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Charleston’s Newest Must-Try Dining Spots

By Emma Dannenfelser

Some of the best memories are made spending time with friends and family while enjoying a great meal. New restaurants are always finding their way to the Lowcountry, making every day the perfect day to try a new spot, new cuisine or even just a new menu item. Here is a list of the hottest new additions to the Charleston dining scene, just in time for summer.

Bohemian Bull Mount Pleasant

2668 Hwy 17N, Mt. Pleasant

@bohemianbullmtp

Local favorite Bohemian Bull’s new Tavern and Beer Garden brings a relaxing and welcoming environment to the North Mount Pleasant area. Like the other beloved Bohemian Bull location, Bohemian Bull Mt. Pleasant is known for juicy ground-in-house burgers, fresh salads, perfectly crispy fried chicken and delicious sandwiches. On top of crave-inducing food selections, Bohemian Bull Mt. Pleasant offers a selection of local drafts, wide variety of bourbons and creative cocktails for any kind of mood.

Ma’am Saab

251 Meeting Street, Charleston

@maamsaabchs

Charleston’s newest Pakistani restaurant features a complex menu that will take guests on a journey to the heart of Pakistan. Guests can expect a celebration of familiar favorites like Butter Chicken, along with new dishes like Lollipop Chicken, Kala Chana Chaat (black chickpea salad), Charsi Karahi (a traditional stir fry), Nalli Nihari (slow cooked beef curry) and Kababwala (skewered meats). Ma’am Saab also offers a unique selection of thoughtfully-crafted cocktails and equally complex mocktails inspired by Pakistani flavors, in addition to wine and a vast selection of local and international beers.

Sorelle

@sorelle_chs

Southern Italy meets Southern hospitality at Sorelle, one of Charleston’s newest restaurant, bar and market. Inspired by Italy’s all-day cafes, abundant markets and rich culinary traditions, Sorelle’s charming space boasts a mercato, central bar, wine room, pizza counter, grand dining room and exclusive chef’s table. The menu features a modern spin on classic Southern Italian cuisine made with Lowcountry ingredients, from fresh pastas and Sicilian-style pizza to beautifully refined dishes. With soaring ceilings, original moldings, refined fixtures and furnishings and expansive windows looking out onto Broad Street, the Sorelle space is a welcoming and vibrant marriage between Italian character and contemporary spirit.

La Bonne Franquette

652 St. Andrews Boulevard, Charleston

@labonnefranquettechs

If you are looking for a classic French bistro in Charleston for lunch or dinner, La Bonne Franquette is a must-try. The ambiance emphasizes spending time with friends and family over simple, fresh ingredients made into an incredible meal. The menu features traditionally French dishes such as beef tartare with capers, cornichons and croutons, fresh mussels and flavorful steak frites. After you see the impressively full French wine list, you will feel transported to a different place, without ever leaving town. 

The Palace Hotel

525 Meeting Street, Charleston

@palacehotelchs

The Palace Hotel is back and better than ever at its new home at 525 Meeting Street. The menu still fashions some of its original fan-favorites, including the El Jefe Hot Dog, the French Dip, and don't forget about the Two Burger Basket! They've also added new go-to items like the Thunderguards Sandwich and the Lobster CornDog. Its interior ambiance is boutique dive bar, while the patio offers a quirky, fun and fresh Wes Anderson vibe. The Palace Hotel is neither a palace nor a hotel, but boy are we glad that they're back.

Sommba Cocina & Cellar

1710 Shoremeade Rd #450, Mount Pleasant

@sommbacocina

Sommba Cocina & Cellar is one of the newest and hottest restaurant additions to Mount Pleasant. Sommba’s menu features coastal Spanish tapas, Mediterranean small plates and their popular authentic paella entrees, as well as a beverage list full of specialty cocktails. The new spot also boasts a more than 300-bottle cellar. The name Sommba comes from an interesting play on the word for the popular Brazilian dance “Samba” and the creative combination of flavors from Spain, the Islands of Sardinia and Corsica certainly live up to the restaurant’s spicy namesake.

Ritual

145 Calhoun Street, Unit 301, Charleston

@ritual.chs

Ritual in Charleston promises not only a spectacular atmosphere burgeoning with greenery and music, but also a dining experience that will transport you to Tulum, the restaurants biggest inspiration. The menu centers around family-style dining, with every dish being created for sharing. From seafood to fresh salads, Ritual has a sweeping menu that is sure to impress. If you are craving some “surf” go for crab tostadas with fresh basil-lime aioli, and for a “turf” option try the grilled lamb chops and their accompanying black bean hummus. Along with incredible bites, Ritual also has an exciting cocktail menu that features classic favorites with a “Tulum twist.”

The Quinte Oyster Bar

 Corner of Ellis Alley, 36 George Street, Charleston

@thequinteoysterbar

The Quinte Oyster Bar is a Parisian inspired oyster bar rooted in the ceremony and traditions that accompany high-class dining. The ambiance is magnificent, with dark stained wood and jewel-toned upholstery neatly framing the gleaming 20 seat marble oyster bar. The menu offers an extensive list of raw bar offerings, including oyster service, caviar, lobster and shrimp. But the main course menu also offers several crown jewels such as the raw tuna and beef, with tonnato, horseradish, lemon and wasabi arugula, and the crab and green farro, accompanied by smocked oyster dust, radicchio, pickled chile and coriander oil.

Bearcat

25 Magnolia Road, Charleston

@bearcatrestaurant

After over a year of successful pop-up dining experiences, Bearcat is opening a permanent location in West Ashley back in the hip Avondale neighborhood. The location is stunning, and features a upscale dining option as well as a smaller bar option that focuses on specialty drinks and small plates. The smaller, more intimate, bar area is walk-in only.