10 Dishes from 10 Restaurants that Remind Us of the High Quality of the Charleston Restaurant Scene

By Mark A Leon

Charleston, South Carolina, has long been celebrated as a culinary capital, blending Lowcountry traditions with global influences. The city’s vibrant restaurant scene offers a mix of innovative dishes and timeless classics, showcasing the creativity and dedication of its chefs. Here are ten standout dishes from ten exceptional Charleston restaurants that epitomize the city’s culinary excellence.

Garlic Noodles at Pink Bellies (595 King St Ste 1, Charleston, SC)
Chef Thai Phi’s Vietnamese-inspired garlic noodles are a must-try. Topped with pork, pickled red onions, sriracha, parmesan, and oyster mushrooms, this dish is a bold fusion of flavors that reflects Phi’s heritage and creative flair.

Seafood Tower at The Ordinary (544 King St, Charleston, SC)
This King Street seafood haven serves a stunning seafood tower featuring oysters, bluefin tuna, snapper, and more. It’s a celebration of Charleston’s coastal bounty and an ideal choice for seafood lovers.

Shrimp & Grits at Husk (76 Queen St, Charleston, SC)
Husk elevates the classic shrimp and grits with locally sourced ingredients like Edisto Island grits and house-made sausage. Seasonal variations keep this Lowcountry staple fresh and exciting.

Lobster Bucatini at Lowland (36 George St, Charleston, SC)
Chef Jason Stanhope’s lobster bucatini is a luxurious take on pasta, combining fresh seafood with the chef’s New Southern cooking style in a cozy yet refined setting.

Pepper Soup at Bintü Atelier ( 8 d Line St, Charleston, SC)
Chef Bintou N’Daw brings Senegalese flavors to Charleston with her pepper soup. This spicy broth features chicken, yucca, yams, and crawfish, offering a unique taste of West Africa in the heart of the city.

Crab Cakes at The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits (75 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC)
The Watch’s seared crab cakes are served with spicy coconut-glazed rice and jalapeño corn salsa. This dish pairs Charleston’s seafood traditions with inventive flavors for a memorable dining experience.

Tomahawk Steak at Marbled & Fin (480 E Bay St, Charleston, SC)
This modern steakhouse impresses with its perfectly cooked tomahawk steak, complemented by an upscale raw bar and an extensive wine list for the ultimate indulgence.

Caviar Sandwich at Chubby Fish (252 Coming St, Charleston, SC)
Not only is Chubby Fish one of the most sought after dining spots, but now dons a James Beard Semi-Finalist. Among the wonderfully memorable dishes, we strongly recommend the caviar sandwich. This will leave an impression.

She Crab Soup at 82 Queen (82 Queen St, Charleston, SC)
A Charleston classic, 82 Queen’s creamy she crab soup is rich with local crab meat and sherry—a dish that has become synonymous with Lowcountry cuisine since the restaurant opened in 1982.

Cavatelli with Pork Sugo at The Italian Boy After Dark (207A St Philip St, Charleston, SC)
Chef Anthony Marini reinvents his sandwich shop by night to serve Italian-inspired dishes like house-made cavatelli tossed in pork sugo—a hearty, comforting dish that showcases his culinary creativity.

These ten dishes not only highlight Charleston’s diverse culinary landscape but also underscore why the city remains one of America’s top food destinations. From reimagined Southern staples to globally inspired creations, Charleston continues to set the bar for exceptional dining experiences.

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