5 cutting-edge restaurants to visit now in Charleston

by OpenTable team

Updated December 21, 2022

When chef Louis Osteen, a Southern food champion, first served shrimp and grits at Charleston Grill in 1989, it was a game changer for elevating humble, home-cooked plates. Though it’s been a few decades since that iconic culinary moment, the spirit of innovation is alive and well in the Holy City.

An enterprising chef and animal rights activist dishes up an all-vegan, Asian-inspired menu downtown. A glamorous hotel bar, named one of South Carolina’s most photogenic spots, pushes back on the casual trend and harkens back to more elegant times. A seafood destination blazes new trails for introducing a first-of-its-kind tipping program to boost wages and attract new employees.

These five spots are serving food and experiences on their own terms in Charleston. Read on for a collection of the city’s most unique restaurants to book right now.

Indaco

4.8

4.8 (3846)

$30 and under

Italian

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Indigo Road Restaurant Group, the hospitality force behind Indaco, boasts a slew of cutting-edge initiatives aimed at taking care of both diners and employees. At Indaco, a rustic Italian spot serving wood-fired pizza, cured sausages, and hand-crafted pasta, employees receive more than classic benefits such as insurance and a 401K. They also get home-buying assistance, free mental health counseling, and—the latest perk—winter and summer breaks. The company builds a culture that encourages professional and creative growth for its employees, hoping the newest dishwasher will take the opportunity to build a long-term career with Indigo Road. In an industry known for harsh working conditions and a lack of benefits, a forward-thinking restaurant group that prides itself on taking care of its people is a unicorn indeed—but one that inspires others to follow suit.

Top review

Jason

Dined 2 days ago

A Perfect Evening at Indaco – Exceptional Italian Cuisine in Charleston Indaco in Charleston exceeded all expectations with an unforgettable dining experience. Brittany took exception care of us all night with a wonderful wine selection. From start to finish, every dish was a masterpiece, showcasing fresh ingredients, expert preparation, and bold flavors. We began with the burrata salad, which was beautifully balanced—creamy burrata paired with ripe tomatoes, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a touch of balsamic that brought everything together. Next came the calamari, perfectly crispy yet tender, accompanied by a bright and zesty dipping sauce that kept us coming back for more. For the main course, we indulged in a variety of offerings. The pizza was a standout—wood-fired to perfection with a blistered crust, rich tomato sauce, and just the right amount of cheese and toppings. The pork loin was cooked to juicy perfection, served alongside a flavorful accompaniment that complemented its richness. The agnolotti, delicate pasta pillows filled with a luscious filling, were coated in a velvety sauce that made every bite a delight. To end on a sweet note, the cannoli dessert was simply divine—crispy fried donuts with smooth, lightly sweetened ricotta and a hint of citrus that elevated the flavors. The ambiance at Indaco was warm and inviting, and the service was top-notch—attentive without being intrusive. Whether you’re a local or visiting Charleston, Indaco is a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional Italian cuisine. We can’t wait to return!

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Popular dish

Sausage

Camellias

4.7

4.7 (301)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

With its pink marble bar and glittering crystal chandelier, Camellias, in the Hotel Bennett, bucks the casual dining trend to embrace vintage glamor. Everything about Camellias, which has earned accolades from the Food Network (for being South Carolina’s most Instagrammable bar) and USA Today, runs counter to current trends, making it an old-fashioned spot that’s blazing an elegant path. The offerings skew decadent with an extensive list of bubbles, plus extravagant caviar service. A formal afternoon tea menu features flutes of rosé, finger sandwiches, and delicate pastries. Though jackets aren’t required, they are recommended to match the elegant surroundings. At Camellias, it’s cool to be formal again.

Top review

MarthaVIP

Dined on Jan 24, 2025

I come quite often after 5pm for the champagne room. This was my first time doing afternoon tea and I can’t wait to come again! Gluten free options were also available. Ask for Tyler, he’s an incredible server!

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Experience

Valentine's Day Champagne & Caviar

Well Hung Vineyard and Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (755)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

As its name suggests, nothing is taken too seriously at this quirky, one-of-a-kind hangout. Owner Anthony Herring, who opened the restaurant’s first two locations in Virginia, sources wine from some of the best vineyards in California, Washington, and Oregon, offering bottles with irreverent names such as Pop Your Cork and Happy Ending. Diners can explore different varietals by ordering sample flights, purchasing bottles to take home, or joining a wine club that sends quarterly shipments. An eclectic menu, filled with comforting plates such as shrimp and grits, salads, and pizza, changes every three months. Herring’s lighthearted approach to vino stands out in Charleston, and it’s won many fans since opening in February of 2022.

Top review

Michele

Dined 6 days ago

Great little spot for great food! Our server, Hunter, was wonderful.

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Popular dish

Well Hung Waffle Burger

Tempest

4.6

4.6 (2385)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

During the challenging days of reopening after pandemic-induced closures, Tempest and its sibling restaurants in the 5th Street Group (including New American spot Church & Union ) launched a groundbreaking program called Tip the Kitchen. In an attempt to increase restaurant wages and attract new employees, the hospitality group got creative, adding a line item on receipts that let diners send voluntary tips to the kitchen, which the restaurant matches up to $500 a day. Not only did Tip the Kitchen result in an employment application uptick, but the program raised $2 million for kitchen workers—and increased their average pay. The pandemic forced many restaurants to pivot, and the 5th Street Group’s efforts show how stretching the imagination uplifted a hard-hit industry.

Top review

Parker

Dined 3 days ago

Our experience was top tier. This is a wonderful restaurant to have any celebration or even just a date night out. The food was wonderful in presentation and in taste. Our service was top notch and the MOD was very kind and helpful to make our experience one to remember. Definitely come check this place out if you’re in the area, you won’t regret it!

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4.6

4.6 (399)

$30 and under

Vegan

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

When an experienced restaurateur becomes an animal rights activist, the result is a dining room that serves avant-garde vegan fare. Neon Tiger owner John Adamson teamed up with activist chef Doug McNish to develop a vegan menu that works magic. One of the most dazzling items on the menu is a riff on calamari using king trumpet mushrooms (it’s also gluten-free). Other standout dishes include a whole-roasted blackened cauliflower platter and a variety of pizzas topped with pea protein products. Since its opening in 2020, Neon Tiger has won over vegan and non-vegan Charlestonians, proving that it’s possible to eat well without animal products. For Adamson, Neon Tiger is just the beginning of a larger plan that involves franchising the concept. His ultimate goal is to establish it as a B Corp (a business that meets high social and environmental standards) so it can support nonprofit organizations that raise awareness about the effects of animal agriculture on the planet.

Top review

AndiCVIP

Dined on Mar 29, 2024

Amazingly creative and flavorful vegan food. Always such a vibe at Neon Tiger. Very sad to see it go. 💛 Thanks for everything.