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.
From the Magazine
Breweries & Distilleries in the Lowcountry
Explore the Lowcountry's wide array of breweries and distilleries from downtown to Summerville for the perfect sip.
Partnered
Destination: Mount Pleasant
Nestled on the Charleston Harbor, Mount Pleasant is the largest coastal town in South Carolina teeming with unforgettable dining experiences.
On the Road
Road Trip: Charleston to Savannah
With no more than 90 minutes between stops, hit the highlights of this coastal road trip in just a couple days from Charleston to Savannah.
Insider's Guide to Charleston
On the Road
An Insider’s Guide to Upper King Street
Associate Editor, Hannah Lee Leidy, gives an insider’s guide to Upper King Street as a new take on the hottest spots in downtown Charleston.
On the Road
An Insider’s Guide to the Lowcountry Sea Islands
It’s no secret that the sea islands are some of the most picturesque parts of Charleston, and visitors come annually to enjoy the Lowcountry.
On the Road
An Insider’s Guide to West Ashley, James Island, and Folly Beach
There's more to Charleston than downtown King Street: discover West Ashley, James Island, and Folly Beach culture, eats, and drinks.
On the Road
An Insider’s Guide to Mount Pleasant and Beaches
Mount Pleasant and surrounding beaches have a reputation for poshness, but they are home to longstanding local communities and enrichment.
On the Road
An Insider’s Guide to North Charleston and Summerville
Summerville and North Charleston may not draw crowds like the Charleston peninsula, but there is plenty to love about these diverse suburbs.
Dining Out
Chez Nous
Chez Nous transfigures a historic home into a culinary respite for slow sips of wine and dishes that feel intentionally refined.
Dining Out
Félix Cocktails et Cuisine
Whether you’re walking into Félix as a first-time visitor or seasoned regular, you walk away feeling undeniably French.
Dining Out
Malagón
Regardless of the specific tapas that cross your table at Malagón, you’ll carry the authentic flavors of the Spanish peninsula with you.
Dining Out
The Grocery
Enjoy a cozy meal at The Grocery, a delightfully warm South Carolina establishment that serves classics in new ways.
Dining Out
Costa
Inspired by the Amalfi coast, Costa brings an authentic taste of Italy to Charleston, South Carolina using farm-fresh ingredients.
Dining Out
HERD Provisions
Farm to table gets an upgrade at HERD Provisions where chef Jeanne Oleksiak and Alec Bradford source their meats from their own farm.
Getaway
Zero George
Housed in five buildings from the early 1800s Zero Geroge drops you into the past with its tranquil brick courtyard and wrought-iron details.
Getaway
The Pinch Hotel
The Pinch Hotel in Charleston is built for extended stays, nestled in the center of the city and at the heart of good food and adventure.
Getaway
The Palmetto
With residential charm and nods to its historic home base, The Palmetto offers up a modern stay for those looking to explore the Holy City.
Getaway
Hotel Bella Grace
Situated near the crossroads of Lower King Street, Hotel Bella Grace is a prime home base for exploring the Holy City.
Getaway
Hotel Emeline
Set in a historic 1852 mercantile in the heart of Charleston, the fresh-faced Emeline hotel blends whimsy with wanderlust.
Getaway
The Loutrel
The Loutrel invites you to relax within its modern, homey feel. Central to Charleston's iconic sites, it's a new place to rest and sightsee.
the latest in charleston 
From the Magazine
Our Fall 2024 Issue is Here!
Our editor's letter in the Fall 2024 issue of the Local Palate reflects on past stories as we celebrate 100 issues of The Local Palate.
In the Field
South Carolina’s Defining Trails | Listen
Walk the trails that define the Palmetto State and explore Gullah Geechee culture, artisanal cheesemaking, and charming breweries.
Getaway
Our Top 12 Hotels in South Carolina | Listen
Cozy rooms and excellent fare make getting settled in South Carolina an easy task, here's our top 12 hotels in South Carolina.
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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