Charleston’s 12 most drop-dead gorgeous restaurants

If you had to dream up the perfect place to come together for an afternoon of bubbles, caviar, and cake, it would look exactly like Camellias at the Bennett Hotel. The stunning Champagne bar was inspired by the Fabergé egg, which explains its oval-shaped chandelier and blush-pink color palette. Even the bar top, which comes from reclaimed marble from a public library that once stood here, is pink. For the ultimate Camellias experience, book afternoon high tea service.

Charleston has no shortage of beautiful churches, and while most are still places of worship, some—like Church and Union—got second lives. The soaring wood-beamed sanctuary is now a bustling dining room and bar serving top-tier steaks, chops, and seafood. Enjoy it all in an edgy space surrounded by stained-glass windows, leather banquettes, and an awe-inspiring ceiling that’s hand-painted with text from The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

The Peacock is where you dress up to get down—the three-storied dining and entertainment destination is thoughtfully decorated with Art Deco flourishes, glittery gold details, and a room with peacock-patterned wallpaper. The lively venue has something for everyone with multiple dining rooms, a speakeasy slash dance club, lounge, and an outdoor rooftop overlooking the U.S. Custom House. No matter which space you pick, the luxe setting is a great place to drink, dine, and dance night away.

After more than 25 years in business, Peninsula Grill has officially reached “classic” status. Like all good classics, not much has changed since its early days, including a stately Southern ambiance with velvet-lined walls and a seagrass carpet. As beautiful as the dining room is, the outdoor patio might be even prettier, complete with bluestone, brick, bubbling fountains, and crepe myrtle trees—a scenic match for Peninsula’s excellent Lowcountry food like she-crab soup and seared diver scallops.

The James Gregorie House has been revamped many times over the centuries. Its latest incarnation: The Establishment, a clubby seafood restaurant that’s loved by downtown residents craving soft-shell crab and butter-poached grouper. The low-slung interior is spacious with cozy booths and an open kitchen, plus a horseshoe-shaped bar with a giant video wall that cycles through landscape scenes—and that’s just the main dining room. For more intimate occasions, book the State or Church Room.

The first thing you notice when you step inside Ma’am Saab is how vibrant it is. The dining room glows, thanks to crystal chandeliers casting a light on black-and-white wallpaper and exposed brick walls. In a city where design can be homogeneous, Ma’am Saab stands out for especially bold interiors. The sultry room sets the stage for flavor-packed Pakistani dishes like lamb biryani and butter chicken, served in gold metal pots—another touch that reflects Ma’am Saab’s South Asian heart.

The Kingstide is Daniel Island’s first waterfront restaurant, and its interiors echo the classic Charleston single house with tabby walls and wide piazzas. On a nice day, dine on one of the terraces to take in sweeping Wando River views alongside seafood like peel-and-eat shrimp and seared tuna. Views are also on display inside, where tall windows bring the outside in, and subtle coastal touches like rope lights, shiplap walls, and a light-blue color scheme enhance the beachy atmosphere.

ÉLEVÉ is a buzzy hotel bar that makes the most of its prime downtown Charleston setting. Its rooftop garden is scattered with white couches, cozy loungers, and green astroturf to create a fun, see-and-be-seen setting for sipping on herb-infused cocktails and taking in the sights. Inside, the chandelier-clad ambience channels the hotel’s bohemian soul, complete with framed art from hotelier Richard C. Kessler’s prolific personal collection.

Every detail at The Longboard was chosen to reflect its beachy Sullivan Island setting. The decor is coastal without feeling cliché: Teals and blues accent the natural wood interior without overpowering it. Head to the porch for a prime view of the action on Middle Street and take in the Atlantic breeze. Surrounded by sunshine and solid seafood, like grilled octopus with butter bean puree and garlic butter shrimp, an evening at The Longboard will make you wish you were on vacation forever.

Stepping into Anson feels like walking into an eccentric but chic hunting lodge. Rich wood paneling and wrought-iron railings sit alongside crystal chandeliers, gold cornices, and crisp white tablecloths. A large working fireplace on one wall is flanked by murals of Lowcountry landscapes. It’s just the setting you’d expect for traditional Southern food, featuring fried green tomatoes and Anson’s legendary whole-crispy flounder with apricot shallot sauce.

O-Ku fuses Charlestonian charm with Japanese accents. Cherry blossom branches double as light sconces and backlit mirrors add a dose of drama, while exposed brick and high ceilings bring local flavor. Whether you’re sitting at the bar and watching the sushi chefs slice, hanging out in the lounge for a sake happy hour, or having an intimate dinner at one of the cozy tables—don’t miss signatures like honey-ginger Tokyo wings—you’ll see why this sleek and stylish spot has thrived for a decade.

With pops of yellow and earthy green tones, Lenoir is a cheerful place for North Carolina-inspired dishes from award-winning PBS host and chef Vivian Howard. The dining room is dominated by a large white-topped bar in the center of the room, a symbol of the vibe here—friendly and communal. Yellow bar stools invite you to take a seat, make some friends, and share comforting plates like Howard’s signature blueberry barbecue chicken wings and fried flounder with creamed grits.