Share with your friends!
PinterestLinkedInFlipboardReddit

Charleston, South Carolina, is widely celebrated for its dining scene, and the Holy City continues to impress with exciting new options. Featuring menus inspired by the abundance of local, fresh seafood and interiors as striking as the dishes they serve, these 10 new Charleston restaurants are creating quite a buzz around town.

Merci

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: mercichs.com

Tucked inside a charming 1820s corner building in Harleston Village, Merci is Charleston’s chic new neighborhood bistro from Chef Michael Zentner and Designer Courtney Zentner. With just 20 seats and a six-seat bar, it’s intimate, elegant, and styled to the nines. Think vintage glassware, moody lighting, and folk art flair. Merci’s rotating menu is a love letter to European technique and Lowcountry ingredients. Don’t miss the signature focaccia stracciatella or tableside beef Wellington for two.

A cozy restaurant interior with set tables, a brick fireplace, and a large colorful painting of two people above the mantel—an inviting spot among new Charleston restaurants.Pin
Merci is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, and its sister shop, Petit Merci, dishes up daytime treats, fresh produce, homewares, and other sundries. Image: Lindsey Harris Shorter

Cane Pazzo

Neighboring Town: Hanahan
More Info: canepazzorestaurant.com

One of the first new openings at the emerging Yeamans Hall Plaza in Hanahan, Cane Pazzo is chef‑owner Mark Bolchoz’s ode to Italian osteria tradition. The spacious yet intimate 75-seat dining room (plus a 30-seat patio) feels warm and lived-in, with leather banquettes, a wood-fire oven, family photos, and rustic charm that nods to his family’s long Charleston legacy. Handmade pastas shine here — think Tarvin shrimp linguini and blue crab risotto — with seafood and seasonal produce front and center.

A plate of ravioli with yellow sauce, a glass of white wine, salad, bread, and a tomato-based dish on a wooden table—just the kind of spread you’ll find at new Charleston restaurants.Pin
Cane Pazzo is casual, community‑driven, and rooted in real neighborhood energy in the burgeoning outskirts of Charleston. Image: Andrew Cebulka

Two Bit Club

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: twobitclub.com

Two Bit Club is the buzzy new Vietnamese spot inside Hotel Richemont, a new boutique hotel in downtown Charleston. Mixing ’40s and ’50s Southeast Asia energy with local Lowcountry flair, the dining room is filled with plush indigo banquettes, brass fixtures, hanging plants, and plenty of natural light. And on the menu? Spring rolls, pho, bánh mì, roasted duck with hoisin, yellowtail ceviche in coconut‑tamarind vinaigrette, littleneck clams in basil‑oil coconut broth, and so many more mouthwatering options.

A yellow cocktail garnished with a basil leaf in a coupe glass sits on a table set with assorted dishes, including roasted meat, ribs, and creamy soup—just one taste of what new Charleston restaurants have to offer.Pin
The cocktail list is just as bold: try the pho‑infused Eight‑Pho‑Three (pictured). There are zero‑proof sips, too! Image: Andrew Cebulka

Pelato

Neighborhood: NoMo
More Info: pelatorestaurant.com

Opened by the Scottos (who already run the popular Nashville outpost), Pelato is a new Brooklyn‑style Italian spot bringing flavorful comfort classics to Charleston’s NoMo neighborhood. They serve up house‑made pastas like radiatori vodka and cacio e pepe, plus crowd‑pleasers like meatballs, chicken parm, garlic bread, and crispy croquettes. The dining room is warm and nostalgic, with green leather banquettes, wood paneling, and black‑and‑white family photos lining the walls.

Overhead view of various Italian dishes, including pasta, risotto, fried appetizers, a martini with olives, and a glass of red wine on a marble table at one of the top Charleston Restaurants.Pin
Order yourself a ‘tini and stay awhile. There’s even frozen espresso martinis and limoncello on tap. Image: Luke Higgs

Grit Bakery

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: gritbakery.com

This lofty and bright new bakery on Meeting Street is chef-baker Allison Anspach’s first brick-and-mortar. It’s a European-inspired bakery with a warm, minimalist vibe and spotlit display of flaky croissants, rotating scones, baguettes, and hearth-baked loaves. You can grab-and-go or savor your strong pour-over coffee in the sunny 12-seat space.

Five assorted baked goods—focaccia, scone, shortbread cookie, chocolate chip cookie, and a pastry—displayed on a wooden surface, reminiscent of selections found at top Charleston Restaurants.Pin
Grit Bakery is downtown’s new spot for bread-loving locals. Image: Ryan Belk

Volpe

Neighborhood: Harleston Village
More Info: volpecharleston.com

Charleston’s cooking heavyweight Ken Vedrinski is back on Rutledge Avenue with Volpe, a cozy, family-style Italian joint perfect for relaxed group dinners that feel like Sunday supper in Rome. For around $68 per person or à la carte, enjoy four shared courses: antipasti, two pastas, meat or fish, and dessert, plus a curated wine list. Volpe serves warmth, nostalgia, and unfussy pasta from its charming corner locale. Take a look inside:

Katsubō Chicken & Ramen

Neighborhood: Park Circle
More Info: katsuboeats.com

In North Charleston’s Park Circle, Katsubō Chicken & Ramen opened recently with a bang, and locals are buzzing about the ramen and crispy double‑fried chicken. Founded by ex‑KinFolk chef Joe Nierstedt, this spot serves up Tokyo‑style broths like Shoyu, Tantanmen, or creamy Tori Paitan alongside chicken sandwiches (with some wild glazes), and starters like blistered shishito peppers, gyoza, and charred edamame. The extensive Japanese whiskey, sake, cocktails, and beer lists will help you wash down your noshes even more deliciously.

A bowl of ramen with sliced pork, corn, seaweed, green onions, and a narutomaki fish cake in broth, served at one of the top Charleston restaurants, viewed from above on a wooden table.Pin
Katsubō is ramen elevated with creativity, personality, and heat. Image: Stephanie Wells

Tutti

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: tuttipizzachs.com

Tutti is King Street’s new no‑frills takeout and dine-in pizzeria from the crew behind the popular Graft Wine Shop. Oozing with old-school New York-style vibes, the chefs serve massive round, rectangular, or square pies with plenty of sauce options and toppings like meatballs, anchovies, jalapeños, and more. You can taste your way through the natural wine program courtesy of Graft, too.

Several people enjoy slices of a large, sesame-crusted pizza with basil and meat at a wooden table, surrounded by salad and wine—just one of the flavorful experiences found at new Charleston restaurants.Pin
Tutti offers simple, shareable, seriously good pizza. Image: Instagram

Madison Maison

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: madisonmaisonchs.com

Madison Maison is Charleston’s ultra-glam new champagne and caviar bar. The maximalist interiors — the checkered marble floor, bold red ceiling, velvet textures, and animal prints — are playful nods to high‑society lounges in London and New York . The small but luxe menu features French fries, RG Caviar (Kaluga and Siberian), foie gras, artfully crafted cocktails, and fine bubbly.

People gather around a glowing circular bar in a dimly lit lounge with checkered floors and red walls, capturing the lively atmosphere found in some of the best new Charleston restaurants.Pin
Madison Maison is the perfect setting to sip, see, be seen, and indulge ’til the wee hours. Image: Facebook

Broad Street Café

Neighborhood: French Quarter
More Info: Instagram

Broad Street Café is a freshly opened corner bakery quickly becoming a go‑to for downtown coffee, bagels, and light breakfast and lunch fare. In addition to its King Bean espresso drinks, NYC‑style bagels, and made-to-order sammies, good old-fashioned Southern hospitality is always on the menu here.

A fried chicken biscuit sandwich with cheese and sauce on a striped cloth, paired with sea salt & vinegar chips and a bottled drink—a satisfying bite inspired by new Charleston restaurants.Pin
Open early mornings through lunch, Broad Street Café is there to quell your caffeine-and-a-snack craving. Image: Photography By Anne

Still hungry? Keep scrolling for more recent openings!

**********

UPDATES FROM FEBRUARY 2025

By The Way

More Info: bythewaychs.com

Craig Conover and Austen Kroll, the stars of Bravo TV’s Southern Charm, partnered with Uptown Hospitality Group to open By The Way, Charleston’s newest late-night destination. The upscale neighborhood spot boasts a menu of elevated American fare, such as a “stuffed” Caesar salad with bacon fat croutons and fried oysters paired with caviar and citrus creme fraiche. The drink menu focuses on martinis, featuring the classic cocktail with customized garnishes, including lemon twists, olives, cornichons, pearl onions, and chilled shrimp.

A person reaches for oysters garnished with caviar on a plate in one of Charleston's new restaurants. Nearby are a cocktail, a glass of beer, and a plant on a wooden table by the window.Pin
Tuck into By The Way at all hours of the day and night for delicious food and drink. Image: Lawson Builder

Marbled & Fin

More Info: marbledandfin.com

From The Neighborhood Dining Group, the team behind some of the Southeast’s most notable concepts, including the famed Husk, comes Marbled & Fin — a contemporary steakhouse with an impressive glass wine cellar and a collection of modern art. The menu forgoes traditional stuffy steakhouse fare, featuring options like a raw bar with stone crab claws, steak tartare, and hamachi crudo. For a truly decadent experience, guests can even indulge in specialty cuts of Australian and Japanese Wagyu steaks.

A person in a dark jacket holds a platter with a cooked lobster and steak garnished with herbs.Pin
Marbled & Fin is an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Image: Marbled & Fin

Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery

More Info: lillianschs.com

Newly opened this past winter, Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery replaced Harold’s Cabin, a Charleston institution with a nearly century-long legacy. Drawing inspiration from its predecessor, Lillian’s truly does it all. Patrons can expect an impressive coffee and pastry program, an all-day lunch menu, elevated dinner options, a rooftop terrace and bar, and a vibrant market carrying a selection of funky wines and grab-and-go goodies.

Plate with a hot dog topped with green onions, side of potato wedges, and a small dish of ketchup—perfect for sampling the flavors found at new Charleston restaurants while traveling.Pin
Lillian’s charming space is in the heart of Charleston’s Westside neighborhood. Image: Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery

Lowland

More Info: lowlandcharleston.com

From James Beard Award-winning Chef Jason Stanhope comes Lowland — a charming tavern spanning two floors of the historic Lequeux-Williams home on Charleston’s storied George Street. Show-stopping details include an eye-catching copper bar and the home’s original wood-burning fireplace, reminiscent of a countryside estate. Whether you’re enjoying a weeknight dinner with friends or celebrating a special occasion, Lowland’s Southern-inspired menu impresses with delectable dishes like crispy South Carolina quail and biscuits topped with farmer cheese and pepper jelly.

Elegant dining room with a round table set for four, surrounded by chairs and a bar with stools. Dim lighting, decorative walls, and a window with a dark curtain create a cozy atmosphere.Pin
Lowland offers a distinctly “Charleston” atmosphere that manages to feel casually upscale. Image: Lowland

Seahorse Cocktail Bar

More Info: seahorsechs.com

Another exciting venture from a celebrated Charleston chef! James London, chef at renowned Charleston restaurant Chubby Fish, recently opened Seahorse, a cocktail bar and restaurant located next door to his flagship restaurant. The small menu features six rotating dishes and 11 specialty cocktails featuring bold flavors such as smoked olive, charred Guajillo chili, and cherry blossom.

A cocktail glass filled with a golden-brown drink, topped with frothy foam and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, containing a large ice cube, sits elegantly on a dark green surface.Pin
Sip on innovative cocktails at Chubby Fish’s sister restaurant, Seahorse. Image: Seahorse

The Archer

More Info: thearchercharleston.com

The Archer is the second restaurant from the duo behind popular hangout Berkeley’s. They describe it as a casual watering hole with an elevated spin. Expect twists on ‘comfortable classics’ such as seared duck accompanied by shoestring fries or a burger topped with parmesan cream. Be sure to try the craft cocktails, with standouts like “The Black Sheep” with goat cheese gin, blackberry, thyme, and grapefruit.

In a bustling bar scene reminiscent of the lively Charleston restaurants, patrons gather around the counter as bartenders expertly serve drinks. The walls, adorned with framed art pieces, create an inviting backdrop perfect for those exploring travel dining in vibrant new settings.Pin
Experience Charleston’s take on the classic American tavern. Image: Luke Higgs Photos

***********

Looking for more great Southern destinations? Subscribe to StyleBlueprint!

Your StyleBlueprint AI Companion

Zoe Yarborough
About the Author
Zoe Yarborough

Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.