Charleston is known for its restaurants filled with low-country love. Not only do we have some bomb food, but we also have some breathtaking views that will be the envy of your fellow foodstagrammers. As we all know, pictures of aesthetically-pleasing food on plates will only get you so far.
When I’m looking at food photos, the background is equally as important as the food itself. Don’t believe me? Check out how many followers @foodintheair has.
1. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
Photo courtesy of @fleetlanding on Instagram
Fleet Landing is one of those restaurants that you walk by and think, “Now this is Charleston.” It’s right on the water, so you know their seafood is going to be on point. They have all the southern comfort foods you could want, ranging from shrimp and grits to fried green tomatoes.
2. Charleston Harbor Fish House
Photo courtesy of @chasharborfishhouse on Instagram
The Fish House gives you a view from the other side of the Ravenel bridge. You still get a view of the harbor, but you get the added bonus of the USS Yorktown being parked right out front. They have an upscale menu that compliments the view perfectly, so it’s the perfect place to take your bae on a romantic night out.
3. Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
Photo courtesy of @starsrestaurant on Instagram
Stars is a great place to go when you’re feeling classy. It’s a win-win, because it’s both a restaurant and a rooftop bar. The rooftop has a great view of King Street, so you can people watch as you sip on your fancy cocktail.
4. California Dreaming Restaurant and Bar
Photo courtesy of @cdrestaurant on Instagram
California Dreaming is known for its steaks and salads across the country. In Charleston, it’s better known for its view of the harbor. If you’re too broke to order a steak here, try making this cheap, but fancy steak dinner at home instead.
5. Carolina Ale House
Photo courtesy of @nate_porterfield on Instagram
Carolina Ale House is another rooftop location, because Charleston looks its best from above. Fun fact, no buildings can be taller than the city’s tallest church steeple, so there are no huge buildings blocking your dinner view. As you snack on classic bar food at Carolina Ale House, you have a beautiful view of Marion Square and King Street, so there’s always a lot going on.
6. The Vendue Rooftop
Photo courtesy of @venduerooftop on Instagram
The Vendue Rooftop is another classic Charleston rooftop bar and restaurant. In fact, they have been voted the “Best Rooftop Bar” by the Charleston City Paper since 2007. Their menu is filled with appetizers that are designed to share, but you can also get your own entrée. You can get everything from a fresh catch tartare to a pimento cheese BLT.
7. Husk Restaurant
Photo courtesy of @huskrestaurant on Instagram
Husk is located in a classic Charleston-style building. It has not one, but two porches that are perfect for sipping sweet tea on a hot summer day. Their deep fryer works overtime to create their fried chicken and chicken fried steak. If you want something lighter, check out some of these Charleston restaurants to go to when you’re tired of fried chicken.