Cuisine chefs and foodies all over the world have a co-dependent relationship – chefs NEED foodies, and foodies NEED chefs. Couple that co-dependency with the historic romance of downtown Charleston, and you have a Southern love affair fit for the most talented chefs and refined foodies. Here are the Must-Try Charleston Restaurants that you may not have heard of yet!
Indaco – The newest Italian restaurant to hit upper King Street, Indaco had a buzz surrounding it before it even opened. It is the newest project for The Indigo Restaurant Group and it has been an instant success. Offering custom pizza and pasta options, paired with local seafood like Red Snapper and Jumbo Shrimp, Indaco is a perfect blend of Lowcountry and Italian cuisine. Don’t miss: The new outdoor patio that opened just in time for summer!
Brasserie Gigi – The restaurant’s tagline speaks for itself: “A casual, lively brasserie in the heart of historic Charleston.” Brasserie Gigi is a breath of fresh (and delicious) air on Market Street, an area of town known for some unfortunate chain restaurant eats.You’ll find authentic French cuisine with an adventurous Lowcountry flair – Squid Salad, Roasted Monkfish and Fish du Jour Meuniere are sure to delight. It’s location in the old Mercato space offers a much-needed, hip and swanky atmosphere right in the heart of historic Charleston. Don’t Miss: The Seared Sea Scallops over creamy chive mashed potatoes, black truffle vinaigrette and Mache.
The Obstinate Daughter – Sullivan’s Island has been in desperate need of classic Italian fare! The Obstinate Daughter rounds out the island’s cultural restaurants and I am excited it has! You can enjoy small plates after a day at the beach or more hearty pizzas from their wood-burning oven, all in an atmosphere fit for historic Sullivan’s Island. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the Revolutionary War history of the island, a nickname given to the island after the defenders of Fort Sullivan defeated the British from overtaking it. Don’t Miss: The Mepkin Abbey Mushrooms with kale, breadcrumb, parmesan and a farm egg.
Chez Nous – Chez Nous is so homegrown that it doesn’t even have it’s own website. Snuggled up right below the Crosstown on Payne Street, the whole idea of Chez Nous is to be a local, neighborhood eatery offering up a small, exclusive menu that is sure to hit the spot. It is cozy and rustic with European style seating and a small bar to enjoy fine wines and cocktails. Don’t Miss: Any of it – Chez Nous serves 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and 2 desserts daily.
Coda Del Pesce – What makes this new hot spot on Isle of Palms different from all the others is Chef Ken Vedrinski. As food writer Jeff Allen describes, “Vedrinksi is not a chef with his name on a restaurant…he is a COOK WHO RUNS a restaurant.” With breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Vedrinksi wining and dining his patrons, it’s no wonder that people are flocking to IOP to experience this new Italian Seafood scene! Don’t Miss: A wine on the Reserve List. Prices are negotiable…
