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.

Man carrying hops past bourbon barrels
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.

Shem Creek Featured image
Partnered

Destination: Mount Pleasant

Nestled on the Charleston Harbor, Mount Pleasant is the largest coastal town in South Carolina teeming with unforgettable dining experiences.

Road Trip Charleston to Savannah
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.

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 heading-plus-icon

shrimp rolls at Charleston Wine + Food
Partnered

Recap: Charleston Wine + Food Festival 2024

The TLP team shares their top bites, sips, sights, and takeaways from attending this year's Charleston Wine + Food Festival.

Wild South Header image
Radar

Top 10 Restaurant Openings This Spring and Summer | Listen

From embracing cultural heritage to new takes on fine dining, these top 10 restaurant openings are guaranteed to enrich the culinary scene.

Emily Heintz, founder of Sèchey
Southern Makers

Zero Proof Living with Sèchey and Target

TLP sits down with Emily Heintz to discuss the Sèchey and Target partnership and how they are spearheading the zero proof movement.

CITY GUIDES
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.

Bluffton City Guide Feat
Partnered
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.