Charleston Restaurants
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See what locals rave about in Charleston
- OTSouth Carolina •1 review5.0Dined 2 days agoCelebrated my spouse’s birthday with dear friends, and could not be any happier with our experience. The food was fantastic. The service was exceptional. And the atmosphere was perfect. thank you to Eddie Wales and his staff for their attention to detail (including our waitress noticing my spouse’s wallet he nearly left behind) and for taking such good care of our party of 8.More infoMotor Supply Company BistroPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Columbia•4.6
- OTCharlotte •1 review5.0Dined 3 days agoWe thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Smoked. The food was delicious, and our waiter Justin was PHENOMENAL. We will most definitely return again!More infoSmokedPrice: Very Expensive• American• Columbia•4.4
- OTSouth Carolina •3 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoIt is a moderately noisy restuarant. Even with our small table it began to be difficult to hear each other speak. However, the food is exceptional, and was delivered quickly yet we did not feel rushed to eat it. Our waitress was wonderful too.More infoBlue MarlinPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Low Country)• Columbia•4.6
- TMTM6782vipCharlotte •37 reviews5.0Dined on Jan 1, 2023The Grand is a fun experience — bowling in the back followed by an excellent meal. The wait staff was great but they were spread a little thin so the wait was a little long to get our drinks and food.More infoThe Grand on MainPrice: Moderate• American• Columbia•4.3
- MBMisterBVirginia •3 reviews5.0Dined on Jan 1, 2023Absolutely superb! What a wonderful experience! The staff was so polite! We will definitely be back.More infoCalifornia Dreaming-ColumbiaPrice: Moderate• American• Columbia•4.4
Get inspired by our collections of the top restaurants in Charleston
11 stellar special-occasion restaurants in Charleston
Charleston’s got a celebratory soul, and food is practically a religion here. Which explains why its special-occasion restaurants are forces to be reckoned with. While many of its most festive restaurants are in its historic downtown, surrounded by views of horse-drawn carriages and cobblestone streets, others are on some of the smaller islands, complete with stunning coastal views. Whether you’re ringing in a birthday, anniversary, promotion, or simply just because, the city’s thriving restaurant scene has the ideal spot. Read on for a guide to 11 special-occasion worthy restaurants in Charleston to book now.
The best places to grab a drink in Charleston
Charleston’s best bars range from high-end cocktail lounges to charming wine bars and tried-and-true neighborhood escapes.
Charleston’s 9 best outdoor dining setups
Charleston’s best restaurants for outdoor dining come with breathtaking views, scenic streetside tables, and charming patios.
Charleston’s 8 Greatest Restaurants
Together, these old and new restaurants offer a snapshot of the best of Charleston dining right now.
8 romantic restaurants in Charleston for every kind of date
Romance fills Charleston’s cobblestone streets, candlelit verandas, and fiery sunsets. That signature Lowcountry charm also distinguishes the city’s best date-night restaurants. At an oyster bar on King Street, window seats and fried fish baskets take the edge off first-date jitters. For a transportive evening complete with lamb kebabs and anise cocktails, couples hit one of the area’s only Lebanese restaurants. A classic steakhouse in a restored bank makes an elegant backdrop for an unforgettable proposal. There’s a table for every kind of date night in one of the South’s most scenic cities. Read on for a guide to 8 Charleston restaurants ready to host your next romantic occasion.
6 New Restaurants to Book in Charleston This Spring
What defines Southern hospitality more than a steaming communal table of Lowcountry boil or shrimp and grits? While those standbys, fueled by the bounty of the surrounding creeks and rivers, still form the soul of Charleston dining, the Holy City is expanding its culinary universe. These new restaurants, ranging from the city’s only food hall to an Indian fusion restaurant, pay tribute to Charleston’s history while increasing its global appeal.
Discover South Carolina
Charleston takes southern charm to a whole new level. In fact, the city snagged the #1 spot on Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Cities list in 2016. The combination of elegant historic architecture, cobblestone streets, balmy weather, and southern cuisine makes it a winner. Along the South Carolina coast, the resort towns of Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are full of restaurants serving Atlantic seafood and new American specials. Further inland, Greenville is gaining a reputation for being a burgeoning restaurant hub of the south.
Frequently asked questions
Celebrate special occasion at the best restaurants in Charleston. Our customers recommend Ruth's Chris Steak House - Myrtle Beach, Charlie's Coastal Bistro (L'etoile Verte) and Soby's
As of December 5, 2023 there are 365 restaurants in Charleston. Filter by “outdoor dining”, “romantic” or “dog friendly”.
On OpenTable we support all cuisines. Find American, Seafood, Italian, Steakhouse, Contemporary American and more. Use our filters to find exactly what you’re looking for and make your reservation today.
Yes! We partner with restaurants in Charleston who deliver with Uber Eats, Postmates, ChowNow, Toast, Olo.
Yes, you can also see restaurants near you offering takeout.
Yes! OpenTable provides free, convenient and trusted options to book the best restaurants in Charleston either on OpenTable or directly with the restaurant.
Yes, we partner with a third party to bring back menu information for restaurants near you.
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