The Top 10 Restaurants in Charleston

 

In recent years the pleasant port city of Charleston, South Carolina has exploded in popularity, and many fresh faces have been enjoying the city’s vibrant food scene. There’s practically everything, from trendy gastropubs to authentic Chinese. And of course, the bold flavors of the south: Seafood, soul food, and some of the best BBQ in the country. Whatever brings you to town, chow down at one of the best restaurants in Charleston.

 

This texas-style BBQ joint is a must-visit for Charleston diners. You’ll be served a tray piled high with flavor-packed smoked brisket, sausage, and turkey, a scoop of green chile corn pudding and some seriously creamy mac and cheese. Can’t get enough? Lewis Barbecue ships their epic meats and sauce to anywhere in the US.

 

Charleston’s newest Italian restaurant is the talk of the town. Inspired by the markets and  all-day cafes of Italy, Sorelle boasts a dining experience for every time of day, whether that’s the grand dining room, pizza counter, wine bar, cafe, or mercado for take-home goodies. It’s an incredible lineup, and a beautiful space that needs to be seen to be believed.

 

From the minds behind the exceedingly popular food truck Short Grain, comes a Chinese-American restaurant that has locals enraptured. Whether it’s the juicy dumplings, crispy karaage fried chicken, or Dim Sum Sunday brunch menu, there is plenty of heart, and even more flavor to be experienced at Jackrabbit Filly.

 

This SC classic has long been considered one of the best restaurants in Charleston, and it isn’t hard to see why. Since 1985 Hannibal’s has been serving up all the hits, from fully flavorful fried chicken to their famous crab rice. Pop in for lunch or dinner for an authentic taste of Lowcountry.

 

Combine the bold flavors of Pakistani cuisine with some gold old fashioned southern charm, and you’ve got a winning combination. Enjoy colorful plates of meats and veggies served over highly addictive seasoned rice. With a long list of inventive cocktails to enjoy in the welcoming exposed-brick space, Ma’am Saab is a must-visit Charleston restaurant.

 

Leon’s might operate out of a repurposed garage, but it goes to show that good things come in small packages. Char-grilled oysters, fresh salads, fried chicken and hushpuppies are paired with draft rosé, frozen gin & tonics, and capped off with soft serve. The humble patio is wild, eclectic, and totally worth swinging by.

 

When it comes to Vietnamese food, Pink Bellies is elite. The food-truck-turned-mainstay serves up craveworthy garlic noodles, spicy lamb dumpling, and a totally unique pho mai burger in what can only be described as a stunning locale. It’s hip, vibrant, and will keep you coming back for seconds.

 

Ever since Chubby Fish opened its doors in 2018, locals have been obsessed with their locally-caught seafood and delightful crudo. Be sure to check out the seasonal menu packed with the freshest catches and a huge selection of oysters; it’s on a chalkboard just above the kitchen.

 

This cozy little French restaurant is as cool as they come, with a daily menu that gets straight to the point: Two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts. You can see what they’re serving today on their Instagram, but with how consistently delicious the food is, there’s really no need. Grab a tall pour of fine wine and surprise yourself at this romantic venue.

 

If you’re in the mood for a tasting menu, the four courses offered at Wild Common will certainly do the trick. Think seared diver scallops and a yuzu kosho BLT. With eclectic flavors and a laid-back atmosphere, the meal feels premium, but never stuffy. It’s everything you could ask from one of the best restaurants in Charleston.