Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in James Island

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant

1. Church and Union - Charleston

4.5

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown Charleston

Booked 104 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. Peninsula Grill

4.6

Exceptional(8018)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown Charleston

Booked 31 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

3. Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar

4.7

Exceptional(5084)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown Charleston

Booked 12 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. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston

4.7

Exceptional(5559)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Downtown Charleston

Booked 64 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 Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston restaurant

5. Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston

4.4

Awesome(4984)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown Charleston

Booked 24 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 California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating restaurant

6. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

4.4

Awesome(3216)

Price: Moderate

• American • West Ashley

Booked 65 times today

Since 1987, California Dreaming has been a proud part of the Charleston, SC community. Our spacious, open setting features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Ashley River, creating the perfect backdrop for a lively night out. You can also enjoy these panoramic views from our wrap-around deck, complete with a bar and easily accessible by boat. Whether you're craving low country favorites or our famous prime rib, California Dreaming is a favorite among both locals and tourists. **Please note that we provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 6. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.

A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant

7. Virginia's on King

4.6

Exceptional(3057)

Price: Moderate

• Southern • Downtown Charleston

Booked 30 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

8. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

4.4

Awesome(5156)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown Charleston

Booked 48 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.

9. Anson

4.8

Exceptional(4858)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern • Downtown Charleston

Booked 25 times today

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

10. O-Ku

4.8

Exceptional(2752)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown Charleston

Booked 66 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.

‘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

T
Tanya
South Carolina •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had such a wonderful lunch ! We started with a flight of mimosas ! And then the fried chicken sandwich and the southern salads ! It’s was great ! Food was delicious and the place is beautiful!
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Church and Union - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
E
Edwin
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
A truly exceptional fine dining experience. Our server Stephanie (from Phoenix AZ) as fantastic in paying a lot of attention to us and the rest of her tables. They have an incredible wine list with some decent prices as well. We ordered Foie Gras (excellent), Carpaccio (light and easy). My wife ordered a Fillet which was cooked to perfection. I ordered the local fish with white asparagus. Only comment was that the "sauce" consisting of capers and olives was way too salty. Other than not being asked if we wanted to check in our coats at the beginning, I would give it a 9.5 out of ten.
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Peninsula GrillPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.6
D
Deborah
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We celebrated my daughter’s birthday and Oak acknowledged it in a lovely manner…thank you! The food was delicious and the service was exceptional…thank you Eric.
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Oak Steakhouse - CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Downtown Charleston
•
4.7
C
ChrisVIP
Philadelphia County •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 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…🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
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Coast Bar & Grill – CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
•
4.4
J
JeffVIP
New Orleans / Louisiana •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The fried oysters were extremely well done, with perfect seasoning and light crusty coating. Fried Shrimp also did not disappoint and the collard greens made for a perfect side dish! The ambiance is very nice and inviting.
More info
Amen Street Fish + Raw BarPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
•
4.7

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James Island

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in James Island

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Church and Union - Charleston

2. Peninsula Grill

3. Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar

4. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston

5. Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston

6. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

7. Virginia's on King

8. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

9. Anson

10. O-Ku

See what locals rave about

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