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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in James Island

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant
1. Church and Union - Charleston
4.5
Awesome(8709)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 196 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 Oak Steakhouse - Charleston restaurant
2. Oak Steakhouse - Charleston
4.8
Exceptional(5605)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Downtown Charleston
Booked 44 times today
Located on Charleston's historic Broad Street, Oak Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse. A classic array of both wet and dry aged Certified Angus® Beef are featured on the menu. Ingredients are sourced locally and regionally from sustainable farmers and fisherman to accent the steakhouse menu. Items including local oysters on the half-shell, Clammer Dave's caper clams and a daily fresh fish selection depending on the season. Other popular dishes include the whole fried lobster, goat.sheep.cow artisanal cheese plate, wedge of Kurios Farms bibb lettuce salad, the house-made pasta and vegetarian plate. The expansive and impressive wine program at Oak Steakhouse emphasizes big California Cabernets and Old World reds from Italy and Bordeaux with more than 200 wines by the bottle and 20 wines by the glass. The bar attracts a loyal, local following from nearby businesses and neighborhoods with its great cocktails and happy hour. Inside a historic bank building that dates back to 1848, Oak's stately setting features three floors with five distinct dining areas. Arched windows, 20-foot ceilings, original metal work, fireplaces and 150-year-old heart pine floors, offers the perfect setting for enjoying a special evening.
A photo of Peninsula Grill restaurant
3. Peninsula Grill
4.5
Awesome(8047)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 38 times today
Peninsula Grill is an AAA Four-Diamond restaurant located in the heart of Charleston’s renowned Historic District. It has garnered recognition from prestigious publications such as Departures, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and Wine Spectator.The Peninsula Grill Dining Room exudes the luxurious atmosphere of a supper club, with velvet-lined walls in shimmering oyster tones, woven seagrass accents, and indigenous cypress molding. Adjacent to the dining area, the Peninsula Grill Champagne Bar is an intimate jewel-box space offering a selection of champagnes.A proud member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of exceptional restaurants and hotels in romantic destinations worldwide, Peninsula Grill invites guests to experience unparalleled dining. Business casual attire is requested, with collared shirts required for gentlemen in the Dining Room.
A photo of Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar restaurant
4. Amen Street Fish + Raw Bar
4.7
Exceptional(5131)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 56 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 Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston restaurant
5. Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston
4.3
Awesome(5017)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 39 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 California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating restaurant
6. California Dreaming - Charleston - Priority Seating
4.6
Exceptional(3247)
Price: Moderate
• American • West Ashley
Booked 101 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 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant
7. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston
4.3
Awesome(5209)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown Charleston
Booked 53 times today
39 Rue de Jean in downtown Charleston is a neighborhood gem, serving authentic French cuisine since 2000. Reviews rave about the 'impeccable' food, 'excellent' service, and 'cozy bistro' atmosphere. One reviewer even claimed it makes them feel like they're in Paris! The restaurant's unique location in a historic building and its reasonable wine selection make it a local favorite.
A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant
8. Virginia's on King
4.6
Exceptional(3097)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 66 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 O-Ku restaurant
9. O-Ku
4.8
Exceptional(2777)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown Charleston
Booked 53 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 Anson restaurant
10. Anson
4.8
Exceptional(4891)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 14 times today
Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Kaz
    Dallas - Fort Worth •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    She crab soup was spoiled. They changed the original recipe. Epic mistake. It was, dare I say 100% inedible. He said quote they are tring to add rice to help. Just call it. DOA. 1 1st level seafood tower was incredible. Worth 3 times what we paid. The Antebellum ambiance is experential and I soakeff it up like a sponge baby!!! The filet was unctouos, umami and beautiful. Diver Scallops need work. Hire a better saucier.
    More info
    Peninsula GrillPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.5
  • Bridget
    Poland •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food and experience at Church and Union is one of a kind. Our waiter, Kyle, was an incredible host as he guided us through courses of delicious food and drinks. Be weary of a later reservation as the restaurant has a live DJ starting around 10pm. Overall, a must go to while traveling through Charleston, SC!
    More info
    Church and Union - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.5
  • Amy
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We started with the SheCrab soup and fried green tomatoes. Delicious. Best SheCrab soup I’ve ever had. The fried green tomato portion was substantial—with okra and pimento cheese. I added some of the hot sauce that was on the table to the dish. Perfect amount of heat. We then had the sweet and spicy shrimp and a po-boy sandwich. Excellent portion size. Francis was our server and was great with recommendations and explanations. Would definitely go again!
    More info
    Amen Street Fish + Raw BarPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.7
  • Jack
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our server Chris was absolutely amazing. My girlfriend often request hot/warm water at restaurants. At restaurants that’s more catered towards westerner, they never refill unless asked for. Not Chris. Chris was attentive all evening even though he was busy with what seemed like every other table. Every time my girlfriend finished her cup of hot water, Chris immediately brought out another one. Never once at a “western restaurant” has this happened in my life. Chris made this experience unforgettable, and we’re truly thankful for the service.
    More info
    Oak Steakhouse - CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.8
  • Mildred
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our server Hayley was outstanding. Everything she recommended was spot on. The selection of seafood choices was surprising broad. The swordfish was cooked to perfection. The crab stuffed flounder was huge and delicious. I highly recommend a visit to Coast.
    More info
    Coast Bar & Grill – CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.3

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