Charleston Restaurants

Charleston has a well-deserved reputation for culinary excellence. It is home to Johnson and Wales University, which boasts one of the most prestigious culinary programs in America. For years the school taught the secret to truly wonderful southern cooking. With such a great source of culinary talent, it's no surprise that Charleston has become a hotspot for restaurants serving contemporary creations with traditional foundations.

Fresh seafood just off the boat can be found at almost any restaurant around town. Many specialize in Lowcountry cuisine, a style that has evolved from hundreds of years of southern recipes and is local to the coastal southeastern United States. "Shrimp and Grits" and "She-Crab Soup" are the two most popular examples of the lowcountry style of cooking.

Downtown is full of interesting restaurants on almost every street. Most have renovated the old buildings that house them to create a contemporary, cozy atmosphere while maintaining an old southern charm. Try to find a breezy patio or a second-story view of the harbor for a romantic dinner.

Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant is another great choice for a meal that is truly Charleston. The banks of this passageway for local shrimp boats are lined with restaurants and bars that all offer deck seating and great views of the water.

We could go on about Charleston's restaurants forever, but you'd be better served to come find out for yourself. We hope to see you soon.