Best Restaurants in Johns Island
Explore exceptional dining options in Johns Island, Charleston SC
Maine Line Seafood
Maine Line Seafood is a casual spot that locals and visitors rave about for things like lobster rolls, fish sandwiches, shrimp and seafood tacos. It's a bit pricey according to some, but reviewers say the Connecticut‑style lobster roll and chunky lobster are worth it.
Da HotBox Burgers & Brats LLC
Da HotBox Burgers & Brats is a casual, no-frills burger joint that locals rave about for burgers, fries and sandwiches (one person even turned their car around for it). Service is quick and helpful — they crank out burgers so confidently you’d think they’ve got beef with Ronald McDonald.
Tacos La Familia
Tacos La Familia is a casual, no-frills spot that locals swing by for authentic Mexican street tacos — pork is the go-to, and people rave about how true-to-style they are. It’s small and unpretentious, great for a quick, cheap meal if you’re craving real tacos.
High Steaks Butcher Shop
High Steaks Butcher Shop is a casual neighborhood butcher and food shop on Johns Island where you'll find gorgeous steaks, beef, chicken and even wings. Folks rave about the cuts and the staff — Carl and Ryan helped someone build a charcuterie selection — so go if you want quality meat and good advice.
Gallina Loca
Gallina Loca is a casual spot in Fairfield’s village known for solid tacos and beef dishes — locals rave about the street corn too. It's relaxed, reasonably priced, and the kind of place you go back to weekly if you like reliable, no-frills Mexican food.
Seanachai Whiskey & Cocktail Bar
Seanachai Whiskey & Cocktail Bar is a casual, cozy pub-style spot known for great cocktails and an impressive whiskey list — the bartender often doubles as the owner. Folks rave about the fries, a little hiding "piece" of perfection, and the corned beef they serve.
Fields Farm Market
Fields Farm Market is a casual farm stand and market with great produce, other goodies like baked items and pantry staples, and friendly staff who keep the place clean. Locals rave about the fresh vegetables and helpful service—good spot for grabbing ingredients rather than a sit-down meal.
The Royal Tern
The Royal Tern is a casual seafood-forward spot on Sullivan’s Island where people rave about the fish, shrimp, steaks and fresh salads. It’s got a nice bar and relaxed, slightly upscale vibe — diners say everything that hit the table was amazing.
Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary
Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary is an upscale-but-casual Kiawah spot where people rave about the shrimp, fish and salads—though some say the chicken can come out overcooked. It's a popular place for dinner or brunch (folks even drive out for it) with a hotel-bar vibe and a relaxed, Southern feel.
Wild Olive Restaurant - Johns Island, SC
Wild Olive on Johns Island is a casual, slightly upscale Italian spot locals rave about — think pillowy gnocchi, hearty pasta, roast chicken and generous desserts like cake and pie. With a 4.7 rating and lots of fans calling it a must-try, it's my go-to when I want reliable, homey Italian.
Stono Market and Tomato Shed Cafe
Stono Market and Tomato Shed Cafe is a casual, cozy spot that’s part market, bakery and little restaurant — think shrimp plates, pork dishes, broccoli fritters, and lots of cakes and pie for takeaway. Locals rave about the broccoli fritters and desserts, and it’s an easy stop if you want a down-to-earth meal or to grab groceries.
The Southern General
The Southern General is a casual neighborhood spot serving solid burgers, fries, pork sandwiches, and the chicken schnitzel sandwich or shrimp hoagie people keep recommending. Service can be friendly and down-to-earth (Mallory gets a lot of praise), prices are fair, and the menu leans a bit more sophisticated than your average diner.
The Ocean Room
The Ocean Room is an upscale spot on the waterfront that’s known more for steaks than casual bites — people rave about the steakhouse dishes and dessert. I’ve gone after a long break and the food was delicious; it’s one of our favorite places when we want a nicer night out.
JC Seafood (formerly Simply Seafood)
JC Seafood (formerly Simply Seafood) is a casual hole-in-the-wall seafood market and restaurant where you can grab a crab cake, shrimp, fish or a sandwich after the beach. Folks rave about the crab cake sandwich (they’ll even make it without peppers) and it’s exactly the laid-back spot the reviews say.
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.
Island Provisions - Johns Island
Island Provisions on Johns Island is a casual spot that’s part coffee shop, part grocery/liquor store where locals grab breakfast and hearty sandwiches. Their lattes get rave reviews, and it’s the kind of friendly, a little quirky place you figure out as you go.
Lost Isle
Lost Isle is a casual spot with a bar vibe where folks rave about steaks, pork, chicken and a swordfish dip on toasted bread. Service gets shout-outs ("Cat was awesome") and the food is flavorful without fuss.
Tattooed Moose, Johns Island, SC
Tattooed Moose on Johns Island is a casual, lively bar-and-grill in a historic spot where locals go for burgers, sandwiches, pork plates and solid fries. Don’t expect fine dining — it’s laid-back, has good happy hour drink specials and a house lager people keep ordering.
Charleston Distilling Co
Charleston Distilling Co is a casual bar-restaurant where folks hang out for cocktails and snacks — people mention enjoying the drinks and bar food from visits over the years. Locals rave about coming back regularly (some drive from Atlanta) and say it’s a laid-back spot for a Sunday drink or night out.
The Natural
The Natural is a casual, John’s Island spot that feels like a friendly sports-bar-ish restaurant where you can get solid salads, steaks, chicken, sandwiches and burgers. The Devon salad gets a lot of praise, and it’s a good choice if you want a quick, tasty meal without anything fancy.
Southside 17
Southside 17 is a casual, come-as-you-are bar and grill where people keep going back for burgers (the Kove burger gets mentioned a lot), shrimp, fish and steak. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot with solid food and a relaxed vibe—nothing fancy, just reliable.
ZEPPELIN PIZZA CO. Johns Island
Zeppelin Pizza Co. on Johns Island is a casual spot locals go for thin, crispy pizza and decent salads — people rave about the crunchy cheese edge and flavor. It’s family-friendly and low-key, a solid pick when you want a reliably tasty pizza night.
Blu Smoke Pit
Blu Oyster Sushi & Seafood is a casual spot in Charleston known for fresh seafood — customers rave about the shrimp, tuna and salads, and some even stop by for pie. It’s a relaxed, honest place for a seafood meal rather than anything 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.
Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House
Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House is a casual, mid-priced spot in Charleston known for brisket, ribs, chicken and even a club or sub if you want something different. Folks rave about the combo platter and friendly servers (Natoya and Paul), and the food, cocktails and atmosphere get solid reviews.
Minero Mexican Grill & Cantina
Minero Mexican Grill & Cantina on James Island is a casual spot locals and visitors praise for tacos and shrimp dishes (and yes, they do good cakes for dessert). It’s a down-to-earth, friendly place—solid, authentic Mexican food without the fuss.
Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill - Kiawah
Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill on Kiawah is a casual spot for sushi and Japanese-style seafood where people also rave about the chicken dishes. Service gets good reviews even late, and the food is consistently well-presented without being fancy.
Fishnet Seafood
Fishnet Seafood is a casual market/seafood spot where people rave about fresh, cook-to-order fish, shrimp and the fried pieces. It’s the kind of no-frills place locals stop for good, fresh seafood and friendly service.
Tolli’s Trattoria
Tolli’s Trattoria is a casual spot for pizza and Italian classics — people rave about the 10" pepperoni pizza and mention chicken dishes and desserts. It’s the kind of laid-back place folks stop at after places like Angel Oak or the Charleston Tea Gardens.
China Taste
China Taste is a casual, no-frills Chinese spot in Charleston — people rave about the General Tao’s chicken and the chicken lo-mein, and others mention steak, beef and fries on the menu. It’s inexpensive, food tastes fresh according to reviews, and it’s a solid quick-bite option, not fancy.