8 South Carolina Gems with Breathtaking Views and Incredible Food

South Carolina offers some of the most spectacular waterfront dining experiences in the Southeast. From Charleston’s historic harbor to the rolling hills of Greenville, these restaurants combine stunning scenery with mouthwatering cuisine.

Each location provides a unique atmosphere where you can savor delicious meals while enjoying incredible views that will make your dining experience truly unforgettable.

1. MOMO Riverfront Park, North Charleston

Waterfront dining reaches new heights at this trendy spot overlooking the Cooper River. Fresh Asian fusion dishes blend perfectly with Southern influences, creating unique flavors that surprise and delight every palate.

Sunset views paint the sky in brilliant colors while you enjoy signature cocktails and creative small plates. The outdoor seating area provides front-row seats to passing boats and wildlife.

Local ingredients shine in dishes like Korean BBQ shrimp and grits or Vietnamese-inspired pork belly tacos. Weekend brunch features bottomless mimosas with panoramic river vistas that make every meal feel like a special occasion.

2. The Kingstide, Daniel Island

Sophisticated coastal cuisine meets stunning marsh views at this upscale dining destination. Chef-driven menus showcase the best of Lowcountry ingredients with modern techniques that elevate traditional Southern flavors to new levels.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping vistas of tidal creeks and salt marshes. The elegant interior design complements the natural beauty outside, creating an atmosphere of refined comfort.

Signature dishes include pan-seared grouper with Carolina gold rice and house-made charcuterie boards featuring local meats and cheeses. The extensive wine list pairs perfectly with both the food and the serene waterfront setting that changes with each tide.

3. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Hilton Head Island

Casual waterfront dining doesn’t get much better than this beloved local institution perched directly over Skull Creek. Raw bars overflow with fresh oysters, clams, and shrimp caught by local fishermen just hours before serving.

Weathered wooden decks extend over the water, where dolphins frequently surface near your table. The rustic atmosphere perfectly matches the no-frills approach to serving the freshest seafood possible.

Steam pots loaded with crab legs, corn, and potatoes are perfect for sharing while watching shrimp boats return with their daily catch. Cold beer and frozen cocktails complement the laid-back vibe of this authentic coastal experience.

4. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar, Charleston

Historic charm meets modern dining at this converted naval building overlooking Charleston Harbor. The restaurant’s maritime heritage shines through original architectural details while serving contemporary American cuisine with Southern influences.

Panoramic harbor views include Fort Sumter, passing container ships, and the iconic Ravenel Bridge. Both indoor and outdoor seating options provide excellent vantage points for watching harbor activity.

Menu highlights include she-crab soup, blackened red snapper, and bourbon bread pudding that perfectly capture Charleston’s culinary spirit. The location’s rich naval history adds depth to every meal, making diners feel connected to the city’s storied past while enjoying its delicious present.

5. Bluffton Oyster Co., Bluffton

Raw bar excellence defines this beloved oyster house situated along the scenic May River. Local watermen deliver fresh bivalves daily, ensuring every dozen tastes like pure ocean essence with distinctive Lowcountry brininess.

Casual picnic-style seating on covered decks overlooks working docks where shrimp boats and pleasure craft share the waterway. Spanish moss drapes ancient live oaks that frame perfect sunset views.

Beyond outstanding oysters, the menu features fried green tomatoes, fish tacos, and famous she-crab soup recipes passed down through generations. The authentic atmosphere captures old-school coastal dining before development changed the landscape, preserving traditions that make Lowcountry cuisine special.

6. Liberty on the Lake, Irmo

Mountain lake serenity meets upscale dining at this hidden gem overlooking pristine Lake Murray waters. The restaurant’s elevated position provides sweeping views across South Carolina’s largest lake, especially magical during golden hour.

Contemporary American cuisine emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared with creative flair. The menu changes seasonally to showcase the best regional produce and proteins available.

Signature dishes include cedar plank salmon, duck confit, and decadent chocolate desserts that pair beautifully with the extensive wine selection. The sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for romantic dinners or special celebrations while enjoying some of the state’s most peaceful water views away from coastal crowds.

7. Bowens Island Restaurant, Charleston

Authentic Lowcountry tradition lives on at this rustic seafood shack accessible only by a winding dirt road through salt marshes. The weathered building looks like it might blow away, but it’s been serving incredible oysters for decades.

Newspaper-covered tables and mismatched chairs create a wonderfully unpretentious atmosphere where the food speaks louder than fancy decor. Marsh views stretch endlessly in every direction.

Roasted oysters arrive by the shovelful, steamed until shells pop open to reveal perfectly cooked treasures inside. Fried shrimp, crab cakes, and hush puppies round out the simple menu that hasn’t changed much since opening, proving that sometimes the best dining experiences are the most authentic ones.

8. The Lazy Goat, Greenville

Mediterranean flavors flourish at this riverside gem perched along the Reedy River in downtown Greenville. The restaurant’s terraced outdoor seating cascades down toward the water, creating intimate dining spaces with varying perspectives of the flowing river below.

Creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes feature fresh ingredients and bold flavors that transport diners to coastal Europe. The wine list emphasizes selections from Greece, Italy, and Spain.

Menu standouts include lamb tagine, seafood paella, and house-made pasta dishes that pair perfectly with the romantic riverside setting. The location near Falls Park provides easy access to scenic walks before or after meals, making it a perfect destination for combining great food with natural beauty.