Charleston is no doubt a foodie heaven, which is one of the (many) reasons it takes the cake for my favorite city in the US… and tied with Paris as my favorite in the world. 😉  With absolutely delicious, local restaurants everywhere you turn, sunshine and salty breezes, pastel buildings and palm trees, a happening downtown and three distinct beach towns, Charleston really has my heart!

If you didn’t know,  we lived in Charleston before moving to Stuttgart.  We recently spent a week back in the Holy City so I figured I’d round up my favorite restaurants for y’all.  There are still new restaurants opening on the reg so this list is obviously not exhaustive and I can’t include the entire city… but really anywhere you go the food will be fabulous.  So here we go!!

Day

Perfect Lunch Spots

Goat. Sheep. Cow. North (NoMo) – This restaurant is perfection to me.  The decor is gorgeous with the washed out oversized black and white tile and huge red leather bench.  From the decor to the china plates and silverware, it is spot on.  Then you get to the food and wine… and it is a home run.  French vibes, perfect wine list by the bottle or glass with heavy emphasis on Europe (yay!).  Their sandwich of the day is always perfect, and they serve the best French Onion Soup.  They also specialize in charcuterie boards and have a cheese, meat, and wine shop area with wines from my favorite Piemonte, and all of the best European regions!  I could go on but for your sake I’ll stop here 🙂

Five Loaves Cafe (Cannonborough) – Delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches.  You can do 1/2 and 1/2 of any combination.  Everything tastes fresh with some unique combinations.  My favorite is half arugula and beet salad and half hot ham and brie on croissant.

Fast and French (Broad) – I realize there is starting to be a French theme here but hey, what can you do!  Community seating only and absolutely so cute.  J’adore this place!  Get the lunch special (pictured below), which includes a glass of wine or tea.

Ted’s Butcher Block (Ansonborough) – Deli type atmosphere that also doubles as a store for meats, cheeses, and wines.  Their lunch options are awesome, my favorite is the Chicken, prosciutto, and avo sandwich with either fruit cup or mac and cheese as a side – depending on my mood. 🙂

Kudu Coffee (Harleston Village) – Didn’t think I’d leave out the cappuccinos, did ya? Kudu is hands down my favorite coffee spot in the city!!! The outdoor patio is goals goals goals.  Ivy crawling up the walls, a beautiful old fountain spewing water, and bistro lights above.  The cappuccinos here are perfect too of course.  You can take their beans to go as well if you wish to make at home!

Day or Evening

Great for Lunch or Dinner

Cru Cafe (Ansonborough) – This is such a hidden gem of a restaurant (ok maybe not that hidden!).  Located in a converted Charleston Single where you can dine inside or out on the patio.  I used to take my parents here for dinner when they’d visit to impress them.  Now, Dave and I never leave Charleston without a patio lunch of two shrimp BLTs with truffle fries and 2 glasses of Chenin Blanc. Perfection!

Fuel (Cannonborough)- Such a staple near MUSC.  The outdoor patio is amazing with palm bushes and bistro lights galore.  I love the shrimp salad, served with goats cheese, pear, and a champagne vinaigrette.  Also good for lunch, dinner, or just to hang out with friends on a nice day.  PS Guy Fieri ate here.

Poe’s (Sullivan’s Island) – Poe’s will never go out of style.  Themed after Edgar Allen Poe who lived on the island for a short stint, serving the best burgers like the Goldbug which is topped pimento cheese… yum.  Menu only serves burgers and fries or fish tacos which are equally as delicious.  Side of ocean breeze free of charge.  Lots of beers on tap, and picnic tables outside or you can dine inside with a roaring fireplace in the winter.

Co (King) – If you like Pho and Curry Laksa, this is THE place in Charleston.  Make sure to go!  Also fun to visit on Second Sundays, where King St is open to pedestrians only every second Sunday of the month.

Taco Boy (Crosstown) – Casual and so much fun, especially to meet up with a group of friends.  Mix and match tacos or their TB Salad is also great.  Don’t forget the queso and plenty of margaritas or XX on draft.  Second location on Folly Beach.

Xiao Bao Biscuit (Cannonborough) – All types of delicious Asian dishes served here.  There is a different menu for lunch and dinner so make sure to try both!  I really like the atmosphere and their cool outdoor seating.

Minero (French Quarter) – This is hands down our favorite Mexican food in Charleston and our first meal every time we come to the city from Europe (I love Germany but they just don’t do Mexican here, and it’s what we crave most because we aren’t good at making it at home!).  Sean Brock’s casual restaurant, everything here is fabulous but I especially love the Al Pastor tacos and guac with hand made chips. <3

Evening

Perfect Dinner Spots

Josephine (Cannonborough) – A new wine bar on Spring St that focuses on French wines and has lots to choose from.  The food is also great.  I had the beet and goats cheese appetizer with a spring pasta dish as a main.  The atmosphere and vibe is perfect.  This would be my go-to hang out spot if I lived in the city again!

Chez Nous (Cannonborough) – This lovely restaurant is also located in a Chas Single, and the husband-wife owners rotate the menu daily!  Two appetizers, two mains, and two desserts, each and every day.  French / Spanish influence.  This is such a quaint, perfect restaurant.  Would be good for a date or if you’re looking for a dreamy night out.

Pan e Vino (Radcliffeborough) – Old school Italian food.  So old school, I believe they still accept reservations via phone only.  Fresh, hand made pasta and absolutely delicious food.  Weekend evenings they have live jazz out on the back patio, which is also gorgeous.  This used to be our favorite date spot when we lived here.

Halls Chophouse (King) – A Charleston classic!  This family run steakhouse is Charleston hospitality at it’s finest.  They take their steaks seriously here.  You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but you must promise me to get a side of the creamed corn! It is my favorite. 🙂  Good to celebrate a special occasion or if you’re looking for a special night out!

Vintage Lounge (Upper King) – I just love this bar / restaurant / lounge.  They have a great wine list, serve small plates for dinner or even a truffled fondue served with a bunch of accoutrements which I recommend in the winter!  Extra points for the gorgeous gold foiled ceiling.

Slightly North of Brad (SNOB) (French Quarter) – Not only do I love the name but this is elevated southern food and you simply can’t go wrong here.  Beautiful restaurant and setting, I can recommend the shrimp and grits!

Felix (King) – A nice upscale restaurant, I haven’t eaten here yet but did have some nice cocktails at the bar.  A French infused beauty and their cocktail list is stellar.  How cute are their drinks?!

Oak Steakhouse (Broad) – Another steakhouse that I just love.  I always get the smaller steak that comes with truffle fries and a side of collards – theirs are the best!!!  If you’re lucky, they may seat you upstairs next to the huge ceiling medallion like we did.

FIG (Ansonborough) – I’ll end it with one of the Charleston best.  If you want a 100% fabulous meal, this is my top recommendation.  Make sure to get reservations as early as possible (think a month out if you can).  Seasonal menu and top notch service, you won’t regret it!  Have had so many date nights here in our dating years and even a fabulous multi hour friends dinner on recent trip back to the States.  FIG I <3 you!!

 

Whew!!! If you’ve made it this far you are a true foodie, yes!!! Enjoy this beautiful city, guys!! Which is your go-to?  Did I miss any of your favorites?  Let me know below!!

xx