The 2025 MICHELIN Guide has turned its spotlight on South Carolina, and the state’s vibrant culinary landscape is gleaming brighter than ever. From the Lowcountry to the Upstate, chefs across South Carolina are crafting unforgettable dining experiences that blend creativity, culture and Southern hospitality.
South Carolina’s Culinary Stars Shine in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide
Earning a coveted MICHELIN Star is one of the highest honors in the culinary world, and four South Carolina restaurants have claimed that distinction this year, showcasing the incredible range of talent and flavor found throughout the state.
Malagón Mercado y Tapería, Charleston
Tucked away off King Street, Malagón is a small but spirited space where Spanish flavors come alive. With an old‑world ambience and an open kitchen, Chef Juan Cassalett’s tapas‑focused menu shines through simple yet exquisite dishes, from fried rabbit leg with savory crème fraîche to arros con cangrejo, a paella‑style rice tossed with crab that delights in every bite.
Scoundrel, Greenville
In downtown Greenville, Chef Joe Cash delivers an elegant take on the French bistro. The atmosphere is as refined as the menu, where classic comfort meets culinary craft. Standouts include roasted half chicken with perfectly crispy skin, paired with gnocchi Parisienne and moutarde sauce; and cronuts with pistachio anglaise that bring a sweet finish to an unforgettable meal.
Vern’s, Charleston
At Vern’s, the husband‑and‑wife team of Daniel and Bethany Heinze have created a dining experience that’s both intimate and inspired. Using locally sourced Lowcountry ingredients, the menu evolves with the seasons, offering refined favorites like charred sourdough with allium butter and silky campanelli pasta with rabbit in a cacio e pepe sauce. The carefully curated wine list is the perfect complement to this ever‑evolving culinary journey.
Wild Common, Charleston
True to its name, Wild Common is anything but ordinary. Chef Orlando Pagán brings bold creativity to a globally influenced tasting menu that’s rooted in local ingredients. Guests can expect imaginative dishes like hamachi crudo with coconut and kumquat or roasted carrot and walnut tortelli topped with browned butter whey foam—all leading to an unexpected finale: a savory aged‑cheddar sundae.
Bib Gourmand Honorees
Our state’s flavor‑rich culture is further celebrated with Bib Gourmand recognition, awarded to restaurants delivering exceptional food at great value.
- Leon's Oyster Shop (Charleston)
- Lewis Barbecue (Charleston)
- Rodney Scott’s BBQ (Charleston)
Additional Recognitions & Regional Reach
Several more spots across Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Sullivan’s Island and Travelers Rest also received MICHELIN recommendations, a true reflection of the depth and diversity of dining found throughout the state. Restaurants featured include:
- Chubby Fish (Charleston)
- Di Vino Rosso (Columbia)
- Fig (Charleston)
- Husk (Charleston)
- Jianna (Greenville)
- Lowland (Charleston)
- Motor Supply Company (Columbia)
- Oak Prime (Myrtle Beach)
- Soby’s (Greenville)
- Sorelle (Charleston)
- The Anchorage (Greenville)
- The Establishment (Charleston)
- The Obstinate Daughter (Sullivan’s Island)
- The Restaurant at Zero George (Charleston)
- Topsoil Kitchen (Travelers Rest)
- Xiao Bao Biscuit (Charleston)
Also, the Post House Inn in Charleston was recognized with a MICHELIN Key for excellence in hospitality.
With every plate, pour and perfectly paired bite, South Carolina continues to define itself as a top culinary destination in the American South.
