Charleston, South Carolina, boasts a rich history and an extraordinary culinary scene. Its food culture is steeped in Southern tradition yet embraces modern influences, creating a vibrant mix of flavors and experiences.

From upscale dining establishments to casual eateries, Charleston offers diverse options that reflect the city’s unique charm. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Charleston’s local eats is a journey through the heart of the South. Here are 15 places to dine in Charleston, where each restaurant tells its delicious story.

Husk

In a historic home on Queen Street, Husk is a culinary gem redefining Southern cuisine. Chef Sean Brock, a James Beard Award winner, has crafted a menu that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple: if it’s not Southern, it’s not on the plate.

The menu changes daily, depending on what’s fresh and in season, ensuring that each dish reflects the local landscape. From the crispy pig ears to the wood-fired meats, Husk offers a dining experience that is innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

FIG

FIG stands for “Food Is Good,” a Charleston institution known for its commitment to local, sustainable ingredients. This upscale restaurant on Meeting Street offers a sophisticated and straightforward menu. Chef Mike Lata, another James Beard Award winner, lets the ingredients speak for themselves.

The result is a menu that evolves with the seasons, featuring dishes like ricotta gnocchi with lamb Bolognese and fresh, local fish paired with vibrant vegetables. FIG’s cozy, unpretentious atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ

For a taste of authentic Southern barbecue, Rodney Scott’s BBQ is the place to be. Located on King Street, this casual eatery is run by Rodney Scott, a pitmaster who has been perfecting whole-hog barbecue since childhood. The slow-cooked meats smoked over hardwood coals are tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The straightforward menu features pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, all served with classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make Rodney Scott’s BBQ a must-visit for barbecue lovers.

The Ordinary

Housed in a beautifully restored bank building on King Street, The Ordinary is a seafood hall and oyster bar that lives up to its name by being anything but ordinary. Chef Mike Lata, also of FIG, has created a menu that celebrates the bounty of the Atlantic.

Here, the focus is fresh, local seafood prepared with simplicity and finesse. Start with a selection of raw or roasted oysters, then move on to dishes like New England-style fish chowder or smoked trout dip. The high ceilings, marble bar, and stylish decor create a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience.

Leon’s Oyster Shop

Leon’s Oyster Shop is a no-frills, laid-back restaurant serving some of Charleston’s best oysters and fried chicken. Located in a converted garage on King Street, Leon’s has a casual, beachy vibe perfect for a leisurely meal.

The raw and char-grilled oysters are a must-try, as is the crispy fried chicken, which is tender and juicy inside with a perfectly crunchy exterior. The menu also features Southern staples like hushpuppies, collard greens, and shrimp rolls. Pair your meal with a cold beer or a rosé, and you’re in for a treat.

Poogan’s Porch

One of Charleston’s oldest and most beloved restaurants, Poogan’s Porch, is named after a friendly dog who used to greet guests on the Porch. Located in a charming Victorian house on Queen Street, Poogan’s offers a menu of classic Southern comfort food.

The restaurant’s cozy dining rooms, with antique furnishings and soft lighting, create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Start with the pimento cheese fritters or the she-crab soup, a Charleston specialty. Try fried chicken, shrimp, grits, or pork chop with sweet potato hash for the main course. Poogan’s Porch is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, on King Street, is the place to go if you want a quick, satisfying bite. This tiny shop specializes in handmade biscuits baked fresh throughout the day using a family recipe passed down through generations.

Callie’s delivers comfort food, whether you prefer your biscuit filled with pimento cheese, sausage, fried chicken, or slathered with butter or jam. The shop also offers biscuit sandwiches, bowls, and sides like grits and fruit, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

Hominy Grill

Though Hominy Grill closed its doors in 2019, it remains an iconic part of Charleston’s culinary history. For over two decades, this beloved restaurant served classic Southern dishes with a modern twist, earning a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.

Chef Robert Stehling, who won a James Beard Award for his work at Hominy Grill, was known for his dedication to using local, seasonal ingredients and preserving Southern food traditions. At the same time, you can no longer dine at Hominy Grill; its legacy lives on in the memories of those who enjoyed its famous shrimp and grits, buttermilk pie, and Charleston Nasty Biscuit.

The Grocery

The Grocery, located on Cannon Street, is a farm-to-table restaurant emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, flavorful dishes. Chef Kevin Johnson, a Charleston native, created a menu reflecting his love for the region’s agricultural bounty. The restaurant’s name is a nod to the old-fashioned grocery stores that were once a staple of Southern communities.

The menu changes frequently, but you can always expect dishes that showcase the best of what’s in season, from heirloom tomatoes and local seafood to house-made charcuterie. The Grocery’s warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among Charleston foodies.

Xiao Bao Biscuit

Xiao Bao Biscuit offers a unique fusion of Asian flavors and Southern ingredients in a relaxed, eclectic setting. Located in a converted gas station on Rutledge Avenue, it is a must-visit for anyone looking to try something different.

The street food of China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam inspires the menu. Dishes like okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake) and map doufu (a spicy Sichuan tofu dish) pack a punch of flavor. The laid-back atmosphere and bold, inventive dishes have made Xiao Bao Biscuit a favorite among locals and visitors.

The Darling Oyster Bar

The Darling Oyster Bar is a chic seafood restaurant located on King Street. Its stylish decor, friendly service, and fresh, flavorful dishes have quickly become a favorite among Charleston’s seafood lovers. The menu features a variety of oysters, seafood towers, and creative small plates.

Start with a dozen oysters, served raw, char-grilled, or baked with your choice of toppings, and then try the lobster roll, shrimp and grits, or crab beignets. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and extensive cocktail menu make it a great place to start your night in Charleston.

Fleet Landing

Fleet Landing is the place to go for waterfront dining with a view. This popular restaurant is located on the Charleston Harbor, offering stunning views of the water and the Ravenel Bridge. The menu at Fleet Landing focuses on fresh, local seafood, with a mix of classic Southern dishes and modern, creative fare.

Start with an appetizer like the crispy fried calamari or the Lowcountry seafood gumbo, and then move on to entrees like shrimp and grits, crab cakes, or seared tuna. The restaurant’s outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a meal while watching the boats go by.

82 queen

82 Queen is a Charleston classic known for its elegant setting and refined Lowcountry cuisine. Located in a historic building on Queen Street, the restaurant has a series of dining rooms and a lush courtyard perfect for al fresco dining. The menu at 82 Queen features a mix of Southern favorites and creative, contemporary dishes.

Start with the award-winning she-crab soup or the fried green tomatoes, then move on to entrees like BBQ shrimp and grits, crab cakes, or filet mignon. The warm, sophisticated atmosphere and attentive service make 82 Queen an excellent choice for a special night out.

Bertha’s Kitchen

Bertha’s Kitchen is a no-frills, family-owned restaurant in North Charleston that has been serving classic Southern soul food for over 30 years. It is known for its hearty, comforting dishes like fried chicken, pork chops, and lima beans, all served with sides like cornbread and mac and cheese.

The food is simple, flavorful, and made with love, earning Bertha’s a loyal following among locals. In 2017, Bertha’s Kitchen was honored with a James Beard America’s Classics Award, recognizing its contribution to Charleston’s culinary heritage. Bertha’s is the place to go if you want to taste authentic Southern soul food.

The Glass Onion

The Glass Onion is a casual eatery on Savannah Highway that serves Southern comfort food made with local, sustainable ingredients. The restaurant has a laid-back neighborhood vibe and focuses on fresh, flavorful, satisfying, and affordable dishes.

The menu changes daily, but you might find dishes like fried catfish, gumbo, or a buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich. The Glass Onion also offers a variety of sides, like collard greens, cornbread, and potato salad. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or brunch, The Glass Onion is an excellent spot for a tasty, no-frills meal.

Charleston’s culinary scene reflects the city itself: a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation where history meets creativity on every plate. These 15 local eats represent the best of what Charleston offers, each with its unique character and flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a casual bite, you’ll find something to love in the Holy City’s diverse and delicious food landscape.