Got a Hankering for Seafood? Check Out These Top Charleston Restaurants
When people visit Charleston or one of its nearby beaches, the first question they often ask is: where’s the best place to get seafood? Luckily, Charleston’s position on the coast means that there are plenty of options for great seafood around the city. Whether you’re looking for something upscale or a lot more on the casual side, you can find the best of the best seafood in Charleston on this list!
Bowens Island - Folly Beach
Right before you cross the bridge over to Folly Beach, you pass the road that takes you to one of Charleston’s best seafood restaurants. Bowens Island combines everything that people love in a seafood restaurant: fresh, local caught seafood, amazing water views, and tasty fare. Most of the menu is fried, but it’s all fresh. Pro tip: opt for the all-you-can-eat-oysters for a true Lowcountry experience.
The Ordinary - Downtown Charleston
Chef Mike Lata’s restaurant The Ordinary is definitely one of the more expensive options on the list, but the food is fresh, the dishes inventive and delicious, and the service top notch. Odds are good that you’ve never had seafood like this before, but it’s so good you’ll definitely be back for more! Some of our favorite options are the fish schnitzel, grilled triggerfish, and the shellfish tower.
167 Raw - Downtown Charleston
167 Raw has almost 5 stars and over 1,400 reviews on Yelp, and for good reason. This Massachusetts transplant focuses on simple, yet delicious food that’s approachable and sure to please any hungry seafood enthusiast. Their most crowd-pleasing entree is the lobster roll, but you shouldn’t overlook the tuna burger or the seafood ceviche, which are both equally good. Also, be sure to bring your camera, because this little joint is probably the most Instagrammable on the list!
Roadside Seafood - James Island
When it comes to finding something for everyone, Roadside Seafood definitely does the trick. They do a great job of marrying southern cuisine with classic seafood, and feature 14 different kinds of protein for their baskets, ranging from shrimp to chicken fingers to shark nuggets. They also offer pick 2 or 3 if you can’t decide and a whole host of fantastic southern sides, like red rice and mac ‘n’ cheese.
The Darling - Downtown Charleston
The Darling downtown features a restaurant, bar, and raw bar and is open for dinner, late night snacks, and Sunday brunch. Some of our favorite options include the creole shrimp on Anson Mills rice cakes, hand cut fries topped with clam chowder, and of course their Captain bloody Mary, which is garnished with a crab leg, lobster tail, shrimp, olive, celery, lime, and a hushpuppy. It’s not for the faint of heart!
Coda Del Pesce - Isle of Palms
If you’re looking for upscale seafood with a fantastic view, then Coda Del Pesce is the perfect place for you. This Italian-influenced seafood restaurant features blue and brown accessories to emphasize the beachy feel, and the food tastes like it’s fresh out of the Mediterranean Sea. Chef Ken Vedrinski, who also owns Trattoria Lucca, features mostly locally or sustainably caught seafood, hand cut pasta, and a healthy wine selection on his menu. The menu changes seasonably, so if you’re feeling adventurous, go for Chef’s tasting menu, rather than ordering a la carte!
Pier 41 - Mt. Pleasant
Pier 41 is a bit off the beaten path in Mount Pleasant, but is more than worth the drive. Chef Brannon Florie specializes in local and regional seafood that’s bursting with flavor without a hefty price tag. The restaurant itself is intimate (it only seats 40), and features a raw bar, happy hour, and plenty of southern hospitality. Some of our favorite dishes are the crab dip, lobster fried rice mac & cheese, and seafood steam pot.
Pearlz Oyster Bar - West Ashley & Downtown Charleston
Pearlz has locations in both Avondale and Downtown, although it’s a bit easier to find parking at their West Ashley location. The menus are essentially the same, and feature lots of seafood, as well as a number of non-seafood items for those who prefer the “turf” in their meals. Some of our favorite options are the grilled mahi taco and the southern fried oysters.
CODfather Proper Fish and Chips - North Charleston
CODfather Proper brings London’s favorite street food--fish and chips--to Charleston in a big way. Their newly opened storefront in North Charleston features battered cod, hand cut chips, mushy peas, brown gravy, curry sauce, fish sandwich, and drinks at the pub. If you’re looking for authentic British fish & chips, this is definitely the place to go.
Posted on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 10:00am.