Wondering what Charleston’s top 5 seafood restaurants are? Every year millions of visitors arrive in Charleston with the one question, “Where can we get good seafood?” If you want a real Lowcountry experience, stop at one of these establishments.
Hank’s https://hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/
Hanks, 10 Hayne Street, is a classic Charleston Fish House with an old-fashioned saloon-style bar and a raw bar that has been voted the Best Seafood Restaurant in Charleston for over 20 consecutive years. The menu has legendary items like seafood a la Wando and she-crab soup.
Tuna Tartare with jalapeno, shallot, and extra virgin olive oil
Try their rich selections of iced shellfish from the world’s oceans, Hank’s Oyster Stew with leeks, potatoes, and bacon, and delicacies like Oysters Casino with garlic butter and asiago cheese.
Bowens Island Restaurant
Any visitor to Charleston must make the trip out to Bowens Island at least once. This is a genuine Lowcountry experience with steamed oysters, cheap beer, and a creekside view that makes for lasting memories. It remains alluring and draws visitors because of its ramshackle funkiness and the gut-level goodness of its food.
Looking for an authentic Lowcountry boil? Here’s where you will find it.
Another memorable experience will happen at The Ordinary, 544 King Street.
Dave’s Clams is a special and very popular dish
Meet Chef Lata’s Okra Gumbo: blue crab, Tarvin shrimp, and Carolina Gold middlins
Gillie’s Seafood and Soul – James Island
Patrons are treated like family when they sit down at a table. There’s plenty of Southern seafood favorites here, from shrimp purloo to fried flounder to shrimp and grits. This is a scratch-made soul food restaurant serving delicious comfort food, just like Grandma makes!
Leon’s at 698 King Street https://leonsoystershop.com/
Leon’s gives fried fish goodness with a side of crispy chicken and freshly-shucked oysters. This North Central hangout is the spot to be if you prefer perfectly-battered bait with a glass of wine and New Orleans soul playing in the background.
One of Leon’s most popular salad bowls
