#1
FIG
$$$$
Ansonborough
Why #1 James Beard–winning chef, nightly-changing menu, 20+ years of consistency
James Beard Award–winning restaurant by chef Mike Lata serving nightly-changing seasonal menus built on the finest local farms and fishermen — the pinnacle of Charleston fine dining.
James Beard Award: Best Chef Southeast (Mike Lata, 2009)Eater 'Essential Restaurants' constant presenceNamed in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, New York Times
#2
Wild Common
$$$$
Upper King
Why #2 Michelin-starred tasting menu that feels intimate, not formal
Chef Orlando Pagán's tasting-menu restaurant at Cannon Green featuring bold, inventive Latin-influenced seasonal cuisine in a stunning restored warehouse.
Condé Nast Traveler 'Best Restaurant in Charleston' featureChef's Counter tasting menu experienceJames Beard Award semifinalist
#3
Zero George
$$$$
Ansonborough
Why #3 Candlelit courtyard in an 1804 carriage house — most romantic setting in Charleston
Intimate, Michelin-recognized restaurant inside a restored 1804 building at Zero George Street hotel, serving elevated local cuisine with caviar and wine pairings.
Selected in the 2025 inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South (Michelin-recognized)Condé Nast Top 5 Foodie Hotels in the World (for Zero George hotel)Chef Vinson Petrillo's refined local-ingredient menus
#4
Vern's
$$$
Michelin One Star neighborhood restaurant by Da…
2025 Michelin One Star — inaugural MICHELIN Guide Am…
New
#5
Merci
$$$$
Intimate Harleston Village bistro named 2025 Ea…
2025 Eater Carolinas Award: Best New South Carolina …
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#6
Chez Nous
$$ - $$$
Beloved French-Mediterranean bistro in a hidden…
Sister restaurant of Malagón, which holds a 2025 Mic…
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#7
Chubby Fish
$$ - $$$
No-reservations seafood destination with a rota…
Eater Carolinas 'Where to Eat Right Now' constant pr…
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#8
Peninsula Grill
$$$$
Classic Charleston fine dining institution insi…
Relais & Châteaux member property
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#9
Circa 1886
$$$$
Intimate fine dining in the original carriage h…
TripAdvisor 4.7/5 from 2,432+ reviews
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#10
Costa
$$$$
Coastal Italian restaurant by the Wild Common /…
Part of the Wild Common / Zero George / Cannon Green…
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#11
Southbound
$$$$
Live-fire restaurant in a charming 1800s house …
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 4.5/5
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#12
Sorelle
$$$
Grand Italian ristorante on Broad Street with a…
Designed by Meyer Davis Studios (luxury interior des…
New
#13
La Cave
$$$
French-inspired intimate sipping lounge and sma…
Sister restaurant of Felix Cocktails & Fare (popular…
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#14
Bistronomy by Nico
$$ - $$$
Award-winning French bistro by chef Nico Romo d…
Best Chef in Charleston: 2021, 2022, 2023 (Best of C…
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#15
R Kitchen
$$ - $$$
Unique BYOB supper-club-style experience where …
Unique theater-of-food concept: chalkboard menu reve…
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