Eat Like a Local in Charleston, South Carolina

Eat Like a Local in Charleston, South Carolina

Oyster Plater © Kate Thornton 2025

Charleston is a city rich in history, charm, and—perhaps most importantly—unforgettable food. Whether you're a brunch lover, barbecue aficionado, or looking for a romantic fine-dining experience, the Holy City has something for everyone. When friends ask me where to eat, I always point them toward a mix of casual and fine dining spots that locals can't get enough of. Here's a guide to help you eat like a Charleston local!

---

Breakfast & Brunch Spots

While breakfast isn’t my favorite meal, I like to save my daily calories for lunch and dinner. There are a few brunch spots that you won’t want to miss:

- Ruby Sunshine – This spot is a brunch lover's paradise with dishes like Eggs Benedict and French toast, all with a New Orleans twist.

- Miller’s All Day – Southern comfort meets modern flair. Try their famous shrimp and grits or biscuits for a true taste of Charleston.

- Big Bad Breakfast Charleston – Known for hearty, Southern-style breakfasts. If you’re hungry, this is the place to be.

- Island Provisions – A local favorite with excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and avocado toast that can’t be beaten.

---

Casual Lunch Stops

After exploring Charleston’s cobblestone streets and historic sites, you'll need a solid lunch. These spots offer laid-back atmospheres and fantastic food:

- Leon’s Oyster Shop – Famous for its fried chicken and oysters, this is a great spot for a relaxed meal in a lively setting.

- Home Team BBQ – Whether you go for the ribs or the smoked wings, Home Team BBQ is always a good choice for Southern barbecue.

- Lewis Barbecue – If you’re craving authentic Texas-style BBQ in Charleston, look no further than Lewis’s brisket and sausage.

- Gaulart & Maliclet “Fast and French”– A little French bistro with sandwiches, soups, and salads—perfect for a quick yet delicious bite.

- Huriyali– A health-conscious spot offering fresh smoothies, bowls, and sandwiches in a cozy, tropical setting.

Seafood © Kate Thornton 2025

Burger © Kate Thornton 2025

---

Dinner: Fine Dining Favorites

When it’s time to dress up for a night out (or if you're like me, just want to wear a sundress and flip-flops), Charleston's fine dining scene is not to be missed. These are some of the best restaurants in town:

- Sorelle – This Italian spot has locals raving. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and house-made pastas, it's quickly becoming a favorite.

- The Establishment – My husband and I had an amazing anniversary celebration here recently. We both said it was one of the top 5 meals we’ve ever had in our 30 years living in Chalreston. It’s seafood-focused with an upscale atmosphere.

- Marbled and Fin – A steakhouse with an elegant setting, perfect for a special date night.

- Chubby Fish – One of Charleston’s most talked-about seafood joints, known for its daily catch and creative dishes.

- The Ordinary – This seafood hall delivers everything from oysters to lobster, with a stunning atmosphere to match.

- Chez Nous – Tucked away in a charming little house, this is a French-inspired gem that offers a changing daily menu.

- 167 Raw Oyster Bar – A hot spot for seafood lovers, with an incredible raw bar and some of the best lobster rolls in the city.

Pro Tip: Make Reservations Early

---

Whatever you choose, make sure to book your reservation at least two weeks in advance. Charleston's best spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. If you’re unable to snag a reservation, consider dining at off-peak times like 11:00 a.m. or 4:30 p.m., or grab a seat at the bar.

Charleston's food scene is a big part of what makes the city so special, so enjoy every bite! - KATE

The Charleston Battery © Kate Thornton 2025

Kiawah Island Vacation Guide

Kiawah has always held a special place in my heart, and not just because I lived on neighboring Johns Island for 8 years. My husband, Chris, and I were married at the Kiawah Island River Course 15 years ago this April! Kiawah truly is a magic place, steeped in natural beauty. From the Spanish Moss shaded trails to the endless white beaches, it is a photographer’s dream backdrop! 

Kiawah Island Family Portrait

Kiawah Island Restaurants

Breakfast

The Hemingway 

Venture off island to The Hemingway for gourmet coffee, southern chicken biscuits and tasty ricotta toast. The elevated cafe offers a quality breakfast menu, full coffee bar and exquisite wine and beer menu. 

Lunch

Tattooed Moose

The Tattooed Moose is the perfect halfway stop between Kiawah and Downton Charleston. It has burgers and beer and a great kids’ menu. It’s shaded by enormous oak trees, and there is plenty of space to let the kids run around and play. 

Jasmine Porch

For upscale southern fare, Jasmine Porch hits all the right notes. Located in The Sanctuary, it is the perfect place for a delicious post-spa lunch or exquisite dining dinner. For a savory southern classic, be sure to order the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese! 

Dinner

The Ocean Room

Indulge in fine dining at The Sanctuary's renowned steakhouse, The Ocean Room. With an outstanding menu and even better view over the ocean, it’s the perfect way to complete a day at the beach or on the golf course. 

Wild Olive

Wild Olive is worth the short 20 minute drive from the island! The authentic Italian eatery leans on local, seasonal and homemade ingredients to ensure their dishes are the absolute best- try the house-made pastas and salami! The vibe is as unpretentious as the food, and the staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. 

Kiawah Island Shops

Rosebank Farms

The Rosebank Farms produce stand is an icon to residents and visitors of Kiawah Island. It’s the perfect place to stop for locally grown produce,  fresh seafood, packaged goods, and fresh flowers. Be sure to buy one of the key lime pies! The stand is owned by Sidi Limehouse, a Johns Island legend. If you see a farmer that looks like Jerry Garcia driving a tractor down Betsy Kerrison Parkway, that’s SIDI!

Kiawah Island Activities

Kiawah Island Resort offers a variety of award-winning activities, from their unparalleled spa and shopping to the world-class golf courses and tennis center. The beach is wide and beautiful, with sea turtles and dolphins and waves that are just right for young kids. Here are a few other activities you may enjoy:

Bike Trails

Explore miles of marshland by bike! There are well-marked bike paths all over the island, connecting the various communities and weaving through the woods. You can even bike on the beach at low tide. There are several bike rental companies on the island, including Kiawah Island Bike Rentals, Seaside Cycles,and Alligator Bike. 

Tidal Trails

Tidal Trails is an outdoor company devoted to providing memorable experiences on the water. You can book a nature tour via kayak, power boat, stand up paddle board or take surf and kayak lessons. 

Visit the Angel Oak

The Angel Oak is the largest living oak, estimated to be nearly 400 years old! It is a gorgeous sight and worth the short drive to John’s Island.

Kids on Kiawah Island

Night Heron Park

Located within the Kiawah resort, this expansive 21 acre park is a nature-lover’s dream come true! There is the fascinating Nature Center, playground, hiking trails, pool, splash pad and more. Check the activities calendar for special events too, like movies in the park or alligator tours.

Kiawah River Goatery

For a truly memorable experience, stop by The Goatery, located in the Kiawah River community. Tour the farm, socialize with the friendly goats, pick eggs from the chicken coop or schedule a private yoga class (with goats!). It’s hands-on education at its finest!

Aqua Park

Located on Trophy Lakes on John’s Island, Aqua Park is a ridiculously fun floating playground. Climb, jump, slide and swim during the warmer months.

Discover Charleston

Whether you are visiting Charleston or vacationing on one of the barrier islands and want to explore, there is literally something for everyone downtown. Charleston, South Carolina has long been a favorite destination, and for good reason. It’s small enough to get around on foot or bike (or bike taxi!), but has a rich culinary and cultural side. The history, cobblestones and preserved architecture give way to lush parks and gorgeous waterfront vistas. Stay for a week or dip in for an afternoon!

Charleston Restaurants

Breakfast: 

The Marina Variety Store is an institution and local favorite. Perched above the Ashley River and overlooking the marina, it’s an authentic, throwback diner and old-fashioned seafood restaurant. The no frills ambiance is endearing, and the view is outstanding. If there’s a wait for a table, you can wander out to the docks to check out the boats.

Edmund’s Oast is a fun dinner spot perfect for larger groups, but their brunch is out of this world! The beer hall has all the classics, but made with top ingredients and prepared just a bit fancier than you’d expect. 

Lunch: 

Taco Boy is one of our favorite downtown spots for lunch with the whole family or friends. It has easy parking (a rare thing downtown) and an enormous outdoor patio that’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. The food is Mexican-inspired and absolutely delicious, as are the margaritas. 

Basic Kitchen is located just off King Street near the College of Charleston, so it’s a great place to eat if you’re shopping or exploring the area. The menu is seasonal and caters to all (the vegan options are some of my favorite things on the menu!), and the vibe is relaxed. There is a cute back patio and options for kids. 

Dinner: 

Known for their fried chicken, oysters and lively ambiance, Leon’s draws a mix of foodie tourists and locals. It is located in an old garage, and the garage doors stay open most of the year. There are tasty salads, sandwiches, cocktails and even ice cream cones (with sprinkles!) for dessert! 

You can’t come to Charleston without hitting up at least one bbq joint! Every local has their favorite, but most can agree that Lewis is incredible. Order your cut and sides indoors (served on an old school cafeteria tray with brown paper, naturally) and then head outside to eat at under the trees at one of the casual picnic tables. Like most things in Charleston, it’s authentic with an extra dose of sophistication. 

Charleston Parks

Charleston Waterfront Park is where you will find the iconic- often photographed- pineapple fountain. Overlooking the Charleston Harbor, it’s a quiet place perfect for a picnic or lazy afternoon. 

Hampton Park offers 60 acres of gorgeously maintained nature, with a fitness trail, duck pond, gazebo and playground We love to go on weekends with bikes or scooters to explore, climb the ancient oak trees and feed the ducks. It is also next to The Citadel, which is fun to drive through!

Brittlebank is another one of our go-to parks with the kids or dogs. It’s situated along the Ashley River and has an awesome playground, space to play and fishing dock. It’s especially great during the high heat of summer, when the breeze off the river is welcomed with open arms.

Rainy Day

The Charleston Aquarium is a must-stop for families! It is an enormous, incredibly run facility right on the water. There are touch tanks and hands-on activities for the kids, and the view is awesome! 

History lovers and children love the USS Yorktown and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. A vessel in both World War II and The Vietnam War, the huge aircraft carrier is now open to the public as a museum. You could spend an entire day wandering around- there’s so much to see and learn. 

#1 Charleston Vacation Tip

Book your portrait session before your trip! Click HERE to see recent family portraits. Call 843 442-0802 or fill out my contact form NOW to book your family portrait.