13 Best Restaurants in South of Broad and the French Quarter, Charleston

French fine dining with a hint of Carolina flair is flawlessly executed at this stunning brasserie in a former bank with soaring ceilings and wide windows overlooking horse-drawn carriages on Broad Street. Yes, you'll find escargots, foie gras, and steak frites, all executed at the highest possible level, but save room for entrées like the duck breast cassoulet, served over a confit leg with the perfect amount of crispy indulgence. Before or after your meal, grab a drink downstairs in the speakeasy-esque Bar Vaute, built into the semi-underground former vault. 

Affectionately known as S.N.O.B., this former warehouse with atmospheric brick-and-stucco walls introduced the open kitchen concept to Charleston, and the dining room still bustles with energy. Many of the specialties, including wild game, are served as small plates that are perfect for sharing. The $16 daily lunch specials are often memorable, such as mussels with spinach, grape tomatoes, and smoked bacon, or a hearty chicken pot pie.

Michael Mina made a splash in Charleston with this lavish ristorante, marking the moment when serial fine-dining restauranteurs once focused on Las Vegas and resort destinations finally arrived in one of the nation's most celebrated—yet still primarily independent—restaurant scenes. The difficulty securing a reservation underscores how warmly Sorelle has been welcomed, thanks to flavor memories implanted by the piccata-style swordfish and a zeppole bedecked with caviar, stracciatella, and prosciutto. At $50, that savory Italian doughnut is a frontrunner for the most magnificently decadent mouthful in Charleston. Spread across two floors of a historic building, the Sorelle experience varies from a chef's table outside the wood-fired oven to cozy corner booths in the always-ebullient dining room. 

Stop in for the coffee, stay for the delicious seasonal desserts: heavenly sweet 'n' salty brownies, cheesecake bars, and whoopie pies.

Grab a latte at this charming coffee shop that's staffed by people with developmental disabilities.

One of Charleston's oldest speakeasies, the Blind Tiger can go toe-to-toe with any newcomer. Name the beer, name the backdrop, and the Tiger can deliver in spades, starting with two indoor bars and a historic, handsome outdoor patio. The kitchen also turns out solid bar food—the truffle duck sandwich and French onion soup make this a regular lunch spot for Broad Street attorneys.

There's a distinct European flavor to this sidewalk café where you can grab a sandwich to-go or stay and relax with a sorbet or glass of wine.

This local favorite, also known as Fast & French, has been a fixture in the neighborhood for 40 years, thanks to the consistent food, the esprit de corps of the staff, and the family-style tables for sharing breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its popular fondue grew from a once-a-week special to a daily affair, and you can also get your cheese fix with the wonderful Bucheron cheese salad. Nightly specials, such as bouillabaisse, are reasonably priced and come with a petite glass of wine. The subtly sweet chocolate mousse cake is the best way to end your meal.

Locally sourced ingredients form the basis of breakfast ricotta biscuits, kaleidoscopic salads, and sandwiches stacked on housemade focaccia at this delightful, female-owned neighborhood coffee shop and cafe.

This Charleston classic remains unchanged by time: picture lazily spinning paddle fans, lush palm trees, and exposed brick walls. The kitchen serves up regional classics like a Lowcountry boil and bacon-wrapped stuffed rabbit loin. If you want a traditional dinner, there are thick cuts of steaks and chops with your choice of sauce and side dishes like fried Brussels sprouts and creamy white corn grits. For dessert, the pecan pie baked with bourbon brown sugar caramel and the high-rising peanut butter pie are like rich Southern blessings.

The theme at this extremely popular—and worthy—tourist destination is evident in the vivid paintings of white magnolia blossoms that adorn the walls. The menu pays homage to classic dishes like fried green tomatoes with white cheddar grits, caramelized onions, and country ham. Lunch is a more affordable way to sample the best of Lowcountry cuisine.

The owner of Marsh Hen Mill co-owns this breakfast joint that caters to the white-collar Broad Street crowd, balancing blue plate breakfasts with fancy morning entrées like lobster toast on house-baked brioche. It's hard to choose between the biscuits loaded with pimento cheese, fried chicken, or country ham with fig jam. There's a second location on James Island that's not as busy as downtown.

In a 19th-century bank building, this ornate dining room juxtaposes antique crystal chandeliers with contemporary art. Reserve a table on the third floor for the full effect and the best vistas. It's pricey, but the filet mignon with foie-gras-and-black-truffle butter is excellent, and the side dishes, like creamed spinach, are perfectly executed. Favorite appetizers include beef carpaccio and roasted bone marrow. The service is professional and cordial under the leadership of executive chef Jeremiah Bacon.