Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, and what better place to do so than in the Lowcountry? There is truly something for everyone, whether you’re planning a romantic evening for two or a fun Galentine’s Day gathering. Brunch? Seafood? Outdoor seating? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! To help you find the perfect spot, our team rounded up their all-time favorite Lowcountry restaurants.

Quick Breakfast 

If you’re starting your Valentine’s Day celebrations early, consider flipping the script on a large lavish brunch and choose an intimate counter-service breakfast spot to kick off the day. For a fresh start, head to The Daily Cafe for a healthy bowl or avocado toast with cold-pressed juice. Or savor buttermilk biscuits and enjoy a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere at Little Line. If you prefer a sweeter spin on breakfast, Daps Breakfast & Imbibe offers Fruity Pebble pancakes and French toast with cozy bench-style seating. Delicious comfort foods and charming atmospheres – what more can you ask for to start off the most romantic day of the year?

Dining Al Fresco

Charleston wrote the book on outdoor dining, offering a variety of al fresco experiences perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day. For a casual and cozy neighborhood vibe, Berkeley’s offers comfort food and a beautiful patio ideal for groups or a casual date. At Vivian Howard’s Lenoir, enjoy refined Southern cuisine in a charming outdoor space that complements the restaurant’s unique interior. Or head over to Mount Pleasant and enjoy cocktails and delicious seasonal faire on the shaded lounge-like patio at The Post House, a picturesque tavern and inn. For a unique experience, Lost Isle on Johns Island offers a fire-to-table menu in an entirely outdoor setting, making it feel like an intimate backyard gathering. You truly can’t go wrong dining outdoors in the beautiful Lowcountry!

Drinks & Small Bites

We love hopping around Charleston for drinks and apps before heading to an evening reservation. Stems & Skins in North Charleston offers charcuterie and other Mediterranean small plates alongside an extensive wine list in a cozy atmosphere. For the true wine lovers, be sure to grab a quick bite to eat at Graft Wine Bar and shop their incredible selection from their floor to ceiling wine display. Immaculately crafted drinks are not hard to find in Charleston, and we especially love the specialty cocktails at The Archer.

Main Course & Seafood

Going out for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner is a must in a city known for its food scene. Charleston is especially renowned for its seafood cuisine, and our team certainly had a hard time narrowing down our favorites! Topping the list of our favorite seafood restaurants are FIG, The Darling, and 167 Raw. For groups looking for other options, Marbled & Fin redefines the traditional steakhouse with a modern, elegant twist, offering premium cuts of beef. We also love the artisanal pizzas at Wood & Grain and the rustic Italian ambience at Wild Olive on John’s Island. 

The Team’s Top 3

Three restaurants set themselves apart from the rest, appearing over and over again on our team’s lists of favorite Lowcountry restaurants. Don’t let the unassuming corner-store feel of Vern’s fool you – the warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with the curated menu inspired by local ingredients, makes this a favorite among Lowcountry locals. For Charleston’s best seafood, Chubby Fish offers a menu reflective of the catch of the day, with a creative twist. Topping our list of recommendations is Melfi’s, a classic upscale Italian restaurant in a sophisticated midcentury setting. 

They say food is a love language. If that’s the case, there’s truly no better place to spend the most romantic day of the year than in one of the country’s best food destinations! If you prefer to hang out at home, check out our post featuring our favorite Romantic Spaces! We’d love to know – where are you spending Valentine’s Day this year?