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Downtown Charleston Restaurants

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Downtown Charleston

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Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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Maison
Diners’ top pick
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Price: Expensive
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French
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4.9
(1,717)
Maison is a French Bistro located in downtown Charleston, SC. Our concept is food forward with bright, balanced beverages to compliment. Maison's cuisine is inspired by classic French fare recreated with a breath of modernity and local influence. Tradition meets au courant innovation. The space is intimate and paralleled with energy.
A photo of The Establishment restaurant
The Establishment
Price: Very Expensive
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Seafood
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4.8
(2,669)
Everything at The Establishment begins with well-sourced ingredients from sea and field. Through developing relationships with local farmers and fishermen, our ingredients will be consistently seasonal, fresh, and pure. Chef Elliott Howells' menu will always reflect a clean, focused, and balanced approach, delivering a selection of thoughtful and refined cuisine.
Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter a few blocks away from Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, and Waterfront Park, The Establishment features an award-winning wine cellar, over 150 bourbon and whiskey offerings, and a lively bar scene complete with daily happy hour. We feature Live Music every Friday and Saturday starting at 8:00 PM, featuring multiple local artists performing an array of musical genres. Our private dining rooms are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or business meetings. We look forward to hosting you for a casual night out or an elevated dining experience.
A photo of Anson restaurant
Anson
Price: Very Expensive
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Regional American (Southern)
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4.8
(4,861)
Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |
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Burwell's Stone Fire Grill
Top-rated food
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Price: Expensive
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Steakhouse
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4.8
(3,638)
Diners Choice Ten years running, aligned with extraordinary cocktail bar, make this 14 N Market Street stop a must for steak and seafood lovers. Burwell’s is a true leader in progressing hospitality, from use of the entire resource to local ingredients not harmful to our communities or environment. From shrimp to beef, you’ll only taste the best at Burwell’s. One of a kind, unlike any steakhouse back home, and one of the must visits in Charleston. Visit while in the historic Market Distirct.
You can expect a casual, thoughtful design features highlighting Charleston and its rich history throughout. Burwell’s takes great pride in being approachable to all, with high craft memorable food, ensuring guests a warm and welcoming Charleston visit. Don't miss the Wagyu!
Best place to dine in the low country - South Magazine
One of Charleston’s “local favorites” - bon appetit grub crawl
Walk-ins welcome, Burwell’s popular bar is available for full menu dining
Plenty of parking near by
A photo of Indaco restaurant
Indaco
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.8
(3,826)
Located on Charleston's Upper King Street, Indaco (Italian for "indigo") serves rustic Italian cuisine. Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, housemade salami and cured sausages fill the restaurant's menu which can be enjoyed family-style or a la carte. With community tables, an open kitchen, and a comfortable atmosphere, Indaco can accommodate 100 guests for a casual night of food and drinks. The wine list is focused on affordable Italian varietals, the Negroni cocktail is on tap, and the fresh sodas are made in-house. The massive wooden doors on Upper King Street are your first indication that Indaco is different from the typical Charleston restaurant. Rustic details continue inside with butcherblock tables, lime-wash walls, and white brick. An open kitchen with nearby community tables lets interested diners keep an eye on the action inside the kitchen. Outside, a patio puts you streetside to watch Upper King Street's vibrant nightlife scene.
A photo of Sorghum & Salt restaurant
Sorghum & Salt
Price: Expensive
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Tapas / Small Plates
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4.7
(379)
Vegetable & seafood driven small plates with a seasonal, always-revolving menu served in a trendy, industrial setting combining upscale fare with a laid back experience. Our tasting menu is available in the entire restaurant 6 days a week. Selected for OpenTables "Top 10 Diners' Choice Winners in Charleston" in 2021!
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O-Ku
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Moderate
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Japanese
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4.8
(2,760)
O-Ku, a Japanese restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a triumph of execution and concept. The restaurant's menu is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, and it features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are prepared with care. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are both complex and delicate. Focused on incorporating authentically Japanese flavors into the fare, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature contemporary Japanese entrées and traditional sushi of the season reflecting the uniquely designed space. Guests can enjoy chef specialties including kurobuta pulled pork don-buri, braised short rib with shiso pesto, coconut curry, and hakozushi a box-style sushi. A wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and crudos are also available. The beverage program at O-Ku is a sophisticated blend of specialty cocktails, premium sake, bubbles, red and white wines and unique beer selections.
A photo of Oak Steakhouse - Charleston restaurant
Oak Steakhouse - Charleston
Price: Moderate
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Steakhouse
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4.7
(5,567)
Located on Charleston's historic Broad Street, Oak Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse. A classic array of both wet and dry aged Certified Angus® Beef are featured on the menu. Ingredients are sourced locally and regionally from sustainable farmers and fisherman to accent the steakhouse menu. Items including local oysters on the half-shell, Clammer Dave's caper clams and a daily fresh fish selection depending on the season. Other popular dishes include the whole fried lobster, goat.sheep.cow artisanal cheese plate, wedge of Kurios Farms bibb lettuce salad, the house-made pasta and vegetarian plate. The expansive and impressive wine program at Oak Steakhouse emphasizes big California Cabernets and Old World reds from Italy and Bordeaux with more than 200 wines by the bottle and 20 wines by the glass. The bar attracts a loyal, local following from nearby businesses and neighborhoods with its great cocktails and happy hour. Inside a historic bank building that dates back to 1848, Oak's stately setting features three floors with five distinct dining areas. Arched windows, 20-foot ceilings, original metal work, fireplaces and 150-year-old heart pine floors, offers the perfect setting for enjoying a special evening.
A photo of Tempest restaurant
Tempest
Price: Very Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.6
(2,379)
Tempest has been named the country’s #1 new restaurant by readers of USA Today’s travel guide, 10Best. Located on historic Market Street next to sister location, Church and Union Charleston. Tempest features hyper-local, sustainable Coastal Modern-American food, with a seasonal menu curated by Chef Adam Hodgson and Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Jamie Lynch.
Tempest’s noteworthy raw and roast menu features both chilled and charcoal roasted options, with a variety of meats, fresh produce, and chef curated accompaniments that go beyond the sea, offering a taste for every palate.
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Camellias
Great vibe
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Price: Expensive
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Afternoon Tea
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4.6
(297)
Reservations are not accepted for Standard Service.
Reservations are required for Afternoon Tea and Special Experiences.
Discover an unparalleled Afternoon Tea experience at Camellias, where design and architecture intertwine to create a breathtaking wonder inspired by the renowned Fabergé jewels. Step into a realm of elegance and sophistication, where every detail, from the etched mirror ceiling to the dazzling crystal chandelier, exudes opulence and charm.
Located in the heart of Charleston, Camellias presents an Afternoon Tea seating that stands as an essential experience for any bucket list.
Adults | 65.00
Children’s Tea (ages under 12) | 42.00
Crown Tea | 78.00
Pricing reflects a per-person pricing based on seats reserved.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to your reservation. Failure to cancel 24 hours before your reservation will result in a $25/per person fee.
A photo of Grill 225 restaurant
Grill 225
Price: Expensive
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Steakhouse
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4.6
(1,658)
As Charleston's premier steakhouse, and member of the Great Steak Houses of North America, our menu is one of the few in the country that features 100% USDA Prime Beef. Located at the luxurious Market Pavilion Hotel in the heart of historic Charleston, we offer a dining experience like no other. All of our beef selections, including the filet mignon, are hand-selected and wet-aged 42 -50 days to ensure tender texture and unsurpassed flavor.
At Grill 225 we place a great deal of emphasis on seafood harvested from both local and International waters. Using only premium ingredients such as local sustainable seafood as well as exclusive premium domestic and international offerings.
Private Dining for up to 110 guests for indoor events.
Private gatherings for rooftop cocktail receptions and events up to 275 guests.
Dress Code:
For Men, smart business attire. Jackets are requested, but not required. Flip flops, T-Shirts, non collar shirts and baseball caps are not permitted.
A photo of Peninsula Grill restaurant
Peninsula Grill
Price: Very Expensive
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American
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4.6
(8,024)
Peninsula Grill is an AAA Four-Diamond restaurant located in the heart of Charleston’s renowned Historic District. It has garnered recognition from prestigious publications such as Departures, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and Wine Spectator.
The Peninsula Grill Dining Room exudes the luxurious atmosphere of a supper club, with velvet-lined walls in shimmering oyster tones, woven seagrass accents, and indigenous cypress molding. Adjacent to the dining area, the Peninsula Grill Champagne Bar is an intimate jewel-box space offering a selection of champagnes.
A proud member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of exceptional restaurants and hotels in romantic destinations worldwide, Peninsula Grill invites guests to experience unparalleled dining. Business casual attire is requested, with collared shirts required for gentlemen in the Dining Room.
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Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Moderate
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Seafood
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4.7
(5,086)
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 Hummus restaurant
Hummus
Price: Expensive
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Lebanese
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4.7
(17)
At Hummus Lebanese Authentic Cuisine, Chef Bachir, a passionate culinary artist and the mastermind behind our secret family recipes, brings the vibrant flavors of Lebanon to Charleston. Our signature dish, the **Beirut Shawarma Platter**, marinated in our family’s special spice blend, has become a local favorite, perfectly paired with our renowned, creamy hummus.
Come join us at **Hummus Lebanese Authentic Cuisine**—where every dish is prepared with love, and every bite takes you closer to the heart of Lebanon.
A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant
Virginia's on King
Price: Moderate
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Regional American (Southern)
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4.5
(3,064)
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

Outdoor dining in South Carolina

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See what locals rave about in Downtown Charleston

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Get inspired by our collections of the top restaurants in Downtown Charleston

Discover Downtown Charleston

The downtown area of Charleston is rich in South Carolina state history and features a wide assortment of restaurants. Seafood is abundant in town as it's caught fresh daily. From tourists to locals, food is on the mind of many while they are walking along the city streets. You'll find that grits are a staple for downtown Charleston along with specially prepared coffees. There are outdoor cafes that allow you to enjoy the scenery, and oyster roasts are held by the dock. Meals are prepared fresh so that you can enjoy the flavors that blend together. Southern charm is found in older restaurants that feature picture windows, giving a brilliant view of people passing by on the city streets.

Frequently asked questions

The best reviewed restaurant in Downtown Charleston is Historic Charleston Supper Club

The best vegan restaurants in Downtown Charleston are Ma'am Saab, O-Ku and Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

The best vegetarian restaurants in Downtown Charleston are Ma'am Saab, Maya and Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

The restaurants with the best service in Downtown Charleston are Historic Charleston Supper Club, La Bonne Franquette and Halls Chophouse

The restaurants with the best ambiance in Downtown Charleston are Historic Charleston Supper Club, Neon Tiger and Halls Chophouse

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