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Tasting $50-90 a la carteItalian, LowcountrySullivans IslandChef Jacques Larson
Jacques Larson's The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan's Island opened in 2014. Italian-Lowcountry crossover with wood-fired pizzas and seafood pastas.
OrderThe Old Danger pizza with house-pulled mozzarella, the Geechee Girl pasta.
Book2 weeks ahead
TipBook on Resy. Lunch is easier than dinner; the bar seats are walk-in only.
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Tasting $55-95 a la carteSeafood, LowcountryJohns IslandChef Brannon Florie
The Royal Tern on Johns Island opened in 2019 as Brannon Florie's fancy neighbourhood eatery. Book on the website. Dinner only Mon-Sat, closed Sunday.
OrderWhatever whole fish is on the wood grill, plus oysters off the daily list.
Book2 weeks ahead
TipBook on the website. Dinner only Mon-Sat, closed Sunday Booking ahead is essential.
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Tasting $50-95 a la carteSeafood, LowcountrySullivans IslandChef Jason Stanhope
Jason Stanhope's Sullivan's Fish Camp on Sullivan's Island reopened in 2022. Order the oysters from the raw bar, then the wood-grilled whole fish.
OrderOysters from the raw bar, then the wood-grilled whole fish.
Book3 weeks ahead
TipBook on Resy. Bar seats walk-in and serve the same menu Booking ahead is essential.
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Tasting $85-130 a la carteNew AmericanUpper KingChef Dano Heinze and Bethany Heinze
Vern's in Charleston runs a 30-seat tasting-style menu from a Bogard Street storefront since 2022. Led by chef Dano Heinze and Bethany Heinze.
OrderThe chef's choice tasting; a la carte runs handmade pasta and the protein of the day.
Book4 weeks ahead
TipResy bookings open 28 days ahead at 09:00 and go in under a minute. Bar seats sometimes free up at 17:00.
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Tasting $80-140 a la carteModern SouthernDowntownChef Sean Brock (founding); current team
Husk in Charleston opened in 2010 under Sean Brock and rebuilt Southern fine dining on heritage grains and hyper-local produce. Located in Downtown.
OrderThe cast-iron cornbread, plus whatever the wood grill is running.
Book3 weeks ahead
TipBook on the website. Bar seats walk-in at 17:00 and serve the full menu.
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Tasting $80-140 a la carteLowcountry, SeasonalDowntownChef Mike Lata and Jason Stanhope
Mike Lata and Jason Stanhope's FIG in Charleston has anchored the city's fine-dining scene since 2003. Both chefs hold James Beard Best Chef Southeast awards.
OrderThe fish stew, plus the bone-in pork chop with whatever seasonal sauce is up.
Book4 weeks ahead
TipBook 30 days ahead on Resy at 10:00. Bar seats fill within an hour of opening.