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South Carolina is rich in dining treasures, so it only stands to reason that many of our restaurants routinely take the national spotlight. Discover what the buzz is all about by visiting one of our culinary superstars.
Here's a list of restaurants taking a well-deserved bow after garnering special recognition.
Accolade: One Michelin Star
Claim to fame: Inviting restaurant known for imaginative dishes with a global lean that surprise and excite
Accolade: One Michelin Star
Claim to fame: Wildly popular Neighborhood dining room with a reputation for creative American fare and stellar executions
Accolade: AAA Four Diamonds
Claim to fame: Romantic, elegant dining in the carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion
Accolade: AAA Four Diamonds
Claim to fame: Prime dry- and wet-aged steaks, stellar service and a rousing gospel brunch
Accolade: Michelin One Star
Claim to fame: Charming French bistro offering elegant dining and expert interpretations of classic dishes
Accolade: AAA Four Diamonds
Claim to fame: Caviar, foie gras, duck, lobster and other upscale dishes served in an elegantly casual dining room
Accolades: Ann Marshall and Scott Blackwell, Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Professional, James Beard Semifinalist, 2017
Claim to fame: Handcrafted, small-batch spirits made from fine ingredients
Accolades: James Beard Outstanding Wine Program, Winner, 2018; Michael Lata, Outstanding Chef, Semifinalist, 2017, South's Best Restaurants List, 2017
Claim to fame: A Charleston icon known for its farm-to-table inspired menu and robust wine program featuring the best offerings of small vineyards, as well as Old World classics
Accolade: AAA Four Diamonds
Claim to fame: Seasonal ingredients, specialty steaks and fresh seafood served up with great ocean views
Accolade: James Beard America's Classic, Winner, 2017
Claim to fame: Bustling soul food cafe serving rib-sticking, Gullah-inspired dishes
Accolade: James Beard Outstanding Bar Program, Semifinalist, 2018
Claim to fame: Creative cocktails served up in the midcentury-style lounge of this popular Charleston hotel
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Accolade: Kevin Johnson, Best Chef, James Beard Semifinalist, 2016, 2017, 2018
Claim to fame: Imaginative, farm-fresh dishes spotlighting the best from local producers
Accolade: Shuai Wang, Rising Star Chef of the Year, James Beard Semifinalist, 2017
Claim to fame: Serving creative Asian cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients
Accolade: Chef Michael Lata, Outstanding Chef, James Beard Semifinalist, 2018
Claim to fame: Local fresh shellfish and other seafood served in a stunning 1920s bank
Accolade: Best BBQ Joint in South Carolina, Southern Living Magazine, 2017
Claim to fame: Hickory-smoked ribs, chicken, brisket, turkey and pork served with Southern sides
Accolade: Best BBQ Joint in the South, 2025, Southern Living Magazine
Claim to fame: Hotspot for authentic Southern-style and Texas-style 'cue featuring melt-in-your-mouth brisket and juicy pulled pork
Accolade: Rodney Scott, Best Chef: Southeast, Winner, 2018
Claim to fame: Old-school, whole-hog barbecue prepared by Scott, a legendary pitmaster
Accolade: Best BBQ in South Carolina, 2018
Claim to fame: Pit-cooked barbecue served with signature sauces in eight locations
Accolade: James Beard Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, 2024
Claim to fame: Main Street gathering place with thoughtfully curated wine list and stellar food pairings
Accolade: Best Restaurant in South Carolina, 2018
Claim to fame: Dishes with a strong dedication to Southern-sourced ingredients
Accolade: Michelin One Star
Claim to fame: Cozy but chic neighborhood haunt with amazing Spanish tapas and wines
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