252 Coming St

This place lives up to the hype. They don't take reservations, so you've got to line up before they open to snag a spot, but it's 100% worth it. The food was amazing. You can't really go wrong with anything on the menu. Some of my top picks were the grilled oysters, celery salad, lamb ribs, and the curry grouper rice. Dessert was just okay, but overall, this was one of the best meals I've had.

Food was excellent seated all expectations even the hour and a half waiting line. If you're going to be there for 5:00 seating make sure you count 40 people. Otherwise put your name on the list come back later. Definitely a place to put in the list of restaurants to try in Charleston. Oysters, caviar, shrimp, Wagu you get what I'm saying here.

A charming little dinning room that feels like a neighborhood kitchen. Blue crab toast: 5/5. If you've never tried this, then you're not ready for what's about to happen to your mouth! Ok - maybe you are ready. Pricey- but wildly delicous. Grouper: 2/5. I really wanted to enjoy this dish, but the fish was so over salted that I couldn't even appreciate the 2 accompanying sauces. Beautiful presentation and nice texture on the fish. Smoked fish curry: 2/5. The first bite was wonderful, but by the 2nd and 3rd bites my palette was completely overwhelmed by salt. Beautiful dish, but overtly salty. The waitress queried the chef about the salinity of the dish and they said it was salty by design. Please consider lowering the salt content. Chili garlic shrimp: 5/5. While deceptively simple, it was absolutely delicious. Shrimp was fresh and had a nice texture. Sauce was well balanced. Service: 5/5. Excellent service by our waitress. She was very knowledgeable about the menu, made great recommendations and responded well to our issue with the salinity of 2 of the dishes.

I probably had one of the best meals of my life at Chubby Fish. Yes we really did get there before 4 pm and were about the 5th party in line. By the time they started seating people/taking names the line was too long to see the end. We ordered everything they told us to order and we were happy!

One of the best meals I've had my entire life. Got in line at 4:30 and had a table at 6 but went to the seahorse bar next door to wait. Every single bite was delicious. The staff is so friendly and it's such a fun atmosphere. I will go here every single time I visit Charleston.

Buzzing atmosphere, friendly yet polished service and food you can't get anywhere else, creations from Chef James London. Using fresh local ingredients with the focus on seafood and vegetables with a Southeast Asian twist; crudo, ceviche, oysters, shrimp and fish in unique and delicious combinations. Recently leeks vinaigrette with razor clams and cashews was unusual, tasty and successfully executed. There's always a new take on familiar food.

We had the time of our lives at Chubby Fish on Tuesday night. Every single dish we ordered was incredible and worth the wait. Tapas style small plates are perfect for sharing with a group - they recommend ordering 3 per person. The team at Chubby is so thoughtful and had no issues accommodating my allergies. Chubby is such an impressive spot to bring friends and family while they're in town visiting! We ordered: Caviar sandwiches Bluefin tuna crudo Wagyu tartar Tuna belly toast Cauliflower Cacio e peppe Chili garlic shrimp Shrimp tempura bone marrow smoked curry Angel hair with octopus Life raft fried chicken icecream

Holly crap! Top 5 in Charleston Wow oh wow oh wow Ambiance to super comfy and relaxed Service is totally spot on in every way Food is ridiculous Go at 3:30pm and wait in line When they open at 5 you can eat then or put your name on the list for later Everything is sold out every night by 5:45pm so don't think you will creative and figure out another option Did of mention that the food is over the top

Excellent experience at chubby fish! We went on a Thursday ~4:20 and were about 50th in line. Enough people ahead of us made reservations for later that we were seated when they opened. Food and wine were both excellent and would absolutely get the crudo and seared tuna again. Everything else was also great but would explore other things before getting them again.

Chubby fish dinner was so much fun! You had to line up around 4pm to get a table there but the food were amazing tho, worth the wait. We came and hang out at the Seahorse bar before they got our table ready and was able to ordered some yummy drinks and we can bring our drink to the restaurant. Fyi, the restaurant only serve wine and beers for the alcohol option. The host took us to our table and we sat infront of the cooking area which was so fun watching them cooking and prepping the food. The restaurant was small so it quite loud in there. We had the bluefin tuna belly toast from the raw bar, seared bluefin toro from the small plate option and bone marrow with shrimp tempura and spicy mayo from the large plate. Everything was so good and fresh and the service was pretty on point. They cheffs crew behind the tall bar counter table were friendly and very patience in answering all of my curios questions on their menu and food recommendation. Way to go Chubby Fish!

The seafood is fresh, the dishes are creative, the vibe is good. I like the community table. The menu is always changing. It's a top 5 for me in CHS.

Always worth the wait!! The menu changes slightly to highlight the freshest seafood and veggies. The grilled oysters in curry, pasta, and fried chicken iced cream dessert are must gets. Also loved the tuna crudo & the caviar sammie (while expensive) is fun to try. Servers are knowledgeable and helpful with recommendations - overall fun & inviting atmosphere

Phenomenal dining experience and never thought I'd say it but well worth the wait in the hot humidity. Show up at 3:30 and get ready to sweat! The food was so original, unique, and FRESH. Seafood forward taking on so many different unique items. Super small establishment with good energy and quite a good vibe. Definitely recommend-- is a bit loud for your awareness.

We chose a chilly night to venture here since the buzz is all about the wait and lines. Surprise, no wait or line for us. Parking is extremely challenging in the neighborhood so uber is the best option . We were sat at a communal table and enjoyed chatting with our neighbors. Service was very pleasant and we appreciated the tip to take a photo or 2 of the menu. Everything is shareable size so it added up quickly. We decided upon the curry grilled oysters, crab tagliatelle was the best, salad with the caper dressing was amazing. Tempura snapper portion was large, sauce was uninspired. Pineapple sorbet dipped in chocolate was good but the chocolate was more presentation than taste fir me. Loved the sorbet though. Wine list was uninteresting and I tried 3 whites which were flavorless before switching to a local beer. Frankly, food was good, seems to be a high hype IG than quality thoughtful food pairing. We do not eat meat so maybe that is the category that is incredible.... Too much quality competition in this city....

Love the seafood in Charleston! It was my first time visiting this city and Chubby Fish was high on my bucket list for when I was here. Went on a Saturday so I imagine a pretty popular / crowded day and got in line about an hour before open (got there at 4pm when it opens at 5pm). There were definitely quite a few people who beat us there but once it came to opening, we were able to get sat right away. I believe there's an option where you can request a later slot! We sat at the bar and absolutely loved every dish! Stand outs were the caviar sammich, grilled oysters, the blue crab tagliatelle and the tuna on toast. I love that they have several rotating options as well as consistent hits. Their wine was fantastic as well. Service was helpful, knowledgable, and quick! I can't wait to come back and try even more of the items :)

I loved chubby fish. The food is amazing and our server was so nice. However, I was kind of overwhelmed by how close we were sitting to other tables. It's a smaller space so I respect that they are trying to maximize the number of customers inside as possible, but it was definitely slightly too cramped for my liking. They're so popular so I hope that they consider expanding! When it comes to the food, everything was divine. Some of my favorites were the oysters, the charred lamb ribs and the blue crab tagliatelle. The oysters were so fresh, higher salinity (which is how I like it), and came with a wonderful dip called tosazu, which is soy, rice vinegar, scallion and ginger. The yellowfin tuna crudo gets a honorable mention in my opinion because it was delicious and fresh, albeit not groundbreaking. The charred lamb ribs almost melted off the bone and were delectable on the bed of romesco. There was so much flavor! I loved the blue crab tagliatelle too, as there were large chunks of crab meat. The bone marrow entree was slightly too heavy and oily for my liking, but still really good. We ended our meal with their "short rib" dessert. It was chocolate ice cream, gochujang and shortbread cookie. I believe they work with Life raft treats for their desserts.

Waited two hours to get in, but the food was excellent. The atmosphere was lively, and the service was solid. The yellowfin tuna crudo was a standout--flavorful with a nice crunch from the finely chopped tuna. Olive oil tied it together well. The grilled oysters were great. The Thai sauce added depth, and the oysters were intentionally a bit raw, which worked. The caviar sammich had good flavors, though the buttery bread slightly overpowered the caviar. Could've been more balanced. The poached golden tilefish started off bitter, but the sauce helped. We spoke to the waitress about it, and she was very accommodating. The flounder was good too, and the sauce was generous. We finished most of the fish and ended up packing the remaining fish to bring back to our hotel. Great spot, and was worth the long wait. However, if you're traveling to Charleston for the first time, the wait might cause your schedule to be disrupted, missing other spots to visit during your trip. I wish there was a better way to not stand in line for so long.

When I say worth the wait, I mean it. My husband and I finally got to come here. Chubby fish is a first come first serve restaurant so I suggest getting in line around 3:50/4:00 in order to get a spot right away. These place were extremely colorful and diverse. The freshness of the fish paired with the flavors of each dish changes my perspective on fish. I can say the curry was the best dish I've eaten so far in Charleston. Service was exceptional and every decor detail was perfect. Cannot wait to come back. Best anniversary dinner ever.

My oh my, this was the most anticipated restaurant on my Charleston dinner list for this visit and it did NOT disappoint. Seriously, please take ALL my money!! Their menu changes constantly which I think is really cool. Also, it's a smaller space and you really DO want to show up between 4-4:15 to sit outside and wait for them to open at 5, since they don't take reservations. If you get there early there's little benches shaded by a nice big tree and they even put water out in case people need it. Now for the food, every single bite was delicious. My mind was especially blown by the Yellowfin Tuna Belly Toast and the Bone Marrow with Shrimp Tempura though. I will absolutely be returning on my next visit, and every visit going forward.

You go to Chubby Fish to say you went to Chubby Fish. It's as simple as that. The menu changes frequently, so you never know what you'll get. However, the food was delicious, and my family and I left knowing we had spent money on quality dishes. The servers don't really engage with you, which I believe is because they don't seem to receive many complaints. Our server checked on us only once during our two-hour meal. For some, this might be a problem, but I prefer not having servers constantly hovering, so I appreciated it. Be prepared to wait outside for up to an hour. If you arrive early enough, you can sit on the bench. It's not terrible, just time-consuming. In retrospect, I probably won't return, simply because I don't always have an hour to wait in line. However, it certainly feels good to say I ate here and the food was beyond all my wildest expectations. Worth a visit and definitely a fun place to experience in my lifetime.

This is long overdue, as we visited Chubbyfish on April 23rd, 2024. My husband and I were on an anniversary road trip through the south, we had never been to Charleston before, and we didn't do much research ahead of the trip for food stops (like we normally would have done). We ended up here because we were having a wonderful dinner the night before at another very popular restaurant on the main street. We were chatting with their manager about where locals love and her kitchen staff's favorite. She gave us a short list of favorites, and noted one was a "must do"... Chubbyfish. She went on to inform us of the impending James Beard Award that the chef was up for and told us that if we were going to try it, "now is the time" before it blows up even more. She gave us the recommendation that you need to be standing in line NO LATER than 4:45pm on the day you want to dine (there are no reservations, but there certainly was a line on this random Tuesday afternoon!). We were towards the back of that line, standing on a suburban sidewalk, shaded by neighborhood trees (could be worse). When we got to the front, the first seating of the entire restaurant had been sat (yes, all at once). We put our names down for 6:30pm and went for a walk to kill time. When we came back, the hostess confirmed we were second in line to be sat as tables got up. She also took our (alcoholic) drink orders and we were permitted to drink our Rosé on their sidewalk, which was nicely shaded from the hot sun by the beautiful mature trees. I was starting to get excited. It was just us 2 and we got SUPER LUCKY to be sat at the chef's table (which is the bartop seating at the back of the restaurant, facing the plating area of the kitchen). Having done some reading on the restaurant, the chef, and their mission and history, I instantly recognized Chef when we were sat. We made it known (in a very polite way), that we were going to be consulting with Chef during our experience, so the waiter was mostly left to attend to his other tables and bring us more wine. Of course, all food was excellent; we weren't surprised by that. But, I would say that the Caviar sandwiches were a MUST have and I am not really that into Caviar. Each person should get their own, but you CAN share one between two people if you only want the smallest taste. (Go for one each!) Overall, it was an excellent experience and it was also very exciting to get personal explanations, recommendations, and indepth discussions straight from a newly minted James Beard award nominated Chef. You can get all the same information from other reviews, but let me tell you... if you have the opportunity to sit at the back kitchen hightop... take it! That's my main recommendation.

My boyfriend and I had watched a Bon Appetite video on this place and it was our main reason we were in Charleston. The line starts forming before 4pm for a 5pm opening and we barely made the first seating. We were very happy with all the food we ordered. The cauliflower is nice and filling and perfectly tender. The tile fish had a nice broth and slightly smokey flavor (maybe like kombu seaweed) and reminded me of japanese food a bit. All the dishes were really well executed and it definitely lived up to our expectations!

Was in Charleston and had heard great things about this place. We lined up at 4:20 pm , they open at 5pm and don't take reservations . There are 40 seats so we ended up having to come back at 630. While we waited I was hoping this place would be worth the wait. We walked back and were seated promptly. The place is packed , loud and tight but somehow it makes an incredible vibe. I felt a little awkward at first because I don't go to places like this often. I'm not a shirt and tie guy , so I was wearing very casual clothing and felt comfortable . Our server was Hunter and I'm so glad he was our server. Hunter explained how everything worked . He recommended that for the 2 of us to start out ordering 3-4 plates and if we needed more we can always add on. They serve everything family style so you share each plate. They bring everything 1 at a time after you finish each dish. You have to have a little patience. But as busy as this place is one of the things I loved the most is that nobody is in a hurry or rushing anything . You can totally relax while you wait for your next dish. The staff are all top notch. Everyone I came in contact with was stellar and seemed like they love their jobs. So we took some of Hunters recommendations and started off with poached sea bass , the taste was amazing with the smoky fish broth leaving a comfort food feeling in my soul. Next we had the curried golden tilefish. This dish knocked my socks off and both of us thought it was incredible. We continued with a whole flounder in brown butter with capers . It was fabulous we picked the bones clean ! Lastly, we had bone marrow shrimp tempura , this was my first time trying bone marrow.This dish was outstanding , it was so savory and delicious with the perfect heat and umami flavor. And for desert we shared the not fired chicken ice cream which was very unique and tasty. My only regret was not having a bigger stomach , but we were both stuffed so our magical night was over. Everything about our visit was amazing . I would never go to Charleston again without going back to try some more ! I couldn't recommend this place anymore. Just make sure to get in line early if you want to eat at 5.

This spot was highly recommended for my trip to Charleston. We couldn't get a table but we were able to get a standing high top. We ordered drinks and had Oysters and Mini Caviar sandwiches. Very good!!

I have been a Charleston foodie/restaurant worker my entire life. I studied culinary arts and worked with talented people. But I have never experienced culinary taste buds explosion before like Chubby fish resturant ever. The subtle depth of flavors with light textures finished with the freshest seafood is beyond genius. Chef James London is a James Beard Best Chef Southeast finalist. Absolutely amazing space, very well executed with a beautiful location. The bar has definitely been raised! We are blessed to have this restaurant in our city. No reservations or parking, the restaurant fills up fast. I am going back as often as possible, nothing comes close to the culinary experience and dining satisfaction. You notice when guests are leaving they have an ecstatic look on their face, are light in their step almost like a ballerina floating on air.

Chubby Fish is worth the wait time. See, everyone stated I must go to Chubby Fish! I walked down the residential streets to find this unassuming restaurant on the corner and was told that it was a 45 minute wait time. Being famished I opted not to wait and I left that day. I was told to come around opening. I thought I was so clever I arrived ten minutes before opening. The line stretched 150 feet according to my GPS. Yea, apparently I was not clever enough or too many people were more clever! I waited patiently as the line moved forward taking fifteen minutes to get to the front where the hostess informed me I had two choices. I could either wait another four hours or eat immediately at a communal standing table. I went with the standing table. I joined four other woman at this standing table that was not much wider than a narrow bar top. The restaurant was packed. It was fairly loud, but not so loud that I couldn't hear people around me. Our waitress was wonderful. She was effortlessly cool. The tight spaces did not seemed not to phase her. She guided along appearing at perfect times to offer more wine or ask if we wanted more food. I mean, she made me relaxed despite not being in my element. It felt like this was her space and we were gracious guests. The ambiance became a group of strangers united by a love of wine and food. It was marvelous. My dining companions were strangers and as corny as it sounds we left as friends. Literally we went out after for drinks! Getting back to Chubby Fish the food was AMAZING. I stuck with the raw bar selections and no regrets. The oysters were grand. The tuna crudo buttery. The tuna toast with greens delightful. My taste buds sung and dance and celebrated. Chubby Fish is worth the wait and if you feel so bold the group table is a whole adventure!

Food was delicious! Service was great and ambiance was small and charming. I think this restaurant definitely lived up to the hype. The flounder was a show stopper absolutely melted in your mouth.

We finally braved the infamous line at Chubby Fish. We went on a Saturday around 4:15pm. So, about 50-60 deep in line, they let you in at 5pm. We got on the list to come back at 6:30pm. We are just two so that ups the chances of a seating. Must be in line by 4pm to for sure get a seating. High hopes of this place and it met the bar. We had various oysters, poached tilefish, grilled bluefin toro, black grouper and curry. The top two dishes were Curry and Bluefin Toro! Those were unmatched, but the rest of the dishes were also amazing. The server was great and did help with the GF options, if you have a soy allergy, you won't be able to eat here! We sat at the bar so we had awesome views of the cooking the entire time! We loved that! It is loud because it's small! But it's worth it for a special night to experience it, if you're willing to wait in line! Hint..stop by their sister Seahorse for a cocktail while you're waiting for your table.

I strongly recommend getting here 45 minutes prior to 5PM. I dropped my wife off here, parked and came back on a Tuesday afternoon and we were the last two to get in. It is a small space and 50-60 might be all that is let in. The food and service were excellent. We did the crispy rice salad. Which was outstanding. The grilled oysters were topped by puffed rice and in a curry sauce,, well nuanced and light. We were told 3-5 plates should be sufficient and we added the chili shrimp dish which was loaded with fresh cilantro,

Very busy at all times! We put our names in and went about to get drinks for a couple hours and came back and got to a standing table while we waited for some guests to leave from a table. Limited seating, some bar seating and tables here and there. Caviar sliders 10/10 orgasmic. Like I didn't think they would be that good. Beef tartare with the nori and rice 10/10 Soft shell crab had a unique kaffir lime leaf flavor- yum. You know you don't get a lot with soft shell but I'll give 9/10. Spicy shrimp with the rice, delish. 10/10 Blue crab tagliatelle didn't have the most flavor I thought but overall a pretty good dish. 9/10 Great service, definitely on the pricier side and totally worth the wait.

We arrived around 6pm on a Tuesday and the wait was 2.5 hours. We checked back in around 7:15 just to check, and they were able to fit us in. Service was great - everyone we spoke with was super nice, and they were totally packed but attentive. The spot is cute and airy. Definitely loud but the acoustics were pretty good so I could hear those I was sharing dinner with. We ordered a ton of oysters, crudo, lamp neck, tagliatelle, and a skipjack curry. Everything was 5/5 stars! Everything was fresh and you can tell they put a ton of thought into every single dish. This is definitely a special occasion kind of place for us, a little expensive but well worth it for the quality.

Absolutely phenomenal. Best meal I had in Charleston! The hostess was such an angel and found a way to squeeze me in even though it was packed. I ordered the oysters, crudo, caviar sandwich, and fried oyster roll. Everything was exceptional. My favorite was the crudo and caviar sandwich - both were fresh and flavorful. The caviar sandwich is quite small though, so treat it like an appetizer! The oysters were delicious and came with a jelly that I loved. The fried oyster roll was decently sized and came with a side of chips - good for a main entree. It's pricey but worth every penny. This place is a must have when in Charleston!

We finally broke down and decided to try Chubby Fish and it was quite an adventure! We arrived at 3:25pm to find 5 people already in line so we sat down, fortunately on the bench, and camped out. From that point on it was an exercise in people watching. The line grew and grew with people's jaws dropping when they saw how long it was. Eventually the line stretched out two blocks with the occasional heckler passing by yelling "It's not worth it!" There are only 41 seats so if you want to try them arrive early. We obtained our table for two and scoured the chalkboard, there are no paper menus, for our dinner choices. We ordered two small plates and two large plates. Our first small plate was the tempura snapper with a soy Beurre Blanc which arrived with three pieces of crispy, flaky snapper. The true star was the Beurre Blanc which was the definite star of the dish imparting a great zesty flavor. Our second small plate was the Grilled Oysters in a crab fat curry with cashews and topped with puffed rice. The curry provided a nice back heat, and the flavor profile was truly unique. Our first large plate was the Chili Garlic Shrimp with jalapeno, ginger and served over a bed of white rice. The six shrimp were fresh and large and this by far was the spiciest dish of the night with the of the chili and jalapeno kicking it up. Our final and most favorite dish was the Bone Marrow topped with shrimp tempura and doused in a spicy mayo with crusty bread. The bone marrow in combination with the other items provided a savory, umami experience that left us wanting more! The service was on point being friendly but noninvasive. If I had a downside, it would be the loudness of the music being played. Loud music means patrons have to talk louder to hear each other and was quite jarring. If you are dining with someone who has sensory sensitivities keep that in mind.

Very creative fish recipes Worth the wait And i don't eat fish that often but will wait in line for this place Best of Charleston

Too notch joint! I saw this place on YouTube, and read on the site that they don't take reservations. You can show up at 4p when the line forms and put your name and table down for a later time. I called the restaurant the day of and was told if I got there before 4:40p, I should be able to get a table later than opening time at 5p. Since we were visiting from out of town, I went ahead and got in line right after 4p. We barely got a table for 4 at 6:30p, with the next time available at 8:30p. I'm glad I jumped in line early! If you want to eat at 5p, make sure your full party is there, or they will not seat you!!! The food was the best I've had in Charleston. We at the Charleston Grill the night before, which is upscale and nice, just not as delicious. The flavors at Chubby Fish all work together, and sharing 4 large plates with 2 starters is a good size for a part of four. We got the Crab tagliatelle, grouper x2, and the shrimp, plus the tuna belly toast and yellow eye snapper starters. Everyone agreed the tuna belly toast was the best, but everything else was also so amazing! It's better than the Charleston Grill and less stuffy (read: there is no stuffy, outdated dress code here). They were out of the Not Fried Chicken for dessert, so we shared the "short rib" and "pineapple (can't remember the full name)". Both were exquisite. If you wonder if the line and waiting is worth it, it definitely is. I would come here often, if I lived in CHS still!

Clearly, one of the best dining experiences in all of Charleston. The wait in line for a reservation is the only flaw in this excellent establishment. Every single menu item is a delight. Service and atmosphere are always on point. You really can't say enough good things about this place without sounding like a groupie!!

10 out of 10 dinner! We were able to book the large table for a party of ten, committing to a food and beverage minimum. The menu is a surprise although you can request some types of items. The best things were the caviar sandwiches (what??) for being unique, any of the fresh fish and the desert. The desert was an icecream that looked like fried chicken in the most realistic way but tasted like the most amazing crunch coated creamy sweet treat. Try some of the stuff you might not normally- example the celery salad was such a cool dish and the lamb was lovely!

Arrived to the restaurant at 4:10pm and waited until 5:00pm to put in our names. We sat down at 6:00pm per our request and Brian (our server) was immediately helpful and timely with everything throughout the night. He also had some spot on wine recommendations. The ambiance was amazing! The highlight of our night was chatting with Molly. She knew the menu inside and out as well as described every oyster in front of her in depth. She was great company, super knowledgeable, and she was super fun to get to know and chat with throughout the evening. We based our food choices on her recommendations and we wouldn't change a thing. We had the caviar sandwich, the wahoo crudo, the grilled oysters, the chili garlic shrimp, the blue crab tagliatelle, and the not fried chicken for dessert. My personal favorites were the blue crab tagliatelle and the caviar sandwich. My fiancés favorite dishes were the grilled oysters, wahoo crudo, and the chili garlic shrimp. All were hits and we can't wait to return on our next trip to Charleston.

Oh yes, definitely a five-star meal. The question is, what can I say about this wonderful fresh seafood restaurant that hasn't recently been written in the dozens of other positive reviews? We didn't look forward to standing in line prior to opening, but it became one of the highlights of our evening. We met some terrific people from within Charleston and around the country. As we discussed food, travel, food, occupations and food the time flew by. The menu is only available from a board posted on the front top wall, and I didn't bring my glasses. Not a problem, we (and other guests) simply walked up and took screenshots with our phones. The restaurant doesn't serve liquor, only beer and wine. Somehow, we survived ;) The raw oysters are served with a smoked caviar topping. Delicious, but I really enjoy some heat with mine. Have no fear, a restaurant-made hot sauce is available, just ask. Quite the kitschy plate-ware, see photo. I should've bought a t-shirt! I love the restaurant logo. It's great to sight-see the dishes being served to other tables. The curry smelled and looked wonderful. Seating is quite limited. I understand parties of three (and also large groups) may be asked to wait because most of the tables are arranged for two or four guests. Wish we had saved room for dessert. I'll be back

Visited Charleston for 3 nights. Wednesday 1st night, I came here around 5:30pm, no seats and the next available for a table for 1 was at 8pm. But they did offer me the stand up table. (No chairs) I didn't take because I was tired. Thursday night I should've checked because they were closed for a private event... Friday night I got there at 4:45pm and the line was already 3 houses long.... but I got a spot in the standing table with 3 other people. So it was a bit awkward and may I say crowded. But I was determined to try chubby fish on my last night in Charleston. And it did not disappoint everything was delicious. I dined solo and I might've overdid it but I just wanted to try all of it. I highly suggest the grilled oysters with crab fat curry, this was probably my favorite dish. The wagyu tartare was good but there was no wow factor/ it wasn't memorable for me. I needed up adding the bone marrow with shrimp tempura at the end because it looked really good and it was. everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. I'd love to visit again next time I'm in Charleston. Also all the waitresses were super knowledgeable of the menu and friendly. Did not feel pressured or rushed and they were very accommodating. Gave me a bag hook to hook my bag on the table which was a plus. If you're around and have time definitely give this place a try. Come with more people to try more items.

Came here with 3 friends on a Saturday evening. We got in line at 4:15 and got in for the first seating, but there were still about 40 people ahead of us in line and many more behind us. My personal favorites were the blue crab tagliatelle, which had a lot of crab in it and a lemon flavor, and the red snapper curry. My friends really liked the lionfish tempura as well. All this was enough for the 4 of us to feel satiated, but be aware that the plates are pretty small. Not sure if I'd wait that long again, but if you happen along on a weekday night when they're less busy it's worth a visit.

Confidently say that this is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. The food was absolutely amazing. Unique, fresh, and very great flavor. I would recommend this to anyone who goes to Charleston. I will be stopping by again next time I am in the area!

We arrived at 4:30 and got in line. There was already a pretty long line for it being a Friday. They only have a few tables for four tops so I would recommend getting in line earlier if you have more than 2 people dining. We were told to come back at 6:15 and we got a call that our table was ready early at 6. I would not recommend this restaurant if you are celiac because a lot of dishes contain soy. I ordered the Florida stone crab and oysters to start. We sat at the raw bar and the staff was amazing! My bf loved the bone marrow and I really liked the curry dish! Their menu changes often and we will def be back!

Was wavering on the 5-star review but just ate leftovers from three days ago and they were so good I gotta give it up. Had the sheepshead ceviche, tuna belly toast, cacio e pepe cauliflower, honeynut squash, blue crab tagliatelle and the chili garlic shrimp. Lined up at 4:45 and was in the door 20 mins later (which went quick talking to the nice folks in front and back of me). Spot-on service and great bottle of Erné Vermentino.

If I could give Chubby Fish ten stars, I would. This restaurant isn't just a place to eat--it's a full-on culinary experience. I came in with high expectations, and somehow, they were exceeded. This was, without a doubt, the best meal of my life. From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to talk about the menu. Our server guided us through the popular dishes, giving us a feel for what makes each one special. But it wasn't just the food. The staff made us feel like VIPs the entire night, with thoughtful details like perfectly timed water refills, genuine interest in our experience, and a warmth that made the meal feel intimate and memorable. Chubby Fish isn't just a restaurant--it's a love letter to Charleston's seafood. I'll be telling everyone I know to try it, and I'll be back as soon as I can. If you want a meal you'll remember forever, this is it!

We stopped in for Valentine's Day. The host made sure to set realistic expectations for our wait allowing us to lallygag around downtown before dinner. Once it was time for dinner we had the best server, they provided wonderful recommendations and our food came out at the perfect time from start to finish. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. Chubby is super cozy and intimate.

Like everyone who has eaten here, we waited in line. But the wait was fun chatting with others. Our absolute favorite dish was the chili garlic shrimp with short grain rice. The cauliflower with poblano cream was smooth and delicious while the celery salad offered a cool retreat from the spices. We chose a bottle of dry white wine which was a perfect accompaniment to our dishes. Noise level was above average. Seating is mostly community, crowded and modestly comfortable. Service to top shelf.

I don't have a lot to add that hasn't already been said. Leaving this review more for myself for the next time I'm in Charleston. Great food, great service. Even the other customers were nice. This is definitely a place I'll come back to every time I come to Charleston.

Thank you Chubby Fish for an incredible dining experience. Treat yourself and earn your seat to this memory. Start to finish A+. The Chubby Fish experience sets the bar for all others. See you again soon.