South Carolina blends antebellum grandeur with pristine Atlantic coastline, Lowcountry marsh landscapes, and vibrant culinary traditions. From the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston to the sprawling Grand Strand beaches of Myrtle Beach, the lush Blue Ridge foothills of the Upstate, and the primeval cypress swamps of Congaree National Park, the Palmetto State offers an extraordinary range of experiences anchored by legendary Southern hospitality.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Husk
Popular Southern / New American restaurant in South Carolina.
Known for: Seasonal Southern cuisine using only ingredients grown or raised in the American South
76 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401
167 Raw
Popular Seafood restaurant in South Carolina.
Known for: Raw oysters, lobster rolls, and fresh local seafood
289 E Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
The Ordinary
Popular Seafood / Hall & Oyster Bar restaurant in South Carolina.
Known for: James Beard Award-winning seafood hall in a historic bank building
544 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
FIG
Popular New American / Farm-to-Table restaurant in South Carolina.
Known for: Farm-to-table Southern ingredients with French technique; James Beard-nominated
232 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Jestine's Kitchen
Popular Soul Food / Southern restaurant in South Carolina.
Known for: Classic soul food since 1997; fried chicken, lima beans, and sweet tea
251 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Leon's Oyster Shop
Popular Seafood restaurant in South Carolina.
Known for: Fried oysters, whole fried chicken, and rotating oyster bar
698 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Bertha's Kitchen
Popular Gullah / Soul Food restaurant in South Carolina.
Known for: Legendary Gullah cooking; the best rice and beans in the Lowcountry
2332 Meeting Street Road, North Charleston, SC 29405
Hall's Chophouse
Popular Steakhouse restaurant in South Carolina.
Known for: Prime USDA dry-aged steaks with Charleston warmth; family-owned Charleston institution
434 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
American
Lowcountry
French
Gullah
Mexican
Soul Food
Steakhouse
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |