One of the most frequent questions we get asked at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction(opens in a new tab) is, “What are the best Charleston seafood restaurants?” It’s no surprise, considering we live so close to the ocean, which is filled with delicious fish, blue shell crab, clams, and oysters. Charleston is the perfect place to grab a dish filled with your favorite seafood while overlooking the very ocean it came from. There are so many amazing restaurants in Charleston that it’s hard to narrow down which are the best. But, we thought we’d recommend a few of our favorites to help narrow down your choices. Skip the Red Lobster, and give a few of these local places a try…
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant is a very popular, award-winning restaurant that is located right in downtown Charleston. Hank’s is open for dinner, and features all your favorite fresh seafood entrees including soft shell crab, grouper, and fresh tuna. It also has a raw bar where you can chow down on oysters, shrimp, and clams. Hank’s is known for three of its signature dishes: the Lowcountry bouillabaisse, roast grouper with lobster risotto, and fish and shellfish ceviche. Find out more about Hank’s here(opens in a new tab).
167 Raw
167 Raw has been voted Charleston’s best raw bar for years. Although the restaurant is small, the delicious seafood is packed with big flavor. Right now, the most popular menu option is the lobster roll, which includes large chunks of lobster meat fresh from the sea, tossed with aioli and topped with chives. Aside from the raw bar, guests can choose from menu items such as po boys, shrimp and fish tacos, tuna burgers, and more. Find out more about 167 Raw here(opens in a new tab).
Bowens Island Restaurant
If you’re looking for incredibly fresh seafood, Bowens Island Restaurant is where you will want to go. Bowens Island Restaurant is famous for its locally harvested oysters, fried shrimp, hushpuppies, and Frogmore stew. On top of delicious food, this restaurant is situated on James Island and comes with beautiful views of the river, marshes, islands, and wildlife. It’s a wonderful place to grab a meal or a cold beer, and relax at the end of a long day. Find out more about Bowens Island Restaurant here(opens in a new tab).
Charleston Grill
The Charleston Grill is one of Charleston’s most upscale restaurants and is a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award for food excellence. The restaurant’s head chef, Michelle Weaver, specializes in New South cuisine with a French influence. As a seafood lover, you don’t want to leave this venue without tasting their creamed oyster and leeks, Charleston Grill crab cakes, or their Thai fish. This restaurant encourages guests to abide by a semi-formal dress code—in other words no jeans, swimsuits, flip-flops, etc. For a meal this special, we recommend leaving the kids at home and enjoying a night out to this venue with your friends or significant other. Find out more about the Charleston Grill here(opens in a new tab).
Fleet Landing
Fleet Landing is located right on the harbor and is one of Charleston’s best waterfront dining venues. Located in the historic district, it’s easy to access and is in a beautiful area. The menu offers items for both surf and turf lovers. However, if you’re a seafood lover, you don’t want to pass on giving their famous shrimp pot pie, herb crusted baked cod, or Charleston shrimp and grits a try. This location is relatively causal (men are required to wear sleeved shirts) and is a great place for families and friends to gather and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner together. Reservations are strongly recommended, so be sure to save yourself a seat before you head out for dinner. Find out more about Fleet Landing here(opens in a new tab).
