You’ve heard their names and read about their talents. But have you experienced the amazing cuisine conceived by the minds and crafted by the hands of our stellar roster of South Carolina Chef Ambassadors? One or two, perhaps? Well, that’s wonderful but it begs another question: Why stop there? These chefs are the best of the best, and with nearly two dozen of them currently dedicated to sharing their creations with the dining public, it would be a major foodie faux paus to miss even one opportunity.
The time is well-nigh to do a little culinary craftwork of your own, but not in your kitchen. Instead, sit down and craft a plan to take the ultimate food tour through South Carolina. Here is a comprehensive SC Chef Ambassador listing for you to reference in your quest to fill your culinary dance card.
Begin where you like, take your time and savor the diversity of flavors. One thing that’s consistent though: Each chef is dedicated to maintaining South Carolina’s reputation as a dining destination through a commitment to the best ingredients and a focus on locally sourced products.
From the mountains to the sea and everywhere in between, there’s an SC Chef Ambassador waiting to wow you. Click Here to explore the Ultimate South Carolina Foodie Trail map.
Coastal/Sea Islands
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Brian Waters, 2015
Saltus River Grille
802 Bay St., Beaufort
Exceptionally fresh seafood and a menu that reflects a contemporary, inspired approach to traditional Southern cuisine—these are the calling cards of Chef Brian Waters. Experience his culinary artistry and enjoy the water views at this dining gem in historic downtown Beaufort.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Orchid Paulmeier, 2016
One Hot Mama’s American Grill
1 Greenwood Drive, Suite 7A, Hilton Head Island
104 Buckwalter Parkway, Suite 1A, Bluffton
The “Next Food Network Star” finalist’s recipe for success is a combo of cultural influences, a high-energy approach and culinary expertise. Tender baby back ribs, pit-to-plate barbecue, hand-cut steaks and chargrilled chicken keep the dining rooms hopping at both locations.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Sean Mendes, 2017
(Formerly of Gillie's Seafood & Soul, Roadside Seafood and Charleston's Blue Cajun Kitchen)
805 Folly Road, Charleston
From the knee of his grandmother to leading his own kitchen, Chef Sean Mendes has come a long way to master the magic of comforting, satisfying dishes made from fresh, local seafood and produce. Shrimp, oysters, okra, sweet potatoes and more form the foundation of his homestyle meals.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Adam Kirby, 2017
Rustic Table
10683 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island
Bistro 217
10707 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island
Love—that’s Chef Adam Kirby’s main ingredient in the kitchen and you can feel it in each bite of his amazing dishes. The Rustic Table’s comfort food and homestyle dishes and the fine dining Southern and Pacific Rim cuisine of Bistro 217 have made Kirby one of South Carolina’s most celebrated chefs.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Heidi Vukov, 2018
Croissants Bistro & Bakery
3751 N. Robert Grissom Parkway
8014 N. Kings Highway
Hook & Barrel
8014 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
Chef Heidi Vukov has a culinary history grounded in her grandmothers, one who mastered making great dishes from limited ingredients during the Depression and one from Germany near the French border who made exquisite desserts. A combination of their styles, along with an affinity for South Carolina seafood and local produce, combined to give Chef Vukov her own distinctive style.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Brandon Carter, 2019
FARM
1301 May River Road, Bluffton
Chef Brandon Carter has built a career highlighting the culinary contributions of growers, fishers, harvesters and other local food purveyors who supply the larder at FARM in Bluffton. With a menu built solidly on the farm-to-table philosophy, he continues to build a loyal following and gain widespread accolades.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Marc Collins, 2019
Circa 1886
149 Wentworth St., Charleston
Chef Marc Collins takes a historical approach to cooking, honoring the culinary traditions of South Carolina while incorporating modern twists to create memorable dishes. The original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion in downtown Charleston adds a sophisticated element.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Jamie Daskalis, 2020
Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts
3301 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
3900 Hwy 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
1200 US 17 Business, Surfside Beach
Armed with a degree in baking and pastry from the Culinary Institute of America and decades of experience working in her father’s restaurants in New York, Chef Jamie Daskalis hit the ground running in Myrtle Beach with her first location of Johnny D’s and has never looked back. She doesn’t have time to. Her waffles and benedicts keep the crowds coming, and what happy crowds they are.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador John Ondo, 2022
Atlantic Room at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
1 Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island
Chef John Ondo celebrates Lowcountry bounty with dishes built upon fresh, local ingredients. Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s signature seafood restaurant is the perfect stage for spotlighting his culinary skills and creativity.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Marcus Shell, 2023
39 Rue de Jean
39 John Street, Charleston
Chef Marcus Shell’s culinary approach ensures that a new generation of diners can experience 39 Rue de Jean, a true Charleston classic. While maintaining the feel of this 1800s-style French brasserie, he applies novel twists and classic techniques to create European-inspired dishes like coq au vin, duck tartine and roasted rabbit—each familiar but decidedly nouveau.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Leslie Rohland, 2024
The Cottage Café, Bakery & Tea Room
38 Calhoun Street, Bluffton
The Juice Hive
14 Johnston Way, Bluffton
May River Coffee Roasters
38 Calhoun Street, Bluffton
Bluffton Pasta Shoppe
10 B Johnston Way, Bluffton
The Cottage is a Bluffton dining destination for visitors and locals craving Southern goodness and irresistible baked goods in a quaint setting. Chef Leslie Rohland turns out some of the best shrimp and grits around, decadent tomato pies, pimento cheese grits and sumptuous breakfast/brunch fare. As prolific as she is talented, Chef Rohland also has a hand in serving up healthy concoctions at The Juice Hive, freshly roasted coffee at May River Coffee Roasters and grab-and-go Italian favorites at Bluffton Pasta Shoppe.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Shuai Wang, 2025
Jackrabbit Filly
1083 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston
King BBQ
2029 Carver Avene, North Charleston
Bold, creative, flavorful, fresh - Chef Shuai Wang's approach to food consistently wows diners and has garnered national accolades. His whimsical, spot-on dishes rely upon a co-mingling of Asian and Southern ingredients to deliver a dining experience that is exotic yet familiar. With a love for both his Chinese heritage and Southern food traditions, Chef Wang's restaurants help keep the Charleston food scene fun, exciting and tantalizing.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Darren Smith, 2025
Rivertown Bistro
1111 Third Avenue, Conway
Bonfire, A Smokin' Taqueria
951 Second Avenue, Conway
Three decades of pleasing Conway locals and discerning diners from across the state stand in testament to the talents of Chef Darren Smith. From his longtime fine dining concept, Rivertown Bistro, to his Tex-Mex barbecue house on the Waccamaw River, Bonfire, Chef Smith's vision for making Conway a dining destination is being deliciously fulfilled. Whether you lean toward pan-seared duck breast or a plate of spicy, pulled pork tacos, the feast of your dreams is ready to be fulfilled, too.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Jordan Lazarus Heyd, 2026
Lekker Eats
3751 Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach
Healthy, clean, delicious - Chef Jordan Lazarus Heyd deliciously delivers all three at this Myrtle Beach market and cafe. After years of working for an international yachting operation, she traded high seas adventures for a chef's life on land. Come taste the global influences and fresh flavors. Try a Thai crunch salad with sesame garlic dressing or one of a creative lineup of "toasties" like the Salt Rock, grilled multi-grain bread layered with chickpea miso salad, broccoli sprouts and tomato. Brunches are bright and satisfying, too.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador James London, 2026
Chubby Fish
252 Coming Street, Charleston
Patrons arrive before opening each day to snag a seat at Chef James London's dock-to-plate neighborhood restaurant, Chubby Fish. Having garnered numerous national accolades - including inclusion in the Michelin Guide - this seafood-centric dining experience is not to be missed. The seasonal menu reflects a focus on super-fresh, local ingredients and creative preparations. It all adds up to elevated fare that is never pretentious - just expertly executed and delicious. You can also sample Chef London's wares at Seahorse, a small cocktail bar and supper club located next door to Chubby Fish.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Cooper Thomas, 2015
Victors
126 W. Evans St., Florence
Chef Cooper Thomas' chef philosophy eschews the "throw something together" aesthetic and focuses on local, fresh ingredients for his thoughtfully prepared dishes. Whether it’s wings or foie gras, he gives it his all with rave-worthy results.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Brandon Velie, 2015
Juniper
640 E. Main St., Ridge Spring
Chef Brandon Velie is focused on sharing South Carolina’s seasonal gifts, and diners are the lucky recipients. Whether green tomatoes or bundle of freshly picked asparagus, he can transform them into remarkable dishes that shine with freshness and flavor. Each week brings surprises to the menu.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Amy Fortes, 2017
The Flipside Café
3150 US-21, Fort Mill
The Flipside Restaurant
129 Caldwell St., Rock Hill
Salmeri’s Italian Kitchen
526 Mercantile Place, Suite 101, Fort Mill
Chef Amy Fortes is known for her imaginative takes on Southern favorites at her Flipside restaurants. With the opening of Salmeri’s, she also indulges her passion for Italian-inspired cuisine. Southern or Italian, her dishes always reflect an exquisite attention to detail and flair.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Jessica Shillato, 2019
Spotted Salamander
1531 Richland St., Columbia
Chef Jessica Shillato has earned a place on the SC culinary stage by using seasonal local ingredients to give imaginative twists to old Southern favorites. Her creative treatment of deviled eggs is legendary, with versions topped with surprising, but tantalizing additions like country ham jam, Adluh cornbread crumbs and chicken chicharrones with hot sauce.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Raffaele Dall’Erta, 2020-2021
Hamptons
33 N. Main St., Sumter
From Milan to Sumter, Chef Raffaele Dall’Erta has come a long way to share his amazing culinary gifts with discerning diners. His excitement for locally sourced ingredients and SC food culture have melded with his experiences in some of Italy’s top kitchens to give Hamptons a reputation for distinctive cuisine worthy of any European dining room.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Jason Tufts, 2020-2021
Local Junction
1208 Whiskey Road, Aiken
Formerly of Malia’s and The Village Cafe, Chef Tufts is now serving the dining public at Local Junction. In a dual nod to Aiken's culinary history, Local Junction is named for its predecessor, Harry's Local Bar and Restaurant (aka "Locals") as well as Whiskey Junction, a popular eatery that once operated next door. Elevated pub grub, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, gumbo and entrees like Salmon Romesco guarantee that this current incarnation remains a town favorite.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Chris Williams, 2022
Roy’s Grille
7971 N. Woodrow Street, Irmo
Chef Chris Williams put "gas station cuisine" on the map. Though he's moved on to operate in a stand-alone space, his many fans continue to fill up on his smoky barbecue, tender ribs, crispy fried chicken and a lineup of signature barbecue sauces. His aim is to titillate every palate, and that's what keeps patrons coming to this hopping little eatery.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Rob Masone, 2023
Kounter
135 E. Main Street, Rock Hill
From the Alderwood smoked salmon with cream sauce made from 14 varieties of mushrooms to a comforting bacon-wrapped meatloaf sided with roasted Brussels sprouts, Chef Rob Masone exhibits his talent for elevating the ordinary to extraordinary heights. Experience his inspired creations served against the backdrop of local history when you dine at Kounter, which features a thoughtfully preserved civil rights-era counter.
Upcountry
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Heidi Trull, 2015
Grits & Groceries
2440 Due West Highway, Honea Path
One of South Carolina's farm-to-table pioneers, Chef Heidi Trull sources ingredients locally and looks to the seasons for reasons to create and serve her signature Southern dishes. From her famous tomato pie to shrimp and grits to that addictive praline bacon, her food-craft is always spot-on and memorable.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador William Cribb, 2017
Willy Taco Feed & Seed
217 Laurens Road, Greenville
Willy Taco Tequila Cocina
930 E. Main Street, Spartanburg
Willy Taco Tequila Cocina
1925 Boiling Springs Road, Boiling Springs
5051 Calhoun Memorial Highway, Easley
Cribbs Kitchen
226B W. Main St., Spartanburg
Chef William Cribb knows his stuff, whether he’s serving up inventive Mexican eats at Willy Taco or a two-fisted handheld stuffed with house-cured-and-smoked brisket at Cribbs Kitchen. Cooking great food is his vocation and fusion cuisine is his super power. Experience both at any of his restaurants.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Sarah McClure, 2018
Southside Smokehouse & Grille
726 S. Howard Ave., Landrum
Southern food is Chef Sarah McClure’s passion, especially when it comes to smoked meat. But there’s an edgy side she’s equally renowned for, and it finds expression in an eclectic mix of barbecue, seafood, steaks, homemade desserts and a cocktail program featuring more than 200 bourbons. This ain’t your mama’s smokehouse.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Tania Cienfuegos Harris, 2019
Formerly of The Lazy Goat in Greenville and Topsoil Kitchen in Travelers Rest
Chef Tania Cienfuegos Harris’ has a way with pastries and desserts that is rooted in her formative years in Mexico. She went on to hone her expert techniques at Colegio Superior De Gastronomía in Mexico City and working in some of South Carolina’s finest kitchens. In 2024, she was named a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Now, Chef Harris continues building her legacy as the owner of her own dessert company, Azucar Skull.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Haydn Shaak, 2022
Restaurant 17 at Hotel Domestique
10 Road of Vines, Travelers Rest
Chef Haydn Shaak’s talent for creating culinary excellence through an expert application of classic techniques is generating a lot of buzz. Thanks to a focus on locally sourced ingredients and an artisanal aesthetic, which he describes as “rustic elegance,” he has earned a reputation for being one of the state’s most talented chefs.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Erica McCier-Rayford, 2023
Indigenous Underground
117 Trinity Street, Abbeville
Location, location, location— when it comes to the ingredients in Chef McCier-Rayford’s dishes, it all comes down to proximity. Fresh vegetables, grains and dairy from area farms, markets and mills define her mission to support local producers and offer customers the best in farm-to-table dining. The menu offers a kaleidoscope of dishes with a soul food/Cajun lean, each crafted to showcase fresh, unforgettable flavors.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Michael Sibert, 2024
White Wine & Butter
2299 E Gap Creek Road, Greer
Fans of Chef Michael Sibert, who made a name for himself at his former eatery, Anonymous Burgers, head to White Wine & Butter at Greer Golf to indulge in Cajun-Lowcountry fusion cuisine. Winner of the March 2025 "Chopped" competition on Food Network, Sibert transcends common conventions to explore exciting flavors and ingredients. Dishes like Louisiana Barbecue Shrimp with Jimmy Red grits, Jambalaya Risotto with Carolina Gold rice and Front Porch Fried Chicken with collard green chimichurri showcase his penchant for full flavors and knack for letting SC products shine.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Jeanne Koenigsberg, 2025
Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery
Experiencing the bounty of Upstate farms is a delicious prospect thanks to Chef Jeanne Koenigsberg and the farm-to-table philosophy she employes at Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. Serving as a local food hub, the cafe and market demonstrates a strong commitment to the area's producers by showcasing their wares through inspired, made-from-scratch sandwiches, soups and baked goods - which includes their addictive stecca bread.
South Carolina Chef Ambassador Guichard Ulysse, 2026
House 509 Bistro & Wine Bar
100 Wicker Park Avenue, Greer
Chef Guichard Ulysse infuses a little bit of his Haitian homeland into every dish at House 509. Familiar and novel flavors mingle in dishes that excite the palate with Caribbean and French twists. Filet mignon with housemade chimichurri, Chilean sea bass with lemon risotto and gremolata, and a surf and turf flight with your choice of two steaks add up to a dining experience that will linger long after your plate is clean.
