39 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.“

“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 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.“

“I've been eating at Poogan's Porch for almost 30 years now. It's one of our favorites, especially for brunch after a morning walk along the Battery. It's one of those places that has such a wide variety that you can eat relatively cheaply or more expensively, and all of it is really good. Our favorites are the Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken, the Lowcountry Hash, and the Fried Chicken Sandwich.

The cocktails are all solid, but my favorite was the Fig Jam Martini.

It's also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so if you love this amazing restaurant, buy a commemorative tumbler.“

“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..“

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

“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❤️❤️“

“The food is wonderful. Perfect experience ❤️“

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

“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!“

“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!!!“

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

“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!“

“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 !“

“As a wedding photographer and super 8 filmmaker, I loved every second at Middleton Place. The grounds are well taken care of and gorgeous. I captured a couple’s elopement here and their ceremony took place beneath gorgeous trees with moss swaying in the wind. There were so many different areas to wander and take photos. I love it here“

“This restaurant is an example of if your food is
great, people will find you. The location seemed to be tucked away off the downtown area but was very busy. The food was great. Drinks are a little small for the cost but no biggie. Highly recommend.“

“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.“

“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!“

“a fun new experience with good food.“

“The food was absolutely delicious and they DO offer non-pork items (🙌🏾) lol. Our waitress, Brady, was AMAZING! She made sure that we were well taken care of and she was absolutely precious. This was our second visit and I'm sure we'll be back in the future!“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“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 !!“

“Awesome BBQ. The folks are so kind.“

“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.“

“My family and I are regulars, but on my last experience, I ordered 200 sandwiched for multiple departments at work. Everything was packaged for easy loading, which the staff was very helpful in getting into my car, on time, and provided a much needed morale boost for the team.

This was our second catering event with Bessinger's. It's a team favorite and their crew displays genuine southern hospitality.“

“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.“