Charleston is known for its colorful façades, its wondrous oaks and palmettos, and music flowing from its alleyways. It’s also home to some of our nation’s most compelling food and beverages. Lowcountry cuisine represents an intricate history, and it’s all served with a hallmark sense of hospitality. With the 20th anniversary of the wildly popular Charleston Wine + Food (CHSWF) festival approaching and hosting more than 90 events, many folks are already anticipating their time in this beloved riverfront city.
“What we love most is how genuinely community-driven the festival feels,” says Lily Cantral of the team at Seahorse. “It’s a chance to connect with peers, showcase creativity, and celebrate Charleston’s food and beverage culture.”
Curious about where to gather and bask in the Holy City’s beguiling atmosphere? Our guide below invites you to discover the best of Charleston’s bars and restaurants, along with a few highlights of 2026 CHSWF.
Kultura
A rising star on the scene, Kultura was first launched in 2023 as a pop-up concept, then evolved into a brick-and-mortar establishment. In 2024, chef Nikko Cagalanan was named a James Beard finalist as “Best Emerging Chef,” one of many feathers in his cap of accolades. Within a year, in October 2025, Kultura grew again, making a new home in an elegant space fitted with rattan walls and bright tilework conjuring the Philippines…