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Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown Charleston

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28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4972)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 54 times today
Charleston’s freshest seafood, with laidback Lowcountry style. Coast’s chefs meet daily with local farmers and fishermen to procure the freshest seafood and produce available. Featuring wood-grilled fish, a raw bar, and a refreshing drink list. Open nightly from 5:00. Outdoor seating available.*menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menu
A photo of O-Ku restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2747)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown Charleston
Booked 64 times today
O-Ku, a Japanese restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a triumph of execution and concept. The restaurant's menu is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, and it features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are prepared with care. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are both complex and delicate. Focused on incorporating authentically Japanese flavors into the fare, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature contemporary Japanese entrées and traditional sushi of the season reflecting the uniquely designed space. Guests can enjoy chef specialties including kurobuta pulled pork don-buri, braised short rib with shiso pesto, coconut curry, and hakozushi a box-style sushi. A wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and crudos are also available. The beverage program at O-Ku is a sophisticated blend of specialty cocktails, premium sake, bubbles, red and white wines and unique beer selections.
A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3031)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 57 times today
This sophisticated Southern dining spot blends the comforts of a traditional Southern kitchen with familiar regional dishes prepared with the utmost care for quality and flavor. The menu incorporates local fresh ingredients and old family recipes to bring you Southern cooking, Lowcountry style.*menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menus
A photo of The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1801)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 32 times today
The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, named for Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Marion, features classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Executive Chef Heyward Davis and Chef De Cuisine Daniel James create regional specialties that emphasize farm to table practices using locally grown fruits and vegetables with respect to the traditional beloved flavors and techniques of the Lowcountry.Known for its award-winning Shrimp and Grits, The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar overlooks historic Marion Square Park and is popular with both locals and visitors to Charleston. Guests can enjoy live piano Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm - 9pm.The restaurant also has a private dining room, the Parkview, that seats thirty and overlooks King Street and Marion Square Park. This intimate space is perfect for private events and small parties.Masks are recommended for fully vaccinated customers. Consistent with CDC guidelines, unvaccinated customers should wear masks.
A photo of Indaco restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3810)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown Charleston
Booked 54 times today
Located on Charleston's Upper King Street, Indaco (Italian for "indigo") serves rustic Italian cuisine. Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, housemade salami and cured sausages fill the restaurant's menu which can be enjoyed family-style or a la carte. With community tables, an open kitchen, and a comfortable atmosphere, Indaco can accommodate 100 guests for a casual night of food and drinks. The wine list is focused on affordable Italian varietals, the Negroni cocktail is on tap, and the fresh sodas are made in-house. The massive wooden doors on Upper King Street are your first indication that Indaco is different from the typical Charleston restaurant. Rustic details continue inside with butcherblock tables, lime-wash walls, and white brick. An open kitchen with nearby community tables lets interested diners keep an eye on the action inside the kitchen. Outside, a patio puts you streetside to watch Upper King Street's vibrant nightlife scene.
A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant
4.5
Awesome(8599)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 184 times today
A 5th Street Group Concept. Modern-American cuisine served in a casual yet refined atmosphere. Menu by Executive Chef Doug Watson & Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch.
A photo of Peninsula Grill restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(8001)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 28 times today
This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant located in the very heart of Charleston’s famed Historic District has been recognized by Departures, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, Wine Spectator, and others for serving the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally and globally. With velvet-lined walls in shimmering oyster tones, woven seagrass, and indigenous cypress molding, the Peninsula Grill Dining Room ambiance is supper club sumptuousness. The Peninsula Grill Champagne Bar is an intimate jewel box space that offers several outstanding champagnes by the glass and a delicious bar menu.Peninsula Grill is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of restaurants and hotels in romantic destinations around the world. Business casual attire, Collared Shirts are required for Gentleman in the Dining Room.
A photo of Rudy Royale restaurant
4.5
Awesome(855)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 44 times today
Rudy Royale combines a fun atmosphere with approachable yet elevated seasonal cuisine. This establishment has an extensive cocktail list and takes pride in serving a great selection of local beers. Chef & Owner Macready Downer consistently elevates and updates our menu to provide something new and delicious every visit. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the service is top-notch. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a special occasion dinner, Rudy Royale is sure to please. Make a reservation today -- we'd love to serve y'all. Event & Private Dining Spaces Available.
A photo of The Establishment restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2657)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 20 times today
Everything at The Establishment begins with well-sourced ingredients from sea and field. Through developing relationships with local farmers and fishermen, our ingredients will be consistently seasonal, fresh, and pure. Chef Elliott Howells' menu will always reflect a clean, focused, and balanced approach, delivering a selection of thoughtful and refined cuisine.Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter a few blocks away from Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, and Waterfront Park, The Establishment features an award-winning wine cellar, over 150 bourbon and whiskey offerings, and a lively bar scene complete with daily happy hour. We feature Live Music every Friday and Saturday starting at 8:00 PM, featuring multiple local artists performing an array of musical genres. Our private dining rooms are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or business meetings. We look forward to hosting you for a casual night out or an elevated dining experience.
A photo of Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5065)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 68 times today
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar opened in 2009, reviving the former Amen name of Cumberland Street and restoring this historic corner. The new renovation stays true to the beauty of the original 1800's architecture while creating a comfortable atmosphere for contemporary life.Located at 205 East Bay Street in the heart of the historic district this Charleston seafood restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining all within walking distance of the local Market and the Charleston Harbor.The menu includes a variety of seafood dishes such as oysters, clams and shrimp in addition to an ever growing raw bar menu. Amen Street supports Charleston's local fishing industry with market fresh fish.We are open for lunch and dinner. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations are accepted as well.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Shana
    Orlando / Central Florida East •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Loved our Christmas Eve dinner this year. The food and drinks are always great and our server, Alexis was amazing! Order a drink from Alexa at the bar and you won’t regret it. And Steph always does a fanatic job making sure everyone is taken care of. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend!!
    More info
    O-KuPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Downtown Charleston
    4.8
  • Nancy
    South Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had a wonderful lunch with friends on Christmas Eve!
    More info
    Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
    4.5
  • lizVIP
    Miami - Dade •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Indaco is a pasta lover’s dream come true! From start to finish, our meal was nothing short of exceptional. We began with the Caesar salad, which might just be the best Caesar I’ve ever had. Instead of the usual croutons, they used delicate crumbles of heaven that elevated every bite. It was so good, we ordered a second one before our pasta even arrived! The pasta dishes were equally outstanding. The tortellini and the black pepper tagliatelle (their incredible take on carbonara) were both cooked to perfection, with flavors that were rich, balanced, and utterly delicious. Each bite showcased the care and skill that goes into their pasta-making. Although we didn’t try the pizzas, we saw them being served to other tables, and they looked absolutely beautiful—definitely something to try on a future visit. To finish, we indulged in the classic tiramisu, which was the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal. Indaco is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates expertly crafted Italian cuisine. If you’re in Charleston, don’t miss it!
    More info
    IndacoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown Charleston
    4.8
  • Frances
    New Orleans / Louisiana •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Get the shrimp and grits- wonderful. My husband had the fish of the day over a ragu and he said it was very good. I didn’t like the fried green tomatoes. service was very nice . The restaurant had a large family with young children which was annoying but not the restaurants fault,
    More info
    The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion HotelPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
    4.4
  • Mollie
    South Carolina •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Had 4 fabulous meals , one daughter has celiac and waiter was able to help us navigate safe choices with the menu and propose alternatives and personally went to talk to the chef . I got the crab stuffed flounder and it could have fed 2 people. Love the alley and all of the holy City restaurants but coast is our fav! Highly recommend, def worth it !!!
    More info
    Coast Bar & Grill – CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
    4.4
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