Best Fine Dining in Kiawah Island

"From the impassive, imposing façade through to the dark woods and cushioned chairs of the main dining room, Hall’s has ‘classic old school steakhouse’ written all over it. High ceilings, oil paintings of dogs and the whiff of affluence cement its personality—it’s a grown up, sophisticated joint and isn’t shy about letting you know it. As with the drinks, the restaurant ploughs a mainly traditional furrow, but the execution is on point."

"Savor old-school-style, service, and flavor at this upscale, beloved institution on Upper King. Grab a stool at the bustling bar, or head upstairs for a more intimate dining experience. Either way, indulge in the lump crab cakes, blue cheese wedge salad, and chef Matthew Niessner’s melt-in-your-mouth prime steaks—sauces available but not needed."

"Halls is a family owned upscale steakhouse located in the heart of Upper King Street. All the steaks come from Allen Brothers of Chicago which offers the highest quality grade of beef you can buy. The cuts of meat are aged in a climate controlled room with an ultra violet light."

"The scene: The city’s gold standard for indulgent southern dining with a contemporary international influence, Charleston Grill offers an intriguing menu divided up into four unique experiences. The ‘Pure’ menu features simple dishes with clean flavours, such as the Norwegian ocean trout with blood oranges, while the ‘Lush’ menu boasts French-inspired lavish dishes, like the grilled rack of lamb with mint chimichurri. Exotic and imaginative dishes, such as sea scallops with a chilli-chorizo vinaigrette appear on the ‘Cosmopolitan’ menu, while the classic ‘Southern’ menu is filled with Lowcountry delights, like Roasted Palmetto squab with crackling."

"Located in the upscale Belmond Charleston Place, Charleston Grill is elegant and refined, even for gentile Charleston. Executive Chef Michelle Weaver prepares creative, artful Southern dishes, including the celebrated house crab cake, with creek shrimp, tomato and a lime-dill vinaigrette. Pair food with carefully curated wines from Wine Director and Sommelier Rick Rubel, and the soft sounds of nightly live jazz."

"Opened in 1990, this Charleston classic is a beloved favorite for many Holy City locals, as it is consistently delivering top-notch lowcountry dishes as well as attentive and welcoming service. Seafood dishes are a highlight of the Magnolias menus, with such items as Lowcountry Bouillabaisse, Spicy Shrimp and Sausage over grits, Blackened Catfish, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast serving as authentic representatives of lowcountry style cuisine. For a cheaper Magnolias dining option, opt to visit this East Bay Street restaurant for lunch or Sunday brunch; each of these menus shares at least a few options with the regular dinner menu."

"Wooden shutters, white tablecloths, and really good Southern food are all things that come to mind when we think of “classic Charleston restaurants.” Really though, we’re just describing Magnolias in the French Quarter. This beloved spot serves upscale takes on fried green tomatoes, crab bisque, and shrimp and grits and is great for special occasions when you want to eat somewhere just slightly fancy. Much like Charleston itself, it’s the kind of place where dressing up isn’t required, but you won’t feel out of place if you do."

"For over 25 years, Magnolias has served upscale Southern cuisine with traditional ingredients and a modern twist. This longtime favorite has even earned press from the Food Network and Food and Wine. Visitors enjoy brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m."

"If you’re looking for some good seafood, you might want to consider the High Cotton. Although they’ve recently undergone a transition under new management, they are still considered one of the best seafood restaurants in downtown Charleston. Fried oysters, crab cake, shrimp and grits, whatever you’re hankering for as far as Lowcountry cuisine is likely present on the High Cotton menu."

"High Cotton is one of the best fine dining restaurants you’ll find in Charleston. This family-owned restaurant is among the top choices if you want to dress it up for the night. High Cotton serves Southern favorites served in an elegant dining room with pine floors and antique bricks filled an atmosphere filled with signature Charleston hospitality."

"While James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock is no longer leading the kitchen, his culinary expertise was the guiding force behind this 22-seat, 16-course tasting-menu-only spot that remains a destination for the gastronomically adventurous, featuring the talents of executive chef Ben Norton. If you’re into food “experiences,” the price is worth your while."

"At McCrady’s, you’re sitting in one of the most historic dining rooms in the city—maybe near the fireplace with a sophisticated absinthe cocktail. Ingredients from the South are plated like art, and they make it easy to try a taste of everything with Chef Sean Brock’s four-course tasting menu (say yes)."

"The old McCrady's is now McCrady's Tavern (serving the most elevated pub fare in town), and the new McCrady's—tucked into a nook around the...Read More"

"82 Queen traces its history back to 1688 when an immigrant built his home, guesthouse and slave quarters. Today these buildings house the restaurant's 11 dining rooms and outside courtyard. The restaurant, which opened in 1982, is one of Charleston’s oldest restaurants."

"We dined there on a Thursday and wanted to have brunch but when we arrived they did not serve brunch on that day.... (843) 723-7591Order online. Superb343 Reviews4.6"

"This Johns Island roadside joint presents a banquet of locally raised delicacies. Owners and farmers Pete and Babs Ambrose maintain a 135-acre...Read More"

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. This charming café serves ready-to-order vegetarian and vegan food. All its dishes are created while following kosher dietary rules."

"You might be surprised to find that one of Charleston's best sandwich joints is housed in a laundromat!. It's true: Persimmon Cafe, located at 226 Calhoun Street, shares its deli counter and eat-in seating with several dozen washing machines. Don't pass up the chance to visit this creative cafe for a gourmet panini, like their Curry Chicken Salad ($7.50), Zucchini with pistachio pistou ($6.75) or the Adult Grilled Cheese with prosciutto and green apple ($6.75)."

"You might be surprised to find that one of Charleston's best sandwich joints is housed in a laundromat!. It's true: Persimmon Cafe, located at 226 Calhoun Street, shares its deli counter and eat-in seating with several dozen washing machines. Don't pass up the chance to visit this creative cafe for a gourmet panini, like their Curry Chicken Salad, Zucchini with pistachio pistou or the Adult Grilled Cheese with prosciutto and green apple."

"Really, what could be more unassuming than a sandwich shop that’s taken up residence in a college laundromat?. Consistently great sandwiches, salads, drinks, and custards. Eat at the counter, or take it to go and enjoy the sunshine in Marion Square just a few blocks away!"