50 Best Seafood Restaurants near Daniel Island

“Technically part of Charleston, Daniel island wasn't developed until the early 90s. Now it's a planned, upscale suburb with residences, retail shops, hotels, independent crafter booths, other eateries, and of course The Kingstide. I wasn't expecting it to be this good. The pretty creekside location, modern decor, and open kitchen helps but it's the food and service that really stood out. The menu is heavy on the seafood with just a few landlubber offerings and I think enough meatless dishes to keep things interesting for vegetarians too. Many things appealed and it was hard to decide. I got the "Seasonal Fish", prepared with melted leek, duck fat confit celery root, fennel nage (the term was new to me; it is a method of poaching) and grapefruit. The seasonal fish that day was swordfish and it was probably the best I've ever had, both the fish itself and the dish as a whole. The leek, fennel, and grapefruit base was subtle and a perfect complement for the fish. As for the fish itself, I now realize that practically every other time I've had swordfish it has been overcooked, sometimes just ever-so-slightly but it makes a big difference. This was done just to perfection, no trace of translucency but stopped before any dryness could set in. The fish and the plate were hot. The only flaws were that the bed of leeks and other vegetables underneath were room temperature, and a separate side vegetable or starch (maybe a risotto) would have been appropriate. Speaking of a side, I had asked my waiter about that so it wasn't a surprise to me. Several, including the hush puppies with sorghum, the seasoned fries with paprika, espelette, and saffron aioli, and the Caesar salad appealed. He could tell I was wavering but in the end, knowing I wanted to save room for the Key Lime Pie dessert, I passed. But, soon after the entree arrived, my waiter returned with "a gift from the kitchen". A side of the Brussels Sprouts which I had also expressed interest in. A very large plate of roasted brussels sprouts, assertively flavored with chili lime glaze, pickled shallot, and crispy lardon (slab bacon). Like the entree, this was probably the best I've had anywhere. Two for two. No charge obviously. It was a gift! It was a very large platter and I took most of it home and it was even better the next day. Cocktails: a large list of classics and specialties. But even the classics had a twist: the Old Fashioned was made with "pork fat-washed Elijah Craig bourbon". Not sure how I feel about that. I ended up choosing the Banana Daiquiri, served straight up. The twist here was it was made from Mezcal instead of rum (though rum is also an option). I had reservations and told my waiter I probably won't like it but it sounds so intriguing I just have to try it. Well I tried it. Interesting but I definitely wouldn't order it again! I told my waiter and he offered to replace it with anything I wanted, free of charge! Another nice gesture, like the unexpected side of sprouts, that contributed to this excellent experience. I did say I was saving room for dessert, right? I'm glad I did. A key lime pie, again one of the best I've tried. A plain key lime pie is pretty boring and needs additions: a topping, a sauce, or both. In this case the topping consisted of generous peaks of piped marshmallow, beautifully browned with a torch. Topping sweet and subtly grainy from the sugar. The filling intensely limey and tart. A substantial graham cracker crust. And in lieu of a sauce, this had some kind of crunchy bits underneath, maybe a nut brittle? Definitely worth getting out of downtown to check out this place. Excellent food and service, easy parking, check out the craft vendors afterwards or maybe go for a walk on the many trails into the natural areas that thankfully were preserved when this island was developed.“

“If you’re looking for great seafood in Charleston… look no further. Their staff were amazing and the food was great. Some stand outs: seafood tower, Hushpuppies,Shrimp, scallops, fried platter, and drinks. Being a family obsessed with seafood this was a stand out in our opinion.“

“I dined at Delaney oyster tonight, and had an incredible experience. Our server was Charlie (easy to remember, we have the same name) and he gave us an experience we could never forget. 10/10 I will be back and I will be asking for Charlie!“

“High-end steak/seafood restaurant vibe seems contrived. Waiter as much into selling as serving though attentive, informative and professional. Very busy but never felt rushed. Main dishes were very good, sides, part of entre, too salty to eat. Fast tempo pop music playing so more upbeat than quiet relaxing dinner. Large bar. My drink was strong and fairly priced so 5 stars there.“

“Thought I would be out of luck here attending a group outing as a vegan with severe lactose intolerance, but our group's organizer let Hall's know beforehand and our server spoke with me about my needs before taking drink orders. She offered me 2 options after speaking with the chef, and I got the salmon salad minus the salmon & cheese. It was one of the better salads I've ever had! I can't tell you how appreciative I was to have a filling, flavorful salad even after having to remove some items, when usually I'm just left with lettuce & tomato. Very appreciative of our server as well who was kind, friendly & attentive throughout. My only suggestion would be to consider adding another item or 2 that can be made vegan other than salads, not just for vegans but for people with common food allergies & intolerances to things like dairy, eggs, fish, & shellfish.“

“Acme Lowcountry Kitchen delivered a delightful dining experience with their succulent prime rib, which was an absolute highlight. The waiter's friendly demeanor added a warm touch to our meal, making us feel very welcome. Although my severe nut allergy prevented me from trying any fried items, this limitation didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. It's worth noting that the restaurant is quite popular, so making a reservation in advance is highly recommended. Despite the dietary restriction, the menu had plenty of options to ensure a satisfying meal.“

“My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary having a “staycation” in downtown Charleston. Our plan was to put our name in at 167 but the wait was just too long. We stopped at a few bars and looked up local restaurants and landed on Anson, which had a reservation available for 2. We’d never heard of the restaurant but the reviews spoke for themselves.We had such an amazing time. The atmosphere was great. We put down that it was our anniversary on the reservation form and the team at Anson went above and beyond to celebrate - an amazing upstairs table, and a bit of champagne, berries, and whipped cream to wrap up the meal. Peter, our waiter, could’ve sold us on just about anything on the menu. We went with the she crab soup, shrimp de johnes, blackened snapper, and the filet with bone marrow butter. Every bite was incredible. We’ve found our new favorite place in a city full of “the bests.” Thank you Anson!“

“This place is ok. We got the oyster, and I was surprised how unflavored it tastes, and I've eaten oysters around the world. The only reason I am giving this place a 4 star is because of the gumbo. OMG, the best I've ever had. Can't stop thinking about it. A must for everyone.“

“We were worried Hymans would be a tourist trap with how much it’s hyped up in Charleston. Turns out it’s as good as everyone says! The cajun haddock and chilean sea bass croquettes were amazing. They have a gluten free menu for gluten sensitive individuals but I wouldn’t recommend for celiac given there’s a lot of cross contamination risk that the restaurant acknowledges. The sea scallop dinner was tasty and a super generous portion.“

“Bar 167 is everything you love about Charleston food and drinks in one chill, intimate space. Leave the packed tourists at 167 Raw and book a reservation at this gem from the same team right around the corner. Excellent cocktails and wine pair with creative and delicious seafood dishes meant to share. Bar 167 masters the vibe factor that always narrowly eludes 167 Raw. Come thirsty and often. Best downtown spot for lunch, ‘bar’ none.“

“Absolutely fantastic experience at The Establishment. The food was really awesome, but what really set this restaurant above its competitors was the level of service. All the wait staff, everyone, was phenomenally well trained and did an exceptional job. This was our first time going, but it's now on my short list of favorite restaurants in Charleston. Very, very highly recommended.“

“Went here for brunch. This place has great service and atmosphere. The menu is fantastic but the execution just wasn’t 100% ie the portions are small for the price as some other reviews mentioned. We had the fried rice with short rib and maybe six small pieces of short rib and then 95% rices. The flavors were good but why skimp on the meat. So nice place overall but food it hit/miss for the price so just be ready for that“

“When you walk into High Cotton, you immediately feel like you are having a quintessential Charleston experience. It's a very pretty restaurant in the heart of downtown. All staff is very attentive, friendly and accommodating. It's quite popular and was very crowded and noisy on a Saturday night. It does have a fun vibe. There was even a live band.Now, for the food. Unfortunately, the food is underwhelming. We give it 4 stars because the ingredients are obviously high quality and fresh. The lapse comes in the cooking.She crab soup was nice and creamy, but lacked crab flavor. The addition of some salt helped, but it just wasn't spectacular. Broiled oysters were too salty, and the combination of flavors with the Serrano ham and manchego didn't quite work. Halibut was a beautiful piece of fish, but came with a rather small amount of very subtle lemon butter sauce. It depended almost entirely on the smoked trout roe that topped it for flavor. The tile fish special was also very fresh, but the "leek sauce" accompaniment was so paltry, you didn't even notice it. The potatoes on the side were bland. Interestingly, the sautéed spinach that came with it was very tasty. Shrimp and grits was fresh, but also bland. We've had better at the pub across the way. The duck was interesting - smoked. It was tasty, but again, all one predominant flavor. Bread was fresh and warm but did not have much flavor. Desserts sounded great but were unremarkable. Chocolate silk pie was rich, but we've had better. The passion cake, which should have been a riot of flavors with mango, passion fruit and pineapple, was bland. You could barely taste the fruits.Overall, it felt like the chef's main purpose was to serve fresh food very simply. However, the cooking showed no finesse, and generally lacked flavor. Things were oversalted or undersalted, and nothing had a complexity of flavors. For the price point of this restaurant, you can do much better at several other Charleston restaurants. As friendly as the staff was, we will likely not go back, unless the food improves.“

“Fantastic food and service. We had the hush puppies, clam wraps, char grilled oysters, dark fried chicken. Also a couple beers and frozen gin tonics capped with a chocolate shake. All were fantastic. Only negative was the chicken was a little too bland for my liking. Oysters were incredible!Our server, Dorey was friendly and very helpful. Exactly the type of server I truly appreciate!“

“From the moment you walk in, Chubby Fish in Charleston captures the essence of a truly memorable dining experience. This charming seafood spot not only offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere but also excels in delivering innovative dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients.The menu, although compact, bursts with unique and flavorful seafood creations that change regularly, keeping the offerings exciting and seasonally fresh. The chef’s ability to balance classic Southern flavors with modern culinary techniques is nothing short of brilliant. Standout dishes include the perfectly seared scallops and the succulent lobster roll, both of which are must-tries.The service at Chubby Fish complements their exquisite dishes with staff that are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, making you feel right at home. Pair this with their thoughtfully curated wine and craft cocktail selections, and you have the perfect backdrop for a delightful evening.What sets Chubby Fish apart is their commitment to sustainability and supporting local fishermen, ensuring that each dish not only tastes good but also feels good to support. Whether you’re a Charleston local or just visiting, Chubby Fish is a culinary jewel not to be missed. A true five-star experience that leaves you planning your next visit before you've even left!“

“This placed lived up to the hype! Food was fantastic! Our server was very accommodating & provided a dairy free option for my wife that was not on the menu. Great vibe to the restaurant which was buzzing with all the diners eating there. Can’t recommend this place enough!!! Go there you won’t be disappointed!“

“My Lyft Driver recommended this place and it was AMAZING! Great atmosphere and food. The only restaurant on the water in Charleston!Dietary restrictions: Nice gluten free options noted clearly on the menu! Which turns out is really hard to find in the rest of Charleston!“

“10/10 experience and we will definitely be back! Our server was wonderful and the entire staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was top tier and the scallops were the best I've ever had! We shared the mixed berry cobbler with strawberry cheesecake ice cream and it was out of this world! I cannot say enough about The Peacock..absolutely amazing!“

“Nico has amazing seafood and drinks. As well as dessert. Their service is amazing and very welcoming. Thank you for Noah our server for being great and helpful with all of his recommendations. Definitely eat their ice cream and brownie for dessert!!“

“Absolutely love this place. Service was amazing the staff have a family type vibe. I felt right at home after sitting down. The atmosphere is really light and beachy with a great DJ to go along. Some of the best seafood in chsrleston the oysters and fish won't disappoint.“

“Truly outstanding! I have visited Charleston for years, and yes there are good restaurants downtown, BUT Grace and Grit is equal or tops them!! We dined twice, and both times the food is exquisitely executed, so fresh, flavors created with great care, service each time over the top excellent! The manager came over and was truly a gem! He cares so much for the patrons, restaurant and staff, and it shows! Facility is spotless, modern, and very inviting. Lots of choices for beverages, and bourbon lovers will be ecstatic with 400 choices! Try the local appetizer clams, I am still craving them they are so good! We are from Florida, and their key lime pie is better than the original in Key West, and honestly other places I have had in Florida. Loved everything, from salad, to clams, oysters, fish all so fresh, and my husband had their pork chop that was also beyond excellent! This is our new favorite place first over anything famous downtown. Don't pass up- you will be sorry you missed. Location just a minute over the bridge, no challenges for parking as free large lot.“

“What can I say about this place, it was one of the best restaurants I've been too. Charleston you got it right with this one! The food and service was 10/10 not to mention the waiter Greg was the truth! I will visit here every time I'm in Charleston.“

“The food was delicious, our server (Joshua) was wonderful, and the atmosphere is pretty laid back. I would highly recommend, if you're in the mood for seafoodDietary restrictions: If you have a gluten allergy, they have a gluten free menu to suite your needs.“

“Absolutely wonderful!! From ahi appetizer to main courses: crab encrusted grouper (!) And scallops and flounder to mud pie. Why have we never ate here before in all our trips to Charleston. No need to go downtown to get a 5 star meal. Everyone was delightful and great service from Alicia. Celebrating a late birthday. HOME RUN!“

“Service was good, quick and thoughtful when asked for opinions.Crab cakes platter brunch was good. Was recommended the Mac and cheese as a local favorite, but I thought it was just mac and cheese. Crab cakes were good.Also had the cinnamon bun waffle and meat mix. Didn't think this meal was enough. Waffles were a bit claggy, biscuit was buttery though. Friend thought it was dry though.“

“From the minute we walked in to the minute we left, it was a positive experience.I had the grilled flounder. Out of this world. It might have been the best meal we have had since we arrived. We four all thoroughly enjoyed our dinners and can't wait to go back.The staff were excellent. Super service with discretion and efficiency.My only complaint is that we've been here for five weeks and didn't go earlier. Live and learn.Highly recommend this most excellent restaurant.Dietary restrictions: Our table mate has shellfish allergies and the server assured her that her dish would be cooked separately in a fresh pan.“

“We had a wonderful experience at dinner last night! We were looking at the tables surrounding us for ideas and everyone's dinner looked scrumptious. We both had grouper with creamy grits and I'm picky about my grits. They were perfect!! Our server was experienced and very attentive. It was our first visit to the restaurant and we will definitely return several times before we leave the island.“

“London was amazing. Friendly, and fast! She anticipated our needs, made great suggestions for our entrees and was very timely with our refills. Thank you for the excellent service!An unexpected surprise was the staff singing happy birthday to my daughter. Thank you again.“

“The absolute best place to get proper fish and chips!!!! I've been coming to this place for years and it's never disappointed!!! If you're ever in the mood for fish and chips Get down here and try it!!!Parking: Parking is a dirt lot, shared with other establishmentsKid-friendliness: Patio seating“

“The food is great as well as our server Paige. She was very welcoming and provided great service. The food was fresh, not to mention the view is great as our party ate outside for lunch. I would highly recommend to try this restaurant if you haven’t already.“

“We sat at the bar. Took some time to be served a drink, but once we had the bartender's attention, the rest was great! We ordered 2 dozen raw oysters at Happy Hour price, a great value. Very fresh & served with 3 different sauces, as well as a bottle of yummy local hot sauce. Lovely place, very popular. All ages were welcome.“

“My dining experience was one of the most enjoyable years. From our cocktails to the Bulls Bay Clams. The Grouper and Flounder Entree was declcious and cooked perfectly. Then we finished our meal off the desert. I would highly recommend that if you're in town looking for a delicious, relaxing dining experience, give The Tempest a try. Btw- My wife thanks the staff for her flower..“

“Great place, excellent food, reasonably priced, and fantastic service. It's an absolute gem on James Island worthy of downtown Charleston. Never had something I didn't like. From a fine Charcuterie board to an Italian BLT... steak to chicken and waffles. Lovely outdoor seating area and an elegant yet comfortable bar. It's definitely worth a visit.“

“Wow, what an incredible restaurant! From the service to the atmosphere to the food, gee, it really hits all the marks! I want to express my gratitude to the incredible staff for making my visit absolutely incredible. I’ve talked so highly of this restaurant, and I haven’t even mentioned the incredible, high quality cups. From top to bottom, this may be the best restaurant ever!“

“Poogans Porch continues to impress with each visit. Returning for the third time over several years, I'm consistently met with exceptional food and service. While the fried chicken with collards and peas remains a favorite, I ventured to try the catch of the day—flounder with grit cake and asparagus—and was blown away, particularly by the amazing grit cake. Throughout the meal, the attentive and friendly service ensured that our glasses were never empty. Poogans Porch truly delivers on both taste and hospitality, making it a perennial favorite.“

“Excellent service. Food was mostly fantastic. We had a variety of raw oysters, baked oysters, shrimp on a flavorful broth, fish of the day (Tile fish w an incredible cream sauce), shrimp and grits and flounder Milanese. The Flounder was breaded, crispy and pretty thin, so not very moist and frying kills many a fish. The tile fish was fantastic w asparagus and peas and that wonderful sauce, but the portion was tiny- maybe 3 oz, tops? Moist, flavorful but just not enough for $40+ . Maybe a cup of vegetables? Shrimp and grits were seasoned well- not overly salty, generous portion. My son, a crab cake expert, loved the slaw that came with the dish and scored the crab cake at 7.5/10 . A little too shredded, missing moist lumps of crab. Drinks were creative and good. Desserts were very tasty (a very good, moist cheesecake) but over-priced. Dinner a drinks for 4 of us was $400.“

“This was the final restaurant that I ate at with a group of friends while we were on Sullivans Island last week. This very well may have been the best restaurant that we ate at. It’s definitely hard to get a reservation here so act early. For good reason because the food is excellent as is the service. I enjoyed the seafood curry dish. Located right off the main strip. We rode bikes up there and had Aab experience. Overall five star review.!????‍♂️“

“Delightful crabhouse right by Market St. We were seated upstairs and loved the ambiance. Started with hush puppies, which are definitely a must! They come with honey butter. We also shared the shrimp with grits and cheese along with the shrimp po boy. Both dishes were terrific. Although, the po boy was a little small for the price.“

“I was in town for work and went to Hymans for dinner on a Wednesday night at the recommendation of a local. Food was fantastic. Complimentary hush puppies. We got crab soup, salmon croquettes, and fried shrimp tacos, and they were all delicious. Clifton h's service was SUPERB and even though it was busy, he kept us entertained and fed. Great experience, and will absolutely return on my next trip into town.“

“We were looking for a place for happy hour and oysters and have enjoyed the Bay St location so we thought we would give the West Ashley spot a try and so glad we did. We sat at the bar by the shucking area and learned more about oysters from Doyle than we thought possible. The oysters were all excellent and you must try the char-broiled oysters for an app. They were fantastic. All of the staff were very friendly and attentive and we really liked the home town, neighborhood atmosphere. If you're looking for a great place for oysters away from the tourists this is the place. Sit on the right side of the bar and visit with Doyle. You'll be glad you did.“

“Food was delicious, I got the Bookmaker sandwich and fries. Sandwich was on the smaller side for the price point though, definitely not lacking in flavor and quality however. I will say the downside to this visit was the service, we were sat quickly after going in, but we were checked on/visited by our server about every 15-20 minutes. Never offered refills on our drinks, had to ask another server (who wasn't assigned to our table) for a refill. I've been in the industry myself before and I am typically graceful to restaurant employees because I know the struggles. It seemed like he was waiting outside tables mainly but was given a few inside tables as well, this can be very difficult for a waiter/waitress so I understand when one is stretched too thin. Nonetheless I feel like this is a good restaurant overall, just needs some improvements in service.“

“Ate her twice during our trip to Charleston, and recommend it to anyone. Starting with great she crab soup through a good selection of drinks, appetizers and entrees, we thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant. The mussels were excellent, and the seafood platter is a welcome change from commercial fried fare.“

“I had a couple of girlfriends in town and wanted to take them somewhere that we could sit outside by the beach to have mimosas and oysters. Colin was our server and he was amazing! He set the tone for a such a fun stop in our day. He was attentive even when all of his other tables filled up. I already know I’m going to go back but if I see Colin working, I will ask to be seated with him!“

“Came in from a cruise and asked a few natives where to get some Charleston cuisine from a black owned restaurant and they all said "Gillies". My family of 8, ate and dined sufficiently. The food was great!!! Food seems fresh and made to order but worth the wait.“

“From exquisite presentation to unparalleled freshness, every bite is a symphony of flavors. The ingredients were fresh, the dining ambiance was intimate and the wine pairings were perfect! The omakase experience is a masterpiece of tradition and innovation, leaving you craving more. A must-visit for oyster and raw fish aficionados seeking luxury and impeccable service. We can’t wait to go back!!“

“Dillan was an amazing waiter. He recommended the halibut entree and the Elvis dessert. We also ordered shrimp and grits and a side of squash. Everything was beyond our expectations. Honestly the best meal this trip. We’re staying at the Vendue as well. Honestly, the hotel (Allyson- curator) and the restaurant, AND the service ,AND the people , do not disappoint. And, and, and ,and, and….. go there an experience the Vendue!!!!“

“Ordered the soft shell crab special… it was HUGE! Got two of them along with risotto and broccoli. We had good service but witnessed a few customers coming up to staff saying they needed service at their table. Otherwise we were just fine. Husband got the new Tuna bowl… which was also amazing. I will say my soft soft crab special, being $49.95, should have been disclosed ahead of time (the cost.) I probably would have still ordered as the dish was a ton of food but for others, maybe something to consider. I wish I snapped a pic of it. Broccoli was cooked PERFECTLY and the risotto was sooo good. It had corn and asparagus cuts in it. Amazing. Overall, great experience, with friendly staff.“

“I've been here several times now, the workers definitely recognize me haha. I've brought in different friends each time and hopefully I'll be able to bring my bf here one day when it comes down to Charleston. Every time I come here the food is delicious! I will for sure be coming here or ordering take out from here once a month at the very least! These photos are from the times I've come here and tried something different.“

“In a foodie city like Charleston, Coda Del Pesce stands at the top of the pack all its own. Always great food, lovely service and a gorgeous restaurant both inside and out -- heck of a view at sunset. Can be a bit pricey but worth it! (PS: I miss Trattoria Lucca every single day)“

“Our son's wedding rehearsal dinner at Red Drum was truly exceptional, and I can't praise it enough. Every aspect of the evening exceeded our expectations. The staff was not only professional but also warm and friendly, ensuring that every guest felt welcomed. The food was outstanding, receiving numerous compliments for both its variety and quality. The manager went above and beyond to accommodate our requests, making us feel at ease throughout the entire event. Words can't express how pleased we were with our experience. Red Drum has certainly won us over as lifelong patrons, and I'll confidently recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.Parking: Not a ton of parking at the restaurant, but plenty of on street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.“