Best Seafood in Charleston SC (2025)

Mike Lata’s oyster hall in a transformed 1920s bank celebrates the merroir of the Carolinas with pristine raw-bar selections, shellfish towers, and bycatch prepared with brasserie polish. Frequently recommended by Eater and Travel + Leisure. ([carolinas.eater.com](https://carolinas.eater.com/22594772/best-food-charleston-restaurants-guide?utm_source=openai))

A tiny, no-reservations spot where Charleston native James London turns the day’s haul into crudo, curry, and the cult-favorite caviar sandwich. Crowned Best Seafood by Charleston City Paper 2025 and a regular of Eater’s lists. ([charlestoncitypaper.com](https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2025/05/15/meet-the-best-of-charleston-2025/?utm_source=openai))

This New England–style raw bar keeps a lively pace with daily oysters, buttery lobster rolls, and a first-come, first-served policy. Consistently featured by Eater and lauded locally for oysters and raw bar. ([carolinas.eater.com](https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-charleston-restaurants-38/?utm_source=openai))

Set in a former garage, Leon’s pairs chargrilled oysters and seasonal roasts with one of the city’s favorite fried chickens. Celebrated by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure for its upbeat, all-day energy. ([cntraveler.com](https://www.cntraveler.com/restaurants/charleston/leons?utm_source=openai))

Since 1946, this marsh-side original has served trays of steamed local oysters and fried shrimp with postcard sunsets. Honored as an America’s Classics winner by the James Beard Foundation; a rite of passage for Lowcountry seafood. ([jamesbeard.org](https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards/search?page=2&year=2006&utm_source=openai))

An unfussy Shem Creek fish camp serving paper-plate platters of local shrimp, grouper, and deviled crab. Recent coverage confirms the seasonal hours and enduring following; come for sunset and the back-deck bar. ([mountpleasantmagazine.com](https://mountpleasantmagazine.com/2025/food/reeling-it-in-the-wreck-of-the-richard-charlene-seafood-catches-high-praise/?utm_source=openai))

A renovated landmark by the City Market with a deep raw bar, bouillabaisse, and immaculate versions of Lowcountry staples. A perennial local favorite with strong community roots; check the nightly buzz at the bar. ([hanksseafoodrestaurant.com](https://www.hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/location/charleston/?utm_source=openai))

Chef Nico Romo blends French technique with local catch—wood-fired oysters, whole fish, and a spirited raw bar overlooking Shem Creek. Romo earned Best Restaurant Chef honors in 2025 from Charleston City Paper. ([charlestoncitypaper.com](https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2025/05/15/meet-the-best-of-charleston-2025/?utm_source=openai))

Housed in a 1940s naval building, this waterfront stalwart pairs a raw bar and she-crab soup with harbor views. A Southern Living readers’ favorite for shrimp and grits and a dependable pick downtown. ([southernliving.com](https://www.southernliving.com/restaurant-dishes-readers-travel-for-8762367?utm_source=openai))

A vintage-inspired King Street raw bar with a 14-seat shellfish counter, seafood towers, and Lowcountry standards. Recognized by Charleston City Paper for oysters and raw bar; a lively stop for late-night seafood. ([charlestoncitypaper.com](https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2025/05/15/meet-the-best-of-charleston-2025/?utm_source=openai))