The 10 Restaurants That Defined Charleston Dining in 2025 — Resy | Right This Way

Updated: Dec. 3, 2025
We asked our contributors to the Resy Hit List to share their top dining experiences in their cities this year — to choose 10 restaurants that define the state of great dining right now. Welcome back our Best of The Hit List for 2025.

The year started quickly in Charleston, with Merci, Cane Pazzo, Tutti, and others all opening within the first few months of 2025. But it wasn’t just about the newcomers; as the year went on, chef Daniel Humm opened his residency at The Charleston Place, while the hard-working kitchens at Wild Common, Vern’s, and Malagón all were honored among Charleston’s first Michelin star recipients. With a handful of spots planning 2026 openings, we’re sure even more great Resy options are headed your way.

In the meantime, here are the 10 restaurants that defined dining in Charleston in 2025 — a momentous dining year indeed for the Holy City.

1. Merci

Merci has a menu to match its beautifully outfitted 26-seat dining room, tucked into an 1820s building in the heart of Harleston Village. Nightly menus have featured a crowd-favorite steak tartare, pitch-perfect charred cabbage Caesar, squash gratin with crab, and crispy duck ballotine. But the beef Wellington for two is the dish you’ve probably already heard about: a generous tenderloin wrapped in mushroom duxelle and draped in golden-brown pastry, presented tableside.

2. Vern’s

Settled into a quiet corner of a residential neighborhood, the serious offerings that earned Vern’s a Michelin star belie a polished but comfortable dining room that invites local diners and visitors alike. Fresh crusty sourdough with allium butter awaits, along with spot-on raw tuna with Calabrian chile and citrus.

3. Chef Daniel Humm x The Charleston Place, Presented by Resy

In October, Swiss-born chef Daniel Humm kicked off a yearlong residency at The Charleston Place hotel. The four-course $135 prix fixe experience endeavors to take advantage of Charleston’s culinary traditions.

4. Sullivans Fish Camp

Chef Jason Stanhope became captain of Sullivan’s Fish Camp just before summer 2025, bringing unique offerings like beet carpaccio, clam and fish chowder, and perfectly crispy shrimp.

5. Sorelle

Chef Nick Dugan maintains a menu of unique and memorable Italian dishes at Sorelle, creating a wraparound experience that will stick with guests.

6. Wild Common

Wild Common was another of the Charleston trio bestowed a Michelin star in 2025, renowned for its creative tasting menus at $95 per person.

7. Tutti Pizza

The guys at Graft Wine Shop teamed up to create a low-frills spot where you can enjoy a killer pie alongside a fine wine or cheap domestic beer.

8. Chubby Fish

Chubby Fish was named among the 50 best restaurants in September.

9. Grit Bakery

Baker Allison Anspach offers pastries as close to perfect as you’ll find in Charleston, with a daily $5 special.

10. Cane Pazzo

Cane Pazzo is known for its casual setting and serious menu, featuring fresh local seafood and a variety of housemade pastas.