2026 Best of the Holy City READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS FOOD & DRINK
01 Jul 2026
Voted on by our readers, these award-winning attractions, standout shops, and essential services are part of what keeps Charleston among the most beloved places to live in the country.
Charleston has always been a melting pot of cuisines. As a historic port, it absorbed flavors the same way it did language and culture: from West Africa to the Caribbean, from Europe to the American South. That legacy is tasted in every bite, but today’s dining scene feels less like a static museum and more like a living, breathing exchange—one where tradition is honored, then reimagined. Much like culture, because food is essentially a taste of the culture of a city. You can taste heritage meets innovation across the city. There’s the soulful familiarity of smoke and fire at Lewis Barbecue, where Texas technique meets Lowcountry appetite, and the timeless southern elegance of 82 Queen, tucked into a courtyard that feels suspended in another century. But just as quickly, you can move from a classic French bistro moment at 39 Rue de Jean to the bright, layered flavors of Ma’am Saab, all thoughtful expressions, authentic bites. What defines Charleston now is its elasticity. Restaurants like Shokudô and Legami reflect a city comfortable borrowing, blending, and refining. Waterfront staples like Saltwater Cowboys and sunset perches like Tavern & Table remind diners that sense of place still matters—that salt air and marsh views share the spotlight with what’s on the plate. And then there’s the elevation of it all. With plenty of national recognition, James Beard nominations, and now Michelin attention reshaping expectations, Charleston’s culinary community has sharpened its edge. Institutions like Halls Chophouse continue to define polished Southern hospitality, while newer players push boundaries with global influence and technical precision.
CUISINE
BEST AUTHENTIC AMERICAN
Bohemian Bull
BEST BARBECUE
Lewis Barbecue Charleston
BEST FRENCH
39 Rue de Jean
39ruedejean.holycityhospitality.com
BEST GREEK
Philosophia
BEST HEALTHY / ORGANIC
Five Loaves Cafe
BEST INDIAN / PAKISTANI
Ma’am Saab
BEST ITALIAN
Legami
BEST JAPANESE
Shokudô
BEST LATIN / SPANISH
Agaves Cantina
BEST SEAFOOD
Lowcountry Fish Camp
BEST THAI
Basil Mount Pleasant
DINING EXPERIENCES
BEST BOAT ACCESS RESTAURANT
Saltwater Cowboys
BEST BREAKFAST
Big Bad Breakfast
BEST BRUNCH
Frannie & The Fox
hotelemeline.com/ frannie-and-the-fox
BEST CATERER
Hamby Catering
BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
82 Queen
BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Coastal Skillet
BEST FINE DINING
Halls Chophouse
BEST LATE-NIGHT DINING
Prohibition
BEST LUNCH
Melvin’s BBQ
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Lost Isle
BEST ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
The Vendue
BEST SUNSET VIEW
Tavern & Table
BEST WATERFRONT DINING
MOMO Riverfront Park
DRINKS & DESSERT
BEST BAR
Reds Ice House
BEST BEER LIST
Bay Street Biergarten
BEST BLOODY MARY
Page’s Okra Grill
BEST COCKTAILS
Halls Chophouse
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Coastal Coffee Roasters, Inc.
BEST CRAFT BREWERY
Holy City Brewing
BEST DESSERT
Carmella’s
BEST HAPPY HOUR
Edmund’s Original
BEST JUICE BAR
Three Little Birds Cafe
BEST LIQUOR STORE
Forsberg’s Wine & Spirits
BEST MARTINI
The Belmont
BEST PUB / TAVERN
Blind Tiger Pub
BEST WINE BAR
Rooted Bottle Market & Bar
BEST WINE SHOP
Graft Wine Shop
FOOD ITEMS
BEST APPETIZERS
The James
BEST BAGELS
Ruby’s NY Style Bagels
BEST BAKERY
WildFlour Pastry
BEST BURGER
Smashley’s
BEST CHICKEN WINGS
Home Team BBQ
BEST CRAB CAKES
82 Queen
BEST DOUGHNUTS
Duck Donuts
BEST ICE CREAM
Off Track
BEST OYSTERS
NICO
BEST PIZZA
Woodhaven Pizza
BEST RAW BAR
The Darling Oyster Bar
BEST SALAD
California Dreaming
californiadreaming.rest
BEST SANDWICH
East Bay Deli
BEST SEAFOOD MARKET
Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co
BEST STEAK
Halls Chophouse
BEST SUSHI
Locals
BEST TACOS
Los Reyes
