Charleston is a foodie paradise, and downtown Charleston is the epicenter of culinary excellence. From five-star restaurants to humble food carts, there's something for everyone in this historic city. Not sure where to start? Check out our list of the top 36 places to eat in downtown Charleston, SC. Your taste buds will thank you!
Of course, Azaleas is located steps away from King Street. So, with that in mind, we’re focusing our list of best restaurants in Charleston to those located on the peninsula. Walk, ride a bike, or grab a pedicab and explore the high-quality eats that Charleston has to offer.
Steps Away from Azaleas
- For the freshest baked goods and coffee: Baguette Magic
- For interesting sandwiches and provisions: The Pass
- For a welcoming atmosphere with an innovative, seasonal menu: The Grocery
- For delightful desserts: Sugar Bakeshop
Breakfast and Coffee to Start the Day
- For a must-stop combining quality and convenience: The Daily
- For a cozy, coffeehouse vibe: Harken Cafe
- For a classic, diner-style breakfast: Big Bad Breakfast
- For a great breakfast and a great cocktail: Millers All Day
Fun Spots to Stop and Grab Lunch
- For gourmet foods, grocery, coffee, and wine in a restored cigar warehouse: Mercantile and Mash
- For inspired flavors and whole foods in an airy, serene space: Basic Kitchen
- For a bustling bistro offering global cuisine with French flair: Gaulart & Maliclet | Fast and French
- For fried chicken, oysters, beer, champagne, and a good atmosphere: Leon’s
A Mix of Fun and Fine Dining for Dinner
- For a modern approach to authentic Italian nestled in Harleston Village: La Farfalle
- For an intimate, 5-course chef’s counter dining experience: R. Kitchen
- For a fine dining gem serving celebrated, artful cuisine: Zero Restaurant + Bar
- For a high-energy, Spanish tapas restaurant: Malagón, Mercado y Tapería
Southern Staples, Of Course
- For Southern cuisine regionally sourced and served in a Victorian-era house: Husk
- For sumptuous steak as well as a renowned Sunday gospel brunch: Halls Chophouse
- For a memorable experience in an upscale bistro setting serving refined Southern: FIG
- For a fresh approach to Lowcountry cuisine in a restored Victorian house: Poogan’s Porch
Here for the Oysters and Fresh Seafood?
- For creative seafood dishes in a stylish spot with vintage appeal: The Darling Oyster Bar
- For a New England-style oyster bar and seafood eatery with a patio: 167 Raw
- For a 1920s bank turned upscale seafood restaurant: The Ordinary
- For a cozy, chill experience with a menu that changes daily: Chubby Fish
Dining Destinations with a Bit of Europe
- For creative, artful French cuisine in an intimate setting: Maison
- For elevated food and wine from around Europe in a cozy space: Chez Nous
- For modern French fare in a Parisian bistro setting: Bistronomy by Nico
- For traditional French cuisine in a lively environment: Brasserie la Banque
Come to Charleston, Eat BBQ
- For Texas-style meats in a hip space with outdoor seating: Lewis Barbecue
- For smoky, whole hog BBQ from a celebrated pitmaster: Rodney Scott’s BBQ
- For smoked meats, Southern sides, and famous frozen cocktails: Home Team BBQ
- For traditional Southern BBQ on the southside: Poogan’s Smokehouse
Outside-the-Box Inventive Flavors
- For a modern approach to Southern fare: Lenoir
- For creative Asian cooking and specialty cocktails in a trendy converted gas station: Xiao Bao Biscuit
- For a wholly vegan menu in a fun environment that’s open after bedtime: Neon Tiger
- For a Mexican eatery with coastal influences in a chic setting: Maya
No matter what your budget or culinary preferences, you're sure to find something to your taste on this list. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip—and your meals—today!
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