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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Isle of Palms

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Refuge restaurant
4.3
Awesome(595)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Isle of Palms
Booked 1 time today
Nestled in the charming Isle of Palms, The Refuge stands out as a beacon of exceptional American cuisine. This family-owned gem combines fresh, quality ingredients with culinary expertise to create memorable dishes that resonate with both locals and tourists. Praised for its "outstanding food and service," The Refuge delivers an array of mouth-watering options from its diverse menus, catering to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reviews rave about the "delicious" food and "comfortable seating," making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic American flavors in a "nice atmosphere." As one reviewer enthusiastically recommends, "Choose the Refuge! We loved everything about it!" This restaurant is a true refuge for those seeking a top-notch dining experience on Isle of Palms.
A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant
4.5
Awesome(8563)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 135 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.
A photo of Tempest restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2365)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 21 times today
Tempest, hailed as USA Today's 10Best #1 New Restaurant, is a gem nestled on historic Market Street in Downtown Charleston. It's not just the location that captivates but also the exceptional seafood that stands out. Chef Adam Hodgson, alongside Bravo Top Chef Alum Jamie Lynch, crafts a menu that is both innovative and reflective of the region's bounty. The restaurant's raw and roast offerings are a testament to their commitment to quality, with dishes like the Tempest Tower leaving diners in awe. Glowing reviews consistently praise the "out of this world" roasted oysters and shrimp, and the "incredible" flounder, affirming Tempest's status as a pinnacle of seafood excellence. As one reviewer puts it, this place turns dining into "a wonderful southern experience," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and meticulously prepared seafood.
A photo of The Establishment restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2656)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 11 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 Burwell's Stone Fire Grill restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3613)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston
Booked 21 times today
Burwell's Stone Fire Grill, nestled in Downtown Charleston, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Contemporary American cuisine. Celebrated as a Diners Choice for ten consecutive years, this eatery offers a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. Guests rave about the "best filet" and unique hot stone steaks, which you can cook to your liking, enhancing the dining experience with a personal touch. The local favorite is praised for its use of fresh, local ingredients, ensuring that "everything I’ve ordered has always been superb." With glowing recommendations like being the "best place to dine in the low country" according to South Magazine, and its warm, welcoming atmosphere, Burwell's is undoubtedly a must-visit in Charleston for a memorable dining experience.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Barnee
    New York City •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This restaurant is stunning ! The ambiance is absolutely incredible. The food and service was great. The only small issue was we ordered Cocktails first but no appetizers and our main courses came out to quick we had barely had a sip of our drinks. Otherwise an absolutely fabulous dinner
    More info
    Church and Union - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
    4.5
  • Alexandra
    Orange County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It was our first time in Charleston and we stumbled upon this restaurant. We had a great meal and left happy and full. If you sit in the “bourbon” side you have to make sure to check out the “bubbles” side too! Great contrast while still being cohesive. My husband and I recommend! I had the Sunday Sauce special and it was *chefs kiss*!
    More info
    Bourbon N' BubblesPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown Charleston
    4.2
  • JanetKVIP
    Charlotte •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We arrived late into town due to an hour long traffic hazard delay and we’re worried about getting a reservation to a great restaurant. We were able to dine at Tempest and it was incredible! We had the tuna crude which was very good but the showstopper was the Swordfish Schnitzel with warm tartar sauce with trout roe. I/we are known as foodies-originally from California Bay Area! My husband said this was by far the best swordfish he had ever eaten! I agreed but was trying to identify the ingredients to prepare at home. We shared a bottle of wine and had the Some-More for dessert. Fabulous! Our server Dalton and his shadowing trainee, Megan were amazing as well! Truly a beautiful restaurant and amazing experience!, Do not miss it when in Charleston!
    More info
    TempestPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown Charleston
    4.7
  • Harry
    Cincinnati / Dayton •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    When you make a reservation at establishment like this, you expect the food to be good. It was. It was excellent. Now here are the small things. The ambience is outstanding. The server was extremely knowledgeable. Everything that we had came together like a symphony. The manager came to the table and offered us a glass of cava for our anniversary The price point equates to the quality of the food. From The service to the ambience this restaurant gets it and as a former restaurant owner, I appreciate the fact that they not only put out great food. They paid attention to all of the small details. 
    More info
    The EstablishmentPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
    4.8
  • Tasha
    South Carolina •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    Jeremy was an excellent server. Everyone enjoyed their entrees. Two of us enjoyed the braised short ribs, best I I've ever eaten!
    More info
    The RefugePrice: Moderate• American• Isle of Palms
    4.3

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Isle of Palms

Explore the delightful nuances of Contemporary American cuisine in the charming Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Nestled just outside the vibrant city of Charleston, this picturesque locale offers a unique dining scene that combines traditional Southern hospitality with innovative American culinary trends. The restaurants here are celebrated for their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each dish is not only delicious but also supports local producers. Patrons can expect a diverse menu that catifies to various dietary needs, including options for gluten-free and vegetarian diners. The ambiance of these dining establishments ranges from casual chic to sophisticated elegance, making them perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner to a celebratory gathering. Each venue promises an unforgettable dining experience, underscored by attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Contemporary American restaurants in Isle of Palms offer a taste of something truly special, reflecting the area's rich culinary heritage and modern gastronomic innovations.

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