Charleston is famous for its French quarters, traditional horse-drawn carriages, pastel houses, and charming bed and breakfasts. Charleston is also famous for the beautiful Charleston Harbor, and where there is water there is good seafood. If you are a seafood fanatic, then you must visit some of the most famous and special seafood restaurants in Charleston. With freshly caught fish and seafood, cooked in-house with special spices and traditional recipes, the seafood in Charleston is mouthwatering! Every person who visits Charleston only has one question, “Where can I get good seafood?”. If you’re that kind of person, then this list will be very helpful to you. Below, find out more about the top seafood restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina.
1. 167 Raw Oyster Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Start your visit with a taste of their renowned selection of raw oysters, served fresh and brimming with ocean flavours. Indulge in their signature lobster roll, a buttery brioche bun generously stuffed with succulent lobster meat and a touch of mayo.
For a taste of the South, savour their classic shrimp and grits, blending perfectly cooked shrimp with creamy stone-ground grits and savoury bacon. Don’t miss their refreshing ceviche, a zesty medley of marinated seafood that bursts with vibrant citrus notes.
167 Raw Oyster Bar
Address: 193 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
Website: 167 Raw Oyster Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 11pm (closed on Sun)
2. Tempest
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Named Best Restaurant in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice 2020, Tempest is a beloved and iconic seafood restaurant that has taken Charleston by storm in recent years. It is renowned for its elevated, contemporary menu and its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu boasts a delectable array of fresh seafood offerings, including their famous monkfish bouillabaisse, roast oysters, and dynamite tuna tartare.
Guests can also savour a variety of filling entrees such as butterflied snapper, pan-seared flounder, and Maryland crab cakes. With a focus on quality and flavour, this seafood place in Charleston prides itself on sourcing the finest ingredients and delivering unforgettable dining experiences to seafood enthusiasts from around the world.
Tempest
Address: 32 N Market St Suite C, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
Website: Tempest
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10:30pm; Sun: 10am - 10pm
3. Hank's Seafood Restaurant
If you are looking for a good ambience and great food, then Hank’s is the place to go. One of the best seafood restaurants in downtown Charleston, the eatery is located in a fancy warehouse overlooking the main market – so you know it is centrally located. The smoked salmon in the raw bar menu is a must-try! They also have the best crab soup in the whole country, so you cannot miss out on trying that. To make sure you get a table, make reservations beforehand.
Hank's Seafood Restaurant
Address: 10 Hayne St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Website: Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 4:30pm-10:30pm, Friday and Saturday 4:30pm-11pm
Price for two: 31 to 50 USD
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4. Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant
If you are looking for the best seafood in Charleston, South Carolina, then look no further! The menu here is customized as per your tastes and preferences, so if you love a good customized meal, then this is the place to go. The whole restaurant has an island vibe, with some really good Southern specialities. For the perfect meal, go for oysters during the happy meal hours! Even the fish stew is highly recommended, as well as the hot shrimp crab dip.
Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant
Address: 7842 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406, USA
Website: Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday to Saturday 11am-10pm
Price for two: 11-30 USD
5. The Ordinary
While it might be called ordinary, the food here is no ordinary food. The seafood here is some of the best seafood you will ever have, making this one of the best seafood restaurants in Charleston SC. Here, good food is paired with good drinks, so make sure you go there with a good appetite and a love for drinks. The smoked oysters and the soft shell crab is a must-have. If you like lobster, then you’re going to love the lobster roll. Actually, every dish here is outstanding beyond words.
The Ordinary
Address: 544 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Website: The Ordinary
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 5pm-10:30pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm-11pm, Monday closed
Price for two: 31-60 USD
6. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re looking for good food with a good view, then Fleet Landing is where you should head. This seafood restaurant by the water in Charleston allows you to enjoy the coastal vibe of the city. The menu being served here is made of fresh and delicious components. Among its well-loved dish is the Shrimp & Grits. The she-crab soup is also pretty good. But the best thing served is the flounder! It’s so good you’ll be ordering seconds.
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
Address: 186 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Website: Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
Opening hours: Everyday 11am-10pm
Price for two: Under 30 USD
7. Nana's Seafood & Soul
Posted by Nana's Seafood & Soul Takeout on Wednesday, 10 January 2018
This place serves food that is meant for the soul. If you’re looking for some really delicious comfort food, then you know where to go. Without a doubt, this is one of the best restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina, for homey comfort food. You will get some of the best garlic shrimp served here. Also, the delivered crabs and crab legs here are amazing – so this place is great for crab lovers. Bottom line, the food is delicious.
Nana's Seafood & Soul
Address: 176 Line St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Website: Nana’s Seafood & Soul
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 2pm-7pm, Sunday and Monday closed
Price for two: 11-30 USD
8. Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
This place has the best raw seafood bar in the whole city, so basically, this place is a must visit. This place specialises in local food which is hearty, sustainable and totally delicious. If you’re interested in fine dining and good seafood, then this is the place to go. You must try their speciality oysters as well as the tuna tartare. Make sure to book a table in advance!
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
Address: 205 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Website: Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:30am-10pm, Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-10pm
Price for two: Under 30 USD
9. Charleston Crab House
What’s better than outdoor dining by the water? Because of its location and ambience, and of course the good food, this restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants by the water in Charleston. As the name suggests, the soft shell crab here is to die for. Even the Crab House crab pot is sensational, as well as the crab steam pot, so make sure you try it. Basically, go here with a large group of people and sample everything possible.
Charleston Crab House
Address: 145 Wappoo Creek Dr, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
Website: Charleston Crab House
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am-10pm
Price for two: 11-30 USD
10. The Darling Oyster Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to eat in a restaurant which has a chic yet vintage vibe, then this is perfect for you. Enjoy some good seafood, have a round of drinks and sit till the late hours of the night. And of course, the brunch here is always amazing. The clam chowder, shrimp cocktail and seared scallops are delectable. Also, the oysters, as well as the oyster bar, is definitely recommended.
The Darling Oyster Bar
Address: 513 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Website: The Darling Oyster Bar
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 4pm-2am, Sunday 11am-2am
Price for two: 11-30 USD
11. Pearlz Oyster Bar
Do you love a good platter of oysters? This is one of the best oyster bars and seafood restaurants in Charleston, so without a doubt, the oysters here are delicious. If you’re looking for a place with a chill vibe and some really good comfort food, then this is the place to visit. Other than the oysters, the crab cakes here are really good, as well as the warm crab dip.
This kid-friendly restaurant also has a special menu for the little ones, making it a great destination for family bonding over good food.
Pearlz Oyster Bar
Address: 9 Magnolia Rd, Charleston, SC 29407, USA
Website: Pearlz Oyster Bar
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 4pm-1am, Saturday and Sunday 2pm-1am
Price for two: 11-30 USD
12. Hyman's Seafood
Again, a great fish restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina for comfort food and some really delicious food. If you want to have good old fish and chips, then this place serves one of the best fish and chips in all of Charleston. The fried oysters are also definitely recommended, along with the shrimp and grits and the crab dip. One of the most delicious item on their menu is the hush puppies!
Hyman's Seafood
Address: 215 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Website: Hyman’s Seafood
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-10pm
Price for two: 11-30 USD
See food, eat food
If you’re a seafood fanatic, the above-listed restaurants sure served you well. While there are excellent food tours that you can join in Charleston, nothing is as immersive as enjoying the aquatic cuisine from popular local joints. Keep this list of the best seafood restaurants in Charleston handy for your next food crawl.
Frequently asked questions about the top seafood restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina
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