Charleston, South Carolina, is a city celebrated for its rich history, stunning architecture, and undeniably, its vibrant food scene. For food enthusiasts visiting this charming Southern gem, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the local flavors than embarking on a Charleston Food Tour. If you’re seeking a unique and incredibly tasty way to spend an afternoon or evening, exploring the heart of the city through a Charleston food tour is an absolute must-do.
One standout experience is the Downtown Culinary Tour offered by Charleston Culinary Tours. For a reasonable price, this tour provides a curated tasting journey through approximately three different restaurants, featuring around 12 delectable courses. More than just a meal, it’s a full-bodied experience that will leave you delightfully full and enriched with intriguing snippets of Charleston’s history. The beauty of a Charleston food tour lies in its blend of gastronomic indulgence and historical exploration. As you stroll between restaurants, you’ll not only be treated to culinary delights but also absorb fascinating historical anecdotes about the city’s streets and landmarks. While the Downtown tour is a popular choice, options like the Upper King Street or Mixology tours cater to varied palates and interests.
Our culinary exploration began at Southend Brewery, a Bay Street establishment known for its industrial-chic décor and smoked specialties. Here, we sampled four distinct courses, including one from a sister restaurant, each showcasing the brewery’s smoked expertise. The standout dish, without a doubt, was the smoked pork barbecue. If you find yourself at Southend Brewery outside of a Charleston food tour, the barbecue is an absolute must-try, along with any of the dishes we were fortunate enough to sample – all readily available on their regular menu.
After savoring the initial courses, a pleasant walk led us to our second destination.
Eli’s Table, situated on Meeting Street, was next on our Charleston food tour. This restaurant adopted a family-style serving approach, with generous platters of each course placed at our table for communal enjoyment. The sweet potato pancakes were an instant favorite, earning top marks from our group. For those eager to sample local Charleston specialties, the shrimp and grits is highly recommended. Happily, both these standout dishes are regular features on Eli’s Table’s menu, allowing you to revisit your favorites.
Our final culinary stop was Leaf, located on Beaufain Street. In contrast to the more casual ambiance of the previous venues, Leaf presented a more upscale and refined setting. Arriving at Leaf was particularly welcoming as the rain had begun, and stepping into the warm restaurant and being greeted with chicken noodle soup was a delightful comfort. The BLT grilled cheese also garnered rave reviews. Both the comforting soup and the decadent mousse are regular offerings on Leaf’s daily menu.
(Not Pictured: Risotto with Fried Scallop, Triple Chocolate Mousse)
To conclude, a Charleston food tour, especially the Downtown Culinary Tour, is an exceptional way to sample a wide array of Charleston’s culinary highlights in a single outing. You’ll leave not only with a satisfied palate but also a richer understanding of Charleston’s food culture and history. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Charleston seeking a memorable and delicious experience.
