RESTAURANT GUIDE

This casual but upscale brasserie serves an outstanding Roquefort burger and irresistible sea-salted frites— fiery moutarde, si vous voulez.

Located in the Avondale section of West Ashley, this understated Italian is one of Charleston’s most popular low-key dining establishments.

Fresh Lebanese & Turkish

Holistic soul food…organic vegetables, hormone-free meat, no pork – guaranteed fresh.

NY-style mega-slices of pizza served in a relaxed “local’s place” setting.

The best grits in town if not the U.S. are served in this comfortable upscale venue.

The sister bakery in Brooklyn opened a couple of years ago and has recieved some really great press.

Downtown’s most authentic Thai served in a clean, lively, open-kitchened dining room.

Really authentic southern cooking far enough north on Meeting to be beyond the scope of gentrification.

This busy pub by night has re-opened its kitchen in the last year and now serves a great casual lunch and dinner.

A seafood restaurant with a Northern Italian spin serving lunch, brunch, and dinner and featuring a softly lit bar and a spacious dining room

A uniquely Lowcountry experience and a true institution. Turn off before Folly Beach onto the oyster-shell-covered, unpaved drive.

Located in the heart of the most romantic area of downtown, Carolina’s has long been a comfortable, convenient favorite of SOB locals.

51 George St. 577-7757. These folks cover all culinary bases from shelves stocked with gourmet edibles, to a bountiful array of house prepared foods and made to order sandwiches.  Start your day here with espresso and pastry and end it over a bottle of wine and Kobe meatloaf.  Those who can’t tear away for lunch [...]

462 King St.  722-7313. Tapas from around the globe are served late at this venue with a lively bar scene. Try the green mango salad, tenderloin medallions, and mini Angus burgers. Nice wine list, a loungy dimly-lit  interior, and a popular outdoor patio. M–Sa 5pm–midnight.  tapas plates $7–$14

224 King St. 577-4522. Bring your passport; Chef Bob Waggoner created the menu of one of Charleston’s finest places for celebrating a special occasion and added  interpretations of dishes from the Lowcountry to Asia. Irresistible temptresses: foie gras, wild game and fowl, seafood from local and exotic waters or chilled caviar (with homemade bilinis) will [...]

149 Wentworth St.  853-7828. At the romantic restaurant of the elegant Wentworth Mansion, the chef uses local produce and special items from his own garden for his creations. Try the grilled shrimp with fried green tomatoes and chowchow, or the Broken Arrow Ranch antelope loin with lima bean cakes and cream corn sauce.  M–Sa 5:30–9:30pm. [...]

141 Market St.  853-7067.  A coffee house across from Charleston Place serving french pressed coffee fresh bagels, sandwiches and homemade desserts in a pleasant setting. Free wireless access. Su 8am–6pm, M–Th 7am–9pm. F&Sa 7am–10pm. menu items $1.50–$6.50 website

39-D John St.  722-8838.  Grilled seafood, fish tacos, and friendly service are among the treats available at this renovated warehouse with 40-ft. ceilings and coastal decor. The efficient bartenders, surf movies, and deeply discounted wine on Sunday until 8pm open often make this a nightlife hot spot as well.  No worries— the dining area, while [...]

18 Pinkney St.  534-2434. Locals love this little hidden spot between Ansonborough and the Market serving pleasing eclectic American fare in an understated single house. No wonder: the service is  friendly, the food is always good, and the prices are fair. For lunch try the shrimp BLT, the mixed green salad with duck or with [...]

433 King St. 853-8181. The name says a lot at this tiny storefront on Upper King serving cupcakes and milk and coffee, only. If you are there for Black Bottom day, definitely choose that one. M–Sat. 10–7. $2.75  website

167 East Bay St.  727-0111. If you like glitz you’ll love Cypress. The large dining room is a Charlestonian interpretation of L.A. elegance—guests dine at large tables with high back upholstered chairs or enormous booths; a three-story wine wall shoots dramatically up one side of the restaurant. Dishes are prepared from fresh local ingredients and [...]

42 Morris at Coming St. 577-7943. If you are looking for old-school, no-frills authentic fried seafood, this family-run establishment with mostly carry-out (it has two tables) is your answer. It has been in business for over 20 years, but moved a year and a half ago from Rutledge to Morris Street. Order the fresh fried [...]

229 St. Phillip St.  853-6337 or 229pies.com. If you are looking for good hot pizza, made from fresh ingredients take a detour to this ultra casual little neighborhood spot with lots of charachter and a big locals following. The pestorita pizza with pesto, fresh mozzarella and basil, is a great choice. Subs, salads and calzones [...]

232 Meeting St.  805-5900. FIG—Food Is Good, or at least it always is at FIG. Adam Nemirow and Chef Mike Lata are passionate about offering amazingly prepared dishes. This writer has yet to find a poorly executed menu item, and he tries at least once a week. Regale yourselves with wild-caught seafood perfectly seared and [...]

442 King St. 722-3474. Set in a restored 1837 Charleston single house with large windows overlooking upper King Street, the feeling here is casual but upscale. The emphasis is on primary ingredients from local farmers and fisherman working in the sustainable food maket.  Lunch favorites include the classic Caesar salad with fried oysters.   Very tempting [...]

43 Cannon St. 937-4303 & 372 King St. 805-7977.  A very popular lunch spot serving a varied menu of soups and fresh sandwiches quickly and at reasonable prices. Th King Street location keeps the same menu all day; Cannon Street offers a dinner menu. Cannon St. M–Th 11am–9pm, F&Sa 11am–9:30pm. website

186 Concord St.  722–8100. This casual, fairly-priced standard with a varied menu of locally caught seafood, burgers, fish sandwiches, and daily specials may have the best view of any restaurant in the area. Located right on the water in a renovated 1940s Navy debarkation point, there is a bar inside and out, a huge porch, [...]

211 Rutledge Ave. at the corner of Cannon.  737-5959. This former 50’s era filling station in Elliotborough was cleverly remodeled to retain its gas station infrastructure and vintage trappings.  It  is now equal parts Caribbean restaurant, bar, and bocce court. The retro modern character, wrap around bar and spacious ‘backyard’ make for the perfect hang-out.  [...]

5 Fulton St.  853-5555.  A visit to this hidden romantic Italian treasure releases the same level of serotonin in the writer as the uncorking of a well-cellared Amarone. The smiling, wait staff couldn’t be more accommodating. Sensational venison carpaccio, papardelle with duck, white bean ragout with the fish of the day. Outdoor dining weather permitting. [...]

49 S. Market St.  723-7153. This gem on the market serves classic Italian dishes in an old-worldish and quiet dining room. The crispy flounder with apricot sauce is excellent, as is the snapper au poivre and their version of shrimp and grits—shrimp risotto. Su–Th 5:30–10:30pm; F&Sa 5:30–11pm. entrees $8.25–$27.95

98 Broad St.  577-9797. When the lease of this character-filled establishment recentlycame up, Charlestonians feared they might lose another regular to skyrocketing rents. Locals rallied to save the 25-year-old establishment and won….so, patrons still sit at the lunch bar and order French specials, bourcheron salads, chocolate croissants, and Le Hot Dogs. Nice for a small [...]

1219 Savannah Hgwy., West Ashley 225-1717. Sarah O’ Kelly, Charles Vincent and Chris Stewart have created exactly what Charleston needed and perhaps even fixed a hole in the ocean.  Peer through the bent backed tulips to see how the other half lives-the half that cares about what is on your plate and who raised it.  [...]

SW corner of Market and East Bay. 266-4222. Located in the luxurious Market Pavilion Hotel, Grill 225 hearkens to the era of great steak houses. Simple preparations of excellent ingredients are served by a professional wait staff (and no oral menu!) Start with oysters Rockefeller or escargot, then have the prime beef seared in a [...]

434 King St. 727-0090. A newly-opened, family-run classic steak house on Upper King. The Hall family pulled out all the stops to provide exceptional service in an elegant setting. On the first floor sit at the antique African Mahogany Bar and have a glass of wine or enjoy a bottle (from their list of 350). [...]

Dining is fun in this festive “brasserie” atmosphere, Waiters sweep by in white jackets carrying Le Bernadin-trained chef Frank McMahon’s rendition of Old Charleston seafood favorites.

199 East Bay St. 724-3815. Opulent southern style, friendly service, a good wine list and Chef Anthony Gray’s reverence for fresh ingredients makes this a revered place for visitors and locals to dine.  Organic, hormone-free meats, and local produce and eggs are used exclusively. The highest quality beef, pork and fowl are handled in house [...]

This highly acclaimed restaurant serving simple southern food prepared from the freshest ingredients serves Charleston’s best casual breakfast and brunch and a great lunch and dinner too.

193A King St.  853-1888. Spring and summer are great times to enjoy a long lazy dinner in the brick-walled courtyard at Il Cortile—a quiet little oasis in the antiques district  of Lower King Street. Or  sit inside where lace curtains provide a pleasant shield from the street, and the bar area is busy but not [...]

251 Meeting St.  722-7224. Traditional, old-school southern cooking served with the “real deal” southern hospitality. Great fried entrees and sides of locally grown vegetables like black-eyed peas, fried okra, and macaroni and cheese. Sweet tea, fried green tomatoes, corn fritters, and dessert are musts. At prime eating hours the line can be intimidating, but it [...]

288 King St.  577-0406. This Alabama-based chain serving huge portions of smoked barbeque, collards, baked beans, and other southern staples is a great place to take the family for a good affordable meal. The place is usually packed but service is fast. Su–Th 10:30am–9:30pm; F&Sa 10:30am –10:30pm. entrees $7 – $31.  website

129 Meeting St.  958-8500. Down the street from the Gibbes Museum, this spot serves daily breakfast, which in Charleston can be hard to find. At lunch, local professionals drop in for a quick, easy meal of large portions and fair prices. M–Sa 8–11am & 11:30–3; Su brunch 9–2. lunch entrees $4.95–10.25.  website

439 King St. 723-6224. There are lots of hot sauces to choose from in this little burrito joint on Upper King where the flavor you like is the one they suggest. The atmosphere is clean, casual, and fun. Draft beer is as likely as family night. A lively bar scene develops later in the evening. [...]

78 N. Market  853-8270. A little wood paneled nook serving coffee and dessert by the creators of T-Bonz and Pearlz. Signature dessert offerings are changed regularly, and a full beer and wine selection is offered. Drop by after dinner for coffee and liquor; the place is pleasant for sitting and open late. M–Th 4pm until [...]

145 Calhoun St. (across from Marion Square Park)  577-7177. This locally-owned establishment looks a little like a fast food joint but serves surprisingly good Korean food. Try the bul-go-gee and bee-bim-pop, or shrimp and green onion pancake.  Best on off hours. M–Th 11am–10pm; F&Sa 11:30am–11pm; Su 2–10pm. entrees $10.25–$17.

4 Vanderhorst St.  853-7186.  A local coffee house with a good vibe.  African themes, delightful baristas, great quiches and pastries, and strong coffee.  A very relaxed courtyard.  Great place to ensconce oneself and observe life. M–W, F & Sa 6:30am–7pm, Th 6:30am–10pm, Su 9am–6pm. menu items $1.95–$6.95.  website

432 King St. 722-6261Owner Perig Goulet makes everyone feel like a friend at his intimate, authentic French bistro.  Friendly waitresses serve classic French treats like pomme frites fried in duck fat and served with aioli. Have them with a hanger steak and request a little pot of fleur de sel. Also reccommended is the arugula [...]

210 Rutledge Ave.  720-8899. Drazen Romic and John Ondo’s busy resto is a great addition to Elliotsborough. Favorites from the mostly-Mediterranean menu include: Spanish fish soup and beet salad for lunch and for dinner the fresh pappardelle with wild mushrooms and pancetta,  braised lamb shank with chive spaetzle, or the nightly seafood special.  Drazen Romic makes [...]

185 East Bay St.  577-7771. This restaurant heralded Charleston’s culinary renaissance and is still great for a leisurely lunch with a great bottle of wine. The menu is loaded with Lowcountry classics  like oyster and duck gumbo, Carpetbagger Filet with fried oysters, buttermilk fried chicken breast  (some of the best in town), and flounder with [...]

2 Unity Alley. 577-0025. Glass, copper and brick create harmony at this softly-lit venue where Chef Sean Brock’s theory “food should be a treat for the emotions as well as the palate…” comes through.  His innovative approach brings dishes like Eden natural pork with sumac berries and local figs, halibut with black truffles, or the [...]

102 Market St. 722-6393. Alizarin-hued Venetian plaster walls and art deco chandeliers add to the ambience at this chic Italian dining room and bar where no expense has been spared on decor. Chef Jacques Larson, who trained in Italy, insists on the freshest ingredients for his classic housemade pastas and seafood preparations.    Farro salad with [...]

212 Rutledge Ave. (near Cannon) 724-3560.  From Bensonhurst Brooklyn, 2nd generation Italian owner, Paul DeSanti, brings the freshest Italian-style saucy pizza to Charleston. Doe is made twice a day on the premesis, sauce too! from 100% flash-canned Roma tomatoes (no canned sauce!). Cheese is grated fresh from blocks or wheels, Italian sausage is cooked and [...]

Middleton Plantation, West Ashley.  556-6020. Amidst the humbling natural beauty of Middleton Place, the restaurant appropriately has a strong sense of self.  Preparations are in step with the history and environment. and the dedication to local ingredients grown on the premises is evident on nearly every menu and bar entry.  Homey Shellfish and Grits arrives [...]

99 S. Market  722–5708. This low-profile spot serves dishes from the French countryside in a no frills dining room, and is known for its really decent live blues, jazz, or Dixieland Monday through Saturday starting at 8:30. Su–Th 11am–11pm; F& Sat 11am–midnight. entrees $15–$27.  website

451 King St.  720-8787. Mouth watering aromas of Italian cuisine mingle with the pleasant smoky aromas of wood burning oven at this hip, busy, new resto on Upper King Street.  The setting is relaxed and modern, but the jumping music makes it lively. The menu includes delicious antipastas and salads, but the emphasis is on [...]

82 Society St.  577-1102  Muse?  I shall.  One tends to wax philosophical after dining at this enchanting Old World style restaurant that is refreshingly progressive.  The menu cherry picks from the best edibles both worlds have to offer from the toothsome pastas, down to the local seafood.  Start with grilled squid and the lamb tartar [...]

908 Savannah Hwy. West Ashley.  763-9923. If you are looking for Indian, make the 10-minute (or so) trip west of the Ashley River to this mom and pop.  Smoky bangan bartha (eggplant), spicy cauliflower, and creamy malai kofta are some of our favorites.  The lunch buffet is both good and a great deal; on Sundays [...]

17 Broad St.  722-4220. Owner and local celebrity chef, Brett McKee’s penchant for taking things to the limit is a hundred percent evident in his sweeping, three-story Broad Street establishment. The venue is almost as dramatic as his food and always bustling with a well-heeled crowd. The restaurant specializes in huge steaks grilled over an [...]

17 Warren St. 853-5955. Natasha Herron and Massimilliano Sarrocchi have found the perfect corner for a cozy Italian dining experience. The  clientele of regulars can attest, the wine list is smart, the prices are affordable, and the atmosphere (including the lovely  little patio for outdoor dining) is perfect. Try the marinated white anchovies with pesto, [...]

153 East Bay St (downtown) 577-5755.  9 Magnolia Road (West Ashley)  573-2277. What can we say? Locals love Pearlz. It’s loud, its casual, the beer is cold, the oysters are cheap and the seats are comfortable. The dozen oysters on the half shell for $9.95 are a hands down favorite, but the menu features Crab [...]

453 King St. 853-8466.  A  low-lit moorish style tapas bar on Upper King serving delicious tapas.  In the early part of the evening the scene is mellow but this venue is one of Charleston’s most happening nightclubs in the later hours.  Su–Sa 5pm–11pm.  tapas $4–$6.  website

803 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant 849-0313. An excellent stop for those east of the peninsula in Mt. Pleasant. The menu’s inventive southwestern flair is a rarity for an upscale resto in Charleston.  There is a large bar separate from the dining area that draws a big crowd on Wednesday and weekends and is perfect for [...]

192 East Bay St. 723-3424. This forerunner on the Charleston fine dining scene still delivers solid meals with good service and still has a dedicated clientele that swears by great experiences every time. The menu features southern plates like shrimp and grits as well as some interesting light plates. Try the sesame crusted tuna with [...]

1302 Meeting St.  722-2633. The peninsula’s most authentic Mexican. Offerings include guacamole, soft tacos with carne asada, onion, pickled jalapeño,  and lime, chicken with deep brown mole sauce, queso fundito with chorizo, carnitas with green tomatillo sauce, and hearty chicken soup with house made broth. Plenty of Mexican beer and music to carry you through. [...]

276 King St.  853-7775. Situated on the popular King Street/ Wentworth corner with large glass windows looking onto the street, this is one of Charleston’s places to see or be seen, especially at lunch. A friendly staff serves consistent and inventive Mediterranean dishes and wines. Lavender pork, salmon salad, and grilled calamari with fennel come [...]

334 East Bay St. 720-8568. Don’t overlook this Japanese restaurant located in the same strip mall as Blockbuster Video; it boasts a steadfast clientele of locals who love the sushi and mellow atmosphere.  The cooked selections are also tasty. All are served by  the manager, Misa, and her staff and are reasonably priced. Pickup is [...]

One of Charleston’s most stylish restaurant interiors, this spot on Upper King draws a great happy hour crowd

Small walls of Charleston closing in? Paparazzi becoming a nuisance? Take refuge at Social, the lofty ceilings and urban feel are a departure from the intimacy of our local haunts.

59 Canon Street  579-2891.Freshly baked sweet treats and nostalgia available at this pretty little neighborhood bakery.  Topped to order cupcakes, yummy cookies and cold Coca Cola in mini glass bottles are just a few reasons to pop in and indulge your senses. M–F 11am–6pm. Sa 12–5pm.  website

298 King St.  723-3628. A favorite for fresh, well-prepared sushi and other Japanese food. This low key casual venue offers an assortment of fresh rolls, sashimi and seasonal specials that make the mind wander through an octopus’s garden in the shade. The toro when available, and uni are recommended. The traditional Japanese items other than [...]

80 N. Market St.  577-2511.  Locals and tourists alike stop by T-Bonz on the Market for casual, dining and for their excellent signature beers (which are always nice and cold).  American favorites like wings, burgers, super chill nachos, and bleu cheese potato chips are offered along with items with a Lowcountry flair… fried shrimp, she [...]

15 Center St., Folly Beach. 588-9763. Moroccan light fixtures, a bar that spans the restaurant, and, of course, surf videos help create the festive atmosphere at this welcome addition to the Folly Beach restaurant scene.  Reasonably priced, fresh Mexican-inspired food and great drinks do the rest. Begin with a 100% blue agave tequila, a top-shelf [...]

#5 Faber St.  805-5065. Brought to us by the owners of McCrady’s and Queen Anne’s Revenge. Set in an 18th-century warehouse, the owners have scoured the world to find authentic pirate artifacts dating from 1690–1730 which are displayed for visitors to explore.   The food is fresh and frequently locally-grown and the menu features a wide [...]

1622 Highland Ave., James Island   225-3367 This organic fueling station couldn’t be more aptly named; an addictive habit that’ll land you in JI daily for your dose.  Wraps are layered with flavor from fresh turkey, tangy sauces and a bevy of greens. Salads overflow with goodness in both flavor and abundance.  Favorites? Try the turkey [...]

3140 Maybank Hgwy, John’s Island, 559-9090  The Fat Hen is a welcome addition to the dining scene of John’s Island, and is a good dining option for those staying on Kiawah Island.  The menu is mostly French but also has some low country favorites like fried seafood platters. The wine list has a mixture of [...]

112 N. Market St.  723-0700. The list of  national accolades celebrity chef Robert Carter has received goes on and on.   Highly praised items include dishes from the champagne bar menu like the lobster “3-way,” seared fois gras and oysters on the half shell and, from the entree list, the benne-crusted rack of New Zealand lamb [...]

125 Parsons Road, Summerville.  843-875-2600. A short drive to unsuspecting Summerville will be rewarded with world class cuisine within an historic grand home.  Experience divine creations from either the A La Carte or Tasting menu.  Playful and tantalizing mouthfuls materialize before you, to keep your palate stimulated and stomach poised for what’s to come.  Elegantly [...]

41-A Bogard Street.  973-3323. At the time of printing this sure to be outstanding venue from the highly lauded chef of Sienna had not yet opened. BUT, we have tried the pasta, and we can assure you it will be worth a visit to Elliotborough to try out this neighborhood spot off the beaten tourist [...]

15 Beaufain St. & 1313 Shrimp Boat Lane at Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant.  577-5300. The Sierra Nevada and many other brews flow freely  at this coldest beer in town spot. One of Chucktowne’s greatest neighborhood bars with bartenders who are legends. Outdoor seating, and mountains of cheer. Favorites include burgers, fried calamari, oyster po’boys, and [...]

412 King St.  735-5800. This neat and professional new restaurant of the southern persuasion makes its mark amongst plenty of good company.  The menu, charmingly divided by Dinner and Supper features the all-stars of comfort food.  Fave’s like meatloaf, catfish and banana pudding all can, and should be found here.  The real showstopper is the [...]