Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Charleston, South Carolina, United States

All Topics about Charleston All Cities in United States

1. Shrimp and Grits

A traditional Southern dish featuring shrimp cooked in a creamy gravy served over stone-ground cornmeal mush (grits). Try it at Poogan's Porch.

Authentic Experience: Experience an iconic Southern dish with a rich history.
Local Ingredients: Savor shrimp caught fresh from Charleston's waters.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the Lowcountry Gullah culture.

A creamy soup made from crab roe and milk, served hot. Try it at The Seafood Shop Restaurant & Market.

Seafood Delight: Indulge in a unique seafood delicacy.
Cooking Tradition: Taste a dish that has been enjoyed for generations.
Seasonal Availability: Enjoy this dish during the crab season, usually from November to March.

A Southern staple made by breading and frying unripe green tomatoes. Try them at Husk Restaurant.

Crispy Texture: Experience the satisfying crunch of these deep-fried treats.
Local Farm Produce: Savor tomatoes grown on nearby farms.
Chef Cusine: Taste a twist on this classic dish from James Beard award-winning chef, Sean Brock.

A seafood feast featuring shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and seasonings boiled together. Try it at The Granary Farm Cafe.

Community Meal: Share a meal with friends and family, as this dish is traditionally meant to be shared.
Seafood Variety: Taste a mix of local seafood favorites like shrimp, crab, and sausage.
Casual Dining Experience: Enjoy this casual outdoor picnic-style meal amidst beautiful Charleston scenery.

A large, fluffy biscuit topped with country ham or sausage, cheese, and a fried egg. Try it at The Diner.

Comfort Food: Start your day with a hearty and delicious breakfast dish.
Local Flavor: Savor the unique twist on the classic Southern biscuit.
Portion Size: Prepare yourself for a filling meal, as this dish is known for its generous portions.

A flavorful rice dish made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and spices. Try it at Leon's Oyster House.

Flavorful Aroma: Enjoy the irresistible aroma of this tasty dish.
Versatile Side Dish: Complement a variety of dishes with this versatile side.
Gullah Influence: Experience the influence of Gullah cuisine in this traditional dish.

High-quality smoked meats and creative sides at a contemporary barbeque joint. Try it at Lewis BBQ.

Smoky Flavor: Savor the rich, smoky flavor of expertly smoked meats.
Creative Twists: Experience innovative takes on classic barbeque dishes.
Sustainable Meat Sourcing: Enjoy responsibly sourced meats, ensuring you're supporting sustainable practices.

Seafood dishes inspired by the Gullah culture, served in a beautiful historic setting. Try it at The Ordinary.

Historic Atmosphere: Dine in a beautifully restored 1920s-era bank building.
Culinary Innovation: Experience creative takes on traditional Gullah dishes.
Seafood Freshness: Savor fresh, locally caught seafood.

A creative twist on the Lowcountry Boil served as a pizza. Try it at Home Team BBQ.

Innovative Twist: Experience a unique fusion of Southern and Italian cuisines.
Seafood Variety: Taste the classic Lowcountry Boil ingredients in a new format.
Casual Dining Experience: Enjoy this pizza in a fun, laid-back setting.

Crispy cornmeal fritters served alongside fresh seafood. Try them at Fish.

Crunchy Texture: Experience the satisfying crunch of these fried treats.
Local Ingredients: Savor hush puppies made with cornmeal from local mills.
Seafood Pairing: Enjoy these fritters as a tasty side to fresh seafood dishes.

A velvety smooth soup made from crab roe and cream. Try it at Hank's Seafood.

A creamy vanilla pudding layered with bananas and topped with whipped cream. Try it at Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts.

Sweet Treat: Indulge in a classic Southern dessert.
Creamy Texture: Enjoy the smooth, creamy texture of this iconic dessert.
Local Touch: Savor a twist on this classic Southern dessert using local ingredients.

A sweet and delicious dessert made with fresh peaches baked in a syrupy cobbler mixture. Try it at S.N.O.B.

Fresh Flavor: Experience the sweet and juicy taste of fresh peaches.
Homemade Taste: Taste a homemade dessert made with love.
Seasonal Availability: Enjoy this Southern classic during peach season, usually from May to August.

A festive event where oysters are steamed and shucked, served with accompaniments like cocktail sauce and lemon. Try it at The Oyster Factory.

Community Experience: Join in a lively, festive event that brings the community together.
Seafood Variety: Taste a variety of oysters from local waters.
Casual Dining Experience: Enjoy this casual, outdoor dining experience amidst beautiful Charleston scenery.

A savory cornmeal cake served with roasted mushrooms and a sunny-side-up egg. Try it at The Daily.

Crispy Texture: Experience the crispy texture of this cornmeal cake.
Local Ingredients: Savor grit cakes made with stone-ground cornmeal from local mills.
Creative Breakfast Option: Start your day with a creative twist on a classic Southern breakfast dish.