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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Downtown Charleston

Price
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17 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Waitlist restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3778)
$$$$
• American • West Ashley
Booked 62 times today
Sam was our very attentive and friendly server. We enjoyed the croissants. Seafood nachos, house salad, ribs, filet and cheesecake 
A photo of Tempest restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2835)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Ansonborough
Booked 32 times today
This was the last stop of a private culinary experience with Experience Moore Tours. All 6 guests got amazing cocktails and all of the AMAZING desserts that are made in house. This is always the favorite place to end the culinary experience, never disappoints. Thank you again!
A photo of Sorghum & Salt restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(454)
$$$$
• Farm-to-table • Cannonborough / Elliotborough
Booked 8 times today
Excellent experience. The food was delicious and of excellent quality! The service was friendly amd knowledgeable! The pickled okra, steak and scallops were amazing!! We also really enjoyed the acorn squash! We highly recommend this restaurant!
A photo of Prohibition restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2661)
$$$$
• American • King Street
Booked 27 times today
Everything we ordered, from food to drink was excellent! Server knew her stuff and made great recommendations! She was very friendly and professional. Definitely going back and highly recommend!
A photo of Red Drum Restaurant and Bar restaurant
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4.8
Exceptional(1138)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Mount Pleasant
Booked 40 times today
always so good every time! great food and great service!
A photo of NICO Oysters + Seafood restaurant
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4.8
Exceptional(918)
$$$$
• Oyster Bar • Mount Pleasant
Booked 20 times today
Started with oysters, had swordfish entree and both were excellent. Swordfish was thick and juicy. Will definitely return during future visits to Charleston.
A photo of Jackrabbit Filly restaurant
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4.9
Exceptional(824)
$$$$
• Chinese • North Charleston
Booked 50 times today
Staff was all fantastic! Friendly, knowledgable, attentive and fun! Food is awesome and we had a great time from the moment we walked in the door.
A photo of Riva Mare restaurant
4.5
Awesome(96)
$$$$
• Italian • North Charleston
Booked 47 times today
Cohen was fantastic! We had an awesome time celebrating and loved the decor and energy of the space. The food was fantastic - definitely try the agnolotti and any of the pizzas. I also loved the salad - dressed perfectly, as well as the burrata and bread. Also - BEST POTATOES in CHS. Def. Save room for the cannoli cart. We will be back!
A photo of Arden Room restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1385)
$$$$
• American • Ansonborough
Booked 1 time today
This was a great venue to experience the Fourth of July!!!! The view for the fireworks was fabulous. The wait staff was terrific and went beyond all measures to insure hte guests enjoyed the evening. Kudos to them!
A photo of Community Table-Mount Pleasant restaurant
4.4
Awesome(547)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Mount Pleasant
Booked 12 times today
Our family enjoyed a nice weekday outing with small children (ages 5 and 2). Tuesday evening smashburgers are great, and affordable for a family of 6.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Patty
    Charleston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a wonderful experience. Our waitress, Iyana, could not have been friendlier. Everything was fantastic!
    More info
    Kersey House$$$$• French• Summerville
    •
    4.7
  • Anna
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Always an exceptional Experience at Cane Pazzo. The staff are welcoming , they remember you like your family. The food is beyond delicious. Order one of everything !
    More info
    Cane Pazzo$$$$• Italian• North Charleston
    •
    4.9
  • glennGold
    South Carolina •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 27, 2026
    Very good food, excellent wait staff (Gigi). Will be back again and again.
    More info
    Long Island Cafe- Isle of Palms$$$$• Seafood• Isle of Palms
    •
    4.6
  • Kateryna
    Charleston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 25, 2026
    The food was delicious, and we really enjoyed our meals. For our main courses, we had the Pork Osso Buco and the Carne Alla Griglia. The salad wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was still good. The portion sizes were so generous that we couldn't finish everything and took leftovers home. The drinks and desserts were also tasty, though the selection was a bit limited. The atmosphere is homey and relaxing, and the music is kept at a comfortable volume for easy conversation. We highly recommend Ciao Bella for a cozy get-together with family or friends!
    More info
    Ciao Bella$$$$• Italian• West Ashley
    •
    4.1
  • TracyGold
    Memphis / West Tennessee •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 24, 2026
    I am a Bravo fan so I came in because of that connection, but my first experience was lovely. So good I came back the weekend of Bravo Fan Fest. My Lyft driver told me Nico is his wife’s favorite restaurant. I was greeted by a lovely young woman who of course loved Bravo, as well. Even though I was by myself, I was not lonely. Not to mention the food and the cocktails!!!! I had to come back just for the lobster roll.
    More info
    NICO Oysters + Seafood$$$$• Oyster Bar• Mount Pleasant
    •
    4.8

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Downtown Charleston

Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, is a vibrant culinary hotspot, renowned for its diverse dining scene that caters to every palate. For those searching for dining experiences that are "worth the drive," the area offers a variety of restaurants that exceed expectations with their unique flavors and exceptional service. Each establishment in this category is celebrated for its commitment to culinary excellence, whether it's through innovative vegan dishes, classic French bistro fare, or distinctive cocktails paired with festive decor. Patrons consistently praise these restaurants for their delectable menus that feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and for the ambiance that ranges from intimate and cozy to lively and inviting. Visitors to Downtown Charleston are treated to a memorable dining experience that combines traditional Southern hospitality with sophisticated gastronomy. Whether you're a local or a traveler, these eateries promise an enjoyable outing that's definitely worth the drive.

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