Top Dinner Spots for Date Night in Charleston
Charleston is made for date night, and let’s go over my personal favorites for top locations.
Soft lighting.
Thoughtful menus.
Unmatched atmosphere.
If you’re searching for the best date night restaurants in Charleston, these spots always deliver. Romantic. Elevated. And of course, Good service.
Why Charleston Is Perfect for Date Night
The city feels intimate.
The food is intentional.
Every meal feels like an experience.
For the best deals in the Charleston area, read here.
1. Indaco
📍 Downtown Charleston
Why it’s perfect for date night:
• Cozy and candlelit
• Warm Italian energy
• Amazing service where it doesn’t feel too rushed
What to order:
• Meatballs are incredible
• Cesar salad is a classic
Best for:
• First dates or anniversaries
2. Frannie and The Fox
📍 Downtown Charleston
Why couples love it:
• European-inspired vibe
• Dim lighting
• Stylish but relaxed
What to order:
• pizza (people stop in all the time to just eat pizza)
• Meatballs are a personal favorite
Best for:
• Romantic but fun nights out ( not too formal and great location)
3. 167 Raw Oyster Bar
📍 Downtown Charleston
Why it stands out:
• Intimate counter seating
• Top-tier seafood
• Lively energy ( doesnt feel TOO formal)
What to order:
• Oysters
• Lobster roll
Best for:
• Casual date nights in the center of downtown
(a great spot to have a drink while you wait for your table)
4. Southbound
📍 Downtown Charleston
Why it works:
• Southern comfort dishes
• Cozy booths
• Consistently great cocktails
What to order:
• Duck breast
• Seasonal cocktail
Best for:
• Relaxed, cozy date nights when you want to spend a little extra money.
5. Malagón
📍 Downtown Charleston
Why it’s special:
• Intimate Spanish tapas experience ( great spot to try new things)
• Candlelit and cozy
• Feels tucked away
What to order:
• Jamón
• Patatas bravas
• Spanish wine ( I always split a bottle)
Best for:
• Slow, share-everything date nights
Bonus: Best Brunch Date Spot
Park & Grove
📍 Mount Pleasant
Why it’s a favorite:
• tons of parking (there is a lot right across the street)
•amazing service (one of the best, I would say, for downtown)
• Perfect daytime energy ( easy to go walking around after)
What to order:
• Crafted coffee. (They make seasonal coffee extremely well)
• Crab Cake Benedict ( the combination is INSANE)
Best for:
• Weekend brunch dates
Tips for the Perfect Date Night in Charleston
Make reservations early (most locations book months in advance)
Especially weekends.
Dress polished but effortless.
Charleston style matters.
Plan a walk after dinner.
Downtown glows at night.
Final Thoughts
These restaurants define date night in Charleston.
Dinner. Tapas. Brunch.
Every mood covered.
If you’re planning a special night, you can’t go wrong with these.
For any collaboration, please reach out using my contact form.
