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Charleston Restaurant Tour

Jun 15, 2025

Overview

A culinary tour of Charleston, South Carolina highlights the top ten local restaurants, each offering distinct atmospheres and must-try dishes, plus a bonus hidden gem recommendation.

Restaurant Highlights

  • The Ordinary (No. 10): Renowned seafood hall praised for ultra-fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and an impressive shellfish tower.
  • Pugan's Porch (No. 9): Southern comfort food in a charming old house; known for buttermilk biscuits, fried chicken, and a friendly ghost dog.
  • Leon's Oyster Shop (No. 8): Retro-chic spot serving standout fried chicken, oysters, and a refreshing frozen gin and tonic.
  • FIG (No. 7): Farm-to-table restaurant featuring a seasonal menu, exceptional ricotta gnocchi, and first-class service.
  • Hall's Chop House (No. 6): Classic steakhouse with exceptional steaks, she-crab soup, warm hospitality, and must-try bread pudding.
  • Hominy Grill (No. 5): Now closed, but honored for its legacy in Low Country fare; dishes like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes live on at other spots.
  • Fleet Landing (No. 4): Waterfront dining with excellent food; visitors advised to call ahead in January due to seasonal closing periods.
  • 167 Raw (No. 3): Bustling space known for its best-in-town lobster roll, memorable scallop po’ boy, and lively casual vibe.
  • Husk (No. 2): Acclaimed for innovative Southern dishes using only regional ingredients; the cornbread is a standout.
  • Xiao Bao Biscuit (No. 1): Hidden gem off the beaten path, acclaimed for "Asian soul food," particularly its Japanese savory pancake and craft cocktails.

Pro Tips and Recommendations

  • At The Ordinary, don't skip the smoked oysters or shellfish tower.
  • Pugan's Porch biscuits are highly recommended; enjoy potential ghost dog sightings.
  • Pair Leon's fried chicken and oysters with their frozen gin and tonic for a complete experience.
  • At FIG, order the ricotta gnocchi if available.
  • Hall's Chop House downtown location is preferred; save room for their dessert.
  • Fleet Landing may close for renovations in January; call ahead.
  • Hominy Grill's legacy dishes can still be found elsewhere in Charleston.

Personal Note and Offer

  • Host Denine Gary, a Charleston-based realtor, offers a relocation guide with potential savings on closing costs.

Questions / Follow-Ups

  • Contact restaurants regarding January hours, especially for Fleet Landing.
  • Download relocation guide for real estate information and savings.

Full transcript