Charleston is a culinary destination where hospitality, craftsmanship, and cuisine go hand in hand — much like building a custom home.
Beyond the accolades and James Beard Awards (of which there are many), there are dozens of Charleston restaurants that quietly capture the flavor of each neighborhood, from elegant downtown dining to hidden gems in Mount Pleasant.
We know that choosing a place to live is as much about the house as it is about the life that happens around it. It’s the ease of walking to brunch on a Saturday or having nearby take-out so you can dine on your perfectly-situated porch.
Our team has compiled a local’s list of the best food in Charleston, S.C. As you’ll see, we expect the same high level of craftsmanship, community, and attention to detail in the restaurants we frequent as we do in homes we design and build.
Downtown Charleston: Historic District
Charleston’s heart beats in its food, full of character and flavor just like the homes and residents.
Our team thinks one of the best restaurants in downtown Charleston, S.C. is Melfi’s, a cozy Italian spot on Upper King serving impeccable pasta, pizzas, and cocktails. Locals love its intimate, elevated vibe.
Also a downtown Charleston restaurant, Halls Chophouse is an institution for perfectly cooked steaks, live jazz, and a dose of classic Southern hospitality. Within walking distance, you’ll find many neighborhoods that offer a mix of timeless beauty, history, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Deeper into the city, Husk and Poogan’s Porch are right next to each other, both occupying what were once single family homes. Husk is an iconic fine-dining experience that redefines Southern cuisine with seasonal, local ingredients.
Poogan’s Porch offers some of the best southern food in Charleston and is named for a dog who was adopted by the staff when the home was converted to a restaurant in 1976, coincidentally the same year Cook Bonner Ebeling Construction was founded. We recommend the shrimp and grits or she-crab soup!
Our team also recommends 167 Raw, a chic and lively seafood and sushi bar, perfect for oysters, crudo, and a casual yet stylish lunch.
Church and Union (formerly 5Church) is located in a converted church and blends artistry and atmosphere; it’s upscale but approachable.
Our last recommendation for best restaurants in downtown Charleston, S.C. is Blind Tiger Pub, a laid-back favorite for burgers and local beers with a courtyard that feels like Charleston’s backyard.
Across Broad Street from Blind Tiger is the start of a residential area that extends to the tip of the peninsula and Charleston Harbor. Here, you’ll find rows of pastel-colored single houses with sweeping piazzas designed to catch the breeze, with many dating back centuries and lovingly restored to preserve their heart while adding modern comfort.
Mount Pleasant
Across the Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston is Mount Pleasant, home to hidden gems and family favorites. South Mount Pleasant is the area closest to the bridge and several of our favorite food places in Charleston, S.C. are around Shelmore Boulevard.
- Tierra El Mar is a small, authentic Mexican spot beloved by locals. It’s known for fresh ingredients and neighborhood warmth.
- Langdon’s Steakhouse is refined yet comfortable, combining creative Lowcountry flavors with a fine-dining feel.
- Perfect for a casual night out, Wood and Grain Pizza is a local favorite that offers wood-fired pizza with fresh toppings.
- Our last recommendation for the best Charleston food experiences is Second State Coffee, a favorite for meeting with friends for a latte or for a quiet work morning.
Just a short drive from these food places in Charleston, you’ll find I’On, the Old Village, and several communities located on the Charleston Harbor. Cook Bonner projects in this area offer sweeping views and true craftsmanship.
The area’s residential growth is largely happening in North Mount Pleasant, where there are dozens of new restaurants for you to try.
James Island
James Island is known for being more laid back and is home to easygoing neighborhood eateries and new favorites. Much of James Island is residential, balanced with an expansive county park, beautifully-designed homes on the water, and a direct path to Folly Beach.
Ellis Creek Fish Camp is one of our team’s favorite restaurants in Charleston, S.C., sitting on the marsh with gorgeous views and fresh seafood.
On the way to Folly Beach, affectionately known as “the edge of America,” you’ll pass Bowen’s Island Restaurant. It’s a historic Charleston seafood restaurant overlooking the marsh. It’s very laid back and famous for oysters and fried shrimp.
On Folly Beach you’ll find Chico Feo, an outdoor, bohemian-style taco and poke bar. It often has live music and is a local’s go-to after a beach day.
Rounding out our recommendations for best food in Charleston is Taco Boy (one of several locations). It’s a fun, festive atmosphere with tacos and margaritas.
Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms (IOP)
Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms are side-by-side beach towns with gorgeous homes and restaurants that offer simplicity with elevated flavors.
Our team’s recommendation for the best Charleston food on Sullivan’s Island is Poe’s Tavern. Named after Edgar Allan Poe (who was stationed at Fort Moultrie), Poe’s is a local staple with casual burgers and beers steps from the ocean.
On Isle of Palms, our team recommends Cachitas Kitchen, which offers Mexican food with a creative twist to beachside tacos. Whether it’s a beer after the beach or tacos under string lights, Isle of Palms offers the same easy breezy feeling in culinary options and beachfront architecture.
Daniel Island
Daniel Island blends timeless Lowcountry charm with a fresh, livable elegance. The entire island is easy to access via bike or golf cart and the culinary scene is known for cozy cafés and waterfront dining.
One of the best Charleston restaurants is The Kingstide, which offers elegant, community-driven dining right on the Wando River with public boat access.
Our team also recommends the DIME (Daniel Island Market & Eatery). It’s an excellent cafe, bakery, and “grab-and-go” that also offers coffee, gelato and local goods. If you catch it on the right day, you’ll see market vendors right outside where you can pick up locally made products.
West Ashley
This area, located West of the Ashley River from the peninsula, is known for its local neighborhood charm. Our team loves Home Team BBQ, which captures the laid-back spirit of restaurants in Charleston, with smoked meats, cold drinks, and live music.
We also like Ms. Rose’s Fine Food & Cocktails for its ability to strike the perfect Charleston balance: polished but not stuffy and lively without being loud. West Ashley is one of those areas that feels like home, with comfort food and friendly faces around every corner.
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Kiawah Island & Seabrook Island
When fine dining meets resort-style relaxation, there’s an effortless kind of luxury that takes over — refined but never rushed. It’s the feeling of linen napkins and bare feet.
For linen napkins, we recommend The Atlantic Room at Kiawah Island Golf Resort or Jasmine Porch (at The Sanctuary). Both offer elegant coastal dining with panoramic ocean views.
For cocktails, we recommend the Ryder Cup Bar, also within the Kiawah Island Resort, which overlooks the 18th green of the Ocean Course, home to the 1991 Ryder Cup (hence the name of the bar), and the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships.
Outside of the resort, in Freshfields Village, you’ll find FortyEight Wine Bar, which offers 48 different wines by the glass, 48 menu options, and 48 beers — every day! This Charleston food spot is perfect for relaxed evenings after a day by the water.
Cook Bonner projects in this area capture the same spirit of understated luxury found in its dining scene.
Closing: The Taste of Charleston Living
The best food in Charleston is spread across diverse communities, offering residents unmatched quality, community, and details made for savoring. This is a perfect reflection of Cook Bonner’s philosophy. The finest materials are selected, tradition is honored, and community is the heart of it all.
Just like the top restaurants in Charleston, S.C., a well-designed home anticipates needs before you even think to ask. It welcomes, comforts, and leaves a lasting impression that feels both effortless and deeply considered.
Whether you’re dining under oak trees or watching the sunset over the harbor, Charleston invites you to slow down, savor, and call this beautiful city home. Explore more of our Charleston favorites, from neighborhoods to homes, on our blog.
