We have compiled a list of 10 Charleston seafood restaurants you will love. Thanks to bountiful seafood selections, readily available local ingredients, and an array of talented chefs and restaurateurs, Charleston, SC, has become one of the top foodie destinations in the country. In fact, the Holy City was named the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. in 2015.
You’ll find vibrant creations in every part of the Lowcountry, and many of these satisfying dishes feature phenomenal local seafood. If you are looking for excellent Charleston seafood restaurants to try, you’re in luck! We have plenty of mouth-watering eateries to recommend.
Best Seafood in Charleston, SC - Our Top 10
Downtown Charleston Seafood Restaurants Near You
The Lowcountry is bursting at the seams with exceptional dining choices. In historic downtown Charleston alone, you’ll find more tantalizing options than you could ever sample in one visit. Nonetheless, you can take on the challenge and try a few of the following Charleston seafood restaurants each time visit.
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167 Raw
167 Raw is a fantastic choice if you are looking for high-quality seafood in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. This casual seafood restaurant has a raw bar and serves up tacos, po’ boys, and house specialties on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar
For a seafood restaurant with plenty of Southern flair, head to Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar. If you do, you’ll find “quintessential Lowcountry cuisine and inspired Southern cooking.” Amen Street creates dishes that feature fresh, local, and sustainable seafood ingredients including oysters, clams, shrimp, and fish.
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Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
As one of our personal favorites, Hank’s Seafood Restaurant in Charleston, SC, is one of the most beloved eateries in town. With over 20 years in the business, Hank’s exudes “classic Charleston” charm and has perfected its succulent seafood offerings. Voted "best seafood in Charleston" for 18 consecutive years!
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The Darling Oyster Bar
The Darling Oyster Bar opened on King Street in February 2015. Since then, it’s earned acclaim for its recognizable window-front raw bar and it's irresistible seafood dishes. The Darling menu includes hot and cold starters, sandwiches, entrees and fried fish and seafood fry baskets.
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Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop
Housed in an old body shop on Upper King Street, Leon’s is a true neighborhood spot – open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
Fried chicken and local oysters are their specialty, along with great salads, soft serve ice cream, affordable beer, rose on tap & frozen gin and tonics. The restaurant space preserves the historic industrial feel of the body shop with concrete floors and functioning garage doors.
- Parking can be found at 688 King Street
- Overflow parking after 6 pm is located at 2 Race Street
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Delaney Oyster House
A newcomer to the Charleston dining scene, Delaney Oyster House is a raw bar and seafood focused restaurant featuring the finest fresh seafood in a quintessential Charleston historic house.
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
Where do the locals go for seafood in Charleston?
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Bowen’s Island
Serving the Lowcountry since 1946, Bowen’s Island Restaurant is legendary among locals. It is a must-stop on the 10 Charleston Seafood restaurants you will love list. Folks go here as much for the ambiance as the food. You can't find a better Lowcountry sunset than the porch at Bowens Island. Located on the Folly River, it is at the tip of a 13-acre island on the way to Folly Beach.
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!
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The Salty Dog
Located at Bohicket Marina between Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, come on by for food, drinks and family fun. This spot is always hopping with locals! Enjoy live music and frozen drinks overlooking the water, ice cream next door at the café, souvenir shop and plenty of indoor / outdoor seating.
Seafood Restaurants Near Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island
In addition to an excellent variety of seafood restaurants in historic downtown Charleston, you’ll also find plenty of choices near Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. These convenient dining options are fantastic places to refuel after a long day on the beach, trails, courts, or golf course.
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Blackbird Market
You may have visited Blackbird Market for local groceries on Johns Island, but did you know it is also a great place to go for a delicious seafood meal? The next time you stop at the market for a few essentials, enjoy a quick lunch while you’re there! The menu changes frequently and always features local ingredients!
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The Royal Tern
This family restaurant and neighborhood eatery on Johns Island has taken off! Menu items include freshly prepared steaks and seafood, house-made tartare's, carpaccio's and seafood towers. Don’t forget the raw bar! Pair your meal with a glass of wine, beer, or a handcrafted cocktail and call ahead to make your reservations for dinner, Monday through Saturday.
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Ryder Cup Bar at the Ocean Course
Are you in the mood for sushi and warm ocean breezes? If so, head to 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.
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The Atlantic Room at Ocean Course Clubhouse
One of the best parts about visiting Kiawah Island is the access to all of the community amenities. One such amenity is the Atlantic Room at the Ocean Course Clubhouse. This conveniently located restaurant serves elegant seafood dishes and sweeping ocean vistas.
Find Your Lowcountry Dream Home with Pam Harrington Exclusives
Diving into a delicious dish at one of these Charleston seafood restaurants is just one of many things to experience when you live in the Lowcountry.
Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Charleston are three of the best coastal towns in South Carolina for newcomers and area natives alike. At Pam Harrington Exclusives, we’ll assist you in finding a neighborhood and home that matches your desired amenities and lifestyle needs.
Once you have decided on a location, let Pam Harrington Exclusives guide you to a Lowcountry home that you’ll love.
Representing a wide variety of real estate for sale on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw Island, and the Charleston area, we will find the perfect fit for your family.
If you aren’t quite ready to connect with an agent, sign up for our Real Estate Alerts to receive the latest listings and stay in the know.
Submit your criteria, including desired location, budget, and community amenities, and we will notify you when we find a listing that matches your needs. We look forward to introducing you to the joys of Lowcountry living!