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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.
Five Diamond designations are given to just 0.2 percent of the more than 31,000 U.S. restaurants meeting the stringent criteria of AAA inspectors; only 2.1 percent earn a Four Diamond designation.
Accolade: AAA Four Diamonds
Claim to fame: Elegant, farm-to-table global cuisine expertly prepared by Executive Chef Michelle Weaver and her staff.
Accolade: AAA Four Diamonds
Claim to fame: Prime dry- and wet-aged steaks, stellar service and a rousing gospel brunch.
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: Dishes that sing that sing with creatively concocted sauces and glazes, expert wine pairings.
Accolade: AAA Four Diamonds
Claim to fame: Pre-fixe gourmet menus prepared and served in the elegant setting of this gracious country inn.
Accolade: AAA Four Diamonds
Claim to fame: Upscale breakfast and lunch fare overlooking a lush garden.
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, Semifinalist, 2017
Claim to fame: Handcrafted, small-batch spirits made from fine ingredients.
Accolades: Outstanding Wine Program, Winner, 2018; Michael Lata, Outstanding Chef, Semifinalist, 2017, South's Best Restaurants List, 2017
Claim to fame: FIG is 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: America's Classic, Winner, 2017
Claim to fame: Bustling soul food cafe serving rib-sticking, Gullah-inspired dishes.
Accolade: 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, 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, Semifinalist, 2017
Claim to fame: Serving creative Asian cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Accolade: Chef Michael Lata, Outstanding Chef, Semifinalist, 2018
Claim to fame: Local fresh shellfish and other seafood from Lata, proprietor of local favorite, FIG.
Accolade: Best BBQ in South Carolina, 2017
Claim to fame: Hickory-smoked ribs, chicken, brisket, turkey and pork served with Southern sides.
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 9 locations.
Accolade: Best Restaurant in South Carolina, 2018
Claim to fame: Dishes with a strong dedication to Southern-sourced ingredients.
