Charleston's restaurants go local, reviving lowcountry cuisine with farm fresh ingredients

Clare Sweeney

By Clare Sweeney, Local Expert, Charleston
Ten Best Logo 03

 

 

 

It's official: Charleston has made it to the national stage of fine dining and popular modern cuisine. It's about time! There are over 200 restaurants to choose from on the Charleston peninsula, several featuring James Beard Award winning chefs, and many boasting AAA Four Diamond ratings. Southern Living and Bon Apetit Magazines both declared one Charleston restaurant the Best New Restaurant in the country in 2011!

If visiting the lowcountry for the first time, just follow the golden rule: When in Charleston, dine where the Charlestonians dine. Any local will tell you, that the best way to wrap up a...  Read more »
  • 1

    FIG

    5

    based on 308 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Get a taste of Southern hospitality by grabbing a seat at one of FIG's community tables! You'll compare dishes and talk Charleston with some of the city's own locavores."

     
     
  • 2

    Husk

    Local Expert Tip: "Make reservations in advance - way in advance! On some weekend nights, dinner hours can be booked up to a month in advance! Plan on arriving early and enjoying a southern cocktail at Husk's bar, right next door, beforehand."

     
     
  • 3

    The MACINTOSH

    Local Expert Tip: "A lowcountry native, Chef Jeremiah Bacon lives up to his name with Bacon Happy Hours, offered from 5-7 pm Monday through Friday, featuring weekly pork dishes and drink specials."

     
     
  • 4

    Peninsula Grill

    5

    based on 305 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Get a slice of the Ultimate Coconut Cake. Next, order a whole cake to be shipped to your home, so it can be ready and waiting for you when you return from Charleston. Trust us, the diet gods forgive you. "

     
     
  • 5

    Magnolias

    5

    based on 782 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Lunch plates, averaging $10 - $20, are a cheap alternative to pricier dinner items, and a great way to skip suppertime waits."

     
     
  • 6

    Five Loaves

    • Cuisine: American
    • Average Main Course Price: $13
    • Neighborhood: North Downtown
    5

    based on 148 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Make plans to visit Five Loaves on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and enjoy half price bottles of wine with your dinner!"

     
     
  • 7

    Basil Thai Restaurant

    • Cuisine: Asian, Thai
    • Average Main Course Price: $13
    • Neighborhood: North Downtown
    5

    based on 115 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Basil is consistently rated as Charleston's most popular restaurant, and it shows - expect a wait for peak lunch and dinner hours, as they don't accept reservations."

     
     
  • 8

    Hominy Grill

    4

    based on 657 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "If you're here for Sunday brunch, go for the "Big Nasty," a biscuit sandwich smothered in sweet southern gravy, and stacked high with fried chicken and melted cheddar cheese."

     
     
  • 9

    Jestine's Kitchen

    4

    based on 530 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Save room for the Coca-Cola Cake, a classic country recipe! This cake isn't actually soda flavored- Cola is simply the secret to a perfectly moist texture!"

     
     
  • 10

    Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

    4

    based on 341 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "While a small parking area is available, the lot fills up quickly. Nearby street parking or garages are better options."