$$Asian
For over a decade, Chef Josh Walker has painted broad strokes at this converted 1940s-era gas station, where he's built a loyal following for his take on a wide swath of Asian cuisines. For sure, he isn’t trying to recreate a grandmother’s recipe or satisfy traditionalists. He has his own ideas, which explains how Japanese, Thai, and Chinese influences intersect on the menu. One recent favorite is a play on okonomiyaki, which arrives as a tight latticework of cabbage covered in chili sauce and blanketed in wispy bonito flakes and two thick slabs of bacon. When ordering, let the server know tha
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
Xiao Bao Biscuit, located in a historic former gas station in North Charleston, offers a unique dining atmosphere. Food quality receives mixed reviews; while many praise the Asian fusion dishes like Okonomiyaki and shrimp fried rice, others criticize excessive saltiness, watery broths, or imbalanced flavors. Service is generally described as friendly and professional, with staff helping navigate the menu. Although the average rating is high, some guests note issues with meal pacing and limited parking. This restaurant suits adventurous diners seeking novelty and distinct ambiance, though those sensitive to strong seasoning may want to proceed with caution.
Ideal for adventurous diners seeking novelty, but verify parking availability beforehand.
$$$American, Seafood
Ask any Charlestonian if they've been to Chubby Fish and they'll either rave or tell you they can't get in. Open since 2018, this walk-in only spot is easily recognized by the long line that forms outside. If you're lucky enough to get in, there's a hip look and feel with a communal table at the center, tall ceilings and an open kitchen where you can see the team at work. As the name suggests, it's all about the sea, and Chef/owner James London's menu comprises raw offerings, appetizers and entrees that change often (they're handwritten over the kitchen). North Carolina yellowtail tuna crudo o
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Chubby Fish in North Charleston is renowned for its fresh seafood and creative American cuisine. Reviewers frequently praise the high food quality, highlighting dishes like grilled oysters, lamb ribs, and tuna crudo, alongside knowledgeable and personable service. However, the restaurant does not accept reservations, leading to significant wait times, often exceeding an hour during peak hours. Some guests report discomfort due to loud atmospheres, high-top seating, or slow meal pacing after waiting. While the culinary experience is generally considered excellent, the mandatory queue and occasional logistical issues may deter those seeking convenience.
Ideal for diners willing to queue early and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
$$$American Contemporary
Find Lowland just off busy King Street in a two-story brick former residence across from the boutique Pinch hotel. The first floor is home to a buzzy bar room and casual dining space, while upstairs is a bit more formal. Come for comfort food like the tavern burger with fries and a cognac sauce. The range of entrees feature grilled local fish and squid-ink tinted pasta shells neatly tossed with a luscious rouille-inspired sauce stocked with rock shrimp and little neck clams. Elevated comfort continues through dessert with house-made hand pies with a seasonal fruit filling and vanilla-infused w
$$$$Contemporary
There’s an adage about never judging a book by its cover. We could say the same of this restaurant, nestled in the historic Zero George hotel that can trace its history back 150 years. The verdant courtyard, the original wood beams, the white porches – the setting is a step back in time, though the food is anything but. Chef Vinson Petrillo's tasting menu celebrates seasonality and originality, as in a recent dish of sweet pea tortellini with ham broth and sea scallop. Technique is impressive, evidenced by seared black cod dressed with caramelized koji butter sauce, grilled ramps and pickled r
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 60 reviews
The Restaurant at Zero George offers contemporary dining with a focus on inventive tasting menus and extensive wine pairings. Positive reviews highlight exceptional service, knowledgeable sommeliers, and beautiful ambiance. Conversely, negative feedback cites inconsistent food quality, slow pacing, and reports of illness, questioning the value given the high cost. While many praise the culinary creativity and attentive staff, others find the experience underwhelming or risky. It suits adventurous diners seeking a unique, multi-course experience who prioritize ambiance and wine over consistent traditional flavors.
Recommended for diners seeking a sophisticated wine-pairing experience and unique ambiance, though health risks should be considered.
$$$American
This Charleston favorite has been at it for more than two decades, but judging by the demand, you’d think they had just opened. Reservations are a hot ticket, and crowds hoping to grab a walk-in seat line up before the front door opens. Despite its age, the food feels anything but dated. This is a kitchen that knows itself, its position in the South and its place in the Lowcountry. Seafood is a strength, and the slow-baked red snapper is a good example of this; here plated with a classic sauce Américaine and wilted heirloom spinach. The chicken liver pâté is accompanied by turnip remoulade and
$$$American, Southern
Open since 2011, the enduring legacy of this Southern restaurant continues to draw in waves of diners. Reservations are scarce, and before doors open, crowds form on the sidewalk hoping to snag a table inside this historic, two-story house. But make no mistake, this kitchen isn’t resting on any laurels. The menu is full of Southern favorites prepared with notable care: pimento cheese with country ham and biscuits, cornbread, fried catfish. Pies, cakes and a generous dose of warm hospitality make for a complete experience at this Southern staple.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Husk, located in Folly Beach, specializes in American Southern cuisine. Reviews highlight fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients, with standout dishes including scallops, shrimp and grits, and Sunday brunch items. However, negative feedback frequently cites erratic meal pacing, inconsistent service quality, and overly spicy or poorly seasoned dishes. The ambiance features a classic, subdued interior offering table privacy, though noise levels and crowding are common complaints. Despite its Michelin recommendation, experiences vary significantly, with some praising the charm and others noting a decline in hospitality standards. Reservations are essential, often requiring booking weeks in advance.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic Southern flavors who can tolerate variable service; book weeks in advance.
$$$Italian
Sorelle is a stunning space, set over three floors of three renovated townhouses in Historic Downtown Charleston. It's elegant and worth dressing up for Chef Nick Dugan's modern approach to Southern Italian food. Available as an à la carte or a splurge-worthy tasting menu, discover everything from antipasti and house-made pasta to pizza at brunch. Begin with one of their pane with olive oil or their salumi e formaggio with mortadella, prosciutto cotto and Fontina d’Aosta before moving into pasta: gnocchetti cacio e pepe is topped with pecorino Romano and a generous amount of toasted black pepp
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Sorelle in Delray Beach offers Italian cuisine with mixed reception. Food quality is polarized; some praise the authentic flavors, generous portions, and dishes like pizza and tiramisu, while others find the food mediocre or poorly executed. Service is generally described as warm and attentive by owners Candida and Marco, though complaints exist regarding communication barriers and pacing. The atmosphere is family-oriented with live entertainment, but some guests note dated decor, high noise levels, and cramped seating. Value is contentious; while some appreciate the experience, many consider the prices high relative to portion sizes and quality, particularly for main courses.
Suitable for diners seeking a lively, family-style atmosphere who are less price-sensitive.
$$$American Contemporary
Change is constant at The Establishment, set in a historic building on Broad Street. It's all about sustainably sourced seafood here, and while some dishes like gnudi with creamy sauce and lump crab (a must-order) are mainstays, most are shifting often to include the freshest fish available. Though the kitchen is dedicated to sourcing, the cooking is far from pretentious. Case in point? Pan-seared halibut served with an aji amarillo sauce. Seared to a perfect golden-brown and sided by a fresh summer vegetable salad, it's a simple, unfussy dish that delivers. Don't skip dessert, especially thei