These are the 10 best restaurants in SC and where to find them, Yelp says
Yelp has released its July ranking of 100 most popular South Carolina restaurants and most, perhaps not surprisingly, were in coastal communities.
In all, 77 ranked in the top 100 by Yelp users were in coastal areas.
The best? Mediterranean Bistro in Myrtle Beach, known for grilled chicken salad, avgolemono, shrimp gyro and meatballs, Yelp said.
One Yelper said, “I loved all their food and the service was excellent. The only thing is it’s a bit too steep for my pocket. I went back a second time anyway.”
Several people noted the prices.
“Don’t be put off by the fact that they’re in a little strip mall with a gas station,” another said. “I think they must’ve been there before the gas station was but I’m not sure.”
Seven Columbia restaurants were listed in the top 100, with Tacos Nayarit scoring the highest at 15.
One Yelper said, “Staff is super fast, friendly, and the prices are good with good portions,” adding it’s impossible to be disappointed there.
The other Columbia restaurants mentioned were Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli No. 17, smallSUGAR 38, Backstreets Grill 57, Kitchen and Bar 68, Midwood Smokehouse 77 and Original Pancake House 83.
The other restaurants in the top 10 were:
2. The Jones Oyster in Greenville, known for lobster roll, Nola grilled oysters, clam chowder, raw oysters and shrimp Po Boy.
“My favorite seafood restaurant in Greenville! I always get raw oysters plus a new item each visit. The staff is always great and the music is excellent!” a Yelper said.
3. Myles and Jun Yakitori Japanese Char Grill in Summerville, know for beef Yakitori, Wagyu Beef and Buttered Sun Dried Tomato Rice.
A Yelper called it a hidden gem.
4. The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, where a Yelper said they had a fantastic first time celebrating a friend’s birthday.
5. Jack Of Cups Saloon in Folly Beach, known for curry dishes and peanut ginger soup.
“The food was on another level,” a Yelper said.
6. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Charleston was called “sipping with an impact!”
“Bitty and Beau isn’t just a delicious coffee and bites. They have built employment opportunities for those that are intellectually and developmentally disabled. This has resulted in changing the way people see other people.”
7. Halls Chophouse, a Charleston steakhouse with a few twists like Dry-aged Prime Corned Beef Reuben, Prime Rib Eye Steak Benedict and Lump Crab Cake.
“My husband and I both got delicious steaks. But what I remember most is the She Crab soup! Holy crap! I crave it still,” one respondent said.
Another: “We live about 10 hours away from Charleston. We went on vacation, and about a month and a half later, we received a handwritten card from our waitress thanking us for having dinner with them. WOW!
8. Lewis Barbecue in Charleston, with the usual brisket, ribs, pulled pork and then Hot Guts Sausage.
“Meats had a thick, flavorful bark, deep smoke rings and flavor, very tender! Sausage was on point!”
9. 167 Raw Oyster Bar in Charleston.
“167 Raw catered our company lunch and it was a great experience. The shrimp cocktail, lobster roll, and pork slider was great. I also tried ceviche for the first time and went back for more!”
10. Java Burrito Company in Hilton Head.
“We made a stop at Java Burrito, and ended up coming back the very next day. At first, we were hesitant to join the long line stretching out the door, but it moved quickly and efficiently. And let me tell you, it was so worth the wait.”
This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 6:00 AM.