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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown Charleston

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4967)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 31 times today
Charleston’s freshest seafood, with laidback Lowcountry style. Coast’s chefs meet daily with local farmers and fishermen to procure the freshest seafood and produce available. Featuring wood-grilled fish, a raw bar, and a refreshing drink list. Open nightly from 5:00. Outdoor seating available.*menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menu
A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3028)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 39 times today
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
A photo of 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant
4.4
Awesome(5129)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown Charleston
Booked 52 times today
39 Rue de Jean in downtown Charleston is a neighborhood gem, serving authentic French cuisine since 2000. Reviews rave about the 'impeccable' food, 'excellent' service, and 'cozy bistro' atmosphere. One reviewer even claimed it makes them feel like they're in Paris! The restaurant's unique location in a historic building and its reasonable wine selection make it a local favorite.
A photo of O-Ku restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2740)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown Charleston
Booked 53 times today
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.
A photo of The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1795)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 13 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 Church and Union - Charleston restaurant
4.5
Awesome(8564)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 130 times today
A 5th Street Group Concept. Modern-American cuisine served in a casual yet refined atmosphere. Menu by Executive Chef Doug Watson & Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch.
A photo of Peninsula Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7990)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 26 times today
This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant located in the very heart of Charleston’s famed Historic District has been recognized by Departures, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, Wine Spectator, and others for serving the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally and globally. With velvet-lined walls in shimmering oyster tones, woven seagrass, and indigenous cypress molding, the Peninsula Grill Dining Room ambiance is supper club sumptuousness. The Peninsula Grill Champagne Bar is an intimate jewel box space that offers several outstanding champagnes by the glass and a delicious bar menu.Peninsula Grill is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of restaurants and hotels in romantic destinations around the world. Business casual attire, Collared Shirts are required for Gentleman in the Dining Room.
A photo of Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5059)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 44 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 Oak Steakhouse - Charleston restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5542)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Downtown Charleston
Booked 45 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 Anson restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4828)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 22 times today
Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Danielle
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The food was terrific. We arrived for our reservation early and enjoyed some HH drinks and apps at the bar. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks and the menu. We ended up having dinner at the bar too and taking the recommendations of the bar staff. I would certainly return and recommend this restaurant to others.
    More info
    Coast Bar & Grill – CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
    4.4
  • Amber
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a wonderful brunch at Virginia on King. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding from the manager to our waitress! Thank you all for an enjoyable morning! Merry Christmas🎄
    More info
    Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
    4.6
  • Margaret
    Coastal Georgia •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This was some of the best sushi my family and I have ever had. And we eat a lot of sushi. The service was amazing, Sam was very helpful in providing personal recommendations. Sake flight was delicious. Truly, out of all the restaurants we’ve been to, I don’t have a single complaint from o-ku. Definitely worth the trip
    More info
    O-KuPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Downtown Charleston
    4.8
  • Don
    South Carolina •43 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We have lived in Charleston for 24 years and this is our first visit to this restaurant. It was one of the best meals we’ve had in the city. Delicious food, both French and American and a great place to eat. We were right next-door to the music venue we were going to. The service was superb. I recommend those who have just come to Charleston and who might have been here a while, but not gone yet to try this place out. You will not be disappointed.
    More info
    39 Rue de Jean - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown Charleston
    4.4
  • Meg
    Virginia •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Eric was very helpful with my gluten allergies. My husband ordered Shrimp and Grits and the waiter recommended the mini versus dinner size portion which is quite large. My Risotto and scallops were delicious. The Pear salad was quite good and was plentiful with cranberries, gorgonzola and toasted pecans. The ambiance was delightful with a piano man playing Christmas Carols.
    More info
    The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion HotelPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
    4.4

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Downtown Charleston

Discover the charm of Downtown Charleston, South Carolina through its array of neighborhood gems that offer unique and memorable dining experiences. These restaurants, celebrated for their authenticity and cozy atmospheres, provide a culinary journey that ranges from local Southern delights to exotic international flavors. Each spot is renowned for blending excellent cuisine with exceptional service, making every meal a special occasion. The dining scene in Downtown Charleston is vibrant and diverse, catering to food lovers who appreciate both innovation and tradition. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, French bistro fare, or creative vegan dishes, you’ll find a restaurant that not only satisfies your cravings but also enchants with its ambiance. These neighborhood gems are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a meal in a setting that feels both inviting and exclusive. Make your next reservation in Downtown Charleston and experience why these eateries are beloved by both locals and visitors alike.

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