Pihakis, who shared a deep appreciation for the craft of barbecue and the intricate techniques required to make it.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ is known for its delicious barbecue dishes, including pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, all cooked perfectly using traditional Southern methods.
Address: 1011 King St., Charleston, SC 29403
Open Hours:
- Monday – Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
High Cotton
A renowned Charleston restaurant that offers a fine dining experience featuring Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is in a beautifully restored 19th-century building with elegant décor and white tablecloths.
The menu features a mix of classic Southern dishes, such as shrimp and grits, along with more contemporary creations, such as duck breast with sweet potato puree. High Cotton is a popular destination for special occasions, business dinners, and romantic nights.
Address: 199 East Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Open hours:
- Dinner nightly from 5 pm
- Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays (starting April 1st) from 10 am – 2 pm
Magnolias
For over 30 years, Magnolias has been a staple in Charleston’s dining scene, offering upscale Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
The restaurant’s commitment to using traditional ingredients and cooking techniques while presenting them artfully and contemporarily has solidified its reputation as a forerunner in Southern cuisine, with a menu that boasts creative dishes and impeccable flavors.
Address: 185 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Open hours:
- Sunday – Thursday from 11:30 am – 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am – 10 pm
Hannibal’s Kitchen
Currently serving lunch and dinner, the menu focuses primarily on seafood while also featuring other soul food classics, including fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato pie.
Hannibal’s Kitchen is known for its generous portions and homemade recipes, perfected over the restaurant’s 30-year history.
Address: 16 Blake St, Charleston, SC 29403
Open Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7 am to 10 pm
- Saturday 8 am to 10 pm
Three Little Birds Cafe
The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff create a welcoming environment for patrons to enjoy their breakfast and lunch offerings, including sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
Three Little Birds Cafe’s menu features many vegetarian and gluten-free options, catering to a range of dietary needs; for example, there’s the classic tofu and veggie scramble or sweet potato Benedict in the morning and barbecue tempeh melt in the afternoon.
Address: 65 Windermere Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
Open Hours:
- Monday – Friday from 7:30 am to 2 pm
- Sunday and Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm
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