Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina

Best Southern American Restaurants in Downtown Charleston

Price
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Accessibility

35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant
1. Virginia's on King
4.5
Awesome(3031)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 64 times today
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, Virginia's on King is a beacon of Southern charm and culinary delight. This esteemed eatery excels in crafting authentic Southern dishes that resonate with the richness of Lowcountry cuisine. Utilizing fresh, local ingredients and cherished family recipes, the menu offers a journey through the South's culinary heritage. Highlights include the indulgent crab Benedict and the perfectly seasoned shrimp and grits, described by a patron as "velvety smooth." Diners consistently praise not only the food but also the ambiance and service, noting, "The food was fantastic if you like Southern food" and "Great service and food our waitress Genevieve was wonderful." Virginia's on King is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Southern hospitality and flavor in Charleston.
A photo of 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant
2. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston
4.4
Awesome(5136)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 68 times today
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, 39 Rue de Jean is a culinary gem offering an authentic French dining experience since 2000. Praised for its "delicious, refined French food," this charming café and bar excels in Brasserie cuisine, providing a diverse menu that delights regulars and newcomers alike. Patrons rave about the "best French onion soup" and the innovative dishes like the "Rosemary Garlic Gnocchi," which showcase the kitchen's commitment to both tradition and creativity. The atmosphere, described as "charming" and perfect for both special occasions and casual dining, complements the exemplary service and well-rounded wine list, making every visit memorable. As one diner puts it, "Always a real treat to meet old and new friends at Rue de Jean," this spot remains a beloved staple for those seeking a slice of France in Charleston.
A photo of Victor's Seafood and Steak restaurant
3. Victor's Seafood and Steak
4.4
Awesome(525)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 21 times today
Victor's Seafood and Steak in Downtown Charleston is a culinary gem that stands out for its exceptional seafood offerings. Renowned for its elegant dining atmosphere, the restaurant has consistently impressed guests with its high-quality, perfectly cooked local seafood specialties. Diners rave about the "amazing" oysters and the "superbly" prepared halibut over pimento cheese grits, highlighting the authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. The seafood tower and the lobster roll have also received glowing reviews for their freshness and exquisite taste. Victor's dedication to providing a top-tier dining experience is evident from the numerous positive testimonials, with guests often noting it as the "perfect choice" for a memorable meal in Charleston. This establishment is not just recommended; it's celebrated for turning every dining occasion into a special event.
A photo of Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett restaurant
4. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett
4.5
Awesome(1124)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 16 times today
Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett epitomizes the essence of South Carolina cuisine through its dedication to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and authentic regional flavors. Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, this restaurant offers a culinary journey that highlights the best of the South. Diners rave about the "excellent She Crab Soup" and "standout Scallops," which are just a taste of the boldly flavored dishes that grace the menu. The vibrant atmosphere and historic views of Marion Square complement the dining experience, making every meal memorable. As one diner put it, Gabrielle Charleston is where "the food and ambience were outstanding," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of South Carolina.
A photo of Stars Restaurant - Rooftop & Grill Room restaurant
5. Stars Restaurant - Rooftop & Grill Room
4.0
Excellent(2398)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 17 times today
At Stars Restaurant - Rooftop & Grill Room in Downtown Charleston, the Grill cuisine truly shines, offering an authentic Carolina Cuisine experience that delights every palate. Located in the heart of Charleston's vibrant dining scene on Upper King Street, Stars Restaurant is celebrated for its masterful grill techniques and quality ingredients. Patrons rave about the "amazing service and steaks" and highlight the unique offerings such as the "original Oysters Rockefeller." The Grill Room, with its 1930s ambiance and stunning Walnut Bar, provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying finely grilled dishes. One visitor enthusiastically shared, "Best food I have ever had. You need to come. Service is amazing." Stars Restaurant consistently offers not just a meal, but a remarkable dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the best in Grill cuisine.
A photo of The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel restaurant
6. The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel
4.4
Awesome(1801)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 27 times today
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel is a treasure trove of authentic Southern American cuisine. With a menu crafted by Executive Chef Heyward Davis and Chef De Cuisine Daniel James, this restaurant is a celebration of farm-to-table freshness, emphasizing local fruits and vegetables while honoring cherished Lowcountry cooking traditions. It's no wonder diners rave about dishes like the "award-winning Shrimp and Grits" and the "delicious, as always" yeast rolls that evoke a nostalgic charm. The charming ambiance, complete with live piano music on weekends, makes every visit to The Swamp Fox a delightful culinary journey into the soul of the South. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this venue's blend of excellent food, service, and atmosphere promises a memorable dining experience.
A photo of Hotel Bennett Special Events restaurant
7. Hotel Bennett Special Events
4.0
Excellent(45)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Special events in the Crown Ballroom at Hotel Bennett.
A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant
8. Church and Union - Charleston
4.5
Awesome(8599)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 181 times today
Church and Union in Downtown Charleston is a standout destination for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine. The creativity of Executive Chef Doug Watson and Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch shines through in a menu that is as inventive as it is delicious. Guests rave about the "Holy Sh*t Breakfast" and the "delicious and beautifully presented" cookie dough ganache, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. The ambiance, described as "unique" and "very cool with a lot of history," complements the modern-American dishes served. With its vibrant setting and consistently "amazing service," Church and Union is highly recommended as a must-visit for an exceptional dining experience.
A photo of Peninsula Grill restaurant
9. Peninsula Grill
4.6
Exceptional(8000)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 33 times today
Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Peninsula Grill stands out as a beacon of Southern cuisine excellence. This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant is celebrated for its "superb" food and "impeccable service," with patrons raving about signature dishes like the heavenly coconut cake, described as a "must" and the "best I’ve ever had" scallops. The atmosphere of Peninsula Grill, from its velvet-lined walls to the intimate Champagne Bar, exudes Southern supper club elegance, making every dining experience memorable. Whether it's the locally sourced ingredients or the sumptuous decor, Peninsula Grill offers an authentic taste of the South that is both inventive and deeply rooted in tradition.
A photo of Anson restaurant
10. Anson
4.8
Exceptional(4832)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 44 times today
Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mary AnnVIP
    South Carolina •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We had a wonderful experience. Food was excellent, wonderful table service and great cooperation from the chef accommodating my food restrictions!! Highly recommend!!!
    More info
    Peninsula GrillPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.6
  • DR STEVEN
    Montreal / Quebec •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Beautiful inside. Service was awesome. The food was delicious, but small portions. Prices were high. The sound level was high.
    More info
    AnsonPrice: Very Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.8
  • lizVIP
    Miami - Dade •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Rudy Royale in Charleston is an absolute delight for anyone seeking bold flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. The star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken sandwich – perfectly crispy, juicy, and packed with unforgettable flavor. It’s hands down the best chicken sandwich in town! The sides deserve a standing ovation as well. The Brussels sprouts, tossed in their magical sauce, are a flavor explosion that will have you scraping the plate. The garlic potatoes with the crispy edges are rich, and comforting – a must-order. And then there’s the mac and cheese: ooey, gooey, and everything you want in this classic comfort dish. Truly, you’ll regret skipping it. We started with the deviled eggs, a perfectly executed classic that set the tone for the meal. As for dessert, we tried the banana pudding. While it was good, it didn’t quite live up to the hype compared to the rest of the menu, but it was a sweet way to end the meal nonetheless. Rudy Royale is a culinary treasure in Charleston, with standout dishes that will have you coming back for more. Don’t miss it!
    More info
    Rudy RoyalePrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.5
  • Nancy
    South Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had a wonderful lunch with friends on Christmas Eve!
    More info
    Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.5
  • Frances
    New Orleans / Louisiana •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Get the shrimp and grits- wonderful. My husband had the fish of the day over a ragu and he said it was very good. I didn’t like the fried green tomatoes. service was very nice . The restaurant had a large family with young children which was annoying but not the restaurants fault,
    More info
    The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion HotelPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.4

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo