Charleston, South Carolina, is a culinary hotspot, offering a diverse range of dining experiences from fresh seafood to innovative Southern cuisine. This guide explores the Best Food In Charleston Sc, covering everything from coffee shops and juice bars to fine dining establishments and family-friendly options. Whether you crave traditional Southern comfort food or international flavors, Charleston’s vibrant restaurant scene has something to satisfy every palate.
Best Coffee Shops in Charleston SC
Start your day with a caffeine fix and delicious pastries at these top Charleston coffee shops:
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Harken Cafe: This vintage-inspired cafe in downtown Charleston offers delicious oat milk lattes and freshly baked goods, including a daily quiche with rotating fillings.
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The Daily: This downtown favorite boasts a Mediterranean-inspired menu with fresh, healthy options for breakfast and lunch, along with excellent coffee.
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The Rise Coffee Bar: Located in the Restoration hotel, this chic coffee bar offers a modern ambiance and a spacious patio perfect for meetings or remote work.
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Vintage Cafe: Situated in Mount Pleasant, a short drive from downtown, Vintage Cafe serves delicious coffee alongside breakfast and lunch bites, evening tapas, and a unique toast bar.
Best Juice and Acai Bowls in Charleston SC
For a healthy and refreshing start to your day, these juice spots and acai bowl havens are a must-try:
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Tres Palmas Acai: Located in Mount Pleasant, this spot is known for its authentic, unsweetened acai bowls packed with fresh berries.
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Huriyali Charleston: Situated in North Charleston, Huriyali offers a wide variety of healthy vegan eats, smoothie bowls, smoothies, and seasonal juices.
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Beech: This downtown Charleston spot serves up delicious acai bowls and counter-service poke bowls.
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The Blend: Find your fresh juice fix at The Blend in Mount Pleasant, also available for delivery through Uber Eats.
Best Biscuits in Charleston SC
Indulge in Charleston’s famous biscuits at these local favorites:
- Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: This iconic Charleston establishment serves up flaky, buttery biscuits with various fillings, perfect for breakfast or a late-night snack. Try the classic buttermilk biscuit or a bacon, egg, and cheddar biscuit sandwich.
Best Dinner Spots in Charleston SC
Charleston’s dinner scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants:
- Lewis Barbecue: Experience authentic Texas-style barbecue with slow-smoked meats, tangy coleslaw, and decadent mac and cheese.
- Sorelle: This elegant Italian restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on Southern Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list. Try the chef’s tasting menu for a truly special occasion.
- Chez Nous: This intimate restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a daily changing menu of six delectable dishes.
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Leon’s Oyster Shop: Enjoy fresh oysters, crispy fried chicken, and craft cocktails in a rustic-chic setting.
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Husk: This award-winning restaurant showcases innovative Southern cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. The Bar at Husk offers a more casual dining experience with a similar menu and extensive bourbon selection.
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Chubby Fish: This family-run restaurant features creative seafood and meat dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. Be prepared for a wait, as reservations are not accepted.
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Southbound: This romantic restaurant offers a charming ambiance and a menu of delicious Southern dishes.
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Estadio: This Spanish-inspired tapas bar in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood offers a lively atmosphere and a delicious selection of small plates and wines.
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Indaco: Enjoy Neapolitan-style pizzas, pastas, and salads at this popular King Street restaurant.
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Little Jack’s Tavern: This cozy bistro serves up classic American fare, including some of the best burgers in town.
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Mex1 Coastal Cantina: This Mexican restaurant offers fresh ingredients, homemade tortillas, and a unique selection of house-infused tequilas.
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167 Raw: This popular oyster bar and seafood restaurant offers fresh, locally sourced seafood in a chic setting.
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Bar 167: The sister establishment to 167 Raw, this Mediterranean-inspired tapas bar offers a bustling atmosphere and delicious small plates.
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Maya: This Latin-inspired restaurant on Upper King Street offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu of delicious Mexican dishes.
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Maison: This charming French bistro offers a taste of France in the heart of Charleston.
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Melfi’s: This Italian bistro, owned by the same team as Leon’s Oyster Shop, offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious Italian dishes.
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Home Team BBQ: With multiple locations across Charleston, Home Team BBQ is a local favorite for its smoked wings, pulled pork nachos, and signature cocktails.
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Sullivan’s Fish Camp: Enjoy fresh seafood and tropical cocktails at this Sullivan’s Island favorite.
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Poogan’s Porch: This historic restaurant serves traditional Southern comfort food in a charming setting.
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Renzo: This gourmet wood-fired pizza and wine spot offers a sophisticated dining experience in a quaint setting.
Best Restaurants for Kids in Charleston SC
Charleston offers many family-friendly dining options:
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Edmund’s Oast Brewery: Both locations offer spacious outdoor areas perfect for kids to run around.
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Rancho Lewis: This Tex-Mex restaurant is located next to Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co and offers a large lawn for kids to play.
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Home Team Barbecue: This barbecue joint offers a kids menu with classic options like quesadillas, grilled cheese, and chicken fingers.
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Islander 71: Located on Isle of Palms, Islander 71 offers yard games, kid-friendly trivia nights, and a full kids menu.
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Longboard: This Sullivan’s Island restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and cocktails.
Best Cheese Plates in Charleston SC
- Goat Sheep Cow: This charming wine and cheese shop offers an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie perfect for creating a delicious cheese board.
This comprehensive guide to the best food in Charleston SC provides a starting point for exploring the city’s diverse culinary offerings. From casual cafes to upscale restaurants, Charleston has something to satisfy every taste and budget. Enjoy your culinary journey through the Holy City!
