As a Charleston local who used to live in Paris, I often get asked where I go for good French food. While nothing can truly compare to Parisian fine dining, a combination of Charleston’s foodie status and the two cities’ historic overlap means there are lots of good options.
French culture is woven into the historic fabric of Charleston, South Carolina, with many French Huguenots moving to Charleston in the 17th and 18th century. As a result, there is French influence in the city’s well-preserved historic architecture, especially in the gorgeous French Quarter downtown (also featured in my hidden alley walking tour).
This is my curated list of the best spots to enjoy authentic French food and ambiance when dining in Charleston, South Carolina (not to be confused with my guide to the best French cafes in Charleston). These restaurants are listed in the order of most casual to fine dining experiences – please note where reservations are recommended.
Gaulart & Maliclet (Fast & French)
Nestled on Broad Street, this quirky and beloved café is fondly called “Fast & French” by the locals and is one of Charleston’s most authentic and longest-standing French spots! They opened in 1984 and made a name for themselves by serving fresh, authentic French dishes in a laid-back, fast-paced atmosphere – perfect in a spot that caters to the working lunch crowd, surrounded by law offices and city hall. They are known for their communal seating and rustic decor, not to mention lunch combos that include a French press coffee or glass of wine. But that doesn’t mean you should skip out on dinner here, especially if you find yourself downtown near Broad Street on a Thursday for Fast & French fondue night.
La Bonne Franquette
La Bonne Franquette is named after the French phrase meaning “simple, genuine hospitality.” This cozy spot invites diners to enjoy classic French dishes in an unpretentious setting just over the drawbridge in West Ashley. La Bonne Franquette’s menu focuses on French classics and comfort food, with dishes like quiche Lorraine, coq au vin, and crepes, all expertly prepared to make you feel like you’re dining in a French bistro. Their brunch is the best and most authentic in Charleston. This is not surprising, as the owners are from France, bake the best local baguettes, and also run the beloved Christophe Artisan Chocolatier.
Azur Charleston
Azur Charleston is a newer concept run by a longtime French family offering multiple dining options downtown, near the College of Charleston campus. The menu offers a contemporary take on French dining, offering dishes and small plates that blend traditional French techniques with local, seasonal ingredients. Executive Chef Vilhelm Vallgren trained in France and his menu changes with the seasons, but always features a wide cheese selection and French classics like duck confit, escargot, and pan-seared foie gras. Azur also offers a well curated wine list, which focuses on French and a few other European selections, best sipped on their string lit patio.
Maison
Maison feels cozy and casual in its location on upper King Street, but don’t let that fool you. Maison’s head chef comes with a background of working in Michelin-starred French kitchens, and brings a sophisticated approach to classic French dishes. Locals visit Maison for the steak frites, house-made pâté, and impressive French wine list. This is a spot that can go either way since the ambiance is chic but understated, making it a fantastic spot for both a casual last minute or special occasions – but both will require the chocolate mousse for dessert!
Felix
Go to Felix on upper King Street if you want to sip on a solid cocktail at a nice bar, close your eyes, and pretend like you’re in the French Riviera. I would say the seasonal craft cocktails are the largest appeal at Felix (here’s looking at you, pumpkin pie espresso martini), and the sleek French nightlife vibe. Let’s just say if this was actually Paris, Emily would make an appearance at Felix.
Nico
Chef Nico is THE French chef of Charleston, and this is his OG restaurant. Nico is a French oyster bar in Mt. Pleasant that combines French culinary classics with Charleston’s renowned seafood. Slurp some of the city’s best oysters at Nico while being served by chic waiters in French striped tees. The restaurant is owned by Chef Nico Romo, a native of Lyon, France, and one of the only Master French Chefs in the Southern U.S. This is my go-to oyster spot, both for presentation and the fact they are half price all night during Oyster Mondays. But honestly the whole menu wins – other menu highlights are the bouillabaisse and daily selection of French-inspired small plates (three cheers for the octopus)! The decor is sleek yet nautical, representative of Nico’s unique fusion of French and Lowcountry flavors. Reservations suggested.
Bistronomy by Nico
Ok, I told you I loved Chef Nico. Bistronomy by Nico is his second Charleston restaurant, which takes French classics and gives them a creative twist in a fine (but not pretentious) dining setting in downtown Charleston. Bistronomy’s concept merges “bistro” and “gastronomy,” with the goal of providing high-quality French cuisine in a more approachable atmosphere. Here, you can find a great cocktail menu and elevated French dishes with subtle twists – think scallops with a green curry beurre blanc. Call me simple, but the baguette with provençal butter and black salt followed by the mussels + frites remains my favorite. Reservations suggested.
Brasserie la Banque
Brasserie la Banque is the French fine dining experience located within the actual historic French Quarter on Broad Street. The restaurant’s interior is grand and designed to mimic the elegance of traditional French brasseries and brings a touch of Parisian sophistication to the heart of downtown Charleston. The menu isn’t big but its good, which feels very French. Think elevated French classics (steak tartare, escargot, French onion soup) made with quality ingredients. The impressive wine list unsurprisingly features many upscale French selections- making Brasserie la Banque perfect for a special occasion or a romantic night out. Reservations suggested.
Bar Vaute
Hidden below Brasserie la Banque but deserving of its own feature, Bar Vaute is a Parisian-style speakeasy that feels like a secret corner of Paris within the heart of Charleston that you can disappear in for a while. This cozy bar is dimly lit and intimate (it used to be a funky little underground pizza shop), and now specializes in French-inspired cocktails and small bites that complement the drink menu, or can serve as a standalone meal if you forgot to make reservations upstairs. Their signature cocktails include the French 75 and a variety of absinthe-based drinks. Bar Vaute is a perfect spot for a nightcap or an after-dinner drink, and their decadent desserts are a great excuse to visit even if you’ve hit your cocktail limit.
Chez Nous
This is such a local favorite I almost don’t want to share it! Chez Nous is a go-to special occasion dinner spot for many local Charlestonians. It is located downtown in a charming, historic house that’s hidden enough that tourists are likely to walk by without noticing it. Chez Nous has a small, handwritten menu that changes daily, inspired by seasonal ingredients and flavors and recipes from the French countryside. Every day the restaurant’s chefs prepare two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts each day, so you never know what you’re going to get, but the rule of thumb is that mains are generally one meat and one fish options (I’ve always had options as a pescatarian). There is not a bad seat in the house- you can sit upstairs or downstairs in the old home, or at the community tables on the outside patio – all made perfect with a candlelit ambiance. Reservations suggested.
Conclusion
Well, it still ain’t Paris, but Charleston has a lovely French restaurant scene that will have you more than ready to plan a trip to France. Each of these Charleston restaurants provide an authentic taste of France, and many come with a unique Lowcountry twist. So next time you’re in Charleston, treat yourself to at least one of these French-inspired local spots and enjoy a meal that combines the best French flavors with some Charleston charm.
