The Best New Charleston Restaurants to Try This Holiday Season (2025)

Charleston’s dining scene has long been one of the most exciting in the country, and it’s also one of the reasons so many people choose to call the Lowcountry home. The city’s restaurant growth mirrors its real estate momentum: new neighborhoods are gaining energy, established areas are reinventing themselves, and local favorites continue to shape community identity.

This holiday season, the question everyone is asking isn’t just about events or shopping. It’s: “Where should we eat?” Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods, planning a dinner out, or welcoming guests for the season, these restaurant openings highlight the flavor and lifestyle of Charleston in 2025.

Must-Try Holiday Hotspots

Merci – Harleston Village

Housed in an 1820s property in Harleston Village, Merci blends Charleston charm with French-inspired dining. The cozy, intimate space pairs beautifully with seasonal dishes. Dede recommends the signature beef Wellington, which is gaining a loyal following and feels tailor-made for winter dining.

Vern’s – Elliotborough

Vern’s brings polished American cuisine to one of downtown’s most rapidly evolving residential neighborhoods. With thoughtful dishes, a great wine list, and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere, it’s a favorite among locals who love elevated food without the formality. Easier parking on this side of the crosstown too!

Cane Pazzo – Hanahan

A welcome addition to the expanding Hanahan area, Cane Pazzo serves rustic Italian fare, wood-fired bread, and rich, seasonal pasta dishes that make the short drive worthwhile. The heirloom tomato n’duja risotto is a standout and already stirring word-of-mouth buzz.

The Seahorse – Downtown

From the Chubby Fish team, The Seahorse offers creative cocktails and seafood-driven small plates in a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s a great stop before a show, a date-night favorite, and an example of how Charleston continues to support chef-owned, neighborhood-focused dining. The vintage nautical decor and rum-centric cocktail list will have you feeling/drinking like a sailor!

Kultura – Downtown

Recently expanded in the former Chasing Sage location, Kultura brings bold Filipino-inspired cuisine to the center of the peninsula, now with a full bar and more seating. Dishes like lumpia, lechon, kare kare, and paella Valenciana showcase both creativity and comfort.

Jackrabbit Filly – North Charleston 

Following significant acclaim and national attention, Jackrabbit Filly has moved into a new, larger space in Park Circle's historic section. Diners come for playful Chinese-American style dishes like dumplings and karaage, served with unmistakable personality. Its growth mirrors North Charleston’s increasing appeal among young homeowners.

Marbled & Fin – Downtown

This rising steakhouse has quickly become a go-to restaurant for business dinners, holiday celebrations, and date nights. With high-quality cuts, refined execution, and an elegant atmosphere, it offers a more contemporary alternative to Charleston’s traditional steakhouses. B.V. recommends the espresso martini - served in a glass big enough to fall into!

New Restaurants Everyone Is Talking About Right Now

Katsubō Chicken & Ramen – Park Circle

Crispy fried chicken meets deep, comforting bowls of ramen from a chef trained at New York’s Mu Ramen. A strong addition to the thriving Park Circle dining scene.

Tutti – Downtown

Brought to Charleston by the owners of Graft, Tutti serves square, round, and gluten-free pizza with one of the city’s best pizza-friendly wine lists. Not a lot of space onsite, so plan to get it to go.

Sorghum & Salt – St. Philip Street

Now in a larger space, offering seasonal tasting menus alongside bar snacks and cocktails for a slightly more casual option.

Bramble – Limited-Time Pop-Up

Only available short-term, Bramble features Lowcountry classics like shrimp toast, braised rabbit over grits, and catfish stew. A pop-up worth anticipating while it lasts.

Allora - Rutledge Avenue

A multi-level Italian experience with a rooftop lounge, bar, dining area, and walk-up window serving spritzes and gelato.

Shokudô – King Street

A Japanese tavern featuring kushiyaki, ramen, dumplings, and hand rolls made with locally sourced seafood.

Chef Daniel Humm x Charleston Place

A year-long restaurant residency from the acclaimed Eleven Madison Park team, presenting a plant-forward interpretation of Lowcountry ingredients.

By the Way

A sophisticated cocktail lounge pairing martinis and caviar with refined tavern selections such as steak frites and ‘nduja-topped deviled eggs.

Why Dining Trends Matter in Real Estate

Neighborhood dining often influences where people choose to live. Popular restaurants increase walkability appeal, encourage community gatherings, and add value to surrounding homes. From the energy in Park Circle to the evolution of Hanahan and the ongoing renewal of downtown, Charleston’s culinary growth parallels residential demand.

Final Takeaway

Charleston’s newest restaurants aren’t just places to eat—they express the city’s evolving identity. As the peninsula and surrounding communities continue to grow, the restaurant scene showcases the same blend of heritage, creativity, and coastal lifestyle that makes Charleston such a desirable place to live.

Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods, planning holiday gatherings, or welcoming friends to town, these newcomers represent the best of Charleston dining in 2025.