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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown Charleston

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3041)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 36 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
4.4
Awesome(5142)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown Charleston
Booked 18 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 Vincent Chicco's restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1743)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown Charleston
Booked 13 times today
Boasting chic comfortable surroundings and offering dinner nightly, Vincent Chicco’s delivers good old-fashioned Italian-American cuisine, presenting authentic ingredients, handmade pastas, rich homemade sauces, delectable desserts and a full-service bar.*menu subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menu
A photo of Muse Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3365)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown Charleston
Booked 14 times today
This Charleston locals’ favorite is nestled away in a historic home in downtown Charleston. The charming restaurant and intimate bar are reminiscent of a Mediterranean Villa, where Executive Chef, Josh Ogilvie, melds the cuisines of Italy, Spain, France, & Greece, featuring fresh preparations of Seafood, Fish, Savory Meats, Homemade Pastas, Homemade Bread, and Salads, all served by a warm and friendly serving staff. The extensive wine list complements the experience and offers 75 selections by the glass. The cozy bar empties out onto a terrace, offering outdoor dining and drinks. There are numerous menu items, which are gluten and dairy free and vegetarian, and there are vegan options as well.
A photo of Brasserie la Banque restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1330)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown Charleston
Booked 19 times today
Brasserie la Banque is a genuine French restaurant in downtown Charleston. The reviews rave about the 'authentic French experience' and 'creative French cuisine'. The menu is a mix of traditional and innovative fare, praised for its variety and quality. The atmosphere is described as 'elegant', 'relaxing' and 'French'. The owner's passion for the classic French brasserie is evident, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Hummus restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(17)
Price: Expensive
• Lebanese • Downtown Charleston
Booked 2 times today
At Hummus Lebanese Authentic Cuisine, Chef Bachir, a passionate culinary artist and the mastermind behind our secret family recipes, brings the vibrant flavors of Lebanon to Charleston. Our signature dish, the **Beirut Shawarma Platter**, marinated in our family’s special spice blend, has become a local favorite, perfectly paired with our renowned, creamy hummus.Come join us at **Hummus Lebanese Authentic Cuisine**—where every dish is prepared with love, and every bite takes you closer to the heart of Lebanon.
A photo of Ma'am Saab restaurant
4.5
Awesome(266)
Price: Very Expensive
• Pakistani • Downtown Charleston
Booked 9 times today
Ma'am Saab is a gem of authentic Pakistani cuisine nestled in Charleston's historic district. The restaurant, led by Chef Maryam Ghaznavi, serves crowd favorites like Butter Chicken and Biryani, along with a menu that takes you on a journey into Pakistan. Reviews rave about the 'excellent and authentic food' and the 'unique and amazing seasoning and spices'. The ambiance and service also get high praise. As one review says, 'if authentic subcontinent food is your thing, you have found the right place.'
A photo of Port of Call - Food & Brew restaurant
4.5
Awesome(18)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 9 times today
Port of Call in Charleston offers a fusion of coastal charm and culinary innovation. With a menu celebrating Southern classics with a modern twist, impeccable service, and an inviting ambiance, it's a culinary gem for locals and visitors alike. Come savor the essence of Southern hospitality and excellence at Port of Call.
A photo of Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse - Charleston restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(706)
Price: Very Expensive
• Brazilian Steakhouse • Downtown Charleston
Booked 29 times today
Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse delivers an exquisite dining experience inspired by the rich Gaucho culture and culinary traditions of Southern Brazil. Galpão Gaucho’s rodizio experience offers an unparalleled dining experience, featuring 18 expertly grilled meats, including the new 24-karat Golden Steak™, paired with unlimited visits to an extensive 45-item gourmet salad bar.Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, an authentic Brazilian dining experience.> HOLIDAY HOURS: CHRISTMAS EVE 2024 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, CHRISTMAS DAY 12 pm - 8 pm, NEW YEAR'S EVE 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, AND NEW YEAR'S DAY 12 pm - 8 pm
A photo of Historic Charleston Supper Club restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Would you like to combine Charleston’s two biggest passions, food and history? Come to the Historic Charleston Supper Club. Located in the National Historic Landmark, the South Carolina Historical Society’s Fireproof Building in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. We offer two distinct 18th and 19th century dining experiences, with all food authentic to the times. In the evenings, indulge in a 7 course, two and a half hour feast that explores Charleston history from Colonial times to Reconstruction and beyond. During the daytime, try the Colonial Tavern Table. An 18th century Publick House experience where you get to EAT LIKE A PIRATE. All experiences include a historical presentation by Culinary Historian Mike Hebb and a free visit to the South Carolina Historical Society Museum.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kealan
    South Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Had a good time here for Sunday brunch! Service was great our Waitress was very friendly and attentive. Had family in town after the holidays and everyone was able to enjoy a nice Southern Style Brunch!
    More info
    Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
    4.5
  • Jean Francois
    San Antonio •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    You will certainly find the best duck confit and beans in the US here, in my wife’s opinion! I had the steak (filet) frites, which was excellent too! Good wine selection, and professional service complete a memorable meal!
    More info
    Brasserie la BanquePrice: Moderate• French• Downtown Charleston
    4.6
  • Ava
    South Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Went on a date with my boyfriend. We were served on by 3 rotating servers who all did a wonderful job of making sure our needs were met and our drinks were full throughout the evening. We decided to let Donnie pick our dinner and drinks for us and loved the selections he chose! We started with the meatballs and the shrimp as appetizers, followed by two servings of bolognese with black snapper and brussel sprouts. Dessert was a lady finger chantilly cream cake with pomegranate molasses topped with pistachio for a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Everything was so good!!!! I highly recommend letting Donnie pick for you, he definitely knows the menu and his recommendations were spot on. Thank you for making our evening so special, we will definitely be coming back in the future!
    More info
    Muse RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Downtown Charleston
    4.5
  • Richard
    South Carolina •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We dined on the patio because indoors can be noisy, and everything was great. The food was excellent as was the service. We love dining outdoors when the weather permits, so the end of December was a treat, and the patio is never noisy. The prices are very reasonable. 39 Rue de Jean remains a gem in downtown Charleston with a unique character all its own!
    More info
    39 Rue de Jean - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown Charleston
    4.4
  • Deborah
    Orlando / Central Florida East •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Dec 2024
    We had a wonderful dinner at Vincent Chicco’s tonight! We had the smoked mozzarella and the mushrooms as appetizers, which were amazing. Our entrées were delicious as well. The service couldn’t have been better, the ambience was great, and the noise level was perfect, so we could carry on a conversation at our table. Highly recommend it! 
    More info
    Vincent Chicco'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown Charleston
    4.3

Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown Charleston

Discover the heart of authentic dining in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, where culinary tradition meets southern charm. This bustling historic area offers a rich tapestry of restaurants that cater to those seeking genuine flavors and unique dining experiences. Each establishment, while diverse in its offerings, shares the common thread of authenticity, whether it's through meticulously crafted local dishes, international cuisines, or innovative plant-based options. Patrons rave about the exceptional food quality, the dedication to authentic recipes, and the warm, inviting atmospheres that make each meal memorable. The dining scene in Downtown Charleston is a vibrant blend of old-world charm and modern culinary innovation, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these restaurants promise an authentic taste of Charleston that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. Perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a genuine culinary experience, each restaurant in Downtown Charleston stands out for its commitment to delivering both exceptional dishes and a welcoming environment.

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