Location: Charleston
Top Restaurants in Charleston
Charleston Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Charleston
Once a frontier town and home to Daniel Boone, today Charleston is the historic, sophisticated capital of West Virginia and home to a variety of exciting cultural and recreational attractions. The State Capitol, with its gleaming 23-karat gold dome and classic 20th-century architecture, is truly a sight to see. Most of the city's major landmarks are located right around the Capitol, making it easy to see everything. Wander around the meticulously landscaped grounds to view statues of historic figures like Stonewall Jackson and Abraham Lincoln. History and culture buffs will want to spend some time at the Cultural Center, which includes a state museum, reference and archive libraries, a theater and plays host to special events throughout the year. For those who prefer outdoor endeavors, more than a hundred miles of spectacular scenery await you on the Midland Trail scenic highway, also known as U.S. Route 60. Hop off at any point to do some antiquing, biking or hiking. The Kanahwa Forest offers more than 9,000 acres of exploration and recreation just south of town. Shopping, interesting attractions and plenty of outdoor fun make Charleston an ideal getaway.
Things to do in Charleston
1. Pies and Pints
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By kymmik - Beckley, West Virginia
small but nice atmosphere went with 4 teenagers all ordered something different steak sandwich had to be sent back just because the steak wasn't as done as she wanted no biggie I ordered my favorite Black Bean Pizza my son his favorite Peperoni pizza and the other teen white sauce pizza every one was happy with their food and the manager was awesome about the sandwich that wasn;t cooked Would def. go again and also like their Fayetteville locatation
2. First Watch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
First Watch specializes in delicious creations freshly-prepared to order. Their fresh, award-winning Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch dishes are made using only the best ingredients without the use of heat lamps or deep fryers. The best part is their creative menu features traditional favorites like omelets, pancakes, salads and sandwiches.
Reviewed By Swlogan29 - Charleston, West Virginia
Excellent for eating breakfast or lunch, but generally, so popular there is a wait for a table, usually about 10-15 minutes.
My favorite for lunch is the half veggie sandwich with choice of soup or salad. Whole sandwiches are available.
There is quite a variety of breakfast selections.
The staff are efficient and friendly. I do recommend giving First Watch a try.
3. Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By revsvette
I love trying barbecue in different cities, and this place is the real deal! It was by far the most tender and moist beef brisket that I've ever tasted! The pulled pork was tasty and tender. The barbecue sauce was great.The sweet potato casserole made a sweet delicious end to the meal.
4. Laury's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Since 1979, Laury's Restaurant has been the premier fine dining establishment in Charleston WV. We invite you to join us for a memorable dining experience in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere located in the old C&O Railroad Depot, a National Register of Historic Places.
Reviewed By reebee2727 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We ate here on a Thursday evening in early December. The place was quiet but warm, inviting, and beautifully decorated. Because we were dining with a large group, we were placed in the overlook-nook. We had escargot, shrimp cocktail, mac-n-cheese, steak, mashed potatoes, asparagus, salad, ravioli, and duck. For dessert, banana fosters and chocolate mousse. Everything was delicious, beautiful presentation, and perfect quantities. Service made the whole evening even better. The two attending ladies were happy to answer questions, took time to explain how the meals were prepared, and always kept our glasses filled. Food, service, and atmosphere were 5 stars - no question! My only eh-moment was the bathroom. It was very clean and spacious with 2 stalls but it was very cold inside. We hope to be back soon to try their other prepared dishes!
5. Black Sheep Burrito & Brews @ The Brewery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 445 reviews
Serving one-of-kind fusion Burritos, Tacos, and Tortas with a routing selection of craft beers brewed in-house by Charleston Brewing Co. along with signature Margaritas and MoJitos. Saturday and Sunday Brunch is served from 11am to 3pm along with a limited burrito and taco list to choose from. Normal business hours are Sunday through Thurs 11am to 10pm and Friday & Saturday until Midnight.
Reviewed By rreishman - Charleston, West Virginia
If you are a beer fan this is the place to go. The brews are excellent and there are enough in house varieties to please anyone's taste.
The menu is limited on weekends until 3 PM but there are plenty of good brunch type foods.
The service was excellent and very attentive.
6. The Block Restaurant And Wine Cellar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Experience a satisfying and memorable dining experience at The Block Restaurant and Wine Cellar downtown Charleston, West Virginia. Our restaurant offers the best tasting dishes made from the highest quality ingredients and an extensive wine selection. With more than 20 years of experience, we take pride in being known as the unique innovators of creative dishes and presentations. Visit us and feast on our specialty dishes made with passion and love.
Reviewed By WVherd82 - Charleston, West Virginia
This place was very modern, and beautiful. Most importantly the food was great and service was fast. I got the cod and it was delicious. I will be going back!
7. Bluegrass Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 379 reviews
Charleston's authentic farm-to-table made-from-scratch modern comfort food restaurant. With a legion of chefs who caringly practice the art of food, BgK offers delicious brunch, dinner, and desserts for hungry vegetarians, meat connoisseurs, and everyone in-between. In the circa 1920 building with pressed tin ceilings and exposed architecture, Bluegrass also serves as a gallery for local artists. In the Tap room there's live original acoustic music most nights, with finely crafted cocktails, a curated wine list & a bounty of beers. Close to West Virginia's beautiful capitol grounds the family-owned and operated Bluegrass Kitchen has been featured in The New York Times and Wall Street Journal as well as Bon Appetit, Garden & Gun, Taste of the South magazines and many more.
Reviewed By JANNETTE E - San Antonio, Texas
I'm sure if I went there a second time it would be great however.... We were seated and across the room was a gentleman going over a book or something with another and felt he had to talk at the highest level possible. Ordered an appetizer and they did not bother to say they were out of pita bread and served cold stiff tortillas with the appetizer. Portability it would have been good had they been heated. Ordered the vegetarian burger and it was burnt. They did not charge for it, however, I did not get to eat, as my husband was done with his meal before the wait staff every came back. If ever back again I would give it one more shot as the place is really cool in design.
8. South Hills Market and Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
South Hills Market and Cafe serves lunch and dinner in the dining area and at the bar Tuesday - Saturday. Catering available for any occasion. Full bar, craft brews on tap, and a 2014 & 2015 Wine Spectator Award winning wine list.
Reviewed By mjpk25 - Parkersburg, West Virginia
small, quaint restaurant on top of the hill...i LOVE the location, it's like a whole separate town, gorgeous homes, cute shops etc...was here for lunch, had the salmon blt and fries...both were delish and would eat here again for the food...however, service made me feel like i was a bother and an afterthought...it was quite slow and seems to be an on-going issue as i read past reviews...i'm thinking it may be past time to take note...
9. Tidewater Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 621 reviews
Reviewed By jimkimble - Holland, Ohio
We were referred to this mall by the desk at our motel as it had several good restaurants. We chose the Tidewater Grill and decided we have our dinner at this restaurant. The waitress was very friendly and helpful. The drinks were good and delivered quickly. We had a BLT which was good, but average. My problem was the bowl of clam chowder that was like a bowl of hot milk. I'd guess if I could have gotten all the pieces of clam out of the soup they would not have covered my small finger nail. There are a lot of choices in this mall and this is NOT one we'd recommend.
10. Fazio's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By emelinammr - Fraziers Bottom, West Virginia
My husband and I visited the restaurant along with two other couples after our friend made reservation for 6. They were the first to arrived and were upset because they refused to be seated until all the couples were there. The manu said that the meal included bread and salad, but said nothing about and extra charge fr garlic bread. The waitress was friendly and did a good job, but forgot to mention that there was an extra charge for garlic bread when she asked if we wanted garlic bread or plain, after all most restaurants especially Italian include the garlic bread free of charge. It wasn't until we received the bill that noticed the extra charge. Most of the food tasted good except for the salad, which was just iceberg lettuce, a lot of celery, with one cherry tomato. The house Italian dressing had no flavor. It tasted like plain celery. The lasagna has great taste, but the serving was in my opinion too small for the price. We paid $78.00 for a meal for 2 without including the tip and we did not even had and alcoholic drink (1 water and 1 Coke). There are other Italian restaurants closer, but cheaper. I was disappointed.
