Where to Eat in Downtown Charleston

Food is a love language in Charleston and there is simply no way to hit every single spot. But these are some of my tried and true favorites.

~ Please note, reservations are highly encouraged especially downtown and most of the time needed. Book them as early as you can! ~

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

  • Miller’s All Day (walk-ins only, get there early!)

  • Church & Union (get the big A$$ brunch, you won’t be disappointed)

  • 82 Queen (ask to sit on the patio in your reservation!)

  • Bodega

  • Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

  • Harken Cafe

  • Alcove Market

LUNCH

  • Queen St Grocery (best sandwiches downtown!) sit on the patio outback.

  • Basic Kitchen (don’t let the vegan/veggie menu fool you)… this place is one of my top recommendations. Their Tempura Cauliflower is amazing, and so is basically everything on their menu. Also great for dinner!

  • Brown Dog Deli

  • Mason’s Lobster Rolls (is it a chain, yes. do they have the best lobster roll in town? also yes.)

  • Burbadges Grocery. Off the beaten path and the South of Broad locals are going to kill me but if you’re walking around the neighborhood and want a hotdog, this is your spot. Get the Charleston Dog… you won’t be disappointed.

  • Gaulart & Mallet French Cafe

DINNER:

  • S.N.O.B (Slightly North of Broad) go here for a special occasion and the live music!

  • Chez Nous (I borderline do not even want to mention this place because I’ll never get a reservation ever again. 11/10. Must go. Cozy, romantic, sitting inside or out is an experience. They change their menu everyday and only serve 6 items… only go if you are adventurous!)

  • High Cotton (where a scene in the Notebook is filmed!)

  • Poogan’s Porch (great for any meal, but I loved taking my mom here!)

  • The Bar/Patio at Husk (a hidden secret, no reservations needed but you get the full menu!)

  • Stella’s (Greek food for the win!)

  • Leon’s Oyster Bar (want oysters and fried chicken? this is your spot!)

  • The Ordinary (fancy and delicious)

  • Le Farfelle (want homemade pasta, and amazing Italian? Check this tucked away gem!)

  • Melfi’s (another Italian gem! I’ve heard the NYCers love it haha)

  • Shiki (best sushi downtown, very quaint and off the beaten path.)

  • Saffron’s Bakery (tired of the crowds? don’t have a reservation? want to sit on a patio and relax with amazing Indian food and pastries galore? you have come to the right place.)

  • Pink Bellies (ah-mazing Vietnamese spot that just opened!)

    TREATS:

  • Carmella’s Dessert Bar (if I could live here… I would. Get their boozy milkshakes and thank me later.)

  • Jeni’s Icecream (such amazing ice cream, they usually have a line!)

  • Peninsula Grill (a great steakhouse, but I always dream of their layered Coconut Cake. That and glass of champagne to end the night is never a bad idea!)

Marissa BaumComment