Since becoming the national media’s Southern food darling, Charleston’s dining scene has grown exponentially, both in style and geography. Yes, South Carolina traditions, like shrimp and grits and barbecue, are still on menus at Charleston restaurants. But so is okonomiyaki, housemade tortillas, and foie gras. The city’s served as the landing for numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and James Beard award winners over the years: FIG, Husk, The Ordinary, Peninsula Grill, and other institutions surround the downtown’s iconic King, Broad, and Market streets. While these establishments still pump out exquisite plates and refined ambiance in downtown, more and more of Charleston's dining scene has gravitated toward cheaper real estate. Smaller, more relaxed joints throughout residential neighborhoods present an entire new guard of eateries. Throughout the upper peninsula’s warehouse district and in the residential neighborhoods across the bridges in Mount Pleasant and the islands, a hotbed of food and drink awaits in the greater Charleston area, along with flavors from the Lowcountry to Portugal, Vietnam to the Caribbean.
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Culinary Class
How To Host an Aperitivo Hour | Video
Babas on cannon and meeting guides us through hosting an aperitivo hour for a quick bite and a refreshing cocktail to close out the workweek.
The Riff
The Riff: Corn n’ Oil | Video
Christian Favier, bar manager at The Ordinary in Charleston, shares his riff on the traditional Caribbean rum cocktail, the Corn n’ Oil.
First Look
A First Look at Lowland Tavern
Jason Stanhope gives an intimate tour of the menu at his new concept, Lowland Tavern, and his inspiration behind its celebratory tavern dishes.
Charleston Restaurants
At the Table
Charleston’s Kitschy Sichuan Spot
Charleston is eating up Tina and David Schuttenberg’s brand of Sichuan at their kitschy hot spot Kwei Fei.
First Look
First Look at Brasserie La Banque
Charleston's new French Brasserie brings comforting classics and distinctive standouts to its historic Broad Street neighborhood.
First Look
A First Look at Vern’s Menu
A sunny corner front in Charleston’s ever-growing Elliotborough neighborhood has new life breathed into it with the opening of Vern's.
In the Field
Man Behind Charleston’s Lively Tapería
Max Kuller brought DC's favorite tapería Estadio to Charleston’s Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood last fall.
First Look
First Look at Minero’s Mexican Menu
Charleston's favorite gourmand burrito spot Minero has found a new home on Johns Island. Chef Shamil Velazquez shared his process in creating the new menu.
In the Field
Quick Bites from Basic Projects
Getting back to basics with Charleston design couple Ben and Kate Towill.
explore nearby
On the Road
Columbia
In Columbia, old stalwarts dish out gourmet plates while a new guard of eclectic eateries have sprung up in the farthest reaches of the city.
On the Road
Bluffton
Welcome to Bluffton, South Carolina, where the locals are friendly, the food is fresh, and the history is rich.
On the Road
Savannah
While Savannah has long been steeped in history, a new generation of chefs and makers have breathed new life into the city.
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