Best Contemporary American Restaurants in James Island

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant

1. Church and Union - Charleston

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 110 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.

2. Bearcat

4.6

Exceptional(244)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Ashley

Bearcat in West Ashley, Charleston, is a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike. Praised as a "neighborhood gem," this Wine Bar stands out not only for its inviting ambiance but also for its exceptional wine pairings that perfectly complement the innovative American cuisine. Patrons rave about the "distinctive yet harmonious flavors" and the sheer creativity that infuses both the food and the wine selections. With glowing reviews like, "the tasting menu with paired wines was tremendous," it's clear that Bearcat offers a sophisticated yet approachable wine experience that enhances each dish, making every visit unforgettable. Whether you're seated at the lively bar area or enjoying the quieter dining space, Bearcat promises an enriching experience that's bound to impress any wine lover.

A photo of Bourbon N' Bubbles restaurant

3. Bourbon N' Bubbles

4.2

Awesome(1325)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 12 times today

Bourbon N' Bubbles, nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston, offers a quintessential Contemporary American dining experience that is both luxurious and inviting. This restaurant is celebrated for its exquisite blend of upscale ambiance and innovative American cuisine with a twist. Patrons rave about the "amazing food" and "great drinks," particularly recommending the A5 Wagyu Spinalis and the cornbread appetizer. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, as one reviewer highlighted, the food and service "exceeded all expectations." Whether it's for a special brunch or a memorable dinner, Bourbon N' Bubbles stands out as a "must-visit" in Charleston for anyone seeking a top-tier Contemporary American meal in a vibrant setting.

4. Tempest

4.7

Exceptional(2352)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 15 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 Coterie- Charleston restaurant

5. Coterie- Charleston

4.2

Awesome(396)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 2 times today

At Coterie in Downtown Charleston, the essence of Contemporary American cuisine is celebrated with a passion for flavor and a keen sense of community. This hidden gem offers an eclectic mix of dishes that capture the vibrant spirit of American dining, with menu items that cater to every palate, including standout dishes like the local fish curry and innovative vegetarian options. Praised for its “electric choices and taste," every meal at Coterie is a delightful surprise, described by patrons as “cooked to perfection.” The charming patio setting enhances the dining experience, making every visit memorable. As one diner raved, it's a place where the “flavors popped and the dishes were all so beautifully presented,” making Coterie a must-visit for those seeking the best in Contemporary American cuisine in Charleston.

A photo of Saffire Restaurant restaurant

6. Saffire Restaurant

3.8

Excellent(117)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston

The bold flavors of Saffire's seasonally inspired menu reflect a belief in "the cuisine of today," healthy, eclectic, imaginative, unrestricted by ethnic boundaries...always evolving. Our chef elevates fresh, organic, carefully chosen ingredients above mere quality...to culinary artistry. The atmosphere at Saffire restaurant and lounge is casually sophisticated, yet warm and welcoming.

7. The Establishment

4.8

Exceptional(2628)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 15 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 Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett restaurant

8. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett

4.6

Exceptional(1104)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 11 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 Port of Call - Food & Brew restaurant

9. Port of Call - Food & Brew

4.5

Awesome(14)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 5 times today

Port of Call - Food & Brew in Downtown Charleston is a beacon of American cuisine that expertly blends Southern classics with innovative twists. The restaurant's large and versatile menu receives glowing reviews for dishes like the "out of this world brunch burger" and "phenomenal bok choy," showcasing its commitment to quality and creativity. Guests rave about the "spectacular" atmosphere and "impeccable" service, highlighting staff members like Fagan, who is frequently mentioned for his attentiveness. Combining coastal charm with culinary excellence, Port of Call is celebrated for making each dining experience memorable, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic and exceptional American fare.

A photo of ÉLEVÉ at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston restaurant

10. ÉLEVÉ at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston

4.4

Awesome(1331)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown Charleston

Booked 2 times today

ÉLEVÉ at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful coastal twist. Praised for its "exquisite food" and "unique marry of flavors," ÉLEVÉ offers an experience where classic French culinary techniques meet Southern heritage, creating dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Guests rave about the "best omelette ever" and the "delicious" truffle infused fries, highlighting Chef Mahdi Naim's expertise in elevating simple ingredients to artful culinary creations. With its "elegant, vibrant" ambiance and stunning rooftop views, ÉLEVÉ is not just a meal, but a memorable dining adventure praised as a "hidden gem" in 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Henry
Atlanta Metro •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
To begin with, Bourbon & Bubbles is beautiful. The Restaurant was mentioned as a new brunch location in North Charleston. We will be building a house uptown, so we were eager to try it. There was no disappointment. From the Chardonnay shrimp cocktail to the biscuit sandwich, everything was well prepared. My wife and I had a drink called First Love. Because she is my first love, we decided to try it. Again, it was on point. I highly recommend this restaurant, can't wait to go back.
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Bourbon N' BubblesPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.2
A
Amy
South Carolina •8 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
I had a great meal, love the ambience and the service was impeccable. The only negative is the limited menu options. But if the menu includes just what you want to eat, then I highly recommend this place.
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TempestPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.7
J
Jana
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our table of 8 ordered these delicious items: Southern Salad, Braised Bacon & Melon, Fried Chicken, Maryland Crab Cake, Handmade Braided Ravioli w/ Italian Sausage, Crished Yukon Potatoes, Chocolate/Vanilla Gelato
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Church and Union - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.5
T
Tanner
South Carolina •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely amazing experience here. My husband and I are still talking about it. The server shared they recently changed their menu to Modern French and everything from the cocktail to the dishes were delicious!! I think we had about 5ish plates including the brisket and fish…all knocked out of the park! Can’t wait to come back to Charleston to eat here again!
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Coterie- CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown Charleston
•
4.2
G
Grace
South Carolina •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Very amazing and relaxing experience!! The dishes were absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed our server describing them after placing the dishes on the table. It really rounded the experience and made it so interesting.
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BearcatPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• West Ashley
•
4.6

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in James Island

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Church and Union - Charleston

2. Bearcat

3. Bourbon N' Bubbles

4. Tempest

5. Coterie- Charleston

6. Saffire Restaurant

7. The Establishment

8. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett

9. Port of Call - Food & Brew

10. ÉLEVÉ at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston

See what locals rave about

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