Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery

Food was phenomenal. Definitely get the biscuit with their homemade butter and jam if you go. Atmosphere was really cool, with a little homey shop to check out too. Coffee was delicious. We were one of only two tables so the vibe was a bit mellow and service was good, not greaaaat.

We waited for more than an hour for our food, all the vegetables were burnt, twice they brought me the wrong ingredients in the salad, the waitress forgot our coffee, so she brought it after half an hour in a dirty cup. The manager didn't show up for 15 minutes, we had to find him ourselves. Very bad experience.

We went to Sunday brunch at Lillians and it was fabulous!! From making reservations to being taken care of by the kind hostess to our server, Larkin, we were cared for marvelously! The food was great! We asked if the chef would be able to do the breakfast burrito without the burrito and he accommodated beautifully! Quite impressed!!!

Wonderful fine dining AND casual lunch/brunch destination in top residential location. Beautiful restoration of historic “cabin.” Loved our 3 course special Christmas Eve dinner. Will definitely return.

The best breakfast! The biscuit was to die for! The service was wonderful. My waitress was super friendly and attentive. Super cute inside. 10/10 recommend.

Pros: great location near the Citadel; adorable interior, clean Cons: literally everything else. Recommend: Go elsewhere; too many great restaurants in Charleston to waste time & money here. The hostess rolled her eyes in greeting; refusing to speak to us. We were hungry & on a timeline so we placed an order anyways. The scrambled eggs tasted funky; like they could make you sick; couldn’t place the flavor; didn’t trust eating it. The sausage patty was chorizo: which wasn’t stated & still would have been fine for me except it was actually mostly cheap filler: rice. The breakfast burrito was a hodgepodge of non-listed items, tasted ok; but again tons of filler: black-eyed peas and potato wedges. Everything was way too salted; now salt is an individual preference; but I like salty…this was too too much. Even the salad was lettuce & salty seasoning…weird & gross & lame. On the way out, I wished the “waitress/hostess/barista” a good day. To which, she rolled her eyes again and continued to be non-verbal to paying, polite, friendly customers. Her actions towards customers were in stark contrast to her sickeningly sweet, brown nosing of her manager, which I had witnessed mid-meal, offering her in a cloyingly sweet manner “to make her a bevi (short for beverage).” We had this disgusting food & terrible service for premium Charleston price. Never again!

Delightful place. Our waiter was amazing and kind! Cozy, inviting atmosphere and we loved the rooftop. Presentation was lacking on main dishes, but they tasted great! Impressed with their collards! Our other dishes looked AND tasted wonderful! Highly, highly recommend!

As a recent addition to Charleston’s vibrant food scene after moving from New York, I’ve found it challenging to discover spots that match the charm and character of a classic NYC bodega or eatery. However, Lilian’s has completely won me over. This cozy little place reminds me of one of my all-time favorite spots back in New York, Edith’s Eatery, and it captures a similar magic. Not only is Lilian’s charming, but their mission statement resonates deeply with me. After reading the book Extinction recently, my approach to dining out has changed—I’ve become more mindful about supporting places that prioritize local, seasonal ingredients. Lilian’s embodies the true concept of “farm-to-table,” uncorrupted and authentic. Whether you’re stopping by for coffee and pastries while using the space as your office for the day, enjoying a casual lunch with a friend, or grabbing brunch, Lilian’s has something for everyone. They even offer fresh vegetables, wine, and ready-to-go options for dinner, making it the perfect stop on your way to or from work. The attention to detail is unparalleled, and the team at Lilian’s genuinely takes care of their customers in so many thoughtful ways. It’s a place where hospitality and quality come together effortlessly. I can confidently say that Lilian’s will be one of my go-to spots whenever I’m in downtown Charleston. It’s a gem that has completely charmed me, and I’m sure it will charm you too.