Charleston's restaurant scene moves fast. These are the best new restaurants in Charleston, SC for 2026 — ranked by critical buzz, early crowd reception, and local excitement since opening.
← Back to all rankingsFilipino-Japanese dumpling and kakigōri (shaved ice) restaurant on Spring Street from James Beard-nominated Chef Nikko Cagalanan and Paula Kramer (team behind Kultura) — steamed dumplings with seasonal fillings, handrolls, bento, noodle soup, sake cocktails, and a traditional tea service.
'Italian-ish' neighborhood restaurant at 1117 King Street from the team behind Last Saint, Bar George, and Lupara — pizza, pasta, shareable plates, hip-hop and jazz soundtrack, open late.
House-made noodle bar in North Charleston's Park Circle neighborhood — ramen, karaage, cocktails, and mocktails, open until 1am Wednesday through Sunday, growing out of the popular Weems Ramen pop-up.
The writers and creators shaping how Charleston thinks about food. Follow them for the deepest coverage of the local dining scene.
James Beard Award-winning food journalist and founder of The Food Section, an independent publication covering food and drink across the American South. Formerly the food editor and chief critic at The Post & Courier.
Charleston-based food writer and photographer whose work appears in The Infatuation, Food & Wine, Conde Nast Traveler, Garden & Gun, Resy, and The Post & Courier. Creator of the Jai Eats platform covering Lowcountry dining.
The largest Charleston-focused food account on Instagram with 42,000+ followers. Covers restaurant openings, local favorites, and hidden gems across the Lowcountry with a focus on what's worth eating right now.