Best Fun Restaurants in James Island

45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant

1. Church and Union - Charleston

4.5

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown Charleston

Booked 162 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.

2. Rudy Royale

4.5

Awesome(868)

Price: Moderate

• Southern • Downtown Charleston

Booked 36 times today

Rudy Royale combines a fun atmosphere with approachable yet elevated seasonal cuisine. This establishment has an extensive cocktail list and takes pride in serving a great selection of local beers. Chef & Owner Macready Downer consistently elevates and updates our menu to provide something new and delicious every visit. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the service is top-notch. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a special occasion dinner, Rudy Royale is sure to please. Make a reservation today -- we'd love to serve y'all. Event & Private Dining Spaces Available.

3. Mesu

4.6

Exceptional(713)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Mexican • Downtown Charleston

Booked 18 times today

Mesu is a vibrant Charleston hotspot on Upper King Street, where urban street art meets the flavors of Mexico and Japan. Our menu features a diverse selection of tacos and sushi, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Complement your meal with an extensive list of premium tequilas and sakes, or explore our creative cocktail menu. Whether you make a reservation or walk in, Mesu offers a unique dining experience in the heart of the city with a lively atmosphere.

4. Camellias

4.6

Exceptional(296)

Price: Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Downtown Charleston

Booked 13 times today

Reservations are not accepted for Standard Service.Reservations are required for Afternoon Tea and Special Experiences.Discover an unparalleled Afternoon Tea experience at Camellias, where design and architecture intertwine to create a breathtaking wonder inspired by the renowned Fabergé jewels. Step into a realm of elegance and sophistication, where every detail, from the etched mirror ceiling to the dazzling crystal chandelier, exudes opulence and charm. Located in the heart of Charleston, Camellias presents an Afternoon Tea seating that stands as an essential experience for any bucket list.Adults | 65.00Children’s Tea (ages under 12) | 42.00Crown Tea | 78.00Pricing reflects a per-person pricing based on seats reserved.Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to your reservation. Failure to cancel 24 hours before your reservation will result in a $25/per person fee.

5. Peninsula Grill

4.6

Exceptional(8021)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown Charleston

Booked 39 times today

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.

6. Indaco

4.8

Exceptional(3824)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown Charleston

Booked 63 times today

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.

7. Anson

4.8

Exceptional(4860)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern • Downtown Charleston

Booked 31 times today

Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |

A photo of 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant

8. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

4.4

Awesome(5161)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown Charleston

Booked 59 times today

39 Rue de Jean is a fun spot for a French dining experience. Patrons rave about the personable wait staff, the enjoyable decor, and the fabulous food. As one reviewer put it, 'The food and atmosphere make now feel as thought one is in Paris.' The restaurant offers an indoor/outdoor patio seating, cocktails, and a well-rounded wine list. Plus, the service is highly praised!

9. The Establishment

4.8

Exceptional(2669)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown Charleston

Booked 29 times today

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.

A photo of Brasserie la Banque restaurant

10. Brasserie la Banque

4.6

Exceptional(1338)

Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown Charleston

Booked 64 times today

Brasserie la Banque is a fun French restaurant in downtown Charleston. The lively atmosphere, creative cuisine, and exceptional service are praised by reviewers. The ambiance is elegant yet relaxing, making it a perfect spot for impromptu drinks, convivial gatherings, and leisurely meals. As one reviewer put it, 'Fabulous atmosphere, cocktails and food! Definitely a must!' The downstairs speakeasy is a unique highlight, adding to the overall fun experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Debi
South Carolina •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Menu items and restaurant week offerings were varied and appealing. Service was prompt and attentive. Brussels sprouts were tasty but a little heavy on the bacon and cheese. Salmon entrée was good, and meatball appetizer tasty albeit a bit overly sauced. Dessert Blondie was a delicious highlight and carrot cake was pretty good, but mild.
More info
Church and Union - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
J
Joseph
South Carolina •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This is a really nice restaurant with excellent food and service.
More info
Peninsula GrillPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.6
LB
LarryB
Orange County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
We originally had reservations for 7 pm but were able to sit earlier. The service was good, and the food was excellent. I had the fried chicken and my wife had the chicken pot pie. Both were delicious. The noise level was okay and part way through the meal they changed the music to classic rock, which suited us old folks just fine. The prices were fine for downtown Charleston, and it wasn’t too busy. To be fair, it is early January. We’ll definitely be back.
More info
Rudy RoyalePrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
R
rebecca
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 28, 2024
Beautiful room and delicious food and great service! Missing was music!
More info
CamelliasPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• Downtown Charleston
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Charlotte •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
So yummy! Bao buns were such a treat
More info
MesuPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown Charleston
•
4.6

Explore OpenTable

James Island

Best Fun Restaurants in James Island

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

45 restaurants available nearby

1. Church and Union - Charleston

2. Rudy Royale

3. Mesu

4. Camellias

5. Peninsula Grill

6. Indaco

7. Anson

8. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

9. The Establishment

10. Brasserie la Banque

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable