These are the 10 best restaurants in SC for 2026, OpenTable says. Here’s why they’re great
Looking for the perfect restaurant to spend your hard-earned money at? While there are plenty of amazing restaurants in South Carolina, some places are unrivaled in the dining scene.
Whether you’re in the mood for lobster tail or a delicious steak, the best restaurants in the Palmetto State offer dishes that will likely satisfy anyone who walks through their doors.
OpenTable, a leading restaurant-reservation website, analyzed over 2 million global diner reviews over the past four months. From those reviews, they determined the unmatched restaurants in SC.
Here’s the list of those restaurants:
10 best overall restaurants in SC
#1. Charlotte’s Wine Bar and Tapas
Based in Mount Pleasant, Charlotte’s Wine Bar and Tapas specializes in chef-crafted small plates paired with a rotating selection of hand-picked wines.
The wine bar opened last year and already has dozens of 5-star reviews. According to OpenTable, whether you’re stopping in for happy hour or settling in for an unhurried evening with friends, Charlotte’s offers a warm, inviting space to sip, savor and stay awhile.
#2. SeaBlue
SeaBlue is located in North Myrtle Beach and is a Contemporary American restaurant rooted in classic French cooking techniques.
Offering an innovative dining experience, SeaBlue’s menu features classic preparations of prime steaks and fresh seafood. They also serve several chef’s tasting menus and wine pairings.
The restaurant has over 2,500 reviews and has 4.9-stars on OpenTable.
#3. Frank’s Restaurant - Inside Dining
Frank’s Restaurant is an SC staple and is split into two separate dining establishments with one location. Frank’s inside has nearly 1,500 reviews and landed 4.9-starts on OpenTable.
With a bougie interior and an elegant atmosphere, Frank’s is an Italian-American steakhouse and seafood joint that serves a range of traditional dishes for dinner.
Frank’s has been featured in national press such as Bon Appétit and Southern Living, and its kitchen strives to provide tasty dishes made with only the freshest, local and seasonally available ingredients.
#4. Charlie’s Coastal Bistro (L’etoile Verte)
Focusing predominantly on fresh local seafood with a French, Lowcountry flair, Charlie’s is the place for good food, good wine and unforgettable memories all enjoyed in a quaint French country atmosphere.
Located in Hilton Head Island, Charlie’s has over 6,500 reviews and has 4.9-stars.
#5. Chez Georges Bistro & Bar
Also on Hilton Head Island is Chez Georges Bistro & Bar, a delightful French Bistro that has a warm atmosphere and a menu of classic French dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
It’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion, as the intimate setting and attentive service create a Parisian cafe experience. Enjoy a variety of classic dishes like steak frites, coq au vin, and bouillabaisse, complemented by a selection of fine wines and cocktails.
The restaurant received over 1,700 reviews and has 4.9-stars.
#6. Sushi | Bar Charleston
Sushi | Bar Charleston, located in downtown Charleston, offers an intimate dining experience that you’ll find difficult to find anywhere else.
Behind unmarked doors, they invite you to embark on a whimsical 17-course journey through new-wave nigiri and delicacies from both land and sea, their website says. Every moment is thoughtfully curated by their chefs, blending precision, artistry and a sense of playful discovery.
With a little over 50 reviews, Sushi | Bar Charleston has a reputable 4.9 stars on OpenTable.
#7. Pomodori - Hilton Head
Pomodori is a small, intimate and traditional Italian restaurant with only 20 tables, located on Hilton Head Island.
Each Italian dish is made from scratch, and their chefs are professionally trained in southern Italian cooking. They have nearly 2,500 reviews and have 4.9-stars.
#8. Alfresco Italian Bistro
Located in the charming waterfront town of Georgetown, Alfresco Italian Bistro combines traditional Italian fare with a contemporary and chic setting.
The restaurant has more than 70 reviews and has 4.9 stars.
#9. Frank’s Outback - Outside Dining
Looking to eat an amazing steak in a gorgeous setting? If so, Frank’s Outback, the counterpart of Frank’s Restaurant, is the perfect choice for you.
There are 100 seats outside, set in a garden setting under a canopy of trees, and white tablecloths, candlelight, hand-polished silverware and glassware grace the tables.
The Italian-American restaurant has over 1,700 reviews and has 4.9 stars on OpenTable.
#10. Maison
Maison is a French Bistro located in downtown Charleston. Their cuisine is inspired by classic French fare, recreated with a breath of modernity and local influence.
Maison has over 2,000 reviews and has 4.9 stars.