Best Southern American Restaurants in Johns Island

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant

1. Church and Union - Charleston

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 176 times today

Church and Union in Downtown Charleston is a standout destination for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine. The creativity of Executive Chef Doug Watson and Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch shines through in a menu that is as inventive as it is delicious. Guests rave about the "Holy Sh*t Breakfast" and the "delicious and beautifully presented" cookie dough ganache, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. The ambiance, described as "unique" and "very cool with a lot of history," complements the modern-American dishes served. With its vibrant setting and consistently "amazing service," Church and Union is highly recommended as a must-visit for an exceptional dining experience.

A photo of California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating restaurant

2. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

4.3

Awesome(3207)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • West Ashley

Booked 90 times today

California Dreaming in Charleston's West Ashley neighborhood is a culinary delight for steak lovers. Since 1987, this restaurant has been serving up some of the most succulent and perfectly prepared steaks, earning rave reviews for its ambiance and cuisine. With its prime rib once a menu staple, patrons now revel in offerings like the flawlessly cooked ribeye, described by a guest as "cooked to perfection." The restaurant's setting, featuring stunning views of the Ashley River, only enhances the dining experience, making each bite of their delicious steak even more enjoyable. As one reviewer put it, the "prime rib was phenomenal," noting that it's a sought-after item that goes quickly. Whether it's the excellent service, the quality of the steak, or the beautiful backdrop, California Dreaming stands out as a top destination for steak enthusiasts visiting Charleston.

3. Peninsula Grill

4.6

Exceptional(8000)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 32 times today

Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Peninsula Grill stands out as a beacon of Southern cuisine excellence. This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant is celebrated for its "superb" food and "impeccable service," with patrons raving about signature dishes like the heavenly coconut cake, described as a "must" and the "best I’ve ever had" scallops. The atmosphere of Peninsula Grill, from its velvet-lined walls to the intimate Champagne Bar, exudes Southern supper club elegance, making every dining experience memorable. Whether it's the locally sourced ingredients or the sumptuous decor, Peninsula Grill offers an authentic taste of the South that is both inventive and deeply rooted in tradition.

A photo of Oak Steakhouse - Charleston restaurant

4. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston

4.7

Exceptional(5546)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 55 times today

Nestled in the historic heart of Downtown Charleston, Oak Steakhouse is celebrated for its impeccable approach to steak. Renowned for its certified Angus® beef, both wet and dry-aged, the restaurant sources from sustainable local farms, ensuring a menu that's both fresh and flavorful. Diners rave about the "fantastic food and service," with special mentions of the "phenomenal dry aged rib eye" and the "whole fried lobster." The ambiance, set in a stunning 1848 bank building, complements the culinary experience, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for an extraordinary meal. Regulars and newcomers alike are often "left in awe" by the personalized touches and the extensive wine selection, making every visit memorable.

5. The Establishment

4.8

Exceptional(2657)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 21 times today

The Establishment in Downtown Charleston is a gem for seafood lovers, consistently lauded for its commitment to freshness and local sourcing. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one admirer noting, "Every time I come here I think it can’t get better and it does." The menu, crafted by Chef Elliott Howells, is a testament to refined and balanced culinary art, where dishes like the lemon poached grouper and the moqueca de peixe receive high praise. The restaurant also features the highly recommended crab gnudi, described as "little puffs of heaven." With its top-notch service and a vibrant atmosphere enhanced by live music, The Establishment stands out as a beacon of seafood excellence in Charleston’s historic French Quarter.

6. Anson

4.8

Exceptional(4832)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 43 times today

Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |

A photo of 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant

7. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

4.4

Awesome(5136)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 75 times today

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, 39 Rue de Jean is a culinary gem offering an authentic French dining experience since 2000. Praised for its "delicious, refined French food," this charming café and bar excels in Brasserie cuisine, providing a diverse menu that delights regulars and newcomers alike. Patrons rave about the "best French onion soup" and the innovative dishes like the "Rosemary Garlic Gnocchi," which showcase the kitchen's commitment to both tradition and creativity. The atmosphere, described as "charming" and perfect for both special occasions and casual dining, complements the exemplary service and well-rounded wine list, making every visit memorable. As one diner puts it, "Always a real treat to meet old and new friends at Rue de Jean," this spot remains a beloved staple for those seeking a slice of France in Charleston.

A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant

8. Virginia's on King

4.5

Awesome(3031)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 61 times today

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, Virginia's on King is a beacon of Southern charm and culinary delight. This esteemed eatery excels in crafting authentic Southern dishes that resonate with the richness of Lowcountry cuisine. Utilizing fresh, local ingredients and cherished family recipes, the menu offers a journey through the South's culinary heritage. Highlights include the indulgent crab Benedict and the perfectly seasoned shrimp and grits, described by a patron as "velvety smooth." Diners consistently praise not only the food but also the ambiance and service, noting, "The food was fantastic if you like Southern food" and "Great service and food our waitress Genevieve was wonderful." Virginia's on King is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Southern hospitality and flavor in Charleston.

9. Rudy Royale

4.5

Awesome(855)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 43 times today

Rudy Royale in Downtown Charleston is a gem for seafood lovers, offering a delightful culinary experience that highlights the freshness and authenticity of its dishes. With a focus on seasonal cuisine, the restaurant's flounder tempura has garnered high praise as a must-try. Patrons consistently rave about the "unmatched deliciousness" of the seafood offerings, emphasizing the quality and flavor that make Rudy Royale a standout. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with exceptional service, ensures every meal is a pleasure. Whether it's the praised flounder or the celebrated tempura, Rudy Royale promises an unforgettable seafood experience right in the heart of Charleston.

10. Tempest

4.7

Exceptional(2368)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 13 times today

Tempest, hailed as USA Today's 10Best #1 New Restaurant, is a gem nestled on historic Market Street in Downtown Charleston. It's not just the location that captivates but also the exceptional seafood that stands out. Chef Adam Hodgson, alongside Bravo Top Chef Alum Jamie Lynch, crafts a menu that is both innovative and reflective of the region's bounty. The restaurant's raw and roast offerings are a testament to their commitment to quality, with dishes like the Tempest Tower leaving diners in awe. Glowing reviews consistently praise the "out of this world" roasted oysters and shrimp, and the "incredible" flounder, affirming Tempest's status as a pinnacle of seafood excellence. As one reviewer puts it, this place turns dining into "a wonderful southern experience," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and meticulously prepared seafood.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Mary AnnVIP
South Carolina •7 reviews
5.0
Dined today
We had a wonderful experience. Food was excellent, wonderful table service and great cooperation from the chef accommodating my food restrictions!! Highly recommend!!!
More info
Peninsula GrillPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.6
D
DR STEVEN
Montreal / Quebec •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Beautiful inside. Service was awesome. The food was delicious, but small portions. Prices were high. The sound level was high.
More info
AnsonPrice: Very Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
•
4.8
L
lizVIP
Miami - Dade •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Rudy Royale in Charleston is an absolute delight for anyone seeking bold flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. The star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken sandwich – perfectly crispy, juicy, and packed with unforgettable flavor. It’s hands down the best chicken sandwich in town! The sides deserve a standing ovation as well. The Brussels sprouts, tossed in their magical sauce, are a flavor explosion that will have you scraping the plate. The garlic potatoes with the crispy edges are rich, and comforting – a must-order. And then there’s the mac and cheese: ooey, gooey, and everything you want in this classic comfort dish. Truly, you’ll regret skipping it. We started with the deviled eggs, a perfectly executed classic that set the tone for the meal. As for dessert, we tried the banana pudding. While it was good, it didn’t quite live up to the hype compared to the rest of the menu, but it was a sweet way to end the meal nonetheless. Rudy Royale is a culinary treasure in Charleston, with standout dishes that will have you coming back for more. Don’t miss it!
More info
Rudy RoyalePrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
N
Nancy
South Carolina •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a wonderful lunch with friends on Christmas Eve!
More info
Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
F
Frances
New Orleans / Louisiana •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Get the shrimp and grits- wonderful. My husband had the fish of the day over a ragu and he said it was very good. I didn’t like the fried green tomatoes. service was very nice . The restaurant had a large family with young children which was annoying but not the restaurants fault,
More info
The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion HotelPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
•
4.4

Explore OpenTable

Johns Island

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Johns Island

Price

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

29 restaurants available nearby

1. Church and Union - Charleston

2. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

3. Peninsula Grill

4. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston

5. The Establishment

6. Anson

7. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

8. Virginia's on King

9. Rudy Royale

10. Tempest

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable