French Restaurants in Charleston
Discover the best french dining experiences Charleston has to offer
Taverna Philosophia: Aegean Brasserie
Taverna Philosophia is a casual Aegean brasserie in Mt. Pleasant where people rave about the salads, soups, steak and desserts — my friends went back twice in two weeks. It's not fancy, just solid Mediterranean food with a friendly, local vibe.
Bistronomy By Nico
Bistronomy By Nico is a casual spot where locals rave about the fish, ribs, salads and cake — and servers like Stephanie get called out for being excellent. Reviews are glowing (4.8 from 604), so expect solid, straightforward food rather than fancy frills.
Hutson Alley
Hutson Alley is a casual, tucked-away stretch of tiny spots and a tiny bar where people rave about seafood like oysters and shrimp, plus steaks and pasta from the Italian places. It’s more of a cute, low-key place to stroll between bites than a formal night out.
Betty Lou's Bistro
Betty Lou's Bistro is a casual, neighborhood spot in West Ashley where people rave about steaks, sandwiches, fries and their cakes. It's a cool little place with a relaxed vibe—consistent, unpretentious, and always a good experience.
Breizh pan Crepes
Breizh Pan Crêpes is a cozy, casual spot in Charleston where people gush about their savory buckwheat crepes with salmon and the egg-and-goat-cheese crepe. If you're in the mood for light, crispy crêpes and coffee for brunch or dessert, this place is a solid pick.
Sunrise Bistro Mount Pleasant
Sunrise Bistro in Mount Pleasant is a casual, friendly spot people go for coffee, breakfast and diner-style sandwiches — think cinnamon buns, ham or crab benedicts, hash, clubs and shrimp or chicken sandwiches. The staff gets a lot of praise and prices are fair, so it’s an easy local spot for a laid-back meal.
AZUR
AZUR is an upscale, historic spot run by a French chef where people rave about their salads, beef dishes, seafood and desserts. I've gone for both brunch and dinner — it's classy and consistently good without being flashy.
Maison
Maison is a casual, fairly new spot on upper King St doing French-leaning dishes — think steak, lobster specials, fries, soups and pie for dessert. People rave (one reviewer wished they could give 10 stars) and it’s great for celebrations without being pretentious.
Brasserie La Banque
Brasserie La Banque is a French spot in downtown Charleston that leans fine-dining but can feel casual depending on the night — people go for oysters, caviar flights, steak & eggs, shrimp and even peach French toast. Reviews rave (4.6 stars) and folks say desserts and cake are worth sticking around for.
Sunrise Bistro of Johns Island, SC
Sunrise Bistro on Johns Island is a casual, friendly spot for coffee, breakfast, and simple American plates — folks rave about the shrimp, steak, and popular melts and sandwiches. Expect good service (Savannah gets a lot of praise) and a relaxed, neighborhood vibe close to Charleston.
Bar Vauté
Bar Vauté is a cozy, downstairs speakeasy-style spot that's casual but a little intimate and lively — think wine, cocktails, and good music. People rave about the steaks, fries, seafood and even the cake, and the execution usually matches the vibe.
Chez Nous
Chez Nous is an intimate, bustling French spot in Charleston with a daily-changing menu where people rave about the chicken, pasta and desserts. It’s a pricier, casual-but-not-casual place — great if you want European-style food rather than Lowcountry classics, but reservations are tough.
NICO | Oysters + Seafood
NICO is a slightly upscale, casual French-ish seafood spot in Charleston known for fresh oysters (served attached with their briny liquor), shrimp, tuna and even a burger on the menu. People rave about the peach tatin and attentive service, though some dishes lean refined rather than down-home.
Ashley & Cooper Bistro & Pub
Ashley & Cooper Bistro & Pub is a casual pub-style spot in Charleston — think burgers, sandwiches and a changing bistro menu. Folks have noted favorites were cut from the Bistro menu, so come for a relaxed burger or beer rather than fancy dining.
Saveurs Du Monde Cafe WestEdge
Saveurs Du Monde Cafe WestEdge is a casual, quiet French spot in WestEdge where locals go for simple, homemade dishes like boeuf bourguignon, chicken coq au vin, lasagna, soups and pastries. Service is friendly and low-key—great for a walkable, relaxed dinner rather than a fancy night out.
Saveurs du Monde Cafe
Saveurs du Monde Cafe is a casual, neighborhood French-ish spot in Mount Pleasant where people go for soup, sandwiches, pastries and a good coffee. Reviews praise straightforward service (Maria gets called out a lot) and the place feels like a relaxed bakery/cafe rather than a fancy restaurant.
Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French Inc.
Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French is a casual, French-style spot in Charleston known for really good sandwiches, soups and simple desserts. Locals rave it's one of the best lunches in town — expect straightforward, homemade-tasting sandwiches and soups, nothing fancy.
Saveurs du Monde Café Seabrook Island
Small, casual French-ish café on Seabrook Island that’s quiet and clean — folks rave about salads, shrimp dishes, pasta, beef plates and the baked goods like croissants, muffins and macarons. Service is friendly (Kim gets shoutouts) and it’s a relaxed spot for a decent mid-priced meal.
The Bistro - Eat. Drink. Connect.®
The Bistro is a casual spot in town where folks stop for a drink after walking around and grab decent wings. Service gets good notes, though some customers wish they carried Dr Pepper or Coke products.
La Cave
La Cave is a cozy, casual French spot on upper King Street where people go for wine and a relaxed meal — desserts get lots of praise. Expect good food, a nice ambiance, and smaller crowds than the nearby hotspots.
Ville Sainte Bistro
Ville Sainte Bistro is a cozy, slightly upscale French spot in Charleston where locals rave about the shrimp, pork dishes, and a rich soup or melted cheese salad. It’s casual enough for a relaxed night out — Philippe and Mark run a friendly, attentive place that feels like a neighborhood bistro.
39 Rue de Jean
39 Rue de Jean is a casual French spot in Charleston where locals go for good soups, salads and classic chicken, pork and beef dishes. It’s a popular, relaxed place — people rave about anniversary dinners and generally say it’s a very good experience.
IHOP
This IHOP is a casual, trendy spot for classic breakfast and diner eats—think Colorado omelette, steak omelette, cinnamon crepes and club sandwiches. Service gets a lot of praise and the place is clean and comfortable, not fancy but solid for a reliable morning meal.
City Bistro - College of Charleston
City Bistro at the College of Charleston is a casual college cafeteria — nothing fancy but reliable for a quick meal. People often grab the chicken and say the food is pretty good overall for what it is.
The Bistro
The Bistro is a casual, no-frills spot in Charleston where locals grab burgers, the breakfast pancakes with sausage, or a grilled chicken sandwich. It’s plain and friendly—good for a simple meal, not a fancy night out.