Charleston and Summerville Restaurant Recommendations
The Lowcountry is known far and wide as one of the nation’s top food scenes. Consistently ranked in the top ten, Charleston’s restaurant scene is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning foodie. Of course, seafood is the go-to in the Lowcountry, but there is something for everyone.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Charleston:
Circa 1886 is our absolute favorite for high-end dining. The restaurant is actually housed in what was the carriage house of the next-door Wentworth Mansion (really nice dig for the horses!)The service is impeccable; the food is out of this world and presented beautifully and the experience is very personalized. I recommend it for a date night, anniversary, or birthday celebration.
If you are craving a phenomenal, beyond tender steak, Halls Chop House is where you want to be. White glove service with the best steaks money can buy, family style sides that are perfectly prepared, and an extensive wine menu make for the perfect evening. The pancetta-roasted brussels sprouts are to die for. You can expect stellar service throughout your meal. If you prefer not to deal with Charleston’s traffic, Halls has a location in Nexton; just 3 miles from our Bed and Breakfast.
If you do Charleston, you must do Shrimp and Grits! 82 Queen has some of the best Shrimp and Grits around. Every time Chris and I go to dinner there, we are stuffed because everything is excellent. We love the She Crab Soup and Fried Green Tomatoes. Grab a table outside in the gorgeous courtyard and people watch while you dine.
Summerville:
Lowcountry Fish Camp is our absolute favorite restaurant and we cannot get enough. My husband Chris is a southern boy and swears he has never had a better hushpuppy. Blackened catfish, sauteed flounder or shrimp are our go-to’s with collard greens, skillet corn, an extra order of hushpuppies, 2 or 3 orders of Red Beans and Rice as our sides. Go early or later as they fill up fast and parking can be a challenge at the dinner hour.
The newest restaurant in Summerville is La Rustica and it is fabulous!! Located in a beautifully renovated house with just the right touch of Italian warmth, you can dine inside or outside on the patio. Chris had the lasagna and loved it. I had the delicious Cioppino and took home leftovers for lunch the next day. I can’t say enough about the ambiance: the beautiful lights, artful touches, and very vested owners made for the perfect Anniversary celebration. We will definitely return! Best of all, you can walk to the restaurant from Flowertown Bed and Breakfast.
Ice House restaurant is a farm to table venue and has extensive offerings to please any and all palates. You can choose seating outside, in the bar area, or in the original ice house (my personal favorite). The menu offers everything from burgers to po’boys to soft shell crab. If they are running a trout special, don’t hesitate to order it. It truly was the best trout I have ever had. My husband is all about the Po’ Boys.
