At the end of last month we took a short trip to Charleston, a city I’ve been wanting to explore for years. I’ve heard great things about the restaurant scene and nearby sights, and living in New England makes this a fairly easy weekend getaway. So naturally, I was excited to eat my way through the city.
I had a few places on my list but asked for recommendations on Instagram stories before our trip, and you really delivered! A number of you asked me to share recommended restaurants for your upcoming trips as well. Clearly Charleston has earned its reputation as a serious foodie destination! Here were some of my favorite spots from the full list I saved, plus the ones I’m bookmarking for next time.
Favorite Restaurants in Charleston
Husk – Dining in this beautiful historic home feels like a quintessential Charleston experience. This was classic Southern cuisine with flair.
167 Sushi Bar – Fresh, high-quality sushi done right. The interior is small and intimate, so it’s great for a date night. Also check out their sister restaurant: 167 Oyster Bar.
SNOB (Slightly North of Broad) – A longtime local favorite for upscale Southern fare with delicious dishes.
Frannie & The Fox – This one was inside our hotel, which made for a great last minute dinner option. Don’t miss the courtyard seating here, it’s one of the prettiest in town.
Babas on Cannon – The perfect breakfast or casual lunch stop with European café vibes. Beyond the delicious coffee, the truffle grilled cheese here was incredible (pictured below).
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – great for homemade Southern biscuits (they have GF). Expect a line unless you go right when they open. They have multiple locations but the one I linked to is located inside Charleston City Market, so it’s ideal for wandering the stalls after.
Beautiful South – Modern Chinese with bold decor and equally bold flavors. This one was a pleasant surprise and a fun choice for something unique.
Where I’d Eat Next Time
- Vern’s – This stylish and seasonally driven restaurant came highly recommended by many of you.
- FIG – Go right when they open at 5pm for a spot at the community table if you can’t snag a reservation.
- Chubby Fish – A fan favorite that requires booking early or arriving right when they open to grab a seat.
- The Obstinate Daughter – Located on Sullivan’s Island with coastal Italian vibes.
- The Post House Restaurant – Charming and refined dining in a beautifully restored inn.
- Poogan’s Porch – A Southern brunch staple housed in a Victorian townhouse.
Favorite Spots in Charleston
Historic Quarter and Rainbow Row – We grabbed coffee at Clerks Coffee Co and walked through the historic district one morning. The colorful Georgian row houses are charming, and early morning was the perfect time to explore without crowds.
White Point Garden – This is a beautiful part of town that is surrounded by equally beautiful homes. My son loved watching the herons that take up residence here under the old oak trees.
King Street – Great for shopping and wandering through a mix of local boutiques and familiar brands. The street has a nice energy and plenty of spots to duck in for coffee or a snack.
Mount Pleasant – We drove here one afternoon to explore and have a drink at The Post House Restaurant. The area feels distinctly different from downtown Charleston — more residential and small town vibes.
Where I’d Go Next Time
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- Cypress Gardens – A beautiful garden located 40 minutes outside of Charleston. We were meant to take a boat out here on our final day, but unfortunately didn’t make it.
- Charleston Tea Garden – A tea plantation with a trolley tour, making it accessible for both couples and young kids.
- The Charleston Show – Would love to time a next visit so I could hit this antique event.
- Folly Beach – Surf town vibes with casual eats.
- Sullivan’s Island – Perfect for a chill beach day and sunset walks.
Where We Stayed
Hotel Emeline was our home base in the heart of downtown Charleston (the first two photos are taken in their lobby, below). The location was perfect for walking to restaurants and exploring the historic district, including rainbow row, on foot. The hotel strikes a nice balance between modern amenities and Southern charm. Other hotels we considered: Zero George and The Ryder.
We were limited on time, but I would’ve loved to extend our trip so we could spend the weekend at The Dunlin on Kiawah Island for a change of scenery and impeccable Southern style surrounded by maritime forests. This city and nature combo would make for an excellent fall getaway.
