Where to Eat in Charleston

In the last few years, the culinary scene has exploded in Charleston. New dining spots have brought fresh takes on quintessential Southern and seafood offerings as well as exciting international options to the Lowcountry, plus an influx of Italian eateries that range from classic to surprising. If you have your favorites but need a new place to go for dinner, here are five recent arrivals to try around the Holy City.

Snow Monkeys

A little off the beaten path is Snow Monkeys, a French and Japanese-inspired fine dining restaurant on Johns Island. Executive chef Zach Woody leads the menu, which is meant to be shared, showcasing seafood and seasonal produce with dishes like yellowtail, ricotta gnocchi with artichoke, and shrimp with snow peas and herbs, with gluten-free and vegetarian options. While at a higher price point for Johns Island, the spot offers quality food, service, and ambiance—and allows you to skip the downtown parking when you go out to dinner. 

Lou Lou’s Tavern on the Tracks 

Located on the upper peninsula, this spacious new restaurant offers a menu of charcuterie and plates intended to be enjoyed family-style: warm focaccia with olive oil, Sunday meatballs with basil ricotta, and goat cheese and potato croquettes, steak frites, and a fresh catch. Our favorites are the parmesan-covered duck fat truffle fries served with aioli for dipping or the creamy and delicious deviled eggs, turned bright pink by the beet marinade. A bonus is Lou Lou’s has plenty of free parking, a rare luxury on the peninsula.

OK Donna

With a litany of Italian restaurants in the Holy City, OK Donna stands out on King Street with its neon sign and unexpected dishes like peach panzanella with burrata,summer melon, and hot sauce to balance its more familiar handmade pasta like rigatoni peperonata with sausage and peppers or pizza by the slice. Pair your dinner with cocktails like a yuzu margarita with yuzu-sake and a strawberry ramos with gin and strawberry soda. Sit down for a pasta dinner date or opt for an espresso martini with friends.

The Crossing

Chef Nick Dugan of Sorelle is leading the way at The Crossing, a Mediterranean restaurant at The Cooper, a hotel downtown that’s open to both hotel guests and the public. The space overlooks the Charleston Harbor and is nautically themed, and the menu “celebrates what’s fresh and local” according to Dugan with shareable plates like spanakopita, coal-fired beets, and clams along with tableside preparations of dishes like grilled octopus, loukaniko (Greek sausage), and hanger steak. Drink offerings are just as exciting as the food menu, ranging from zero proof to specialty cocktails and a martini menu. Read our Q&A with chef Dugan.

Bareo

A petite dining space in Cannonborough/Elliotborough, Bareo is inspired by the Philippines and Japan and is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night snacking. With no range hood, the menu is filled with steamed options like wagyu truffle dumplings and intriguing tea and sake cocktails like the Tokyo Queen with sake, matcha, and coconut. Don’t miss the kakigōri for dessert, giant Japanese shaved ice in a variety of flavors. Learn more about the restaurant from chef Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura and Bareo. Reserve your spot ahead of time since this charming space fills up quickly.

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