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!)
