Mount Pleasant has quietly become one of the best food towns in the entire Lowcountry. With 300+ restaurants spread across the Old Village, Shem Creek, and beyond, this guide covers the restaurants locals actually recommend — broken down by category.
NICO Oysters + Seafood — NICO is the crown jewel of Mount Pleasant dining. French Master Chef Nico Romo sources from Lowcountry waters and runs the area's largest raw oyster selection, all prepared in a wood-fired oven. It's won Best Seafood, Best French, and Best Raw Bar in Mount Pleasant year after year. If you only go to one restaurant on this list, make it NICO.
Saltwater Cowboys — A Mount Pleasant institution since 2017, Saltwater Cowboys sits right on Shem Creek with some of the best sunset views in town. The menu swings from ahi tuna poke to slow-smoked brisket to pickled fried okra. Live music most nights makes this feel like a party you didn't know you needed.
Red's Ice House — Red's is where you go for cold beer, roasted oysters, and a table on the water with zero pretension. The rooftop tree house bar is a Mount Pleasant landmark. BBQ bacon-wrapped scallops and their low country boil are the go-to orders. Arrive right at opening on weekends or you'll wait 45 minutes for a table.
Tavern & Table — Rustic-refined Lowcountry cooking with one of the best sunset views in Mount Pleasant. Oysters, cornbread, pimento cheese, and handcrafted cocktails are all standouts. The dockside bar is perfect for a pre-dinner drink and the indoor dining room works beautifully for a more intimate evening.
The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene - A true hidden gem. The Wreck serves simple, ultra-fresh seafood right on the water. Think steamed shrimp, oysters, and fried fish — no frills, just incredible seafood.
Page's Okra Grill — The quintessential Mount Pleasant brunch experience. Ashleigh's shrimp and grits has been featured in magazines and travel shows — made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, fried cheddar, smoked andouille, and pan-seared jumbo shrimp. The house Bloody Mary is routinely voted Charleston's best. Don't skip it.
Five Loaves Cafe — A longtime local favorite for a relaxed, unpretentious brunch. Five Loaves draws regulars for its approachable menu, warm atmosphere, and generous portions. Great for families and slow Sunday mornings.
Water's Edge Sunday Brunch — For a more elevated brunch experience, Water's Edge on Shem Creek runs a Sunday brunch from 10am–2pm with a full Bloody Mary bar, salmon benedict, biscuits and gravy, and stunning creek views. The splurge-worthy option when you want ambiance with your eggs.
Grace & Grit — Southern comfort food meets modern brunch. Their shrimp & grits and fried chicken dishes are especially popular.
Broken Egg Cafe — A dependable brunch classic offering omelets, pancakes, and creative breakfast cocktails.
Vicious Biscuit — Famous for giant homemade biscuits and creative brunch plates, this spot has quickly become one of the most talked-about breakfast places in town.
NICO Oysters + Seafood — Already mentioned in our seafood section, NICO earns a second nod for date night. The upbeat oyster bar atmosphere, wood-fired French cuisine, and South Carolina's largest oyster selection make it the most romantic dining destination in Mount Pleasant. The wine list is serious, the service is attentive, and the food gives you plenty to talk about.
Post House Old Village — Tucked into Mount Pleasant's historic Old Village neighborhood, Post House is a coastal tavern and inn serving seasonal fare and classic cocktails. It's intimate, charming, and genuinely special. Locals have been recommending it for date nights for years. Pro tip: the Old Village itself is worth a stroll before or after dinner — it's the most picturesque neighborhood in Mount Pleasant.
Tavern & Table — Rustic yet refined, Tavern & Table on Shem Creek is the perfect date night setting. Handcrafted cocktails, a stunning sunset view from the dockside bar, and a chef-driven menu that feels special without being stuffy. One of the most romantic spots in Mount Pleasant.
Grace & Grit — A consistent local favorite for a more upscale Southern dining experience. Grace & Grit draws regulars for its refined take on Lowcountry classics, polished atmosphere, and reliable quality. It frequently tops best of Mount Pleasant lists and holds up every time.
Langdon's Restaurant & Wine Bar — An upscale dining experience perfect for anniversaries or special occasions. Chef-driven cuisine and an excellent wine list make this a local favorite.
Opal Restaurant & Bar — A cozy and stylish spot offering a mix of American and Mediterranean flavors. Great atmosphere for a relaxed date night.
Nick's German Kitchen — A hip little hideaway near the IOP connector serving schnitzel and spätzle in a striking all-black-and-white space that feels nothing like anything else in Mount Pleasant. It's a beloved local favorite — reservations are a smart idea, and if the plum cake is on the dessert specials, order it immediately.
Mì Xào Vietnamese Cafe — Sometimes you want a hot, satisfying bowl of pho without the downtown parking headache. Mì Xào is that place — an unpretentious Vietnamese cafe serving substantial portions of classics like pho, fresh summer rolls, and noodle dishes from a no-fuss storefront. One of the best values in Mount Pleasant.
Amalfi's Italian — Tucked into an unassuming shopping center, Amalfi's is a local comfort food institution. Every dinner entrée comes with freshly baked bread and a soup or salad. The Penne a la Siciliana is a go-to, the portions are generous, and you'll almost always leave with a to-go box. It's not trendy. It's better than that.
Page's Okra Grill — A repeat mention because it deserves it for both brunch and dinner. Page's makes everything from scratch, leans heavily on local farms and seafood purveyors, and has perfected the art of cooking Southern food simply and extremely well. Don't leave without trying the shrimp and grits.
Coleman Public House — A solid neighborhood pub with cold beer, good food, and the kind of laid-back energy that makes it easy to stay for one more round. Coleman is a regular stop for longtime locals and consistently earns recommendations for its dependable quality and welcoming atmosphere.
Red Drum — Chef Ben Berryhill's upscale Southwestern-influenced Lowcountry restaurant is one of Mount Pleasant's best kept secrets. Known for wood-fired grill cooking, fresh ceviche, local seafood, and a thick-cut brined pork chop that regulars rave about. Sophisticated dining with a lively bar scene and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
Get the best of Mount Pleasant delivered to your inbox every Monday morning — local events, restaurant news, things to do, and neighborhood happenings. It's free. Join 2,500+ subscribers who never miss a thing. Subscribe at mountpleasantscoop.com