Best Lunch Restaurants in James Island

25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant

1. Virginia's on King

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Regional American (Southern) • Downtown Charleston

Booked 42 times today

This sophisticated Southern dining spot blends the comforts of a traditional Southern kitchen with familiar regional dishes prepared with the utmost care for quality and flavor. The menu incorporates local fresh ingredients and old family recipes to bring you Southern cooking, Lowcountry style.*menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menus

A photo of California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating restaurant

2. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

4.4

Awesome(3219)

Price: Moderate

• American • West Ashley

Booked 39 times today

Since 1987, California Dreaming has been a proud part of the Charleston, SC community. Our spacious, open setting features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Ashley River, creating the perfect backdrop for a lively night out. You can also enjoy these panoramic views from our wrap-around deck, complete with a bar and easily accessible by boat. Whether you're craving low country favorites or our famous prime rib, California Dreaming is a favorite among both locals and tourists. **Please note that we provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 6. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant

3. Church and Union - Charleston

4.5

Awesome(8639)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown Charleston

Booked 163 times today

A 5th Street Group Concept. Modern-American cuisine served in a casual yet refined atmosphere. Menu by Executive Chef Doug Watson & Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch.

A photo of 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant

4. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

4.4

Awesome(5160)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown Charleston

Booked 56 times today

French style cafe and bar offering the best in Brasserie cuisine since 2000. Enjoy indoor/outdoor patio seating, cocktails and a well-rounded wine list. Current Dinner hours are Monday through Saturday from 4:00 PM- 10:00 PM. Sunday Dinner service: 4:00PM-9:00PM.Sunday Brunch: 11:00AM- 3:00PM.Friday & Saturday Lunch: 11:00AM-3:00PM.Reserve your table now or call in for carry out at 843.722.8881.We are excited to reopen our restaurant to all of our guests and are cautiously abiding by the SCRLA to ensure that we are taking care of not only our guests but as well as our staff safely! We have chosen to operate at smaller capacity and do ask that you make a reservation in order to secure a table for dining. We have always had high standards in regards to sanitation and we are applying even more safety measures. *menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menus

A photo of The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel restaurant

5. The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel

4.4

Awesome(1814)

Price: Moderate

• Regional American (Southern) • Downtown Charleston

Booked 34 times today

The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, named for Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Marion, features classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Executive Chef Heyward Davis and Chef De Cuisine Daniel James create regional specialties that emphasize farm to table practices using locally grown fruits and vegetables with respect to the traditional beloved flavors and techniques of the Lowcountry.Known for its award-winning Shrimp and Grits, The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar overlooks historic Marion Square Park and is popular with both locals and visitors to Charleston. Guests can enjoy live piano Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm - 9pm.The restaurant also has a private dining room, the Parkview, that seats thirty and overlooks King Street and Marion Square Park. This intimate space is perfect for private events and small parties.Masks are recommended for fully vaccinated customers. Consistent with CDC guidelines, unvaccinated customers should wear masks.

A photo of Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett restaurant

6. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett

4.5

Awesome(1129)

Price: Expensive

• Regional American (Contemporary Southern) • Downtown Charleston

Booked 11 times today

Gabrielle captures the spirit of Charleston with quintessential hospitality, warm design, a vibrant bar, charming views and a menu that puts fresh, locally sourced ingredients on center stage. Each bold and flavorful dish showcases the South’s fresh bounty, allowing ingredients to speak simply and powerfully for themselves. Featuring a lively indoor bar and dining room, as well as the city’s finest outdoor dining terrace, the menu is complemented by views overlooking historic Marion Square.

A photo of Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar restaurant

7. Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar

4.7

Exceptional(5086)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown Charleston

Booked 47 times today

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar opened in 2009, reviving the former Amen name of Cumberland Street and restoring this historic corner. The new renovation stays true to the beauty of the original 1800's architecture while creating a comfortable atmosphere for contemporary life.Located at 205 East Bay Street in the heart of the historic district this Charleston seafood restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining all within walking distance of the local Market and the Charleston Harbor.The menu includes a variety of seafood dishes such as oysters, clams and shrimp in addition to an ever growing raw bar menu. Amen Street supports Charleston's local fishing industry with market fresh fish.We are open for lunch and dinner. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations are accepted as well.

A photo of The Peacock Charleston restaurant

8. The Peacock Charleston

4.5

Awesome(292)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown Charleston

Booked 35 times today

The Peacock is an art deco-inspired setting with distinct spaces on each floor - spanning 12,000 sq ft. We offer something for everyone at any time of day. The main dining will be open from 11:30a.m. - 10 p.m. daily for lunch, and dinner (and stays open until 2 a.m. for cocktails). Our second-floor peacock lounge opens daily at 5 p.m. and stays open until 2 a.m. Also on the second floor, you will find V's our entertainment space where you can see a show or have a VIP experience dancing the night away. Finally, experience the splendor of a Charleston evening from our rooftop bar/lounge. We also offer three VIP areas for reservations on the roof (they seat 10-12 people and have private TVs). Come for a meal, watch a sunset or stay for a show whatever you choose you're sure to make it a habit!

A photo of Lamar's Sporting Club restaurant

9. Lamar's Sporting Club

4.6

Exceptional(10)

Price: Expensive

• Lounge • Downtown Charleston

Booked 15 times today

Sophisticated lounge offering excellent craft cocktails, upscale bar bites, and weekly top shelf happy hours in a comfortable setting.Recognized as the best venue to enjoy College & NFL games with 10+ HD TVs. Lunch & Brunch are available on the weekends during football season. Lamar's was designed for like-minded individuals who value nightlife experiences, sports, and exclusivity. The establishment features an intimate lounge with a classic and upscale ambiance. With rich, dark wood paneling, subdued lighting, and plush leather banquettes, sofas, and cocktail tables, the venue provides both comfort and luxury seating. The sporting club lifestyle is reflected in the carefully curated decor, which includes antique-inspired elements such as modern-vintage artwork, chandeliers, eclectic bookshelves and wildlife on display.Located on the corner of King & Spring, Lamar's is the ultimate way to elevate your sports viewings & evening experiences in Charleston.

10. Rudy Royale

4.5

Awesome(868)

Price: Moderate

• Regional American (Southern) • Downtown Charleston

Booked 33 times today

Rudy Royale combines a fun atmosphere with approachable yet elevated seasonal cuisine. This establishment has an extensive cocktail list and takes pride in serving a great selection of local beers. Chef & Owner Macready Downer consistently elevates and updates our menu to provide something new and delicious every visit. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the service is top-notch. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a special occasion dinner, Rudy Royale is sure to please. Make a reservation today -- we'd love to serve y'all. Event & Private Dining Spaces Available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Debi
South Carolina •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Menu items and restaurant week offerings were varied and appealing. Service was prompt and attentive. Brussels sprouts were tasty but a little heavy on the bacon and cheese. Salmon entrée was good, and meatball appetizer tasty albeit a bit overly sauced. Dessert Blondie was a delicious highlight and carrot cake was pretty good, but mild.
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Church and Union - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
T
Tracy
Philadelphia County •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was awesome. Mac & cheese, fried chicken & deep fried baby back ribs were table favorites. Big portions too!
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Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
S
Susan
South Carolina •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent choice.. on the harbor, beautiful view from any seat, sunset was stunning! Brie was our server. Excellent skills and kind. Food was all it could be. Lovely display, perfect temperature and succulent flavors in all dishes we ordered! Moderate prices and pleasant atmosphere! Thank you for an enjoyable evening out!
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California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority SeatingPrice: Moderate• American• West Ashley
•
4.4
T
Thomas
Atlanta Metro •33 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our meal was top notch, my wife’s bass special was well cooked and nicely seasoned. My duck was the best I have eaten. The escargot appetizer was perfectly seasoned. Our server, Christin, was intuitive in her service and fun to chat with vs as food was brought. Highly recommended.
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39 Rue de Jean - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown Charleston
•
4.4
D
Diane
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We ate at the Swamp Fox 3 times during our stay. Each time, the food was incredible and the service amazing, especially Sylvie. The ambience was wonderful, too. We will definitely recommend the Swamp Fox and will visit again, should we return to Charleston.
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The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion HotelPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
•
4.4

Best Lunch Restaurants in James Island

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25 restaurants available nearby

1. Virginia's on King

2. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

3. Church and Union - Charleston

4. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

5. The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel

6. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett

7. Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar

8. The Peacock Charleston

9. Lamar's Sporting Club

10. Rudy Royale

See what locals rave about

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