Best Lunch Restaurants in Downtown Charleston

28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant

1. Virginia's on King

4.6

Exceptional(3028)

Price: Moderate

• Southern • Downtown Charleston

Booked 43 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 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant

2. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

4.4

Awesome(5127)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown Charleston

Booked 54 times today

French style cafe and bar offering the best in Brasserie cuisine since 2000. Enjoy indoor/outdoor patio seating, cocktails and a well-rounded wine list. Current Dinner hours are Monday through Saturday from 4:00 PM- 10:00 PM. Sunday Dinner service: 4:00PM-9:00PM.Sunday Brunch: 11:00AM- 3:00PM.Friday & Saturday Lunch: 11:00AM-3:00PM.Reserve your table now or call in for carry out at 843.722.8881.We are excited to reopen our restaurant to all of our guests and are cautiously abiding by the SCRLA to ensure that we are taking care of not only our guests but as well as our staff safely! We have chosen to operate at smaller capacity and do ask that you make a reservation in order to secure a table for dining. We have always had high standards in regards to sanitation and we are applying even more safety measures. *menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menus

A photo of Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett restaurant

3. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett

4.5

Awesome(1117)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • Downtown Charleston

Booked 8 times today

Gabrielle captures the spirit of Charleston with quintessential hospitality, warm design, a vibrant bar, charming views and a menu that puts fresh, locally sourced ingredients on center stage. Each bold and flavorful dish showcases the South’s fresh bounty, allowing ingredients to speak simply and powerfully for themselves. Featuring a lively indoor bar and dining room, as well as the city’s finest outdoor dining terrace, the menu is complemented by views overlooking historic Marion Square.

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

4. The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel

4.4

Awesome(1795)

Price: Moderate

• Southern • Downtown Charleston

Booked 13 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 Hotel Bennett Special Events restaurant

5. Hotel Bennett Special Events

3.9

Excellent(44)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown Charleston

Special events in the Crown Ballroom at Hotel Bennett.

A photo of California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating restaurant

6. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

4.3

Awesome(3201)

Price: Moderate

• American • West Ashley

Booked 109 times today

Since 1987, California Dreaming has been a proud part of the Charleston, SC community. Our spacious, open setting features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Ashley River, creating the perfect backdrop for a lively night out. You can also enjoy these panoramic views from our wrap-around deck, complete with a bar and easily accessible by boat. Whether you're craving low country favorites or our famous prime rib, California Dreaming is a favorite among both locals and tourists. **Please note that we provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 6. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant

7. Church and Union - Charleston

4.5

Awesome(8562)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown Charleston

Booked 135 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 Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar restaurant

8. Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar

4.8

Exceptional(5059)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown Charleston

Booked 51 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.

A photo of Lamar's Sporting Club restaurant

9. Lamar's Sporting Club

4.5

Awesome(6)

Price: Expensive

• Lounge • Downtown Charleston

Booked 7 times today

Sophisticated lounge offering excellent craft cocktails, upscale bar bites, and weekly top shelf happy hours in a comfortable setting.Recognized as the best venue to enjoy College & NFL games with 10+ HD TVs. Lunch & Brunch are available on the weekends during football season. Lamar's was designed for like-minded individuals who value nightlife experiences, sports, and exclusivity. The establishment features an intimate lounge with a classic and upscale ambiance. With rich, dark wood paneling, subdued lighting, and plush leather banquettes, sofas, and cocktail tables, the venue provides both comfort and luxury seating. The sporting club lifestyle is reflected in the carefully curated decor, which includes antique-inspired elements such as modern-vintage artwork, chandeliers, eclectic bookshelves and wildlife on display.Located on the corner of King & Spring, Lamar's is the ultimate way to elevate your sports viewings & evening experiences in Charleston.

A photo of The Peacock Charleston restaurant

10. The Peacock Charleston

4.6

Exceptional(290)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown Charleston

Booked 15 times today

The Peacock is an art deco-inspired setting with distinct spaces on each floor - spanning 12,000 sq ft. We offer something for everyone at any time of day. The main dining will be open from 11:30a.m. - 10 p.m. daily for lunch, and dinner (and stays open until 2 a.m. for cocktails). Our second-floor peacock lounge opens daily at 5 p.m. and stays open until 2 a.m. Also on the second floor, you will find V's our entertainment space where you can see a show or have a VIP experience dancing the night away. Finally, experience the splendor of a Charleston evening from our rooftop bar/lounge. We also offer three VIP areas for reservations on the roof (they seat 10-12 people and have private TVs). Come for a meal, watch a sunset or stay for a show whatever you choose you're sure to make it a habit!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Amber
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Had a wonderful brunch at Virginia on King. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding from the manager to our waitress! Thank you all for an enjoyable morning! Merry Christmas🎄
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Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
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4.6
D
Don
South Carolina •43 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We have lived in Charleston for 24 years and this is our first visit to this restaurant. It was one of the best meals we’ve had in the city. Delicious food, both French and American and a great place to eat. We were right next-door to the music venue we were going to. The service was superb. I recommend those who have just come to Charleston and who might have been here a while, but not gone yet to try this place out. You will not be disappointed.
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39 Rue de Jean - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown Charleston
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4.4
M
Meg
Virginia •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Eric was very helpful with my gluten allergies. My husband ordered Shrimp and Grits and the waiter recommended the mini versus dinner size portion which is quite large. My Risotto and scallops were delicious. The Pear salad was quite good and was plentiful with cranberries, gorgonzola and toasted pecans. The ambiance was delightful with a piano man playing Christmas Carols.
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The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion HotelPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
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4.4
M
MelissaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 1, 2024
Such a lovely first experience as new residents after recently relocating from CA! So memorable that we immediately booked a room & massage for the Tree Lighting event so we’ll be back very soon! Special note to Sam at the Lobby bar for his wonderful customer service.
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Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel BennettPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Southern• Downtown Charleston
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4.5
A
AndrewVIP
Atlanta Metro •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 28, 2024
Thanksgiving Brunch was outstanding! Plenty of fresh seafood and delicious turkey and sides!
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Hotel Bennett Special EventsPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
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3.9

Best Lunch Restaurants in Downtown Charleston

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Virginia's on King

2. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston

3. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett

4. The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel

5. Hotel Bennett Special Events

6. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating

7. Church and Union - Charleston

8. Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar

9. Lamar's Sporting Club

10. The Peacock Charleston

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