Best South Carolina Restaurants in James Island

34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett restaurant

1. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett

4.5

Price: Expensive

• South carolina • Downtown Charleston

Booked 6 times today

Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett epitomizes the essence of South Carolina cuisine through its dedication to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and authentic regional flavors. Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, this restaurant offers a culinary journey that highlights the best of the South. Diners rave about the "excellent She Crab Soup" and "standout Scallops," which are just a taste of the boldly flavored dishes that grace the menu. The vibrant atmosphere and historic views of Marion Square complement the dining experience, making every meal memorable. As one diner put it, Gabrielle Charleston is where "the food and ambience were outstanding," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of South Carolina.

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant

2. Church and Union - Charleston

4.5

Awesome(8512)

Price: Expensive

• South carolina • Downtown Charleston

Booked 72 times today

Church and Union in Downtown Charleston is a standout destination for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine. The creativity of Executive Chef Doug Watson and Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch shines through in a menu that is as inventive as it is delicious. Guests rave about the "Holy Sh*t Breakfast" and the "delicious and beautifully presented" cookie dough ganache, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. The ambiance, described as "unique" and "very cool with a lot of history," complements the modern-American dishes served. With its vibrant setting and consistently "amazing service," Church and Union is highly recommended as a must-visit for an exceptional dining experience.

3. Rudy Royale

4.5

Awesome(841)

Price: Moderate

• South carolina • Downtown Charleston

Booked 7 times today

Rudy Royale in Downtown Charleston is a gem for seafood lovers, offering a delightful culinary experience that highlights the freshness and authenticity of its dishes. With a focus on seasonal cuisine, the restaurant's flounder tempura has garnered high praise as a must-try. Patrons consistently rave about the "unmatched deliciousness" of the seafood offerings, emphasizing the quality and flavor that make Rudy Royale a standout. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with exceptional service, ensures every meal is a pleasure. Whether it's the praised flounder or the celebrated tempura, Rudy Royale promises an unforgettable seafood experience right in the heart of Charleston.

A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant

4. Virginia's on King

4.5

Awesome(3015)

Price: Moderate

• South carolina • Downtown Charleston

Booked 20 times today

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, Virginia's on King is a beacon of Southern charm and culinary delight. This esteemed eatery excels in crafting authentic Southern dishes that resonate with the richness of Lowcountry cuisine. Utilizing fresh, local ingredients and cherished family recipes, the menu offers a journey through the South's culinary heritage. Highlights include the indulgent crab Benedict and the perfectly seasoned shrimp and grits, described by a patron as "velvety smooth." Diners consistently praise not only the food but also the ambiance and service, noting, "The food was fantastic if you like Southern food" and "Great service and food our waitress Genevieve was wonderful." Virginia's on King is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Southern hospitality and flavor in Charleston.

5. Anson

4.8

Exceptional(4786)

Price: Very Expensive

• South carolina • Downtown Charleston

Booked 10 times today

Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |

6. Peninsula Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7958)

Price: Very Expensive

• South carolina • Downtown Charleston

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Peninsula Grill stands out as a beacon of Southern cuisine excellence. This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant is celebrated for its "superb" food and "impeccable service," with patrons raving about signature dishes like the heavenly coconut cake, described as a "must" and the "best I’ve ever had" scallops. The atmosphere of Peninsula Grill, from its velvet-lined walls to the intimate Champagne Bar, exudes Southern supper club elegance, making every dining experience memorable. Whether it's the locally sourced ingredients or the sumptuous decor, Peninsula Grill offers an authentic taste of the South that is both inventive and deeply rooted in tradition.

A photo of The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel restaurant

7. The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel

4.4

Awesome(1777)

Price: Moderate

• South carolina • Downtown Charleston

Booked 10 times today

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel is a treasure trove of authentic Southern American cuisine. With a menu crafted by Executive Chef Heyward Davis and Chef De Cuisine Daniel James, this restaurant is a celebration of farm-to-table freshness, emphasizing local fruits and vegetables while honoring cherished Lowcountry cooking traditions. It's no wonder diners rave about dishes like the "award-winning Shrimp and Grits" and the "delicious, as always" yeast rolls that evoke a nostalgic charm. The charming ambiance, complete with live piano music on weekends, makes every visit to The Swamp Fox a delightful culinary journey into the soul of the South. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this venue's blend of excellent food, service, and atmosphere promises a memorable dining experience.

A photo of Oak Steakhouse - Charleston restaurant

8. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston

4.7

Exceptional(5523)

Price: Moderate

• South carolina • Downtown Charleston

Booked 23 times today

Nestled in the historic heart of Downtown Charleston, Oak Steakhouse is celebrated for its impeccable approach to steak. Renowned for its certified Angus® beef, both wet and dry-aged, the restaurant sources from sustainable local farms, ensuring a menu that's both fresh and flavorful. Diners rave about the "fantastic food and service," with special mentions of the "phenomenal dry aged rib eye" and the "whole fried lobster." The ambiance, set in a stunning 1848 bank building, complements the culinary experience, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for an extraordinary meal. Regulars and newcomers alike are often "left in awe" by the personalized touches and the extensive wine selection, making every visit memorable.

9. The Establishment

4.8

Exceptional(2629)

Price: Very Expensive

• South carolina • Downtown Charleston

Booked 9 times today

The Establishment in Downtown Charleston is a gem for seafood lovers, consistently lauded for its commitment to freshness and local sourcing. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one admirer noting, "Every time I come here I think it can’t get better and it does." The menu, crafted by Chef Elliott Howells, is a testament to refined and balanced culinary art, where dishes like the lemon poached grouper and the moqueca de peixe receive high praise. The restaurant also features the highly recommended crab gnudi, described as "little puffs of heaven." With its top-notch service and a vibrant atmosphere enhanced by live music, The Establishment stands out as a beacon of seafood excellence in Charleston’s historic French Quarter.

A photo of California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating restaurant

10. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

4.2

Awesome(3179)

Price: Moderate

• South carolina • West Ashley

Booked 64 times today

California Dreaming in Charleston's West Ashley neighborhood is a culinary delight for steak lovers. Since 1987, this restaurant has been serving up some of the most succulent and perfectly prepared steaks, earning rave reviews for its ambiance and cuisine. With its prime rib once a menu staple, patrons now revel in offerings like the flawlessly cooked ribeye, described by a guest as "cooked to perfection." The restaurant's setting, featuring stunning views of the Ashley River, only enhances the dining experience, making each bite of their delicious steak even more enjoyable. As one reviewer put it, the "prime rib was phenomenal," noting that it's a sought-after item that goes quickly. Whether it's the excellent service, the quality of the steak, or the beautiful backdrop, California Dreaming stands out as a top destination for steak enthusiasts visiting Charleston.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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Best South Carolina Restaurants in James Island

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34 restaurants available nearby

1. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett

2. Church and Union - Charleston

3. Rudy Royale

4. Virginia's on King

5. Anson

6. Peninsula Grill

7. The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel

8. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston

9. The Establishment

10. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

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