Downtown Charleston Restaurants
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Burwell's Stone Fire Grill
Price: Expensive•Steakhouse•4.9(3,707)Diners Choice Ten years running, aligned with extraordinary cocktail bar, make this 14 N Market Street stop a must for steak and seafood lovers. Burwell’s is a true leader in progressing hospitality, from use of the entire resource to local ingredients not harmful to our communities or environment. From shrimp to beef, you’ll only taste the best at Burwell’s. One of a kind, unlike any steakhouse back home, and one of the must visits in Charleston. Visit while in the historic Market Distirct.
You can expect a casual, thoughtful design features highlighting Charleston and its rich history throughout. Burwell’s takes great pride in being approachable to all, with high craft memorable food, ensuring guests a warm and welcoming Charleston visit. Don't miss the Wagyu!
Best place to dine in the low country - South Magazine
One of Charleston’s “local favorites” - bon appetit grub crawl
Walk-ins welcome, Burwell’s popular bar is available for full menu dining
Plenty of parking near byO-Ku
Price: Moderate•Japanese•4.9(2,864)O-Ku, a Japanese restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a triumph of execution and concept. The restaurant's menu is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, and it features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are prepared with care. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are both complex and delicate. Focused on incorporating authentically Japanese flavors into the fare, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature contemporary Japanese entrées and traditional sushi of the season reflecting the uniquely designed space. Guests can enjoy chef specialties including kurobuta pulled pork don-buri, braised short rib with shiso pesto, coconut curry, and hakozushi a box-style sushi. A wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and crudos are also available. The beverage program at O-Ku is a sophisticated blend of specialty cocktails, premium sake, bubbles, red and white wines and unique beer selections.
The Establishment
Price: Very Expensive•Seafood•4.8(2,810)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.Indaco
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.8(3,953)Located on Charleston's Upper King Street, Indaco (Italian for "indigo") serves rustic Italian cuisine. Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, housemade salami and cured sausages fill the restaurant's menu which can be enjoyed family-style or a la carte. With community tables, an open kitchen, and a comfortable atmosphere, Indaco can accommodate 100 guests for a casual night of food and drinks. The wine list is focused on affordable Italian varietals, the Negroni cocktail is on tap, and the fresh sodas are made in-house. The massive wooden doors on Upper King Street are your first indication that Indaco is different from the typical Charleston restaurant. Rustic details continue inside with butcherblock tables, lime-wash walls, and white brick. An open kitchen with nearby community tables lets interested diners keep an eye on the action inside the kitchen. Outside, a patio puts you streetside to watch Upper King Street's vibrant nightlife scene.
Sorghum & Salt
Price: Expensive•Tapas / Small Plates•4.7(397)Vegetable & seafood driven small plates with a seasonal, always-revolving menu served in a trendy, industrial setting combining upscale fare with a laid back experience. Our tasting menu is available in the entire restaurant 6 days a week. Selected for OpenTables "Top 10 Diners' Choice Winners in Charleston" in 2021!Tempest
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.7(2,452)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.
Victor's Seafood and Steak
Price: Expensive•American•4.4(634)Victor’s Seafood & Steak featurees an elegant dining room with a menu serving shareable appetizers such as seafood towers, and oysters and classic steakhouse entrees, and local seafood specialties. The centerpiece bar offers signature cocktails, as well as a selection of barrel-aged cocktails, beer, and wine.
*menus subject to change, pleas visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menuPeninsula Grill
Price: Very Expensive•American•4.6(8,148)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.
Pelato - Charleston
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.5(141)Pelato, the beloved Brooklyn-Italian restaurant is a family-run eatery offering a memorable dining experience with small plates featuring cherished family recipes. A mural wall adorned with original photographs reflects the family's Brooklyn heritage.
The menu celebrates authentic Italian flavors with a Brooklyn twist, featuring classic dishes like Potato Croquettes, Baked Clams Oreganata, and Chicken Parmigiana, along with house-made pastas. Don't miss the classic desserts like rainbow cookies & zeppoles to complete your meal.
Outdoor dining available year-round in our enclosed, covered, & heated patio.
20% gratuity will be applied to groups of 6 or more. Split checks may be divided up to 4 credit cards at equal value. A corkage fee of $45 per 750ml will be applied to guests bringing their own wine (limit 2 bottles). A dessert plating fee of $5 per person will be applied to any outside desserts. Due to high demand, tables are subject to a 2-hour limit.Virginia's on King
Price: Moderate•Southern•4.6(3,221)This sophisticated Southern dining spot blends the comforts of a traditional Southern kitchen with familiar regional dishes prepared with the utmost care for quality and flavor. The menu incorporates local fresh ingredients and old family recipes to bring you Southern cooking, Lowcountry style.
*menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menus
Outdoor dining in South Carolina
See what locals rave about in Downtown Charleston
- JJeffVIPSouthwest Florida •78 reviews4.0Dined 2 days agoGreat meal. Alex, our server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Made good suggestions. Our first time dining here - a definite redo.More infoCoast Bar & Grill – CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston•4.4
- NNinaCleveland / Akron / Canton •1 review5.0Dined 6 days agoWonderful environment, friendly staff, meal was wonderful.More infoVictor's Seafood and SteakPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston•4.4
- TTomSan Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews5.0Dined 6 days agoOur meal was absolute amazing and our waiter, Dwayne was excellent. He was very polite and attentive. We plan on returning soon.More info39 Rue de Jean - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown Charleston•4.3
- TTomSouth Carolina •12 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 4, 2025Excellent service, as always, and great service. Virginia's is incredibly consistent.More infoVirginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston•4.6
- DDaveSouth Carolina •11 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 2, 2025great service, great good is all someone can ask forMore infoO-KuPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Downtown Charleston•4.9
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Discover Downtown Charleston
The downtown area of Charleston is rich in South Carolina state history and features a wide assortment of restaurants. Seafood is abundant in town as it's caught fresh daily. From tourists to locals, food is on the mind of many while they are walking along the city streets. You'll find that grits are a staple for downtown Charleston along with specially prepared coffees. There are outdoor cafes that allow you to enjoy the scenery, and oyster roasts are held by the dock. Meals are prepared fresh so that you can enjoy the flavors that blend together. Southern charm is found in older restaurants that feature picture windows, giving a brilliant view of people passing by on the city streets.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Downtown Charleston is Coterie- Charleston
The best vegan restaurants in Downtown Charleston are Sorghum & Salt, Ma'am Saab and Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
The best vegetarian restaurants in Downtown Charleston are Ma'am Saab, Pelato - Charleston and Sorghum & Salt
The restaurants with the best service in Downtown Charleston are Historic Charleston Supper Club, Stars Restaurant - Rooftop & Grill Room and The Darling Oyster Bar
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Downtown Charleston are Historic Charleston Supper Club, The Darling Oyster Bar and Stars Restaurant - Rooftop & Grill Room
Explore OpenTable
- Charleston County Courthouse
- Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park
- Charleston Historic District
- Charleston City Marina
- Fort Sumter Ferry Liberty Square
- Courtyard Charleston Waterfront
- Meeting Street Suite
- Marion Square
- Maison de Fleurs
- Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel
- Francis Marion Hotel
- USS Yorktown CV-10
- Aiken Rhett House
- St. Michael's Episcopal Church
- Rainbow Row
- West Point Rice Mill
- King Charles Inn
- Charleston Harbor Marina
- Congressional Medal of Honor Museum
- Charleston Waterfront Park