46 Best Southern Restaurants in Charleston

“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!“

“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.“

“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….“

“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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Food was delicious and staff were very attentive. We ordered pimento cheese fritters, peach tea brined salmon, shrimp and grits and stuffed chicken breast and finished with the peach cobbler. All highly recommended! A little sad we didn’t feel Poogan’s ghost though.“

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

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

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

“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“

“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..“

“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❤️❤️“

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

“The food is wonderful. Perfect experience ❤️“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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!!!“

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

“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!“

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

“My wife and I could not have been happier with our wedding venue space and the wedding catering experience! Middleton Place organized a food tasting several months before the wedding that was thoughtful, personalized, and incredibly well executed. It gave us so much confidence leading into our wedding day, and we left knowing our guests were in for something special. On the wedding day, the food exceeded our expectations. Every dish was beautifully presented, absolutely delicious, and received rave reviews from our guests. The team’s attention to detail and commitment to quality truly helped make our celebration unforgettable. Charleston holds such a special place in our hearts, and we are incredibly grateful to have worked with a team that helped bring our wedding weekend vision to life. Thank you for everything—we would highly recommend Middleton Place to any couple looking for a gorgeous wedding venue, outstanding food, and exceptional service!“

“Absoluetly phenominal tacos. Too many great options to try in one trip, so no doubt you'll be back. I grabbed 3 diffefent ones but the the firecracker shrimp and fried chicken ones absoluetly stand out and I wish i lived closer. Great service, friendly an attentive staff, and a clean, welcoming environment. Well worth the trip!“

“a fun new experience with good food.“

“We went to the restaurant to celebrate my daughter‘s 50th birthday and they treated us like royalty. The service was impeccable. The food was delicious and as the topper they provided a delicious dessert, complementary, I would recommend this restaurant.“

“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.“

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

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

“Pork is there specialty according to the bartender, whole hog. Burnt ends divine with Cheery wine sauce even better with a little of there mustard sauce. Very reasonably priced. He didn’t have any which one place. No draft beers only cans. Drinks well poured. Service was excellent bartender was spot on with suggestions. Conveniently located near the heart of everything. Parking garage right next door.
Personally thought the mustard sauce was the BEST!“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“Awesome BBQ. The folks are so kind.“

“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 !!“

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

“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.“

“This has lately become our BBQ go-to in West Ashley. Great food and good value for the money. We moved here from Arkansas (with some really great BBQ spots) a decade ago, and this is as close to our favorite BBQ joints back there as it gets. Oh, and one of the best burgers around, too!“

“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.“

“The aqua terrace bar is a really nice spot for a cocktail. The view is nice. The atmosphere is great. The bartender was awesome. Super friendly. They were having technical difficulties the night I was there so they didn't have food. So I can't rate that. But the drinks were great. The location was great.“

“My boyfriend and I went to Trotter’s on this past Sunday for breakfast. I love that it is always clean. The food is always fresh and hot and the service is always good and it’s not bad for the price you have like grits eggs you get sausage biscuits and gravy, French toast, shrimp, and gravy even hash then is someone who can make you your own personalized omelette. You can also get fresh fruit orange juice whatever you want to drink they also have brunch from 12 to 2 so that is also another option if we miss breakfast definitely.“

“this was our first time here everything was wonderful very delicious we are coming back“

“Great place to dine with a large or small group. Delicious food with great service. We had a group of 34 and everything went smoothly. Highly recommended!!“

“Kienna and Destiny went above and beyond today Saturday May 16th 2026. I had to dog sit on this side of town and decided to stop by to eat in this Bojangles because I had an hour to burn. The ladies and even the staff in the back were very efficient, friendly considering they are in pants in a building which has an air conditioner that is broken. I don't see one single box fan or similar and no portable air conditioner for the dining area.last read of the temperature was at 90 degrees. Come on Bojangles they probably are underpaid and overworked to begin with.“

“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 🥃🥃“

“I ate here two years ago. I was impressed then, and I remain satisfied. it's such a beautiful, quaint place. the service is great.“

“I haven’t been here in a few years and this was my first time coming back in a long time and I have to say the food and service was great! Sure, they are kind of pricey but it is definitely worth it in my opinion. I will definitely be back!“