Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Charleston

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Charleston? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

La Rustica

4.8

4.8 (136)

$30 and under

American

Summerville

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Anthony

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Love this place the food is always good we use it as our goto for special occasions.

The Refuge

4.6

4.6 (655)

$30 and under

American

Isle of Palms

About the restaurant

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Charleston sits The Refuge in Isle of Palms. This family owned and operated venue is sure to please all.
Here at The Refuge, we take pride in pleasing the palates of locals and tourists alike. Our experienced staff stands behind the recipes on our menu, and use only the freshest ingredients to ensure an unforgettable dining experience. The coastal location of The Refuge is complimented by our modern and sophisticated design, which brings an upscale aesthetic to dining in Isle of Palms.
The Refuge offers an array of menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner to fit the schedule of any island dweller. Brunch enthusiasts can take refuge in our Weekend Tide menu, overflowing with delicious creations like baked avocado and egg, or stacks of buttermilk pancakes. With a coffee bar for coffee lovers and a restaurant for foodies,

Top review

Sophia

Dined 3 days ago

Always a good experience - food, service, drinks, ambience. Always clean. Always a good special of the day. Trigger fish entree or sandwich (lunch) never disappoints.

Peninsula Grill

4.6

4.6 (8158)

$50 and over

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Diana

Dined 2 days ago

Service was extraordinary(as always). Food is fantastic and beautifully presented. Excellent selection of wine and great cocktails. Highly recommend stopping by for a drink and/or eating at the bar if you’re unable to get a reservation.

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