Charleston, SC, is one of the great seafood cities in America. Surrounded by tidal creeks, saltwater estuaries, barrier islands, and the Atlantic Ocean, the Lowcountry has always been defined by what comes out of the water. From steamer pots of oysters on the Folly River to wood-fired fish on Shem Creek to the freshest raw bars on King Street, the choices are extraordinary.
Whether you are visiting Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, or exploring downtown, here is our local guide to the best seafood restaurants in Charleston — organized by area, verified as of 2026.
Downtown Charleston Seafood Restaurants
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Hanks Seafood Restaurant
10 Hayne St | Dinner nightly: Sun–Thu 5–10 pm, Fri–Sat 5–10:30 pm
A Charleston institution since 1999, voted Best Seafood Restaurant in Charleston for over 18 consecutive years. Hank's is the benchmark for classic Lowcountry seafood done with warmth and consistency. The warm wood interior, white-jacket service, and community table — the first of its kind in Charleston — create a convivial atmosphere that feels both timeless and special. She-crab soup, fried shrimp, Charleston oyster stew, roasted grouper, shrimp and grits, and pan-fried crab cakes are perennial favorites. Esquire named Hank's one of America's Best New Restaurants when it opened; more than 25 years later, it remains one of the city's most beloved dining rooms. Reservations recommended.
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The Ordinary
544 King St | Dinner daily, closed Monday
Chef Mike Lata's (FIG) seafood hall occupies a stunning 1927 bank building with soaring ceilings, terrazzo floors, and a marble-topped raw bar that anchors the space. Oyster sliders, shellfish towers, whole roasted fish, and an ever-rotating raw bar menu make this one of the most exciting and beautiful seafood restaurants in the South. The back raw bar is ideal for bar seating. Reservations via Resy, two weeks in advance; closed Monday.
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Chubby Fish
252 Coming St | Dinner Tue–Sat
One of the hottest tables in Charleston. Chef-owner James London changes his seafood menu daily based on what's freshest from local waters and fishermen. The intimate space and market-driven approach have earned Chubby Fish a devoted following and consistent national press. The "caviar sammich" is now a Charleston icon. No reservations — arrive early or expect a wait. Worth it.
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167 Raw
289 E Bay St | Mon–Sat, closed Sunday
A New England-inspired oyster bar and neighborhood seafood staple on lower King Street. 167 Raw sources only the freshest seafood directly from Atlantic waters spanning Canada to Charleston — no compromises. The lobster roll is exceptional, and the raw bar selection rotates with what's best. No reservations; closed Sundays. Arrive at opening to avoid the wait.
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Leon's Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop
698 King St | Lunch & Dinner daily
Leon's is many things at once: an oyster bar, a fried chicken destination, a neighborhood hangout, and one of the most cheerful rooms in Charleston. Housed in a converted body shop with concrete floors and functioning garage doors, the grilled oysters are the headliner
The fried chicken sandwich (brioche bun, seafood-seasoned breading, tangy Asian slaw) rivals it for attention. Rosé on tap, frozen gin and tonics, growlers of Champagne, and soft serve ice cream round out the experience. Open seven days a week. Walk-ins only; no reservations.
- Parking can be found at 688 King Street
- Overflow parking after 6 pm is located at 2 Race Street
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The Darling Oyster Bar
513 King St | Mon–Thu 4–10 pm, Fri–Sat 4–11 pm, Sun 11 am–10 pm
Housed in a lovingly restored 115-year-old King Street storefront, The Darling is anchored by a 14-seat raw bar and a menu built around fresh, locally sourced seafood. Hot and cold starters, seafood fry baskets, house-crafted cocktails, and a comfortable full-service bar make this a reliable neighborhood choice. Happy hour daily 4–6 pm with $1.50 oysters, $1 off draft beer, and $1 off draft cocktails. The bar's 30+ seats are first-come, first-served. The Darling has expanded — a second location opened in Savannah in 2025. Reservations available for the dining room.
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Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
205 E Bay St | Mon–Thu 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–10:30 pm, Sun 11 am–10 pm
Set inside a landmark cast-iron storefront from 1851 in the heart of the Historic District — steps from the Charleston City Market and Charleston Harbor — Amen Street has been celebrating Lowcountry seafood since 2009. The name honors the original "Amen Street" (later Cumberland Street), renamed in 1788 for the hymns drifting from nearby churches. The menu features fresh, locally sourced, sustainable oysters, clams, shrimp, and market fish, all served with Southern-inspired preparations. Lunch and dinner daily; walk-ins welcome, reservations accepted.
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Delaney Oyster House
115 Calhoun St | Dinner nightly
From the Neighborhood Dining Group (also behind Husk and Minero), Delaney Oyster House occupies a quintessential Charleston historic home on Calhoun Street in the heart of downtown. Intimate dining rooms, open-air piazza seating, and a raw bar program focused on the finest fresh seafood available make this a top-tier oyster destination. The setting is as much a reason to visit as the food. Reservations recommended.
Owned by The Neighborhood Dining Group (Husk & Minero), Delaney Oyster House is located in the heart of downtown on Calhoun Street and showcases Charleston’s southern charm and hospitality.
Enjoy your meal inside one of their cozy dining rooms or in open air on the piazzas.
Charleston Seafood Restaurants on the Water
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Bowen's Island Restaurant
1870 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston | Dinner Tue–Sat 5–9:30 pm
A Charleston legend since 1946 — this is where locals have been going for oysters for generations. Located at the tip of a 13-acre island on the Folly River, Bowen's Island is as much an experience as a restaurant. The raw, steamed, and roasted oysters are locally harvested; the Frogmore stew, fried shrimp, and hushpuppies are deeply satisfying. But the real reason to go is the porch: undisturbed views across the Folly River, tidal creeks, and salt marsh at sunset are as good as it gets in the Lowcountry. Cash-friendly, unpretentious, and utterly unforgettable.
Open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday, from 5 – 9:30 pm and offering undisturbed views of the Folly River, tidal creeks and surrounding marshland.
Bowen’s Island seafood restaurant brings you locally harvested oysters, fried shrimp, hushpuppies, Frogmore stew, a vast alcohol selection and arguably some of the best sunsets in all of Charleston!
Seafood in Mt. Pleasant and Sullivan's Island
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NICO Oysters + Seafood
201 Coleman Blvd, Mount Pleasant (Shem Creek) | Dinner Mon–Thu & Sun; Lunch & Dinner Fri–Sat; Sunday Brunch
The premier seafood restaurant on Shem Creek, and one of the best in the greater Charleston area. French Master Chef Nico Romo built his reputation on exceptional raw oysters — served with the adductor muscle intact for maximum freshness and shelf life — and a menu of wood-fired seafood grounded in classic French technique. Multiple-year winner of Best Raw Bar, Best French Restaurant, and Best Seafood in Mount Pleasant. The menu ranges from a half-dozen East Coast oysters and baked scallops to a lobster roll on brioche, duck cassoulet, and filet mignon. Happy hour Monday–Friday, 4–6 pm. Reservations strongly recommended.
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Sullivan's Fish Camp
Sullivan's Island | Lunch & Dinner daily; Brunch Sat–Sun
A love letter to the original Sullivan's Seafood that stood on this spot from 1988 to 2020. FIG alum and James Beard Award-winner Jason Stanhope joined as chef and partner in March 2025, bringing serious seafood credentials to a beloved island concept. Peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked fish dip, hush puppy tots, lobster roll, and a full Lowcountry boil share the menu with Stanhope's trademark celery salad, steak frites, and an outstanding double cheeseburger for non-seafood diners.
Seafood Restaurants: Johns Island, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands
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The Royal Tern
3005 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island | Dinner Mon–Sat, closed Sunday
A family-owned seafood and steak eatery in the heart of Johns Island — the first serious fine-dining seafood restaurant to plant its flag on the island. Executive Chef Kyle Kryske's menu features whole-grilled fish, blackened swordfish, a raw bar and shellfish tower program, and rock shrimp po' boys, alongside wood-fired steaks. The cocktail and wine list are both excellent. Excellent choice for visitors staying on Kiawah or Seabrook Island. Reservations recommended.
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The Atlantic Room
Ocean Course Clubhouse, Kiawah Island | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily
Kiawah Island's premier seafood restaurant, set inside the Ocean Course Clubhouse with sweeping views of Pete Dye's windswept course and the Atlantic beyond. The chef sources seasonal, locally caught ingredients for a menu that changes with what's freshest. Open to the public for all three meals; reservations required for dinner.
Reserve at The Atlantic Room →
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Salty Dog Café at Bohicket Marina
Bohicket Marina, between Kiawah & Seabrook Islands
A popular, casual waterfront seafood spot at Bohicket Marina with spectacular sunset views over Bohicket Creek. Fish tacos, peel-and-eat shrimp, sandwiches, and frozen drinks in a laid-back marina setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Occasional live music makes this a festive evening stop, especially on summer weekends.
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Fischer's Sports Pub & Grill at Bohicket Marina
Bohicket Marina, between Kiawah & Seabrook Islands
A local's favorite. The Mahi sandwich and the shrimp po' boy are standouts. Best burger around, too! The marina offers the best sunsets anywhere on the islands. A genuinely local crowd and no-frills atmosphere. Don't miss our favorite!
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Blackbird Market
1808 Bohicket Rd, Johns Island | Mon–Fri 11 am–7 pm, Sat 9 am–5 pm, closed Sunday
A beloved Johns Island market-café sourcing from its own farms on Wadmalaw Island and from local fishermen and artisanal food producers throughout the Lowcountry. The rotating daily menu features fresh, scratch-made Southern and Lowcountry dishes — the tomato pie is legendary. Great for a casual lunch or grab-and-go meal on the way to or from the islands. More neighborhood café than restaurant, but the seafood specials are always worth ordering. The chicken parm is so big that we often share. If you want fresh shrimp, this is where you need to go.
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Ryder Cup Bar at the Ocean Course
Ocean Course Clubhouse, Kiawah Island | 11 am–8:30 pm daily
The bar and grill attached to the Ocean Course Clubhouse offers sushi, fried shrimp, seafood specialties, and a full bar menu with one of the best ocean views on the island. A great option for a casual seafood lunch after a morning on the course or beach. Note: located beyond Kiawah's second security gate — tell the guard you're dining at the Ryder Cup Bar.
The Ocean Course clubhouse bar is a great place for a casual lunch on Kiawah island and offers sushi, fried shrimp, and other seafood specialties.
Early risers can enjoy breakfast on the veranda with a sunrise view September through November. Lunch and dinner is served year round from 11 am - 8:30 pm.
Planning Tips for Charleston Seafood Dining
Dining Reservations:
Hank's, The Ordinary, Delaney, NICO, The Royal Tern, and The Atlantic Room all benefit from advance reservations — especially on weekends and in peak summer season. Book Hank's and The Ordinary two weeks out.
Dining Walk-ins:
167 Raw, Chubby Fish, and Leon's don't take reservations. Arrive at opening (or close to it) on busy nights. Chubby Fish lines can form before the doors open.
Bowen's Island is dinner only, Tuesday–Saturday. Plan accordingly and arrive before sunset for the full experience.
From the islands:
Kiawah and Seabrook visitors have excellent on-island and close-to-island options — The Atlantic Room, Ryder Cup Bar, The Royal Tern, Salty Dog, Fischer's. For downtown dining, Charleston is a 35-minute drive and well worth the trip for Hank's, The Ordinary, Chubby Fish, or a night on King Street.
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*Content accurate as of June 2026. Hours and availability subject to change — always confirm reservations directly with the restaurant.*
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