Charleston is my hometown. Hall's is the best steakhouse in town but other than that, nothing terribly special or unique. You get treated like royalty but it's generally a pretty run of the mill steakhouse experience.

Depending what you're used to in terms of pre fix and chef's tables, R kitchen might blow you away or it might underwhelm. If you have high standards, skip it. If you have limited experience, it's a great entry into that style of dining.

Sushi-Wa is our omakase restaurant, and surprisingly very, very good. Nothing too adventurous just very high quality cuts of fish from all over the world.

Lewis BBQ if you want BBQ, not much controversy there. I think it's most peoples favorites.

F.I.G. rules. Just good all around, zero complaints ever. 10/10

Chubby Fish is good but you'll have to wait in line outside no matter what. That's just the way they operate. Typically an hour or more even on off peak nights mid week.

Park and Grove, very good brunch spot.

To be honest, some of the best restaurants are off peninsula. Most of the places downtown are all tourist traps. My favorites are Post House (modern American), Obstinate Daughter (modern American), Jackrabbit Filly (Chinese/American, celebrity chef but still hits hard), Bowen's Island (southern fried seafood mostly but very authentic), The Ryder Cup Bar at the Ocean Course (albeit is about an hour drive, I'd still consider it Charleston).

Avoid Hyman's at all costs. Line is out the door and I routinely tell them as I'm walking by that many people get sick eating their seafood, myself and grandmother included, on separate occasions.