Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like Taco Kitchen tucked away off of Savannah Highway in West Ashley. From fine dining to shawarma food trucks — find them all in Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat in Charleston.
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Topping this year’s best 25 list is Myles and Jun Yakitori, a Japanese Char Grill with delicious Yakitori, small plates, and Japanese classics such as Hibachi. It is also known for its welcoming and lovable owners, Mama Myles and Jun. They will always remember you and if you’re lucky, Mama Myles may even sing you a song!
Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 25 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.
1. Myles and Jun Yakitori (Summerville, SC)
Cuisine: Japanese
Known for: Yakitori (Japanese BBQ Skewers), Crispy Pork Belly, their lovable owners
Yelpers say: “Sangria is a must, the flavor is ever changing with a variety of fresh fruit daily… you won’t be disappointed. There has not been a dish we haven’t enjoyed. Grab a few skewers for an appetizer, the beef tongue or beef heart are great as well as the Kawa (fried chicken skin), it’s like a hot pork rind but much better… There are very few places you go where the owners know you by name and treat you like family.”
2. Hall’s Chophouse (Downtown CHS, SC)
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Known for: Steak, Lobster Tails, Oysters Rockefeller
Yelpers say: “The owner talks to all of the customers and personally shakes your hand when you come in, it’s truthfully so rare that businesses care as much as this one. Now besides the amazing servers, beyond spectacular service, and amazing environment the food is stellar. The steak is absolutely the best around the area. The shrimp and grits were delectable. The absolute showstopper is the lavender brioche French Toast with an espresso mascarpone on top and the best bacon I have ever had in my life.” – Jess S.
3. Toni’s Detroit Style Pizza (Mount Pleasant, SC)
Cuisine: Italian, pizza
Known for: Their thicker crust pizzas (Detroit style), affordable prices, and salads
Yelpers say: “A beautifully crisped margherita greeted me. It’s basically just extra tomatoes and basil. The best part is the way the cheese browns at the corners, but when you eat it fresh, the light, fluffy crust shines as well and the flavor mix is mesmerizing. In the entirely likely event that I someday visit Detroit, I can only hope to find a pizza this delicious.” – John B.
4. Jack Of Cups Saloon (Folly Beach, SC)
Cuisine: Globally inspired comfort food
Known for: Their changing menu, Sangria, and curry options
Yelpers say: “I will keep coming back until I’ve tried everything on the menu and then I’ll keep coming back to repeat! We got the Captain Crunch deviled eggs which were delicious. We also got the Indian nachos with the coconut curry and wowwee — delicious! So many unique flavors and satisfying… Then we ordered the espresso martinis, which come with mini powdered doughnuts on top! “ – Daniela Z.
5. 167 Raw Oyster Bar- Charleston (Downtown CHS, SC)
Cuisine: Seafood
Known for: Raw Bar, Lobster Roll, Fried Oysters, Tuna Burger
Yelpers say: “The vibe is hip, trendy, and you can’t help but get swept up in the energy of the restaurant. The staff was phenomenal, offering great suggestions and helping us get out of our comfort zone. As busy as it was (and it was nuts) we never wanted for anything. The oysters were on point with the freshness. We tried three different varieties, along with the V-10 oyster shooter (you HAVE to try this.) The lobster roll was divine, the local farm salad was gorgeous, and the ceviche, forget about it…we were fighting over it. The flavors were so developed and it was just delicious.” – Annemarie B.
6. Sena Cafe (Mount Pleasant, SC)
Cuisine: Cafe, bakery, breakfast & brunch
Known for: Lobster roll, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and desserts
Yelpers say: “We tried the German chocolate cake, mascarpone, strawberry shortcake, and several pie slices and they were all so good I couldn’t choose a favorite. Their breakfast sandwich croissants are buttery, flaky, cheesy and oh so good. We loved their coffee drinks as well; they’re strong! We spoke to the baker, and he was such a kind man who has an inspiring passion for making tasty desserts.” – Harry W.
7. The Pickled Palate (Mount Pleasant, SC)
Cuisine: American with Italian style paninis
Known for: Italian paninis, wine and beer selection, their garden atmosphere, soups
Yelpers say: “The paninis are SO good. We got the Turkey Brie and the Italian and both meals were so delicious. Like some of the best paninis I’ve had… There’s so much greenery around and it’s mostly outdoor seating with a little inside. It’s super super cute and photogenic. I highly recommend the scene for a fun lunch, a girls date out, or a casual date! Overall a wonderful experience and I’d love to go back and try the other paninis too!” – Alexis P.
8. Bistro A Vin (Downtown CHS, SC)
Cuisine: French
Known for: Wine, Charcuterie boards
Yelpers say: “This wine bar is phenomenal. All of the staff is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. Conversations were great. We got a bottle of sparkling wine and a Charcuterie Board with Rust Belt Saucisson (meat) and P’tit Basque (cheese). The inside is very elegant and inviting, and the patio is so cute. Great scenery. We had a fantastic time and everything was delicious!” – Ali D.
9. Lewis Barbecue (Downtown CHS, SC)
Cuisine: Central Texas style Barbecue
Known for: Brisket, “Hot Guts”, Pulled pork, Ribs
Yelpers say: “ Absolutely. Love. This. Space. Great indoor and even better outdoor space. Food is so tender, like fall off the bone. If that isn’t the goal when eating delicious BBQ, what is right? I have been here multiple times and each time I am so happy as are the people I bring. Perfect for any group size and for kiddos. The staff here are always so nice and helpful. The Green Hatch Chile is a must, even if you are thinking nah, no… GET IT! We call the ribs “Meat Candy” because it is so good and serves as the perfect dessert! All the sides are great but our faves are the mac & cheese and green chile corn pudding.” – Anna L.
10. Sorghum and Salt (Downtown CHS, SC)
Cuisine: American
Known for: Tapas, seasonal ingredients, changing menu, trendy setting
Yelpers say: “This charming little place has big flavor. I cannot say enough how happy I was to stumble on to this gem serving up dishes that impressed my taste buds in a way fussier restaurants tend to miss out on. The atmosphere is casual and perfect for a quiet dinner for two or six. Whether you’re celebrating or just out for a bite to eat, this place is special.” – Angela F.
11. (North Charleston, SC)
12. Gnome Cafe (Downtown CHS, SC)
13. The Harbinger Cafe and Bakery (Downtown CHS, SC)
14. Taco Kitchen (West Ashley, SC)
15. Vicious Biscuit (Mount Pleasant, SC)
16. R Kitchen (Cannonborough, Charleston, SC)
17. Ra Coffee Company (Goose Creek, SC)
18. Jackrabbit Filly (North Charleston, SC)
19. Wild Olive (Johns Island, SC)
20. Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse (French Quarter, Downtown Charleston)
21. The Grit Counter (Mount Pleasant, SC)
22. Dashi (North Charleston, SC)
23. Stella’s (Downtown CHS, SC)
24. Boxcar Betty’s (West Ashley, SC)
25. Edison James Island (James Island, SC)
Top Places to Eat in Charleston Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Charleston area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Charleston area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of July 1st, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of July 1st, 2022.
