Mount Pleasant, that charming coastal town hugging the South Carolina shore, is known for its deep-rooted fishing heritage. This is where you go when you want shrimp and grits from a family-run spot that’s been serving for generations, or to feast on oysters pulled fresh from the creek. But there are also exciting new chefs redefining the scene. These days, some of the best seafood you can get comes with creative twists.
Burtons Grill & Bar
$$ | (843) 606-2590 | WEBSITE
Burtons Grill & Bar is our go-to spot for a reliable meal in Mount Pleasant. Open for lunch and dinner, this seafood-focused restaurant is known for their gluten-free options: an entire menu carefully prepared without cross-contamination, featuring standout dishes like the Philly cheese steak spring rolls and fried fish sandwich. At $24, the ribeye is a satisfying main, but adding a $12 side of scallops will make it a feast.
The coastal-themed dining room has warm lighting and nautical accents, and on weeknights, it’s a peaceful place to enjoy the Mediterranean Chicken Risotto and watch the game after work. But on weekends, all bets are off. At peak dinner hours, it’s everyone’s first choice before heading home. They also have excellent takeaway service for those who prefer to dine elsewhere.
Page’s Okra Grill
$ | (843) 881-3333 | WEBSITE
You won’t find anything resembling Page’s Okra Grill’s signature dishes elsewhere in Mount Pleasant—shrimp and grits cake with a spicy kick, heavenly French toast during brunch, or crab cakes that are fresh and tasty. This seafood restaurant has Southern comfort influences, but their love for coastal flavors runs deep. Every inch of the cozy space feels comfortable and welcoming, with attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere.
This is where you go for a leisurely brunch in the neighborhood, or a casual catch-up with Bloody Mary-loving friends. If it’s warm outside, ask for a table on the outdoor patio where dogs are welcome.
Langdon’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
$$$ | (843) 388-9200 | WEBSITE
Looking for a memorable meal with perfectly cooked steaks and fresh seafood? Planning a special celebration or just a night out with friends? If either scenario applies, let me introduce you to Langdon’s Restaurant & Wine Bar. Head to this welcoming establishment for an exquisite menu featuring dishes like the 12oz filet, duck breast, oyster Rockefeller, and soft shell crab.
In just one evening, you’ll leave with the taste of crème brûlée on your lips and the memory of excellent service that makes every visit special.
Opal Restaurant & Bar
$$$ | (843) 654-9070 | WEBSITE
When you spot the elegant bar and cozy tables through the windows on Mount Pleasant’s main street, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Opal Restaurant & Bar. Inside this sophisticated yet relaxed dining spot, it can take a moment for the seasoned waitstaff to notice you during busy hours, but once they do, start with the oysters on the half shell, and the charcuterie board that regulars rave about. Don’t forget the She Crab Soup you’ve heard described as amazing.
Entrees like cavetelli with veal meatballs and ricotta gnocchi in brown butter might feel like too much at this point, but don’t overthink it and just get both.
NICO | Oysters + Seafood
$$$ | (843) 352-7969 | WEBSITE
NICO | Oysters + Seafood is part seafood restaurant and part oyster bar—so if you’ve never slurped fresh oysters while surrounded by an impressive wine list, this is the place to start. The inviting space has a great vibe from the moment you walk in, where the staff prepares clean, beautifully presented seafood. We usually go for the generous seafood tower to start, especially with those super good oysters, and mains like the delicious red snapper or filet Mignon.
Feel free to check out the rotating wine options like Sancerre as you wait for your affordable crème brûlée or house-made chocolate ice cream.
Red Drum Restaurant
$$ | (843) 849-0313 | WEBSITE
A Lowcountry mural of shrimp boats welcomes you to this seafood restaurant, where they host live jazz on the weekends. People start filing in on Fridays and Saturdays around 6pm, just in time to get a dinner order in before the music starts at 7pm. Whether you go for the fresh guacamole, the smoked salmon dip, or the jumbo shrimp, it’s definitely a good idea to eat a bunch of seafood before you spend the rest of your night by the bar, sipping cocktails and enjoying the refined atmosphere.
The wood grilled cheeseburger with sweet potato fries is another solid choice, and the grilled chicken salad is perfect if you want something lighter. With its upscale charm and welcoming ambiance, it’s easy to see why this place has become a favorite.
Shem Creek Crab House
$$ | (843) 725-4902 | WEBSITE
This seafood spot occupies a prime waterfront location along Shem Creek, with sweeping views of the marsh and sunset. Start your visit to Mount Pleasant with some lunch or dinner at Shem Creek Crab House before exploring the rest of the area. They have pretty good crab cake sandwiches and shrimp boils, but their bigger dishes like the Seafood a la Wapoo feel surprisingly substantial for a casual waterfront restaurant.
We’ve had enjoyable full meals at the tables overlooking the water: creamy linguini loaded with shrimp, scallops, and fish, flavorful grouper nuggets, and sweet she crab soup. Stop by during sunset, when the golden light reflecting off the water fills the dining space.
Charleston Crab House
$$ | (843) 725-4902 | WEBSITE
After exploring the historic Charleston waterfront, make your way to this cozy seafood spot that’s become a local favorite. Through the bay windows offering water views, you’ll glimpse platters piled high with oysters, shrimp, and crab. Inside, you’ll discover all the straightforward seafood classics: huge oysters, shrimp po boys, soft shell crab sandwiches, scallops, and red fish. Our go-tos here are the crispy shrimp po boy and the soft shell crab with that delicious sauce.
Jasmine Thai Kitchen
$$ | (843) 388-7178 | WEBSITE
Jasmine Thai Kitchen is a cozy Thai spot in Mount Pleasant that hits all the right notes for a casual dinner. The clean, intimate space features pictures of Thailand on the walls and a TV screen playing Taylor Swift songs and Thailand snippets, creating a relaxed vibe. They keep the menu straightforward: fresh spring rolls, dumplings, pad dishes, and shrimp spring rolls, plus popular items like the Tom Kha soup with chicken.
We’re partial to the vegetarian options they’ll prepare upon request, and there’s a solid selection of reasonably priced dishes to choose from. The friendly, attentive staff never makes you feel rushed, so you can plan on settling in for a comfortable meal. Just note that the bathroom doors could use some attention, but it doesn’t detract from the overall neat environment.
Topsail Restaurant
$$ | (843) 416-8306 | WEBSITE
If you’re searching for a coastal gem to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself to an unforgettable meal, Topsail Restaurant delivers. The unassuming exterior gives way to a warm, cozy interior, complete with nautical accents, soft lighting, and a lively hum of conversation. This Mount Pleasant favorite serves up exceptional seafood, like the Asian Tuna that impresses with its perfect sear, and the Lobster Deviled Eggs that are ideal for sharing.
It’s open for dinner nightly, so you can linger over a glass of wine if the evening calls for it.
Crave Kitchen & Cocktails
$$ | (843) 884-1177 | WEBSITE
This Mount Pleasant spot near the beach serves up Southern comfort food for any craving. Grab some Chicken Biscuits to go, or settle in with a plate of their creamy Chicken Marsala. Stop by for their $12 lunch specials, or enjoy $10 cocktails at Happy Hour, alongside some crispy sweet potato muffins. If you want something lighter, they have everything from delicate Scallops to rich Risotto. You can even take home a family-sized Tuscan Shrimp Fettucine.
Crave is known for its welcoming vibe—the clean, comfortable space always features vibrant outdoor seating with beachy decor. Come hungry with a small or large group (the service handles both well), and look out for attentive staff like Owen, Julia, and Matthew who make allergy accommodations a priority.
LoLA Mt Pleasant
$$ | (843) 984-5004 | WEBSITE
This Creole restaurant in Mount Pleasant brings some authentic New Orleans flavors to a lively, bustling setting. The place is vibrant, with colorful Mardi Gras décor, exposed brick walls and jazz music playing in the background, but the dishes are crafted with genuine care. While we especially love the shrimp and crawfish étouffée, all of the seafood offerings are layered with complex spices like cayenne, paprika and garlic. A side of duck fries complements them perfectly.
Also order the fried green tomatoes—crispy slices served with a tangy red sauce and pepper jack cheese. The whole menu is worth exploring, and it’s a solid choice for a weekend dinner or a casual meal with friends.