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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown Charleston

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14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4983)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 39 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
4.5
Awesome(3054)
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(5156)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown Charleston
Booked 47 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(2752)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown Charleston
Booked 56 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(1814)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 23 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(8632)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 165 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
4.6
Exceptional(8017)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 45 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.
A photo of Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5082)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 38 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(5559)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Downtown Charleston
Booked 48 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(4854)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 35 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
  • Ronald
    South Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I use Open Table a lot. When we got to the restaurant they did not have our reservation. I showed it to them & they very cordially seated us. Just not sure if it was an Open Table issue or a restaurant issue. But otherwise a great dining experience & highly recommend VOK.
    More info
    Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
    4.5
  • Diane
    Iowa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We ate at the Swamp Fox 3 times during our stay. Each time, the food was incredible and the service amazing, especially Sylvie. The ambience was wonderful, too. We will definitely recommend the Swamp Fox and will visit again, should we return to Charleston. 
    More info
    The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion HotelPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
    4.4
  • SusanVIP
    Philadelphia County •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Sam (G.M.) helped us out in getting an accessible table. Entire team was helpful and welcoming — chef’s selections were all both interesting and delicious. Sashimi selections were far larger than expected and there were more options than I’ve seen at many sushi locations. I would definitely return and recommend to my friends.
    More info
    O-KuPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Downtown Charleston
    4.8
  • Alan
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food and service. We eat here whenever we're in Charleston. Recommend the mussels though this time we had scallops and halibut both were outstanding. My wife and I disagreed on how full the restaurant was she thought about normal I felt it was fuller and correspondingly nosier than I was accustomed to. Service was up to the standard we expect. We recommend and will continue to visit when in Charleston.
    More info
    39 Rue de Jean - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown Charleston
    4.4
  • ChrisVIP
    Philadelphia County •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amelia was a wonderful server, very pleasant and attentive. The dining experience with our dog Cody was a big success in large part due to Amelia and all the servers, thank you!! Will definitely visit again when in Charleston…🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
    More info
    Coast Bar & Grill – CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Seafood• 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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