Whether you consider yourself a foodie, we all have to eat on vacation. Plan a trip to Charleston, home to some of the best places to eat in the Lowcountry, and you’ll eat well. From classic southern cooking to old-world European cuisine, there's something here for every food-loving traveler.
Add the city's southern charm — its array of beautiful historic buildings, gas-lamp-lit cobblestone streets, cutting-edge art galleries and trendy shops — and it's no wonder visitors keep coming back for more.
Liberty Place Charleston by Hilton Club, Hilton Grand Vacations' first property in Charleston, opens June 2021 with one of the world's most exciting culinary scenes on its doorstep.
Why Charleston is Home to Some of the South's Best Places to Eat
As the oldest town in South Carolina, Charleston is bursting with traditional Lowcountry eats, from smoky barbecues to fresh seafood. Established local chefs sit alongside innovative newcomers to create a food scene that embodies the juxtaposition between classic and contemporary for which Charleston is known. Creative chefs are using the region's abundant fresh produce to serve southern cuisine with a twist.
Here are 10 mouth-watering places to eat in Charleston — all less than 15 minutes from Liberty Place.
Stella’s
(15-minute walk)
This isn't the first Greek restaurant in Charleston, but many argue it's the best. With a modern mix of classic small plates, this spot offers diners a broad taste of Greek cuisine that goes beyond your typical moussaka. Consider sharing plates so you can sample as many dishes as possible from the expansive menu, such as the keftedes (meatballs), feta fourno (baked feta) and grilled octopus.
Insider Tip: The cocktail menu is also worthy of your attention.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
(15-minute walk)
This grab-and-go eatery has a local cult following for a good reason. Lowcountry cuisine is brimming with tradition, and scratch-made biscuits are front and center, making Callie's Hot Little Biscuit a must-try. Choose from seven flavors of biscuits and slow-cooked Geechie Boy grits, pimento cheese sandwiches and daily specials.
The Darling Oyster Bar
(15-minute walk)
This airy and elegant space is one of King Street's ever-popular seafood spots. Here, you can sit and watch local shuckers prepare fresh East Coast oysters. Order a big platter of Carolina diver oysters and the Monster Bloody Mary to start.
Babas
(6-minute drive)
Sightseeing can be exhausting. Refuel at this local favorite and old-world, European-style café in downtown Charleston with a classic espresso and the perfect ham and butter baguette — or opt for a refreshing wine spritzer, deviled eggs and spicy bar nuts for a pre-dinner snack.
Bourbon ‘N’ Bubbles
(5-minute drive)
This dark and mischievous 1920s-style bar is famed for its luxury beverages and generous servings of champagne and whiskey. Order a decadent craft cocktail and a selection of small plates for the full experience. Try the chorizo pork spring rolls and herb arancini with lemon-basil aioli paired with a crisp glass of champagne.
Malagón
(5-minute drive)
This cozy, Spanish-style market and tapas bar focuses on connecting patrons with the food and creating an authentic ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy a classic tabla of traditional Spanish meats and cheeses paired with a bold Rioja wine, or grab something to-go from the mercado.
Maison
(6-minute drive)
French cuisine is hot in Charleston, but this bistro raises the bar. The menu is straightforward, featuring artful and innovative dishes that pair perfectly with a nice glass of wine and a chocolate mousse for dessert. Try the unique onion soup croquette or stick to the traditional steak frites if you're craving something hearty and comforting.
Gale
(5-minute drive)
As a newcomer in Charleston, bravely opened in 2020, this casual Italian eatery has a serious commitment to quality. Self-described as "pizza, pasta and everything weird in between," the restaurant offers a creative variety of flavors. Try the crispy cauliflower with apple, tahini, mint and feta, or the risotto with kimchi and pork belly if you're looking to dive into the "everything weird" category.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
(7-minute drive)
Here, they really go for the whole hog — literally. If you're craving a regional experience, try the pulled pork sandwiches, complete with a classic red serving basket and smothered in a vinegar-based barbecue sauce. Beyond the pork, there is a velvety macaroni and cheese, smoked chicken, and inventive sandwiches, like the Diddy's Club, starring pit-smoked turkey, and a fried-to-perfection catfish sandwich.
Liberty Place Charleston by Hilton Club
When you've had your fill of Charleston's best places to eat, head back to Liberty Place Charleston by Hilton Club, where you can put your feet up (or sleep off your lunch) in a spacious studio, 1- or 2-bedroom suite — southern hospitality included.
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