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!)