Listing Directory: General

  • Mondo’s

    Like the best of James Island’s restaurants, ­Mondo’s serves good food without any of the fuss of similar cafés found downtown. Join the many regulars at this spot for primo pastas—such as the Italian sausage lasagna and penne with vodka sauce.

  • Pink Cactus

    An ode to Oaxaca, one of Mexico’s gastronomic capitals, Pink Cactus offers several vibrant, savory sauces that embolden its tacos, enchiladas, tortas, and more. Pop by on Thursdays for tacos de birria.

  • Muse

    Occupying a charming Italianate single house, this restaurant and wine bar serves up Mediterranean cuisine, combining pasta, dates, and Eastern spices with seafood and meats, which creates a happy harmony of flavors. Plus you can count on a handful of Italian standbys: carbonara, tagliatelle Bolognese, and veal scaloppini.

  • Poe’s Tavern

    Poe’s Tavern

    The lively scene at this beloved tavern—with patio seating that’s always packed on sunny days—belies the morose tendencies of its namesake poet. Try the mouthwatering mahi-mahi tacos or Edgar’s Nachos, kicked up by jalapeños and all the fixings. The burgers—your choice of beef, chicken, or veggie—are serious contenders for the best in town. We love…

  • Nick’s German Kitchen

    Find a half-dozen variations of pan-fried schnitzel, ranging from a simple veal cutlet served over a mound of bacon-fried potatoes to a hearty lumberjack version loaded with creamy sauerkraut, bacon, and a fried egg. There are no lederhosen or groaning steins of beer in sight, just handmade spaetzle and an array of tempting specials served…

  • Poogan’s Porch

    Step back into Charleston history in this Victorian house built in 1891 with porch dining on two floors. Biscuits and gravy and fried chicken breast with waffles and sorghum butter star on the brunch menu. Dinner is all Southern all the time, with pimiento cheese fritters and chicken-fried pork chops.

  • Nico Oysters + Seafood

    Nico Oysters + Seafood

    At chef Nico Romo’s French-influenced spot on Shem Creek, you should first hit the raw bar, accompanied by a chilled glass of rosé from southern France. Then settle in for the wide selection of succulent seafood, including bouillabaisse, or a wood-fired steak.

  • Poogan’s Smokehouse

    Barbecue is the focus at this East Bay spot (a sibling of Poogan’s Porch). The offerings include pulled pork, ribs, smoked brisket, and smoked sausage, along with a slew of Southern sides, such as collards and mac and cheese with country ham.

  • O-Ku

    This stylish spot is a high-end sushi and sake staple. Hand rolls include a lobster temaki, and there’s a nigiri offering of seared Wagyu with bulgogi sauce and caviar. Bonus: duck buns and the only dim sum in town.

  • R. Kitchen

    Reservations are hard to get at R. Kitchen, as it only seats up to 20 people. The menu changes daily, and you sit at the counter to experience all that the chef has to offer. Be sure to check out the West Ashley location, too.