Best Restaurants in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina
While historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, is known for its amazing architecture, history, dining, and southern charm, the surrounding towns are definitely worth a visit as well. One very popular town is Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. It is rich in tradition and culture and home to many interesting sites. Here at Lowcountry Style & Living we wanted to see how the local dining scene stood up against Charleston.
We are happy to report that Mt. Pleasant serves up a lot of hidden gems that might not get the same publicity as the peninsula. What we learned is that you don’t want to sleep on Mt. Pleasant. We found a diverse and buzzing dining scene.
Mt. Pleasant has a culinary destination vibe all its own. For us at Lowcountry Style & Living, a great food city is a place that caters to all manner of the food obsessed: vibrant street food, affordable ethnic dining, traditional dining, and highly acclaimed (and more importantly highly respected by their peers) destination restaurants.
We believe it should also have a connection to its seasons and soil (or sea, as the case may be). It should be a place that can alternately surprise and comfort at any budget level. Mt. Pleasant happily dotted all the i’s and crossed all their t’s in these considerations.
After visiting over two dozen restaurants we have arrived at our baker’s dozen (13) of the best places to eat in Mt. Pleasant. The following list is not a ranking and thus is in no particular order. It represents, in our opinion, the best of the best for dining in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
Jump Directly To The Different Restaurants
Nico Oyster + Seafood
Upscale seafood brasserie for oysters, cocktails, and farm-to-table imaginative French fare
Why This Restaurant is a Must-Eat
The menu is a blend of fresh local ingredients and classic French interpretations with a modern twist. Locally sourced food with incredible flavor. Largest selection of oysters of any restaurant in South Carolina.
What We Especially Liked
- Scallop Ceviche – Grapefruit, pickled red onions, radish, lime, cucumbers, crackers
- Cavian Oyster – House oyster, creme fraiche, egg yolks, chives
- Boullibase de Marseille – Fresh shrimp, mussels, clams, bay scallops, aioli crostini
- Trout “Almondine” – Tomato provencal, capers, parsley, almonds
- Front Porch (cocktail) – Bourbon, pamplemouse, lemon, honey-rosemary simple syrup
Nico Oysters + Seafood
201 Coleman Boulevard
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 362-7969
https://www.nicoshemcreek.com/
Basil
Authentic Thai cuisine served in a peaceful tranquil setting
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat:
A contemporary and stylish restaurant with an open kitchen. Succulent refined Thai dishes. Outstanding service. Voted Best Asian by the readers of Mt. Pleasant Magazine (2022).
What We Especially Liked:
- Basil Duck – Boneless half duck deep fried, topped with basil, bell peppers, onions, garlic, snow peas, and button mushrooms; stir fried in house Basil Sauce
- Thai Chicken Wings – Chicken marinated with soy sauce, garlic powder, white pepper; served with fresh sauce and lime juice with fresh Thai chillies sauce.
- Three Flavored Fish – Deep fried whole fish topped with a three flavor sauce which consists of sweet, sour, and spicy
- Volcano Shrimp – Grilled jumbo shrimp, wilted napa cabbage, steamed broccoli with three flavor sauce
Basil
1465 Long Grove Drive
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 606-9641
http://www.eatatbasil.com/mt-pleasant/
Page’s Okra Grill
“Local Food for Local Folks”
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
A welcoming place for locals and visitors alike. Southern foods from scratch, made perfect. Casual. Serving all day. A local institution where customer service is an art (which is hard to come by these days).
What We Especially Liked:
- Southern Fried Pork Chops – Center pork chops brined for 48 hours, collard greens, sweet potato casserole
- Page’s Famous Chicken & Waffles – Savoy buttermilk waffle filled with cheddar cheese, sage sausage, roasted corn & jalapenos with fried chicken & honey butter
- Lowcountry Crab Cakes – Pan seared jumbo lump & sweet claw crab cakes, red rice, stewed okra & tomato, hushpuppies
- Holy Water – Vodka, rum, Peach Schnapps, pineapple juice & blue curacao
Page’s Okra Grill
302 Coleman Boulevard
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 881-3333
https://www.pagesokragrill.com
Grace & Grit
A family-run restaurant with a passion for local food and southern hospitality
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
Rooted in Southern abundance, fresh cuisine, and a nod to heritage on each plate. Focus on impeccable Lowcountry seafood. Fifteen different varieties of grits.
What We Especially Liked
- Local Shrimp & Grits – Tasso ham, red eye gravy, bell peppers, sweet onions, and smoked gouda grits
- Fried Local Shrimp Platter – Sweet potato fries, pickled collard slaw, house tartar, cocktail sauce, and honey mustard
- Chicken Livers – Fried sweet onion demi, smoked gouda grits
- Scallops Pan Roasted – Jimmy red grits, saute of mushroom, rainbow carrots & baby kale, squash puree
- New Fashioned – Grace & Grit Buffalo Trace single barrel bourbon, blackberry mango shrub, local mint, tea syrup bitters
Grace & Grit
320 Wingo Way #100
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 698-4748
https://www.gracegrit.com
Tavern & Table
A waterfront restaurant on Shem Creek with views, sunsets, and dolphin spotting
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
Upscale, heavily Southern-influenced menu. Celebrates local flavors and products. Casual, rustic, yet chic. Food prepared with care and presented with flair.
What We Especially Liked
Pan Roasted Flounder – Pan-roasted flounder, braised white beans, salsa verde, pickled shallots
T & T Charcuterie Plate – 3 meats, 3 cheeses (varies) with preserved fruit, house pickles, mustard, baguette
Brick Chicken – Mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, broccoli with lemon garlic
Burnt End Mac & Cheese – Bbq brisket, orecchiette, cheese fondue, cornbread crumble
This Is Our Jam – Hebdricks gin or hangar one vodka, lemon, simple syrup & housemade seasonal jam
Tavern & Table
100 Church Street
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 352-9510
https://www.tavernandtable.com/
SOL Southwest Kitchen & Tequila Bar
A modern day, rustic, Southwestern ranch blending Southwest flavors and Southern Influence
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
There are so many reasons to love this place! High quality food. Everything made from scratch. Guacamole made round the clock. Hand-cut tomatoes for salsa, fresh shucked corn, roasted fresh peppers for green and red chilies. Fresh squeezed juice for cocktails. All tequila is 100% agave. Delicious woodfire grilled food. You can taste the dedication to preparation.
What We Especially Liked
Chili Rubbed Sea Bass – Citrus crema, pineapple salsa, rice & grilled vegetables
Steak Fritas – 16oz ribeye, chipotle butter, house steak sauce, adobe fries
Blackened Tuna Taco – Sushi-grade seared rare, poblano crema, pineapple salsa, cabbage
El Diablo – Jalapeno infused tequila, fresh lime juice, blackberries, ginger beer
SOL Southwest Kitchen & Tequila Bar
1101 Stockade Lane
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
(843) 388-4302
https://solsouthwestkitchen.com/mount-pleasant/
Coleman Public House
Hip spot with rotating craft beers on tap, plus burgers, flatbreads, and inventive pub food
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
Comfortable pub-atmosphere. Laid back and relaxing. Every town needs a restaurant like this for an easy going, satisfying night out. Ten burger varieties. Late night kitchen.
What We Especially Liked
- Mini Lamb Burgers – Ground lamb, spices, onion chutney, cumin pickles, tzatziki sauce
- Fish ’N Chips – Beer battered haddock, house cut french fries, house made tartar sauce, malt vinegar
- Steak Frites – 8oz filet, green peppercorn au poivre, house cut french fries, grilled asparagus
Coleman Public House
427 Coleman Boulevard
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 416-8833
https://colemanpublichouse.com
SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar
A coastal Italian restaurant with a world class wine bar
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
Award-winning restaurant featuring local seafood, Italian classics, chophouse favorites, housemade pasta, pizza, and charcuterie. 150+ wines. Attention to details. Sleek, modern design.
What We Especially Liked
- Handmade Seafood Ravioli – Blue crab, local shrimp, house made ricotta, vodka sauce
- Orecchiette – Broccoli rabe, Italian sausage, lemon, housemade ricotta
- Fig & Prosciutto Pizza – Garlic confit, crispy prosciutto, figs, gorgonzola dolce, fresh mozzarella, balsamic glaze
- Grilled Octopus – Thinly sliced potatoes, paprika butter, oregano, lemon oil, capers
- Highway 17 – Ginger, bourbon, ginger beer, muddled mint, lime juice, brown sugar, simple syrup
SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar
1324 Theater Drive
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 606-1856
https://www.savicucina.com/
Crave Kitchen & Cocktails
Upscale restaurant serving creative interpretations of classic dishes
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
A creative, casual experience within upscale environs. Lowcountry theme. Interesting craft beer selection. Home to “The Most Life Changing Mac & Cheese” according to Esquire Magazine.
What We Especially Liked
The Famous Mac & Cheese – 10-year-aged sharp cheddar, imported parmigiano, housemade mozzarella, Italian cavatappi pasta, secret ingredients
Buttermilk Fried Half Chicken – Southern house made coleslaw, collard greens, country pepper gravy
New Bedford Scallops – Pan seared, boursin risotto, fresh snipped green beans
Fried Oysters – Cornmeal dusted, creole vinaigrette
Southern Gin Fizz – Burnt Church Devil’s Elbow gin, Pomegranate liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg whites, soda water
Crave Kitchen & Cocktails
1968 Riviera Drive, Unit O
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-1177
https://cravekitchenandcocktails.com/
Langdon’s
A destination status restaurant. Worth traveling a distance.
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
Mt. Pleasant’s only AAA Four-Diamond Award Restaurant. Perfect execution, attention to detail, consistency. Merge local tastes with Pan Asia flavors. Named “Best Steak” in Mt. Pleasant Magazine’s 2022 reader survey.
What We Especially Liked
Pan Seared Duck – With seasonal succotash, fennel sausage, greens, blackberry mustard
Center Cut Filet of Beef – With mascarpone, chive potatoes, and barolo sauce
Ricotta Gnocchi – With local shrimp, grilled zucchini, spinach, brown butter, and herbs
Jumbo Lump Crab Salad – With herbs, peppers, aioli, arugula, citrus
Naked and Famous – Mezcal, yellow chartreuse, aperol, lime
Langdon’s
778 South Shelmore Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 388-9200
https://owensdininggroup.com/langdons/
Water’s Edge
Bringing downtown Charleston dining to Mt. Pleasant with scenic views of Shem Creek
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
Quality and variety are mainstays at this well-appointed scenic restaurant. Local seafood is the main attraction but there is something for everyone; fried chicken, rib eyes, etc. 450+ wine selection. Recipient of a Wine Spectator’s Award for Excellence. Perfect spot to watch the comings and goings of the local fish/shrimp boats
What We Especially Liked
- Shrimp Scampi – Fresh shrimp, garlic, herbs, white wine, butter, lemon tossed in linguine pasta, finished with shaved parmesan
- Lobster & Grits – Southern fried lobster tails, smoked gouda grits, roasted jalapenos, sun dried tomatoes, corn cream
- Atlantic Black Grouper – Grilled with asparagus, goat cheese mashed potatoes, and peach mint chutney
- Seafood Paella – Lobster, shrimp, salmon, mussels, scallops, chorizo over red rice in a rich tomato broth
- Shipfaced – Coconut, silver rum, banana liquor, blackberry brandy, pineapple and orange juices
Water’s Edge
1407 Shrimp Boat Lane
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-4074
https://waters-edge-restaurant.com/
Locals
As one local said, “A sports pub with a serious sushi problem”
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
Laid back, late night hangout offering sushi, cocktails, sports viewing, and live entertainment. Serious sushi and no one within shouting distance in town. Fresh, artfully crafted. Don’t like Sushi? They also have a no-sushi menu. Great combo of sports bar, dive bar (not really divey, just the good things) and top notch food.
What We Especially Liked
- Folly Time – Yellowtail ceviche avocado, roasted red pepper, topped with mango, potato crisps, jalapeno agave, and eel sauce
- Caribbean – Tempura shrimp, cream cheese, avocado, topped sweet plantain, eel sauce, Sriacha
- Local Lovers – Tempura lobster claws, shredded crab & cream cheese, topped with wasabi sauce, spicy mayo, Sriracha, sesame seed, scallions
- Korean BBQ Taco – Tender pork tossed with sweet Korean BBQ, served atop house made kimchi slaw and pickled vegetables
Locals
1150 Queensborough Boulevard
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 388-5114
https://localssushi.com/locals-mt-pleasant-sc/
Dashi
Best food truck in Mt. Pleasant featuring Asian and Latin cuisine….everything from pad Thai and Thai wings to burritos, taco, and quesadillas
Why This Restaurant is a Must Eat
At Lowcountry Style and Living we love our street food and Dashi hits all the high spots but sometimes it’s hard to match your schedule with that of a food truck. But we have you covered. Dashi now has a brick and mortar restaurant in North Charleston. Now before you say anything, Mt. Pleasant Magazine readers named Dashi the “best food truck in the city” for 2022. They have their local chops. We want to make it easier for you, so we are going to stray a little. That’s what makes our baker’s dozen so consumer friendly.
What We Especially Liked
- Banh Mi – Evo baguette, cucumber, pickled carrots, Thai slaw, cilantro, scallion, sambai, aioli, Asian BBQ Sauce, side of house kimchi
- Duck Ramen – 12 hour pork broth, crispy pork belly, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, pickled jalapeno, kimchi, cilantro, scallion, Thai basil, golden egg
- Burrito – Smoked gouda, mozzarella, sweet pickled peppers, Thai slaw, fried rice scallion, Sriacha, hollandaise, side of sambal aioli
- Tomato Bread – Grilled Focaccia, sofrito, manchego, chorizo
Dashi
1262 Remount Road
North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 284-6804
https://www.dashichs.com/
Peninsula Charleston may be better known when it comes to being a dining destination, but Mt. Peasant is quietly stealing the show with some truly impressive restaurants. Make a trip over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and you will discover a wide variety of restaurants adored by both locals and visitors to Charleston with (in many cases) a more reasonable price tag, shorter wait lines, and more space.
As Anthony Bourdain famously said (and we at Lowcountry Style & Living are totally in agreement), “I’m hungry for more.”
