Restaurant Guide Charleston, SC
Traveling with Celiac can be tricky… I have compiled a list of spots I tried in Charleston. The ones on the list that I tried are spots that I felt safe eating at and did not have any reaction to. I hope this guide can be helpful. As always, ask staff yourself to make sure nothing has changed since I am posting this and make the best call for you. I also take a gluten away pill at EVERY restaurant as an added layer of protection- you can use this link to purchase your own with code CELIACSWEETIE for 15% off your order.
Safe travels and make sure to comment with any that you try or more spots to try so we can add to the list!
Best Cocktail
Bar Vauté had the best cocktail of the trip! A cool vibe located beneath French restaurant, Brasserie la Banque, was the perfect spot to stop while exploring downtown Charleston for a refreshing beverage!
Pictured is the Fleur de lis. Check out their website here; below is a cool photo of some of the art deco featured in the building, as well as the cocktail menu for the bar (not found online). A must stop!
Favorite Restaurant Overall
82 Queen!!!
This is one of Charleston’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants. It is a fancier and more expensive spot- but it did not disappoint! They serve “Lowcountry Cuisine,” and on top of their indoor dining spots, they have an adorable Garden Courtyard nestled in the French Quarter for dining.
This was where I had my first Shrimp & Grits, and it was hands down my favorite meal of the trip. They took serious precautions and can make many menu items gluten-free. Their “red rice” (a Charleston staple) is also gluten-free, which I found was not always the case at other spots. Here is the menu and a few more photos below!
Best Waterfront Spot
Fleet Landing was a nice restaurant overlooking the water with really delicious food. They have a lot of southern staples, a raw bar, and a fair amount of gluten-free options. This one comes highly recommended in the Celiac community!
*Note that they do NOT have a dedicated fryer! I tried the crab claw cocktail which was super yummy if you like crab: chilled snow crab claws with a mustard sauce. For my entrée I had the blackened triggerfish sandwich with no bun (they do have gluten-free buns!) and the side I chose was cucumber tomato salad. It was so flavorful! Unfortunately their red rice is not gluten-free, so you can not get that as your side.
Trendy Lunch Spot
Momo is a super cute riverfront restaurant on an old Navy Base. They’ve got fun, creative drinks, and their menu options are seasonal and change based on the ingredients availability and inspirations of the kitchen.
*Note they do NOT have a dedicated fryer! They do fry their tortilla chips in house so the chips are not celiac safe.
I tried the pimento and pickles (with chicharrones on the side for the rest of our party, but they are fried so are not celiac safe), and blueberry basil salad with steak. Here is Momo’s menu.
Best Rooftop + Fish Tacos
The Watch Rooftop is where I had the best fish tacos ever! It is located in downtown Charleston on the 7th floor of the Restoration hotel. Our service here was very poor to be honest, but the food was delicious!
If you go here for dinner, the shrimp & grits ARE gluten-free! I didn’t try them as they were not part of the lunch menu. The fish tacos were outstanding as well as the watermelon salad side. They have many gluten-free and vegetarian options and it’s a fun atmosphere outside if weather permits.
Check out their menu here.
Best Takeout
Burton’s Grill & Bar is every celiac’s dream with their dedicated fryer and bountiful options!!! I had this the first time I visited Charleston and I had to get it again, of course.
I called and spoke with staff both times verifying the safety, and they are so confident in their allergy protocols and, again, have a dedicated gluten-free fryer.
I was able to have crab cakes (!!!), truffle fries, and calamari. It has been years and years since I have been able to have crab cakes or calamari. Everything is so delicious. It is located in Mount Pleasant just outside of Charleston.
Here is their menu full of GF options!
