South - Charleston, SC Restaurant Recommendations

Four upcoming dinners in Charleston. Price not object; more interested in interesting food and "calm" ambiance (hearing problem). Recommendations, please.

Magnolia's
185 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-7771

I have been there twice, and it is excellent.
Right downtown (great area)
Lots of reviews online.


For a less expensive place, I have been to Hyman's (seafood) dozens of times. It somewhat of a tourist place, and not as upscale or quiet as Magnolia's. but I have never had a bad meal. The owners are always on premises, and they ensure you will have a good experience. Good food, very reasonable prices. The hush puppies are great. Also downtown.

Enjoy your stay.

We recently had a great meal at Southend Brewery & Smokehouse, right in the middle of the tourist district.

Given price being no object and a hearing problem I cannot recommend Hymans (which is one of my favorite seafood restaurants) or Southend as previously noted. Even Magnolia could be troublesome, altohugh it is also lovely.

Since you seem to indicate that you want somewhere "serene", I would advocate Peninsula Grill in the Planters Inn.

Since you seem to indicate that you want somewhere "serene", I would advocate Peninsula Grill in the Planters Inn.

+1 on this. This is easily the best restaurant in Charleston IMO, and that's saying something given that Charleston has so many great restaurants. If price is no object this is an easy choice.

Four upcoming dinners in Charleston. Price not object; more interested in interesting food and "calm" ambiance (hearing problem). Recommendations, please.

The Maverick High Cotton's pretty good, but honestly, aside from the clamor, I enjoyed what I ordered at the Fleet Landing and across the river at the Shem Creek Bar & Grill more. I can't recommend a "serene" establishment. My recent visit was with 18 couples, all serving as officers on the same Navy ship almost half century ago, and even at 70 or +, avoiding serenity as harmful to our remaining health.

Of the 18 couples (and one confirmed bachelor), 16 arrived with wives, original issue, an amazing percentage in today's world.

I've only eaten brunch here, but Poogan's Porch http://www.poogansporch.com has some of the best biscuits I've ever eaten (and i'm not really a biscuit person).

I've never eaten at Hyman's, but I've heard it's overrated and none of my local friends will go there. http://hymanseafood.com

Charleston had a Johnston and Wales culinary school until a couple years ago and I like low country food so hopefully you find a place to your liking.

Another one nobody has mentioned:
McCrady's
http://www.mccradysrestaurant.com/
Nice "calm" ambiance
McCrady's is one of the more expensive restaurants in CHS. Very nice dining room and bar. The building was built in 1788 and is quite charming.

Magnolia's is also a good pick for "calm" ambiance.

Hyman's is good for the price, not overrated at all, although it is a bit touristy. Not nearly as "calm" as the other two I listed.

+1 for Hyman's. If you go at an off hour it's not so bad in terms of noise and crowds. (My family has similar sensitivity and we survive/endure it.)