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Best New Restaurants in Charleston, SC (2026)

Charleston's restaurant scene moves fast. These are the best new restaurants in Charleston, SC for 2026 — ranked by critical buzz, early crowd reception, and local excitement since opening.

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Best New Restaurants in Charleston, SC (2026)

88% Confidence
#1

Bareo

$$ Cannonborough–Elliotborough
Why #1 Fastest-ever entry to Resy's #2 Charleston spot — weeks after opening

Filipino-Japanese dumpling and kakigōri (shaved ice) restaurant on Spring Street from James Beard-nominated Chef Nikko Cagalanan and Paula Kramer (team behind Kultura) — steamed dumplings with seasonal fillings, handrolls, bento, noodle soup, sake cocktails, and a traditional tea service.

Resy Hit List #2 March 2026 — fastest any new restaurant has entered top of Resy's Charleston listFrom the team behind Kultura (James Beard-nominated chef)Opened in the old Kultura space while Kultura relocated to larger 267 Rutledge Ave home
#2

OK Donna

$$-$$$ Wagener Terrace / Upper King
Why #2 From Last Saint team — immediately became the late-night destination

'Italian-ish' neighborhood restaurant at 1117 King Street from the team behind Last Saint, Bar George, and Lupara — pizza, pasta, shareable plates, hip-hop and jazz soundtrack, open late.

Resy Hit List #6 March 2026From the operators of acclaimed Last Saint and Bar GeorgeNamed one of the hottest new restaurants by Eater Carolinas December 2025
#3

Bar Weems

$$ Park Circle, North Charleston
Why #3 Filled a genuine gap: serious ramen in a city that had none

House-made noodle bar in North Charleston's Park Circle neighborhood — ramen, karaage, cocktails, and mocktails, open until 1am Wednesday through Sunday, growing out of the popular Weems Ramen pop-up.

Resy Hit List #15 March 2026Extension of beloved Weems Ramen pop-up with loyal followingHeated outdoor seating
Full Ranking
#4
Merci $$$$ Tiny Parisian-style bistro (26 seats) by Michae…
Eater Carolinas Best New South Carolina Restaurant 2025
↑ 1
#5
Odd Duck Market — Summerville $-$$ Café and market from the popular Charleston Odd…
Resy Hit List #17 March 2026
#6
Chef Daniel Humm x The Charleston Place $$$$ Year-long pop-up residency in the former Charle…
Three-Michelin-star chef from Eleven Madison Park
New
#7
Sullivan's Fish Camp (revamped under Chef Jason Stanhope) $$-$$$ Sullivan's Island seafood restaurant reinvented…
Southern Living Restaurant of the Month, March 2026
#8
La Cave $$$-$$$$ French-American wine-focused restaurant and cav…
Resy Hit List #12 March 2026
↑ 3
#9
The Pass (Mount Pleasant) $-$$$ (daytime $; evening tasting $$$) Artisan deli and market expansion of Chef Antho…
Resy Hit List #13 March 2026 (shared with downtown l…
↑ 3
#10
Cane Pazzo $$$ Italian coastal restaurant in Hanahan by Chef M…
Eater Carolinas Best New Restaurants (January 2026 e…
↑ 1
#11
Kultura (new location) $$$ Acclaimed Filipino restaurant by James Beard-no…
James Beard-nominated chef (multiple nominations)
↑ 2
#12
Sorghum & Salt $$-$$$ New concept in the Lowcountry tradition
Resy 2025 staff picks
#13
Sorelle $$$$ Grand Southern-Italian restaurant in three hist…
Michelin Recommended 2025
New
#14
Rivayat Creative Indian Cuisine $$-$$$ Southern Indian restaurant on Rutledge Avenue b…
Charleston City Paper 2025 year-in-review notable op…
New
#15
Shokudô $$ Japanese tavern from the Indigo Road group
Eater Carolinas best new restaurants (January 2026)
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