The best restaurants in Charleston

36 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 36 places · showing the latest additions first

Osaka Sushi, Thai, and Steakhouse keeps dinner interesting with fresh, beautifully prepared sushi, lively hibachi from the grill, and…

2998 Charleston Rd (Ripley)

Osaka Sushi, Thai, and Steakhouse keeps dinner interesting with fresh, beautifully prepared sushi, lively hibachi from the grill, and savory steakhouse plates alongside Thai staples for that perfect kick. When Ripley cravings hit, this is the spot for real flavor, not fuss, and a menu that makes everyone happy.

From the Mid-Ohio Valley newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Family-owned since 1915, Leonoro's Restaurant still serves the good stuff, from homemade sauce, meatballs, lasagna and stuffed shells to…

1507 Washington St E

Family-owned since 1915, Leonoro's Restaurant still serves the good stuff, from homemade sauce, meatballs, lasagna and stuffed shells to tiramisu that disappears fast. When you’re craving chicken cacciatore or a simple glass of red to match, it’s cozy, comforting, and exactly what this week needs.

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Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse keeps things fun with upbeat vibes and a wide-ranging menu made with quality ingredients. Perfect for a…

5780 MacCorkle Ave SE

Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse keeps things fun with upbeat vibes and a wide-ranging menu made with quality ingredients. Perfect for a midweek reset or a Friday celebration, this is the spot to gather, eat well, and let someone else do the sizzling.

From the Charleston newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Cozy, family-run place serving sushi and other familiar Asian fare with vegetarian options.

6007 US-60 Ste 104 (Barboursville)

Cozy, family-run place serving sushi and other familiar Asian fare with vegetarian options.

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Pizzeria chain offering an array of craft beers, plus specialty pizzas, salads & sandwiches.

222 Capitol St

Pizzeria chain offering an array of craft beers, plus specialty pizzas, salads & sandwiches.

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Traditional Italian fare such as seafood alfredo, calzones, and homemade cakes served in a comfy space.

6007 US-60 (Barboursville)

Traditional Italian fare such as seafood alfredo, calzones, and homemade cakes served in a comfy space.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

5707 MacCorkle Ave SE

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Snug, informal eatery featuring a selection of modern bistro dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

129 Summers St

Snug, informal eatery featuring a selection of modern bistro dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

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Laid-back eatery for innovative sushi and other Japanese fare, plus cocktails and beer.

2815 Mountaineer Blvd

Laid-back eatery for innovative sushi and other Japanese fare, plus cocktails and beer.

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Smokehouse

Restaurants

Informal establishment offering a variety of burgers plus steaks, sandwiches and home-cooked meals.

1549 W Washington St

Informal establishment offering a variety of burgers plus steaks, sandwiches and home-cooked meals.

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Down-to-earth chain offering American standards like burgers & ribs, plus signature cocktails.

201 RHL Blvd

Down-to-earth chain offering American standards like burgers & ribs, plus signature cocktails.

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Pizza place featuring an extensive menu of savory and dessert crepes baked with fresh ingredients, plus gyros and pasta.

100 RHL Blvd

Pizza place featuring an extensive menu of savory and dessert crepes baked with fresh ingredients, plus gyros and pasta.

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Barbecue joint featuring pulled pork, ribs and brisket as well as burgers and sandwiches.

201 Campbells Creek Dr

Barbecue joint featuring pulled pork, ribs and brisket as well as burgers and sandwiches.

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Vinny's Pizzeria

Restaurants

Italian restaurant doling out pizza, subs, calzones, and other comfort foods in a casual setting.

5006 MacCorkle Ave SE

Italian restaurant doling out pizza, subs, calzones, and other comfort foods in a casual setting.

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Casual and lively eatery for salmon cakes and ribs, plus steaks and chicken.

1634 6th Ave

Casual and lively eatery for salmon cakes and ribs, plus steaks and chicken.

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Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

1062 Charleston Town Center

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

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Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

103 RHL Blvd

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

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Sakura Hibachi

Restaurants

Japanese cuisine such as sushi and steak, plus cocktails served in a casual space.

230 Nitro Market Pl

Japanese cuisine such as sushi and steak, plus cocktails served in a casual space.

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Hale House

Restaurants

Cozy eatery featuring wagyu burgers, steaks, crab cakes and bourbon cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.

212 Hale St

Cozy eatery featuring wagyu burgers, steaks, crab cakes and bourbon cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Cook Out

Restaurants

Branch of a fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

5505 MacCorkle Ave SE

Branch of a fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

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Giovanni's Pizza

Restaurants

Compact, unadorned counter-serve joint dishing out pizzas, subs, salads & pasta.

118 Spring St

Compact, unadorned counter-serve joint dishing out pizzas, subs, salads & pasta.

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Bricks & Barrels

Restaurants

Warm, brick-lined restaurant serving steak & seafood dinners, plus craft brews, cocktails & wine.

1214 Smith St

Warm, brick-lined restaurant serving steak & seafood dinners, plus craft brews, cocktails & wine.

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Japanese food truck offering hibachi meals and sushi rolls in a casual setting.

4222 MacCorkle Ave SE

Japanese food truck offering hibachi meals and sushi rolls in a casual setting.

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Casual spot serving specialty pies, salads, subs and wings.

2777 Pennsylvania Ave

Casual spot serving specialty pies, salads, subs and wings.

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Hibachi Express

Restaurants

Japanese eatery serving a selection of sushi and hibachi dishes.

1401 Washington St E

Japanese eatery serving a selection of sushi and hibachi dishes.

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1010 Bridge

Restaurants

Chef-driven menu of American fare & seafood featuring seasonal ingredients, wine and cocktails.

1010 Bridge Rd

Chef-driven menu of American fare & seafood featuring seasonal ingredients, wine and cocktails.

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Italian cuisine including pasta, seafood, and meat served in a romantic atmosphere.

601 Morris St

Italian cuisine including pasta, seafood, and meat served in a romantic atmosphere.

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First Watch

Restaurants

Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.

164 Summers St

Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.

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Swiftwater Cafe

Restaurants

Laid-back diner serving up classic daytime eats, including eggs, bacon, sandwiches & salads.

405 Capitol St #105

Laid-back diner serving up classic daytime eats, including eggs, bacon, sandwiches & salads.

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American dishes inspired by French recipes come in a luxe room with views of downtown & the river.

350 MacCorkle Ave SE

American dishes inspired by French recipes come in a luxe room with views of downtown & the river.

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Coco’s

Restaurants

Breakfast-and-lunch spot, featuring an inviting atmosphere and serving sandwiches, bowls and salads, plus smoothies.

233 Hale St

Breakfast-and-lunch spot, featuring an inviting atmosphere and serving sandwiches, bowls and salads, plus smoothies.

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Cafe Appalachia

Restaurants

Converted church dishing up burgers, breakfasts and fresh salads, plus a patio.

206 D St (South Charleston)

Converted church dishing up burgers, breakfasts and fresh salads, plus a patio.

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Fazio's

Restaurants

Longstanding choice for authentic Italian cooking that comes in a relaxed room with a warm vibe.

1008 Bullitt St

Longstanding choice for authentic Italian cooking that comes in a relaxed room with a warm vibe.

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Airy, bustling hangout featuring pub grub, Greek food, many TVs, a patio & occasional live music.

218 Capitol St

Airy, bustling hangout featuring pub grub, Greek food, many TVs, a patio & occasional live music.

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All-you-can-eat Brazilian restaurant featuring table-carved meats and an extensive salad bar.

3600 MacCorkle Ave SE

All-you-can-eat Brazilian restaurant featuring table-carved meats and an extensive salad bar.

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Lola's Pizza

Restaurants

Quaint cottage eatery offering creative Neapolitan-style pizza, Italian bites, local beer & a patio.

1038 Bridge Rd

Quaint cottage eatery offering creative Neapolitan-style pizza, Italian bites, local beer & a patio.

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