Unearth The Voyage
Charleston’s food scene tells the story of the Lowcountry through every bite. From creamy she-crab soup to smoky whole-hog barbecue, these dishes carry centuries of tradition, culture, and flavor. Whether you’re hunting for Gullah soul food or craving fresh oysters by the marsh, this coastal city serves up unforgettable tastes you won’t find anywhere else.
1. She-Crab Soup at 82 Queen
Since opening its doors in 1982, this downtown restaurant has perfected one of Charleston’s most beloved dishes. Rich, velvety soup loaded with sweet crab meat and a splash of sherry makes every spoonful memorable. The secret ingredient? Crab roe that gives the soup its signature orange tint and extra depth of flavor.
Located in a historic building on Queen Street, the atmosphere matches the elegance of the bowl in front of you. Locals and visitors alike consider this version the gold standard. Many restaurants in Charleston serve she-crab soup, but 82 Queen’s award-winning recipe has earned legendary status for good reason.
2. Shrimp & Grits at Poogan’s Porch
Stepping into this Victorian house feels like visiting your Southern grandmother for Sunday supper. Operating since 1976, Poogan’s Porch has become synonymous with authentic Lowcountry cooking. Their shrimp and grits showcase plump local shrimp nestled in stone-ground grits so creamy they practically melt on your tongue.
The dish balances savory, buttery, and slightly smoky flavors in perfect harmony. Each bite delivers that comforting taste Charleston is famous for. Legend has it a friendly ghost named Poogan still roams the dining rooms, adding extra charm to your meal.
Reservations fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
3. Oyster Roast at Bowen’s Island Restaurant
Graffiti covers every inch of the walls, picnic tables sit under tin roofs, and the marsh stretches out behind you. Bowen’s Island isn’t fancy, but that’s exactly the point. This legendary spot serves oysters the old-fashioned way: roasted over fire and dumped steaming hot onto your table.
Grab an oyster knife, crack open the shells, and savor the briny taste of the Lowcountry. The casual, come-as-you-are vibe makes everyone feel welcome. Families, college students, and tourists all crowd in together. Watching the sunset over the water while shucking oysters captures the true spirit of coastal South Carolina living.
4. Crab Rice at Hannibal’s Kitchen
Gullah cuisine preserves the cooking traditions brought from West Africa centuries ago. Hannibal’s Kitchen honors that heritage with every dish, especially their famous crab rice. Sweet chunks of crab meat blend into perfectly seasoned rice that’s been cooked with tomatoes, spices, and love.
The flavors are bold but not overwhelming, letting the fresh seafood shine through. This family-run spot doesn’t worry about fancy decorations or trendy plating. Instead, they focus on soul-satisfying food that feeds both body and spirit.
Their whiting fish and shrimp rice also deserve your attention. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you arrive.
5. Gullah Red Rice at Bertha’s Kitchen
James Beard recognized Bertha’s Kitchen as an American Classic, and one taste of their red rice explains why. Tomatoes, sausage, and secret seasonings turn simple rice into something extraordinary. The Gullah community has cooked this dish for generations, passing down techniques and flavors through family lines.
Bertha’s also serves incredible okra soup and fried chicken that’ll make you want to come back tomorrow. The small dining room fills up fast during lunch hours. Don’t expect quick service or fancy surroundings.
What you will get is honest, delicious food made the way it’s been made for decades. Bring patience and an empty stomach.
6. Whole-Hog BBQ at Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Rodney Scott earned a James Beard Award for his commitment to traditional whole-hog barbecue, and his King Street location brings that craft to Charleston. Smoking entire pigs over wood coals takes serious skill and patience. The result? Tender, smoky meat with crispy bits mixed throughout that create perfect texture in every bite.
Scott grew up cooking barbecue in rural South Carolina, learning the art from his family. His vinegar-based sauce cuts through the richness without overpowering the smoke flavor. The hush puppies and banana pudding make excellent supporting players.
Lines can stretch out the door during peak hours, but the wait is absolutely worth it.
7. Chargrilled Oysters and Fried Chicken at Leon’s Oyster Shop
Housed in a former auto repair shop, Leon’s brings a fun, energetic vibe to King Street dining. Their chargrilled oysters arrive bubbling with garlic butter, herbs, and parmesan that caramelize under high heat. Each oyster packs a punch of flavor that’s both delicate and bold at the same time.
The fried chicken deserves equal attention, served piping hot with a perfectly crispy crust. Locals love the casual atmosphere and the fact that you can grab a cold beer to wash everything down. The outdoor patio stays busy year-round.
Pro tip: arrive early or expect a wait, especially on weekends when the place absolutely buzzes.
8. She-Crab Soup with a Harbor View at Fleet Landing
Few things beat enjoying creamy she-crab soup while watching boats glide across Charleston Harbor. Fleet Landing sits right on the water, offering stunning views with your meal. Their version of this classic soup stays true to tradition with generous portions of lump crab meat and that essential hint of sherry.
The restaurant occupies a former naval building, adding historical character to your dining experience. Sunset dinners here feel extra special as the sky turns pink and orange over the water. The menu changes seasonally, but she-crab soup remains a year-round favorite.
Reservations are smart, particularly if you want a window table with the best harbor views.
9. Lowcountry Shrimp Boil at Charleston Crab House
Also called Frogmore Stew, this one-pot wonder combines shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes boiled together with Old Bay seasoning. Charleston Crab House does it right, dumping the whole feast onto your table for a hands-on eating experience. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the way flavors mingle as everything cooks together.
This family-run seafood spot understands that sometimes the best meals are the messiest ones. Roll up your sleeves, grab a napkin, and dig in. The casual, no-fuss atmosphere makes it perfect for families with kids or groups of friends.
Order extra cocktail sauce for dipping, and don’t be shy about asking for seconds.
10. Benne Wafers from Olde Colony Bakery
Benne seeds, also known as sesame seeds, traveled to the Lowcountry with enslaved Africans who considered them good luck. Olde Colony Bakery has been baking these delicate, crispy wafers since the 1940s, making them the keepers of an important culinary tradition. Each wafer delivers a nutty, slightly sweet crunch that’s completely addictive.
The bakery itself is a Mount Pleasant institution, run by the same family for generations. You’ll find these wafers packaged beautifully, making them perfect gifts or souvenirs. They’re also dangerously easy to eat by the handful.
Stop by early in the day for the freshest selection of all their baked goods.
11. Pralines at River Street Sweets
Walking past River Street Sweets on Market Street means breathing in the incredible aroma of sugar, butter, and toasting pecans. Their pralines are made fresh throughout the day, still warm and slightly soft when you buy them. The candy melts on your tongue, delivering pure Southern sweetness with every bite.
Watching the candy makers work through the shop windows is almost as enjoyable as eating the finished product. They pour the hot mixture onto marble slabs, creating perfect circles of pecan-studded goodness. The texture hits that ideal spot between chewy and crunchy.
Grab a few extras to take home, though they rarely survive the trip back.
12. Peninsula Grill’s 12-Layer Ultimate Coconut Cake
This towering dessert has achieved celebrity status in Charleston’s food scene. Twelve delicate layers of cake alternate with lemon curd and cream cheese frosting, all covered in fluffy coconut. Each forkful delivers multiple textures and flavors that somehow work in perfect harmony.
Peninsula Grill bakes these cakes daily, and you can order by the slice or take a whole cake home. The recipe remains a closely guarded secret, though many have tried to recreate it. Food magazines and television shows have featured this cake repeatedly.
Even if you’re stuffed from dinner, somehow there’s always room for a slice. It’s rich, yes, but worth every calorie.
13. Okra Soup at Hannibal’s Kitchen or Bertha’s Kitchen
Okra gets a bad reputation for being slimy, but Gullah cooks know how to transform it into something magical. This hearty soup combines okra with tomatoes, seafood, and seasonings that have been perfected over generations. The result is thick, comforting, and deeply flavorful without any unpleasant texture.
Both Hannibal’s Kitchen and Bertha’s Kitchen serve excellent versions of this Lowcountry staple. The soup reflects West African cooking techniques preserved through oral tradition and family recipes. It’s soul food in the truest sense, connecting you to centuries of culinary history.
Don’t skip this dish just because you think you don’t like okra. One bowl might change your mind completely.
14. Oyster-and-Okra Gumbo
When summer okra meets fresh local oysters, Charleston chefs create something truly special. This seasonal gumbo appears on menus when both ingredients are at their peak. The okra thickens the rich, dark roux-based broth while the oysters add briny sweetness and tender texture.
Food magazines have highlighted Charleston’s take on this classic dish, praising how local ingredients elevate traditional recipes. Each restaurant adds its own spin, but the combination of oysters and okra remains constant. The dish bridges Cajun, Creole, and Lowcountry cooking traditions beautifully.
Ask your server if it’s available, since it’s not always on the menu. When you find it, order it without hesitation.
15. Boiled Peanuts
South Carolina takes boiled peanuts so seriously they made them the official state snack by law. These soft, salty legumes are nothing like the crunchy peanuts you’re used to eating. Raw peanuts simmer for hours in salty water until they become tender and addictive.
You’ll find them at farmers markets, roadside stands, and even some gas stations throughout Charleston. They’re best eaten warm, straight from the bag. Pop the shell open, suck out the salty juice, then eat the soft peanuts inside.
First-timers might find the texture strange, but locals can’t get enough of them. Grab a bag and embrace this quirky Southern tradition while exploring the city.
