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Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown Charleston

Discover the best restaurants in Downtown Charleston

Explore must-try spots, new openings, and hidden gems.

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16 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Historic Charleston Supper Club restaurant
1. Historic Charleston Supper Club
4.7
Exceptional(9)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Would you like to combine Charleston’s two biggest passions, food and history? Come to The Historic Table. Located in the National Historic Landmark, the South Carolina Historical Society’s Fireproof Building in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. We offer a one of a kind 18th and 19th century dining experience, with all food authentic to the times. Indulge in a 7 course, two and a half hour feast that explores Charleston history from Colonial times to Reconstruction and beyond. Guests get a free after hours visit to the South Carolina Historical Society Museum, and the evening is narrated by Culinary Historian and Charleston expert, Mike Hebb. EAT CHARLESTON HISTORY. Honored by the Chaine de Rotisseurs.
A photo of The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel restaurant
2. The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel
4.5
Awesome(1861)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 17 times today
The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, named for Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Marion, features classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Executive Chef Heyward Davis and Chef De Cuisine Daniel James create regional specialties that emphasize farm to table practices using locally grown fruits and vegetables with respect to the traditional beloved flavors and techniques of the Lowcountry.Known for its award-winning Shrimp and Grits, The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar overlooks historic Marion Square Park and is popular with both locals and visitors to Charleston. Guests can enjoy live piano Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm - 9pm.The restaurant also has a private dining room, the Parkview, that seats thirty and overlooks King Street and Marion Square Park. This intimate space is perfect for private events and small parties.Masks are recommended for fully vaccinated customers. Consistent with CDC guidelines, unvaccinated customers should wear masks.
A photo of Peninsula Grill restaurant
3. Peninsula Grill
4.6
Exceptional(8112)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 29 times today
Peninsula Grill is an AAA Four-Diamond restaurant located in the heart of Charleston’s renowned Historic District. It has garnered recognition from prestigious publications such as Departures, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and Wine Spectator.The Peninsula Grill Dining Room exudes the luxurious atmosphere of a supper club, with velvet-lined walls in shimmering oyster tones, woven seagrass accents, and indigenous cypress molding. Adjacent to the dining area, the Peninsula Grill Champagne Bar is an intimate jewel-box space offering a selection of champagnes.A proud member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of exceptional restaurants and hotels in romantic destinations worldwide, Peninsula Grill invites guests to experience unparalleled dining. Business casual attire is requested, with collared shirts required for gentlemen in the Dining Room.
A photo of Prohibition restaurant
4. Prohibition
4.5
Awesome(2545)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 37 times today
It's true that Prohibition is a nod to the classic 1920's Speakeasy, but our elevated cuisine and progressive cocktail program are anything but old-fashioned. At Prohibition you can expect the culinary delights of Executive Chef Greg Garrison to leave you completely Jazzed, from savory local seafood to the finest cuts of meat, each dish is prepared with perfection. Kick back in our relaxing surroundings and sample the Mixology Expertise of our award winning Bar Team, led by Jim Mc Court. Our professional and passionate team are constantly striving to push the boundaries of excellence with cocktails like the 547 Manhattan and our signature Bacon Maple Old Fashioned to name but a few. Our extensive and imaginative beer, wine and liquor selection insures we can cater to all tastes.
A photo of The Establishment restaurant
5. The Establishment
4.7
Exceptional(2775)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 18 times today
Everything at The Establishment begins with well-sourced ingredients from sea and field. Through developing relationships with local farmers and fishermen, our ingredients will be consistently seasonal, fresh, and pure. Chef Elliott Howells' menu will always reflect a clean, focused, and balanced approach, delivering a selection of thoughtful and refined cuisine.Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter a few blocks away from Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, and Waterfront Park, The Establishment features an award-winning wine cellar, over 150 bourbon and whiskey offerings, and a lively bar scene complete with daily happy hour. We feature Live Music every Friday and Saturday starting at 8:00 PM, featuring multiple local artists performing an array of musical genres. Our private dining rooms are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or business meetings. We look forward to hosting you for a casual night out or an elevated dining experience.
A photo of Muse Restaurant restaurant
6. Muse Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3441)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown Charleston
Booked 20 times today
This Charleston locals’ favorite is nestled away in a historic home in downtown Charleston. The charming restaurant and intimate bar are reminiscent of a Mediterranean Villa, where Executive Chef, Josh Ogilvie, melds the cuisines of Italy, Spain, France, & Greece, featuring fresh preparations of Seafood, Fish, Savory Meats, Homemade Pastas, Homemade Bread, and Salads, all served by a warm and friendly serving staff. The extensive wine list complements the experience and offers 75 selections by the glass. The cozy bar empties out onto a terrace, offering outdoor dining and drinks. There are numerous menu items, which are gluten and dairy free and vegetarian, and there are vegan options as well.
A photo of Oak Steakhouse - Charleston restaurant
7. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston
4.7
Exceptional(5666)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Downtown Charleston
Booked 41 times today
Located on Charleston's historic Broad Street, Oak Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse. A classic array of both wet and dry aged Certified Angus® Beef are featured on the menu. Ingredients are sourced locally and regionally from sustainable farmers and fisherman to accent the steakhouse menu. Items including local oysters on the half-shell, Clammer Dave's caper clams and a daily fresh fish selection depending on the season. Other popular dishes include the whole fried lobster, goat.sheep.cow artisanal cheese plate, wedge of Kurios Farms bibb lettuce salad, the house-made pasta and vegetarian plate. The expansive and impressive wine program at Oak Steakhouse emphasizes big California Cabernets and Old World reds from Italy and Bordeaux with more than 200 wines by the bottle and 20 wines by the glass. The bar attracts a loyal, local following from nearby businesses and neighborhoods with its great cocktails and happy hour. Inside a historic bank building that dates back to 1848, Oak's stately setting features three floors with five distinct dining areas. Arched windows, 20-foot ceilings, original metal work, fireplaces and 150-year-old heart pine floors, offers the perfect setting for enjoying a special evening.
A photo of Maison restaurant
8. Maison
4.9
Exceptional(1783)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown Charleston
Booked 16 times today
Maison is a French Bistro located in downtown Charleston, SC. Our concept is food forward with bright, balanced beverages to compliment. Maison's cuisine is inspired by classic French fare recreated with a breath of modernity and local influence. Tradition meets au courant innovation. The space is intimate and paralleled with energy.
A photo of Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar restaurant
9. Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar
4.7
Exceptional(5208)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 65 times today
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar opened in 2009, reviving the former Amen name of Cumberland Street and restoring this historic corner. The new renovation stays true to the beauty of the original 1800's architecture while creating a comfortable atmosphere for contemporary life.Located at 205 East Bay Street in the heart of the historic district this Charleston seafood restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining all within walking distance of the local Market and the Charleston Harbor.The menu includes a variety of seafood dishes such as oysters, clams and shrimp in addition to an ever growing raw bar menu. Amen Street supports Charleston's local fishing industry with market fresh fish.We are open for lunch and dinner. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations are accepted as well.
A photo of Tempest restaurant
10. Tempest
4.7
Exceptional(2421)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 23 times today
Tempest has been named the country’s #1 new restaurant by readers of USA Today’s travel guide, 10Best. Located on Market Street, in the former historic Harriott Pinckney Home for Sailors, next door to sister location Church and Union Charleston. Tempest features hyper-local, sustainable Coastal Modern-American food, with a seasonal menu curated by Chef Adam Hodgson and Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Jamie Lynch.Tempest’s noteworthy raw and roast menu features both chilled and charcoal roasted options, with a variety of meats, pastas, fresh produce, and chef curated accompaniments that go beyond the sea, offering a taste for every palate.

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