Top 10 Places to Dine in Charleston, South Carolina in 2027

1. FIG Restaurant Charleston

FIG earns the top spot for its James Beard Award-winning kitchen and daily-changing Lowcountry menu that has defined modern Charleston dining since 2003. Chef Mike Lata's ingredient-driven cooking, featuring the slow-roasted suckling pig and tomato tarte tatin, sets the standard for the entire city. The polished service and one of the city's best wine lists complete the experience. Reservations book weeks out, reflecting its status as the definitive Charleston dinner.

This is the restaurant for serious food-travelers and locals celebrating a special occasion who want refined, seasonal cooking without pretense. It trades away spontaneity and budget-friendliness, as top-tier pricing and the need for advance planning are significant barriers. Compared to Husk below, FIG offers a broader, more seafood-forward Lowcountry perspective rather than Husk's strict Southern-only sourcing. For the single best, most complete dinner in Charleston, FIG is unmatched.

2. Husk Restaurant Charleston

Husk ranks second for its revolutionary strictly-Southern sourcing rule, where nothing on the plate comes from outside the South, a philosophy that made it nationally influential. The daily chalkboard menu celebrates heirloom grains, heritage pork, and Lowcountry vegetables, with the bacon-fat skillet cornbread and wood-fired meats as iconic signatures. Housed in a restored Victorian on Queen Street, the historic room adds to the experience. The downstairs bourbon bar is exceptional.

This restaurant is for diners who want to taste the South's agricultural bounty in a historic, atmospheric setting. It trades away the broader, more global seafood focus of FIG, and the menu's daily changes can frustrate repeat visitors chasing a specific dish. Compared to FIG above, Husk is more rustic and ingredient-pure, but slightly less refined in execution and service. For a landmark Southern meal in a beautiful historic home, Husk is the essential choice.

3. Chez Nous Charleston

Chez Nous takes the third spot for its uniquely intimate and romantic dining experience, offering a deliberately minuscule menu of just two appetizers, two entrées, and two desserts handwritten daily. The rustic, precise French-Mediterranean cooking, featuring house-made pasta, roasted fish, and lamb, is inspired by France, Italy, and Spain. Housed in a tiny two-floor cottage on Payne Court, it feels like dining in a friend's European home.

This is the perfect pick for couples seeking a quiet, romantic evening in a jewel-box setting. It trades away menu flexibility and convenience, as the very limited options won't suit picky eaters and the small space books up quickly. Compared to Husk above, Chez Nous offers a more personal, European-inspired meal rather than a grand Southern showcase. For an intimate, ever-changing European bistro experience, this is the city's best.

4. The Ordinary Charleston

The Ordinary ranks fourth for its grand raw bar and spectacular seafood offerings inside a soaring 1920s former bank on upper King Street. Mike Lata's seafood hall features East and West Coast oysters, towering seafood plateaus, and cooked plates like fried oyster sliders and smoked tuna dip. The vaulted ceilings, marble, and buzzing bar create a special-occasion atmosphere that is among the city's most striking.

This restaurant is for diners who want a celebratory, high-energy seafood splurge in an architectural landmark. It trades away the intimate charm of Chez Nous and the budget-friendliness of lower-ranked spots, as it is one of the pricier tables in town. Compared to Chez Nous above, The Ordinary is grander, louder, and more seafood-centric, offering a completely different night out. For a raw bar and sense of occasion, this is the premier destination.

5. Rodney Scott's BBQ Charleston

Rodney Scott's BBQ secures the fifth position for its James Beard Award-winning whole-hog barbecue, a tradition carried up from rural South Carolina. Pitmaster Rodney Scott's wood-fired pulled pork is smoky and vinegar-kissed, with excellent ribs and smoked turkey rounding out the menu. Classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and banana pudding complete the tray. The casual, counter-service room offers honest pricing and lines that move fast, making it a pilgrimage for barbecue lovers.

This is the essential stop for anyone wanting authentic, award-winning South Carolina barbecue without a formal dining experience. It trades away the refined atmosphere and table service of The Ordinary above, as the setting is casual and popular cuts can sell out late. Compared to The Ordinary, Rodney Scott's offers a fraction of the price and a completely different, smoke-forward flavor profile. For the definitive whole-hog barbecue experience in Charleston, this is the place.

6. Xiao Bao Biscuit Charleston

Xiao Bao Biscuit ranks sixth for its boldly seasoned pan-Asian street food that broke Charleston out of its Southern comfort zone. The cult-favorite okonomiyaki, a Japanese cabbage pancake topped with a fried egg, is the must-order, alongside mapo tofu and rotating noodle bowls from China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. The converted corner gas station setting is loud, casual, and fun, with a no-reservations counter energy.

This restaurant is for adventurous eaters who want exciting, well-spiced global flavors in a lively, informal setting. It trades away the barbecue tradition of Rodney Scott's and any chance of a quiet dinner, as the room is cramped and waits are frequent. Compared to Rodney Scott's above, Xiao Bao offers a more creative, vegetable-forward menu with a completely different cultural influence. For the city's most exciting non-Southern table, this is the top pick.

7. 167 Raw Charleston

167 Raw takes the seventh spot for its ultra-fresh, just-off-the-boat seafood, bringing a Nantucket fish market ethos to East Bay Street. The compact, perpetually packed room serves oysters flown in daily, a famous tuna burger, a buttery lobster roll, ceviche, and fish tacos. The quality is exceptional, justifying the no-reservations policy and the line that forms early. It is a bright, casual favorite of locals and visitors who want the catch served simply and well.

This is for seafood purists who prioritize freshness and don't mind waiting for a counter seat. It trades away the grand, celebratory atmosphere of The Ordinary and the menu breadth of Xiao Bao, as the space is small and the focus is narrow. Compared to Xiao Bao above, 167 Raw offers a more straightforward, ingredient-focused seafood experience rather than bold global flavors. For the freshest casual seafood downtown, the wait is worth it.

8. Leon's Oyster Shop Charleston

Leon's Oyster Shop ranks eighth as the best value pick, delivering top-tier oysters and a cult-favorite fried chicken sandwich at modest prices. The char-grilled and raw oysters are excellent, but the crispy, juicy chicken sandwich is a regular on 'best in the South' lists. Add hush puppies, a soft-serve cone, and a frozen cocktail for a reasonable check.

This is the go-to for budget-conscious diners who want high-quality food without the fine-dining price tag or formality. It trades away the refined seafood presentation of 167 Raw and the exotic flavors of Xiao Bao, but offers unbeatable food-per-dollar. Compared to 167 Raw above, Leon's provides a more diverse menu with its famous fried chicken, not just seafood. For the best value meal downtown, this is the champion.

9. Wild Common Charleston

Wild Common ranks ninth for its refined, multi-course tasting menu experience in a restored carriage house on Spring Street. The kitchen plates inventive, elegant courses built on hyper-seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including Lowcountry seafood, foraged elements, and house-aged proteins. The intimate, candlelit room and attentive service make it a destination for anniversaries and serious food-travelers. A thoughtful wine and beverage program completes the ambitious, contemporary cooking.

This restaurant is for diners seeking a special-occasion, fixed-format tasting menu with the highest level of culinary ambition. It trades away the casual value and flexibility of Leon's above, as it has the highest-end pricing and requires a significant time commitment. Compared to Leon's, Wild Common offers a far more formal, artistic meal rather than a relaxed, value-driven one. For Charleston's most refined tasting-menu destination, this is the pick.

10. Bertha's Kitchen Charleston

Bertha's Kitchen completes the list for its authentic Gullah Lowcountry soul food, earning a James Beard America's Classics honor for its generations-old recipes. The steam-table line offers fried chicken, smothered pork chops, okra soup, lima beans, red rice, collard greens, and cornbread at throwback prices. It is a cash-friendly, no-frills, family-run institution on the Upper Peninsula that tells you where Charleston's cooking actually comes from. The portions are generous and the food tastes like home.

This is for anyone who wants to experience the authentic roots of Charleston cuisine in a humble, unpretentious setting. It trades away the refined tasting menu of Wild Common and any modern culinary innovation, as the setting is bare-bones and hours are limited. Compared to Wild Common above, Bertha's offers a fraction of the price and a deeply traditional, soulful meal. For the genuine, award-honored taste of Gullah cooking, this is essential.

How we ranked these

We measured food quality (30%), consistency and service (20%), value (15%), atmosphere (15%), menu range (10%), and local reputation (10%). Data came from Eater Charleston, The Infatuation, Charleston City Paper, the James Beard Foundation, Yelp, Google Reviews, and OpenTable. Each restaurant was assessed against what visitors and locals actually care about: Lowcountry cooking, reservation-worthiness, and value across price tiers.

We deliberately ignored white tablecloths, valet parking, and famous-name awnings. These signal expense, not quality. A daily chalkboard menu, a line of locals, and oysters shucked in front of you tell far more about how you'll eat. We also excluded any restaurant that was not currently operating or lacked a strong, verifiable reputation.

What to look for

When choosing between these, focus on the occasion and your priorities. For a special celebration, FIG or Wild Common offer refined, multi-course experiences worth the price. For casual seafood, 167 Raw and Leon's deliver freshness and value. For authentic Southern or Gullah cooking, Husk and Bertha's are essential. Match the restaurant to the mood, not the hype.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the famous name without considering the format. They book FIG for a quick lunch or walk into Wild Common expecting a la carte, then leave disappointed. Check the menu style, reservation policy, and price tier first. A tasting menu isn't a casual dinner, and a counter-service spot isn't for a romantic anniversary.

Related questions

What is the best restaurant in Charleston for a special occasion?

For a special occasion, Wild Common offers a refined multi-course tasting menu in a restored carriage house. The intimate, candlelit room and hyper-seasonal, locally sourced dishes make it ideal for anniversaries. Alternatively, FIG provides a polished yet unpretentious setting with its James Beard Award-winning kitchen, perfect for a memorable dinner.

Where can I find the best fried chicken sandwich in Charleston?

Leon's Oyster Shop serves the cult-favorite fried chicken sandwich, often listed among the best in the South. It's crisp, juicy, and reasonably priced. The casual, breezy setting in a converted auto-body shop adds to the appeal, making it a must-try for locals and visitors alike.

Which Charleston restaurant has the best raw bar?

The Ordinary, housed in a converted 1920s bank, offers the grandest raw bar experience. With a soaring ceiling and marble finishes, it features East and West Coast oysters, shrimp, and towering seafood plateaus. It's a splurge, but the atmosphere and seafood quality are unmatched.

What is the most authentic Gullah restaurant in Charleston?

Bertha's Kitchen is a James Beard America's Classics honoree serving authentic Gullah Lowcountry soul food. The steam-table line offers fried chicken, smothered pork chops, okra soup, and red rice at throwback prices. It's a no-frills, family-run institution that tells you where Charleston's cooking truly comes from.

Is Husk worth the hype in Charleston?

Husk is a landmark of modern Southern cooking, with a strict rule that nothing on the plate comes from outside the South. The daily chalkboard menu features heirloom grains, heritage pork, and iconic skillet cornbread. While the menu changes can disappoint repeat visitors, the ingredient purity and historic Victorian setting make it a worthwhile experience.

Where can I get the best barbecue in Charleston?

Rodney Scott's BBQ is the definitive Charleston barbecue. Pitmaster Rodney Scott won the James Beard Award for his wood-fired, whole-hog tradition. The pulled pork is smoky and vinegar-kissed, and the ribs and smoked turkey are excellent. It's casual counter service with honest pricing and lines that move fast.

What is the best value restaurant in Charleston?

Leon's Oyster Shop is the best value in Charleston. It delivers top-tier char-grilled and raw oysters alongside a legendary fried chicken sandwich, all at modest prices. The breezy, casual setting and quality far above the price point make it a favorite for budget-conscious diners.

Which Charleston restaurant is best for a romantic dinner?

Chez Nous is the most romantic room in Charleston. Tucked into a tiny cottage, it serves a deliberately minuscule daily menu of French-Mediterranean dishes. With only a handful of tables across two cozy floors, dining here feels like eating in a friend's European home. Wild Common is another intimate option with its candlelit tasting menu.

FAQ

What is the best restaurant in Charleston?

FIG earns our top spot. This James Beard Award-winning downtown restaurant, led by chef Mike Lata, offers a daily-changing Lowcountry menu. The suckling pig, tomato tarte tatin, and fish stew set the standard for the city. Reservations are essential and book weeks out.

Where can I get the best value meal in Charleston?

Leon's Oyster Shop offers top-tier oysters and a cult-favorite fried chicken sandwich at modest prices. Rodney Scott's BBQ and Bertha's Kitchen also deliver excellent food for the money. These spots prove that you don't have to spend a fortune to eat well in Charleston.

Where should I go for oysters and seafood?

The Ordinary offers a grand raw bar in a converted bank, with a soaring dining room and towering seafood plateaus. For a more casual experience, 167 Raw and Leon's Oyster Shop serve ultra-fresh oysters, tuna burgers, and lobster rolls. All three are top choices for seafood lovers.

Which Charleston restaurant has the best barbecue?

Rodney Scott's BBQ is the standout for barbecue. Pitmaster Rodney Scott won the James Beard Award for his traditional, wood-fired whole-hog barbecue. The pulled pork is smoky and vinegar-kissed, and the ribs and smoked turkey are excellent. It's a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts.

What's the most romantic restaurant in Charleston?

Chez Nous, an intimate cottage serving a tiny daily French-Mediterranean menu, is the most romantic room. Wild Common, a candlelit carriage-house tasting menu, is another excellent choice. Both offer charming, intimate settings perfect for a special evening.

Where can I try authentic Lowcountry or Gullah food?

Bertha's Kitchen, a James Beard America's Classics honoree, serves authentic Gullah soul food. Husk showcases strictly Southern-sourced Lowcountry ingredient cooking. Both restaurants honor the roots of Charleston's cuisine, offering dishes like fried chicken, red rice, and collard greens.

Do I need reservations at these Charleston restaurants?

Yes, for top tables like FIG and Wild Common, reservations are essential and book weeks out. The Ordinary and Husk also recommend reservations. However, spots like 167 Raw, Xiao Bao Biscuit, and Leon's Oyster Shop are walk-in only, so plan accordingly.

What is the best restaurant for a tasting menu in Charleston?

Wild Common offers the most refined tasting-menu experience in Charleston. Located in a restored carriage house, it serves a multi-course menu built on hyper-seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The intimate, candlelit room and thoughtful wine pairings make it a destination for serious food-travelers.

Is Husk's menu really all Southern-sourced?

Yes, Husk's rule is that nothing on the plate comes from outside the South. The daily menu, scrawled on a chalkboard, celebrates heirloom grains, heritage pork, and Lowcountry vegetables. This strict sourcing makes it a landmark of modern Southern cooking.

What is the best casual seafood spot in Charleston?

167 Raw is the best casual seafood spot. Starting as a Nantucket fish market, it brings just-off-the-boat freshness to Charleston. The famous tuna burger and buttery lobster roll are must-orders. It's no-reservations, so expect a line, but the quality justifies the wait.

Sources

• https://charleston.eater.com
• https://www.theinfatuation.com/charleston
• https://charlestoncitypaper.com/food-drink/
• https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards
• https://www.eatatfig.com
• https://huskrestaurant.com
• https://theordinarycharleston.com
• https://rodneyscottsbbq.com
• https://www.xiaobaobiscuit.com
• https://www.bonappetit.com/story/berthas-kitchen-charleston-photos

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