I am so excited to share my 5 favorite Charleston seafood restaurants with you! I truly believe one of the best food scenes in the world is here in the Holy City.
The Darling Oyster Bar – I could literally eat here every day! The Darling is one of my absolute favorite spots in Charleston. They have the most beautiful raw bar which faces busy King Street. I love taking friends and family here for dinner or brunch on the weekends. This restaurant features two areas to sit in, the raw bar area which features an additional bar and table seating. This room is bright and airy accented by brick walls and large windows. The additional seating area is a little darker and intimate. I do enjoy sitting in the raw bar area better so when I book the restaurant on Resy I do request to sit in the same room as the raw bar. I would be specific regarding your preferred seating when making a reservation at The Darling so you can have the most enjoyable experience. Below are my food and drink recommendations. Keep in mind their menu is seasonal so my recommendations may not be available during different times of the year
Food:
Seafood Plateau – The Darling offers the freshest raw oysters! I usually order Single Ladies or Beausoleil oysters, when in season. The small Plateau is just enough for two people. Their cocktail shrimp is to die for! We also like to order their French fries for something a little extra to nibble on.
Chicken Sandwich – an elevated twist on a classic fried chicken sandwich. Great for the non-seafood eaters!
Charred Octopus Salad – My first time eating octopus was here and it did not disappoint! The octopus has a rich grill flavor and is accompanied by potatoes, capers, and romesco.
Fried Baskets – A great take on a classic seafood restaurant dish. I love the fish basket!
Drinks:
Basil Daisy – A great refreshing cocktail which features vodka, Aperol, basil, and lemon juice.
Paloma – A bit strong for me but my friend recently ate here and said: “This is what a Paloma should taste like!”
The Ordinary – From the team behind Fig, The Ordinary is a great place for elegant seasonal seafood. Once an old bank building has now become a southern seafood and oyster bar restaurant. Service here is wonderful; your water glass will never go empty and expect your napkin to be folded if you leave the table! The space is two stories with a beautiful patio. I highly recommend sitting upstairs or outside to enjoy your date or guests without too much noise. The restaurant is accented with art and beautiful tile details along the raw bar. I highly suggest making a reservation in advance through Resy!
Food:
Oyster Slider- Literally the best thing I’ve ever eaten! If you order one thing here it has to be the oyster slider! This dish features a crispy oyster nestled in a warm Hawaiian roll with toppings similar to those on a banh mi sandwich. I mean…. I may or may not be drooling as a write this!
Beeliner Snapper – This is a raw dish accented with rhubarb, avocado, and chili. It’s a very refreshing dish. We love to order this with the sea salt potato chips.
BBQ Shrimp – A warm shrimp dish which features large whole shrimp in a decadent sauce and served with toast points. You’ll be eating the sauce with your spoon!
Dessert – The Ordinary changes their dessert menu regularly but they often have a fruit tart served with ice cream. I have had the apple tart and blueberry tart.
Drinks: The bartenders here do not skimp on the alcohol! Rum is the star of the show on the menu which features twists on classics like the Mai Tai.
Air Mail – My favorite drink that I don’t find too strong contains white rum, lime, honey, and sparkling wine.
167 Raw – Getting a seat on at this restaurant during peak season is almost like winning the lottery. Although, this restaurant is small and does not take reservations, once you eat here you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot! 167 Raw offers the best raw bar in Charleston. The food is consistently good and service is great! I’ve been here twice, both months apart, and our waiter remembered me like it was just yesterday that I was there. You’ll see lots of locals eating here and the open kitchen offers great views. I suggest getting there early to put your name down on the list then heading to a rooftop bar to grab a drink while you wait. You can also wait at 167, where you will be served a drink, but I prefer to go to as many places as possible when I have the time! The menu changes often according to seafood availability.
Food:
Fish Sandwich – Looking at the menu everything sounds pretty basic. However, each dish is much more than it seems and is prepared uniquely. I had the pastrami encrusted swordfish and WOW! It was so flavorful and the fish was so delicate.
Ceviche – this dish changes daily which makes it so fresh!
Oysters – I usually order a sampler dozen to try something new. I love watching the oyster shuckers at the raw bar!
Drinks: I usually order a glass of Cava here and it goes great with everything!
I hope I’ve helped you decide on where to eat for your next date night, girls night out, or celebration! I can’t get enough of these three restaurants and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
