Eating seafood in Charleston isn’t just a meal—it’s a genuine slice of the city’s character. Salt air, cobblestone streets, and bustling harbors set the scene for plates piled with fresh catch. After countless afternoons slurping oysters and picking crab, I’ve realized that the search for the best seafood in Charleston is equal parts treasure hunt and local tradition. Every spot on this list has earned its stripes, whether through an unforgettable shrimp platter or a hush-hush locals’ favorite.
Choosing where to dive in can feel overwhelming, even for seasoned seafood lovers. From white-tablecloth classics to casual creekside shacks, Charleston delivers a world of flavors without ever losing that Lowcountry charm. If you’re aiming for perfectly shucked oysters or crave the crunch of fried flounder, you’ll find the right forkful here. Let’s wade through the top spots and satisfy your curiosity (and appetite) all at once.
Where to find the best seafood in Charleston, SC
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Charleston, SC:
- Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
- Revival
- 167 Raw Oyster Bar
- The Darling Oyster Bar
- Pearlz Oyster Bar
- Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
- Oyster House Seafood Restaurant
- Charleston Crab House-Market Street
- Fleet Landing Restaurant
- The Ordinary
1. Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar mixes Charleston’s vintage charm with a fresh, lively atmosphere. Dining here feels like slipping into a well-loved secret at the heart of the city. The historic vibe blends seamlessly with the buzz of diners eyeing the impressive raw bar.
The oysters are an unmissable highlight—briny, local, and shucked to perfection. I still remember my first platter: cool, bright, and paired with a light mignonette. If you want to taste the coast, try the shrimp ceviche. The local market fish rotates daily, making it easy to sample the freshest the harbor offers.
Amen Street’s focus on locally-sourced seafood means the menu is always in tune with the tides. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, every visit feels tailored to the true Charleston seafood experience.
2. Revival
Revival is where history and innovation share the same dinner plate. Every meal here feels like a deep dive into Charleston’s culinary roots, but with a modern spin that keeps things lively. I once tried their local fish with Jimmy Red grits and was floored by the bold, creamy flavor—something you can’t easily find elsewhere.
The menu leans on heritage ingredients, showing off Southern staples you thought were lost to time. For seafood fans, the coastal catch is usually served with house-made preserves or Nostrale rice, both packed with stories of South Carolina’s past.
Revival’s main draw is its dedication to local sourcing. The staff know every dish’s story, so don’t hesitate to ask what’s featured. If seafood’s your aim, trust the chef’s selection—it’s where Revival’s creativity shines brightest.
3. 167 Raw Oyster Bar
167 Raw Oyster Bar isn’t big on frills, but it doesn’t need them. The energy here is contagious—a mix of locals grabbing a casual bite and visitors dazzled by the trays of fresh shellfish. I slid onto a barstool on a drizzly afternoon and left convinced that a good oyster can chase off any gray cloud.
The oysters here steal the spotlight every time. Sourced both locally and from afar, each shell delivers a crisp, clean taste of the sea. If you’re feeling bold, try the Tuna Burger—it’s a local legend for good reason: seared to perfection, loaded with tart pickles, and finished with a tangy sauce.
Everything on the menu celebrates seafood in its purest form, so order a sampler and let the flavors do the talking. 167 Raw is the kind of spot where you might find your new favorite bite just by taking a chance.
4. The Darling Oyster Bar
The Darling Oyster Bar brings a touch of old Charleston elegance to King Street, paired with a bustle that feels anything but stuffy. The vintage shuckers, marble bar, and high ceilings set the stage for some of the city’s freshest seafood. My first visit turned into an unplanned evening, thanks to a plate of chilled oysters and a window seat overlooking the lively street.
Highlights from the raw bar are hard to beat, but the She Crab Soup deserves a special mention—creamy, aromatic, and brimming with local flavor. The peel-and-eat shrimp, tossed in just the right blend of spices, speaks for Charleston’s coastal spirit.
The Darling’s playful classics pair Southern tradition with modern taste. If you love seafood with style, this spot is a must-try.
5. Pearlz Oyster Bar
Pearlz Oyster Bar feels like the neighborhood’s social anchor—always lively, never pretentious. The energy here draws you in, especially during the post-work rush when plates of chilled oysters fill every table. My best Pearlz memory? Squeezing in late after a concert and enjoying a midnight seafood snack that tasted as bright as midday.
The raw bar lineup is a must. The oysters range from sweet local to briny Northeastern, all glistening and expertly shucked. The Lowcountry gumbo stands out too, packed with South Carolina seafood and finished with a flavorful broth.
Pearlz keeps things fresh, fun, and sustainable. Whether you’re meeting friends or just chasing down the city’s crispest shellfish, Pearlz makes every meal feel like a celebration.
6. Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant is classic Charleston through and through. The old warehouse glow, buzzing dining room, and sense of occasion make every meal here feel special. My evening began at the lively community table, where locals traded seafood tips and the conversation was as warm as the cornbread.
The menu leans on time-honored Lowcountry flavors. The seafood platter is legendary—packed with fresh shrimp, scallops, and seasonal fish, all lightly seasoned and cooked to perfection. If you want comfort in a bowl, order the She Crab Soup. Its creamy texture and depth of flavor put it on the must-try list for any Charleston visit.
Hank’s brings together the city’s culinary history with everyday freshness. Every bite is a reminder of why this place is a local favorite.
7. Oyster House Seafood Restaurant
Oyster House Seafood Restaurant sits right where the city’s heart beats loudest—Market Street. From the moment you step in, the open shellfish bar draws you closer with the promise of the ocean on ice. It’s a spot I stumbled into on a hungry afternoon, and left planning my next visit before dessert arrived.
The raw bar is the obvious starting point. Try a mix of local oysters and clams, each one as fresh and briny as a harbor breeze. If you’re craving something heartier, the grilled fish plates showcase the best local catch, cooked so the flavor speaks for itself.
Oyster House balances laid-back comfort with seafood done right. It’s a fine choice if you want a taste of Charleston’s coast, right in the middle of the action.
8. Charleston Crab House-Market Street
Charleston Crab House on Market Street wraps up the city’s spirited energy and serves it with shells and spice. The casual vibe is just right for cracking crab legs without fuss. My favorite memory here is a family-style feast, elbows on the table, trading stories over piles of local blue crab.
The crab platters are the main draw, especially the Steamed Crab Pot packed with corn, potatoes, and the freshest catch. Don’t leave without trying their Lowcountry boil—spicy, hearty, and downright addictive.
This is the spot for pure, unpretentious seafood joy. Whether you’re a crab rookie or a seasoned picker, Charleston Crab House delivers the flavors that make the Lowcountry unforgettable.
9. Fleet Landing Restaurant
+1 843-722-8100
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Fleet Landing Restaurant offers the full Charleston experience—sea breeze, waterfront views, and seafood that tastes like summer even in January. The wrap-around deck makes every meal feel like you’re dining right by the harbor. One sunset dinner here ended with pelicans gliding past and a table full of contented smiles.
The fried flounder is a standout, perfectly crisp with a hint of Southern spice. Pair it with their chilled shrimp cocktail for a taste of what the coast does best. The house-made hush puppies are a perfect side: golden, light, and seriously addictive.
Fleet Landing keeps things classic, focusing on flavors that celebrate local waters. Come for the view, stay for one of the best seafood spreads in town.
10. The Ordinary
The Ordinary lives up to its name only in terms of humility—everything else leans toward the extraordinary. Set in a converted bank, the soaring ceilings and marble counters give every meal a special shine. My first visit felt like an event, watching trays of shimmering oysters and local specialties glide across the glowing dining room.
The raw bar is where The Ordinary truly dazzles. Don’t miss the fresh oyster selection or the razor clam ceviche, each dish offering a bright, unadulterated taste of the coast. For warm fare, the Fish Fry is a city favorite—light, flavorful, and never overdone.
The Ordinary redefines what seafood can be in Charleston: refined yet lively, always focused on letting top-tier ingredients speak for themselves.
More Things to Try in Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Charleston, SC best known for?
Charleston is famous for its oysters, blue crab, shrimp, and local fish like flounder and grouper. Lowcountry classics such as She Crab Soup and shrimp and grits also showcase the city’s coastal bounty.
Are there good seafood restaurants near the Charleston Historic District?
Yes—many top spots are within walking distance of the Historic District, including Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar, 167 Raw Oyster Bar, and Fleet Landing. Each offers fresh, locally-sourced seafood.
When is oyster season in Charleston?
Oyster season in Charleston typically runs from September through April, but you can still find high-quality oysters on many menus year-round thanks to sustainable sourcing.
What’s a can’t-miss seafood dish for first-time visitors?
She Crab Soup and a platter of fresh local oysters top the must-try list for true Charleston flavor.
Are there casual and upscale seafood options?
Charleston has a little of everything, from laid-back crab shacks to elegant fine dining. There’s a spot for every mood, appetite, and occasion.
