3 Best Restaurants in Upper King, Charleston

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We've compiled the best of the best in Upper King - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Chez Nous

$$$ Fodor's Choice

The menu may be nearly illegible, the space minuscule, and locating the tucked-away location like finding Waldo, but the food is almost always sublime. Each night only two appetizers, two entrées (like snapper with white wine sauce or gnocchi with chanterelles), and two desserts are offered. Sharing multiple dishes is a good option.  If the dining room feels too snug, head to the outdoor patio, perfect for dinner or brunch.

6 Payne Ct., Charleston, SC, 29403, USA
843-579–3060
Known For
  • Romantic hideaway dining
  • Unique French, Spanish, and Italian fare
  • Constantly changing menu
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.
Reservations essential

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39 Rue de Jean

$$$ | Upper King

Against a backdrop of classic French-bistro style—think gleaming wood, cozy booths, and white-papered tables—Charleston's night owls feast on such favorites here as steamed mussels in a half dozen preparations. Order them with pommes frites, as the French do. Each night of the week there's a special, such as the popular bouillabaisse on Sunday. If you're seeking quiet, ask for a table in the dining room on the right. It's noisy—but so much fun—at the bar.

39 John St., Charleston, SC, 29401, USA
843-722–8881
Known For
  • Lively social scene
  • Weekly specials, including Sunday bouillabaisse
  • Amazing burgers
Restaurant Details
Credit cards accepted
Reservations essential

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Goulette Rotisserie & Grill

$$$ | Cannonborough
Years after shuttering the much beloved La Fourchette, Perig Goulet revived his French bistro setup in a roomier dining room on Rutledge Avenue. As the name implies, roast chicken and French fries are central to the kitchen's output, but there aren't any missteps on the tightly edited menu. The fairly priced wine list bulges with classics, with plenty of rustic red to underscore the restaurant's neighborhood feel.

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