Best Charleston Restaurants | If you’re coming to Charleston to celebrate something special — a surprise proposal, your anniversary, a bachelorette weekend, or honestly just the fact that you made it through another week — first of all… we love that for you.

Second, you’re in the right city.

As Charleston wedding and proposal photographers, we spend a lot of time helping couples plan the perfect moment — and then the perfect celebration after. Over the years, we’ve collected a tried-and-true list of our favorite Charleston restaurants, brunch spots, quick bites, and cocktail bars that never miss. Whether you’re dressing up for a romantic dinner downtown or rallying the girls for rooftop drinks, here’s exactly where we send our clients (and where we go ourselves).

Quick Bites in Charleston (When You Want Something Casual but So Good)

Perfect for: post-proposal happy tears, casual lunch breaks, or fueling up before a day of exploring downtown.

The Daily
Fresh, healthy, and consistently delicious. Great coffee, smoothies, and breakfast options if you’re starting your celebration early.

Sorelle Mercato
A little slice of Italy right on Broad Street. Grab pastries, espresso, sandwiches — and pretend you’re in Rome for an hour.

Huriyali
Bright, plant-forward, and full of fresh flavors. If you’re looking for vibrant bowls, smoothies, and lighter fare that still feels fun and celebratory, this is such a good stop — especially for a girls’ weekend or a feel-good brunch.

Berkeley’s
Stylish but approachable — beautiful space, thoughtful dishes, and perfect for a celebratory dinner without feeling overly formal.

Bodega
Breakfast tacos + good vibes. Enough said.

Dawn Patrol Coffee House
Bright, beachy energy with great coffee and a laid-back feel. Perfect for a morning pick-me-up before a proposal, brunch, or a full day exploring Charleston.

Café Roca
Cozy, European-inspired café vibes with strong coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. A lovely little stop for a quiet morning, casual meet-up, or easy start to your Charleston day.

Best Brunch in Charleston (Because Celebrations Start Before Noon)

Perfect for: bachelorette weekends, anniversary mornings, or that “we’re engaged!” brunch the next day.

Millers All Day
Southern brunch done right. Expect comfort food and happy tables.

Poogan’s Porch
Classic Lowcountry charm. Cozy, welcoming, and ideal if you want Southern comfort food in a historic downtown house.

Basic Kitchen
Fresh, colorful, and beautifully plated — a dream for the health-conscious girls’ trip.

Post House Inn (Mount Pleasant)
Cozy, charming, and slightly tucked away. Feels intimate and special.

Our Favorite Charleston Dinner Restaurants

Perfect for: romantic date nights, proposal celebrations, rehearsal dinners, and “we deserve this” energy.

Church and Union (Top Favorite!)
If we had to pick one spot that consistently delivers wow-factor? This is it. Dramatic interiors, incredible food, and the kind of atmosphere that feels celebratory the second you walk in. Perfect for proposal night.

By The Way
Casual, trendy, and perfect for a laid-back brunch or lunch with the girls. Great atmosphere, approachable menu, and an easy stop during a downtown Charleston weekend.

Husk
A Charleston staple. Elevated Southern cuisine with seasonal ingredients and a beautifully restored historic home setting.

The Establishment
Elevated seafood with a polished but welcoming feel.

Chubby Fish
Small, creative seafood menu that locals love. (Go early — it fills up.)

Lost Isle
Trendy, fun, and great for groups.

Mario’s Italian Ristorante
A cozy, traditional Italian restaurant that feels intimate and welcoming. Perfect for couples who want a relaxed, romantic dinner with classic pasta dishes and a glass (or two) of wine after a proposal.

Beautiful South
Newer and already making waves — refined but approachable.

XO Brasserie
A little Parisian energy in downtown Charleston.

Frannie & The Fox (Hotel Emeline)
Wood-fired pizza, a stunning courtyard, and an effortless Charleston vibe.

Little Palm
Colorful, playful, and full of vacation energy right in downtown Charleston. Think palm prints, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for girls’ weekends, pre-dinner drinks that turn into dinner, or a celebratory night out.

El Molino Taqueria
Bright, lively, and full of bold flavor. If you’re in the mood for tacos, margaritas, and a relaxed but upbeat atmosphere, this is such a fun option — especially for a girls’ weekend, casual anniversary dinner, or post-proposal celebration that turns into a fiesta.

Special Occasion Restaurants in Charleston (When You’re Dressing Up)

Perfect for: proposal dinners, milestone anniversaries, bachelorette “main character” nights, or impressing the future in-laws.

Marbled & Fin
Modern steakhouse energy with a celebratory feel.

Halls Chophouse
A Charleston classic. If you want traditional steakhouse, polished service, and a lively vibe — this is it.

Legami
Romantic, intimate Italian spot that feels like a hidden gem.

Delaney Oyster House
Seafood-forward and beautifully designed. Great for date night.

167 Raw
Upscale seafood that’s consistently phenomenal.

Sorelle
Refined Italian dining that feels like an experience, not just dinner.

Vern’s
A little trend-forward, a little tucked away, and very well-loved by locals. Great wine and a menu that feels curated and intentional.

Best Rooftop Bars & Cocktail Spots in Charleston

Perfect for: sunset toasts, engagement celebrations, and “one more round” moments.

The Citrus Club (The Dewberry)
Our personal favorite rooftop. Chic, elevated, and perfect for a celebratory cocktail with a view.

The Vendue Rooftop
Art-filled hotel with fantastic skyline views.

Little Palm (The Ryder Hotel)
Poolside, palm trees, and tropical energy right downtown.

The Spectator Bar
Moody, speakeasy vibes and craft cocktails done beautifully.

The Watch Rooftop
Overlooking the city with incredible sunset views.

Planning a Proposal or Celebration Dinner in Charleston?

If you’re planning a Charleston proposal, anniversary trip, or bachelorette weekend, we always recommend making a reservation early — especially during peak wedding season (spring and fall fill up quickly).

We’re always happy to help you choose the right vibe:

• Intimate candlelit dinner for two?
• Lively rooftop with champagne for the whole crew?
• Casual tacos and margaritas after a beach proposal?

We’ve helped plan hundreds of proposals in Charleston, and half the magic is what happens after the “yes.”

If you’re celebrating something big while you’re here, reach out. We’ll help you plan the moment and the dinner reservation that follows.

Because in Charleston, the photos are just the beginning. The real fun starts when you clink glasses.

Planning Something Even Bigger?

If you’re coming to Charleston for more than just dinner — maybe a surprise proposal, an anniversary trip, or a once-in-a-lifetime moment — we’d love to help you dream it up.

We’ve had the absolute joy of capturing hundreds of proposals across Charleston, from quiet cobblestone streets at sunrise to oceanfront sunsets and hidden garden courtyards. Every couple’s story is different. Every “yes” looks different. And that’s exactly how it should be.

Looking for inspiration? Start here:

Best Places to Propose in Charleston’s Historic District
Explore iconic cobblestone streets, pastel homes, and timeless downtown charm.

The Most Breathtaking Charleston Coastal Proposal Spots
Dreaming of ocean views and golden light? These waterfront locations never disappoint.

Where to Propose in Charleston: Romantic Gardens and Parks
For couples who love moss-draped oaks, blooming paths, and quiet Southern beauty.

Each story is beautifully unique — and you just might find the perfect idea for your own unforgettable moment right here in Charleston.

And when you’re ready? We’ll help you plan the surprise… and the dinner reservation after. 🥂