44 Best Southern Restaurants in Charleston

“Leon's is literally in my dreams! My boyfriend and I went there for the first time three years ago. It blew our minds! Affordable, delicious food, and such a fun atmosphere. We returned a couple of times on the same trip. We live in NJ... and set up a trip last year JUST to go to Leons. I am actually scared to post a review because I selfishly want to keep it a secret for my boyfriend and I. Man, if you like chicken and oysters... you cannot go wrong. Damn, now I need to set up another trip. :)“

“Fantastic atmosphere. Saturday brunch with Beth, server as pleasant as con be. Highly recommend Shrimp and grits with Bloody Mary. A must when visiting Savannah.“

“We went for lunch, there were so many great choices! We had the Pimento Cheese for an appetizer and it did not disappoint. My friend and I shared the Chicken Tenders and Classic Vegetarian plate full of great southern veggies. Delish! The atmosphere was inviting and the service was great. Definitely highly recommend!“

“I have mixed feelings. Our first visit was over a decade ago and it was wonderful. Our anniversary was yesterday and it was an ok experience. We sat in the courtyard AB’s was placed under the above heater. We started smelling gas and the heat never reached the table area. So we were freezing. The appetizers were wonderful. The couple got seated next to us ten minutes after us and received their food first. Was told about different and best food options and a dessert menu. We were not given either. Bbq in the shrimp and grits was over powering any other flavor. Husband got fish and grits and it was excellent. Not a 0 but I’m in no hurry to go back or recommend to anyone else. Ruined my anniversary to be honest….“

“Excellent service! The atmosphere was an amazing place to grab a drink and/or eat for the evening while socializing.“

“Quaint, cozy and beautiful old house and restaurant.
5 stars

Server Carlos was excellent.
5 stars

PECAN OLD FASHIONED
$13.00
William Wolf Pecan Bourbon, Peach Simple Syrup, Black Walnut Bitters, Orange Peel, Crushed Praline Pecans
5 stars

Scallops in lemon-garlic sauce
Grilled Asparagus in lemon-garlic sauce
Coated pan-fried grits in butter
$32.00
5 stars“

“The food was amazing the crystal was an amazing server prompt attentive ever though the whole restaurant was slammed 10 out of 10 would ear here again“

“What a quaint place!! From the food to the service, everything was great! Servings were generous & the Orange juice was yummy!! Can’t wait to go back next time I’m on the Island. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“I have no clue on who the owners are, but I can tell you that all of their food is made with Love ❤️. You can see it and you can taste it. Everything I have ever had has always been so delicious. This place is a Charleston Gem and I pray this little place continues to Thrive and Prosper. Charleston Loves You❤️❤️“

“Casually stopped in for dinner once last week and was back 3 times the same week. Delicious food, fast service, awesome atmosphere, dog friendly!! Loved everything I have tried so far!“

“Jenn was the best waitress I have ever had and I go to restaurants for fun. She was caring and was passionate! The buffalo Brussels sprouts were amazing and the shrimp Gnocchi was to die for!!! 10/10 would recommend and ask for Jenn!!!“

“My favorite birthday cake is coconut. My daughter got me one of your 12 pound coconut cakes for my 70th birthday. Absolutely the best coconut cake I’ve ever had. Highly recommend !“

“Delicious brunch. Wonderful friendly staff. Warm atmosphere.“

“Best restaurant in Charleston! It really is a must!“

“Wonderful fine dining - great atmosphere and some of the best food ever.“

“Dinner was very good & everyone was so very nice. Had reservations & they seated us at 5. It was Mothers Day& graduation week so they were really busy BUT no one made us feel rushed. We will definitely come back..“

“WOW! Very pleasantly surprised! The food was amazing! Daniel was the perfect host, explaining all the different foods and we were never rushed! We were visiting our son, his family and we’re from Florida. We’ll be back! I wish I could give it 10 Stars!“

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

“Natalie was amazing. Great food recommendations! Nice conversation and vibe. Enjoyed the experience.“

“literally everything we had here tonight was fantastic. the calamari strips are some of the best calamari I have ever had. the drinks were wonderful. I had this seard fish with the succotash which was so good. my boyfriend had the pot roast melt and loved it. the owner was absolutely fantastic. we will definitely be back repeatedly!“

“The food is wonderful. Perfect experience ❤️“

“This was an experience we should have done years ago. Everyone was awesome. Great atmosphere, great food and the wait staff went above and beyond. I recommend this for any special occasion. We will do this again.“

“I would definitely recommend S.N.O.B. for the quality of their food only. My friends and I were there on March 24, 2025, during an unexpected cold snap. We're from Florida and the weather was cold, windy and brutal. The four of us were seated at a table that was almost smack dab in front of the entrance door. Thus, people were constantly coming in and out. The manager should have had enough forethought to not place a table there, let alone sit people there in low fifty degree weather and high winds. We just wanted to get our food and get out.“

“Excellent food and service.“

“The food was incredible and our server, Courtney B was outstanding!! Courtney helped us select the perfect items and she made it fun!! Awesome!“

“a fun new experience with good food.“

“Ive been wanting to try this place for awhile and it didn't disappoint. Great food and atmosphere. The manager was nice enough to give me a tour of the pit room. Had a good time talking with him about bbq. For BBQ people like me you need to go to Rodneys.“

“Middleton Place is honestly a must see if you are visiting Charleston. Its is way more than just a spot for pretty pictures. The grounds are absolutely massive, and walking through the oldest landscaped gardens in the country with all those giant live oaks right on the river is stunning. But what makes this place actually worth the trip is how they do not sugarcoat the past. Their tour gives a real, heavy look into the lives of the enslaved people who actually built the property, which is super eye opening and powerful. Between checking out the old farm animals in the stableyards and taking in the history, it is easily one of the coolest, most memorable stops in the area.“

“Stopped in to wait for a friend who was staying at the hotel and man, their she-crab soup is better than I remember! Always a good idea to visit here for a quick drink or a bite. There was also a pianist playing that was very chill. Great vibes.“

“I got the bacon cheeseburger with a gluten free bun. It was amazing!“

“This is one of my favorite taco places to go in Charleston. The atmosphere is amazing, food is delicious, staff.. top notch! But my favorite part is.. if you're lucky enough.. you'll catch a glimpse of oreo or pepper.. the resident tacocat's! I love this place!“

“Nice barbecue restaurant and great atmosphere.

Food was delicious, dirty Mac n cheese was overpriced in my opinion and should've been a side dish.

For $20 it seems a bit much, but everything else was good.“

“Some of the best food ever! If in Charleston, it is a must. Love the Charleston Carb House!“

“Omar and the chef were great. Wings are incredible! Service Top Notch !it has been a long time since we have been able to say that !!“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“Some of the best food ever! If in Charleston, it is a must. Love the Charleston Carb House!“

“Awesome BBQ. The folks are so kind.“

“Delicious biscuits! I had a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit - it was flaky and flavorful. The lady at the counter was friendly, sweet, and kind; she even gave me a sticker, and a card to entice me to come back. I also bought some mixes, and a package of their sausage biscuits (for later). We even went to a nearby Publix store for their pimento cheese (they were out at the shop). Yum!“

“Outstanding service and an excellent dinner from start to finish. The blackened salmon gyro was absolutely delicious, and the cookie brownie sundae we shared was truly unforgettable. A fantastic experience all around.“

“Nice place for bbq. Got two turkey sandwiches with basket of fries 🍟 that were cold and fried onion ( 1 single large batter deep fried ring of an onion). The sandwich was good with thick nice portion of breast meat. Cole slaw was good as well.“

“The Smokehouse Platter and extra side of Brisket was AMAZING! Chance was Great dealing with us older couple from Colorado and Carolina transplants! Thank you Paul the rub on the ribs was unforgettable! Cheers with another Jameson Orange 🥃🥃“

“The food was excellent. I had the Bogarden omelette with ham, my husband had a BYO breakfast sandwich & My SIL had the ham & cheese omelette. The portions are large enough to share, the veggies were fresh and full of flavor and there was a large drink selection. It is a small indoor seating area but a back patio and tables on the sidewalk provided plenty of seating for this unique and fun cafe. Coffee & water were self serve and plentiful but if you are a coffee snob/connoisseur… bring your own.“

“Too bad I can't leave 10 stars... Without a doubt, the best food in West Ashley! Celebrated Thanksgiving day lunch with them this year and what a treat... Couldn't have been better!

Glad to see that they are now serving breakfast and lunch daily, with a nice brunch for Sunday.

P.S.: They have the best Fried Chicken in the Lowcountry! The homemade salads are also to die for.“

“wonderful place to unwind and socialize. the cook has amazing specials“