Summerville, South Carolina may be known for its small-town charm, Southern hospitality and as the birthplace of sweet tea, but its food scene is booming like never before. From down-home Southern cooking to international flavors, this town’s restaurants are delighting locals and visitors alike.
Below we’ve rounded up ten of the best-rated eateries in Summerville (in order of their customer-rated excellence). Each spot offers something special – whether it’s a cozy historic ambiance or a dish locals can’t stop raving about. Grab your appetite and let’s explore Summerville’s dining gems!
1. Toast! All Day (Summerville)
Toast! All Day in Summerville tops the list with its stellar reviews – and it’s easy to see why. Acclaimed by The New York Times Magazine as a “must eat,” this upbeat spot is famous for its all-day breakfast and award-winning brunch fare. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, with cozy, modern décor and friendly staff (expect a cheerful greeting and maybe a wait during peak brunch hours).
Menu highlights include their indulgent stuffed French toast, fluffy “Huge” pancakes, and classic Southern comfort food like shrimp and grits. Toast also serves lunch and dinner, but it’s the Southern breakfast classics – often served with a side of warm hospitality – that have made it a Summerville staple.
With over a thousand glowing reviews praising the “wonderful food” and attentive service, Toast! All Day is the kind of place that leaves you full and happy, whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or enjoying a leisurely Sunday brunch.
Info:
Toast! Summerville
717 Old Trolley Road
Summerville, SC 29485
Monday-Sunday: 7AM-3PM
843-900-4422
2. Five Loaves Cafe
A longtime local favorite, Five Loaves Cafe earns high marks for its fresh, farm-to-table approach and comforting meals. Housed in a quaint cottage downtown (complete with a front porch where you can sip sweet tea and watch the world go by), Five Loaves exudes a relaxed, cozy ambiance.
The menu is creative yet approachable – think gourmet sandwiches, hearty homemade soups, and vibrant salads brimming with locally sourced veggies. Regulars love the daily soup specials (the potato soup and tomato bisque are standouts) and the shrimp & grits made with local stone-ground grits. Despite the wholesome ingredients and healthy options, this café doesn’t skimp on flavor – it’s “delicious comfort food” that just happens to be guilt-free.
Five Loaves also prides itself on sustainability, working with local suppliers and even using eco-friendly materials. With an average 4.5-star rating from hundreds of diners, this little eatery proves that eating well and feeling good can go hand-in-hand. It’s perfect for a light lunch or casual dinner that leaves you satisfied, not stuffed.
Info:
Five Loaves Cafe-Summerville
214 N. Cedar Street
Summerville, SC 29483
Monday-Friday: 11AM-9PM
Saturday: 10AM-3PM (Brunch) & 4:30PM-9PM (Dinner)
Sunday: 10AM-3PM (Brunch) & 4:30PM-8PM (Dinner)
843-804-9410
3. Swig & Swine (Summerville)
If you’re craving authentic Southern BBQ, Swig & Swine is the top-rated pick in town. This barbecue joint brings a fun, laid-back vibe – picnic tables, rustic wood decor, and the mouthwatering aroma of smoked meats wafting through the air.
Swig & Swine is beloved for doing things the old-fashioned way: slow-smoking everything in-house over wood. The result? “Excellent” pulled pork, brisket that melts in your mouth, and smoked wings that fans call “simply perfect”. Don’t sleep on the side dishes either – from creamy mac ‘n’ cheese to collard greens, they’re “sooo delicious” and could steal the show on their own.
Customers also rave about the friendly service and fun atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you can roll up your sleeves, dig into a platter of ribs, and enjoy a local craft beer or sweet tea.
With a 4.5-star average and hundreds of reviews, Swig & Swine has cemented itself as Summerville’s BBQ hotspot. (Pro tip: save room for dessert if the sweet tea pecan pie is available – it’s a true Southern treat!)
Info:
Swig & Swine BBQ
1990 Old Trolley Road
Summerville, SC 29485
Monday-Sunday: 11AM-9PM
843-974-8688
4. Lowcountry Fish Camp
Fresh seafood and a backyard fish-fry vibe best describe Lowcountry Fish Camp, another Summerville favorite. This small, rustic & casual restaurant and bar is all about Lowcountry local catch – and customers love it for its unpretentious charm and seriously good eats.
The interior has an eclectic, hometown feel (string lights, nautical knick-knacks, a laid-back patio), and it was even voted “Best Place to Dine Outdoors” for several years running. Regulars come for the daily specials and ultra-fresh seafood: crispy fried shrimp baskets, blackened fish over red rice (pictured above), and buttery local oysters when they’re in season. They also do a killer Lowcountry boil on weekends. The atmosphere invites you to relax with a cold beer or a house cocktail while enjoying live music on some nights.
Reviews frequently mention the “great local fresh seafood” and friendly service in the same breath. With a strong 4.5★ rating on TripAdvisor, Lowcountry Fish Camp delivers an authentic coastal Carolina dining experience – picnic tables, paper baskets, hushpuppies, and all. Come hungry, leave happy (and maybe a little messy!).
Info:
Lowcountry Fish Camp
903 Central Avenue
Summerville, SC 29483
Monday-Wednesday: 11AM-8PM
Thursday & Saturday: 11am-9PM
Sunday: 11AM-3PM
843-285-8558
5. Myles and Jun Yakitori Japanese Char Grill
Switching gears to international fare, Myles and Jun Yakitori is a hidden gem bringing Japanese flavors to Summerville – and diners have rewarded it with some of the highest ratings in town (a 4.6★ average on TripAdvisor). From the outside it might look unassuming, but inside you’ll find a chic, city-like ambiance with modern Japanese décor and a cozy, welcoming feel.
The husband-and-wife team (Myles and “Mama Jun”) infuse Charleston hospitality into an authentic izakaya-style experience. The menu centers around yakitori – skewers of various grilled meats and veggies – using traditional Japanese charcoal grills and top-notch ingredients (think bacon-wrapped asparagus, tender yakitori chicken, and melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef). Beyond skewers, they offer sushi rolls, creative appetizers, and rotating chef specials that showcase seasonal ingredients.
Sake lovers will be delighted by the curated list of Japanese sakes and beers to pair with your meal. Guests consistently praise the “one-of-a-kind” experience and flavorful dishes – it truly “will be an experience unlike any other” in Summerville. For an intimate dinner that transports you to Tokyo by way of the Lowcountry, Myles and Jun Yakitori is a must-visit.
Info:
Myles and Jun
710 Bacons Bridge Rd.
Summerville, SC 29485
Monday-Thursday: 4PM-9PM
Friday, Saturday: 4PM-10PM
Sunday: Closed
843-875-3195
6. Eclectic Chef
Quaint, casual, and true to its name, Eclectic Chef is a top-rated café that has captured Summerville diners’ hearts (and stomachs) over the years. Located right in the historic downtown, this café offers a refreshing change of pace: order at the counter and grab a seat either in the cozy dining area or out on the sidewalk tables.
The menu is full of inventive sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and quesadillas, plus some of the freshest salads and soups you’ll find anywhere. One lunch might see you devouring the popular “Baja Chicken Panini” with a cup of homemade tomato basil soup; next time, maybe a giant Cobb salad or a gourmet grilled cheese. Everything is made to order with quality ingredients, and you can taste the difference.
It’s no wonder Eclectic Chef has been voted Summerville’s favorite caterer for over a decade – they know how to feed a crowd with flavor. The ambiance of this eclectic restaurant is relaxed and family-friendly (you might meet the owner, Chef Scott, chatting with regulars).
With a 4.5-star rating from customers, Eclectic Chef proves that sometimes the best dining experiences are the simple ones: fresh food, prepared with care, enjoyed among friends.
Info:
Eclectic Chef
125 Central Avenue
Summerville, SC 29483
Monday-Saturday: 10AM-3PM
Sunday: Closed
843-821-7733
7. Oscar’s of Summerville
An upscale casual icon in Summerville since 1982, Oscar’s consistently ranks among the town’s top restaurants. Tucked just off Main Street, Oscar’s looks modest from the outside, but step through that black door and you’ll find an inviting, club-like atmosphere with warm wood accents and intimate dining rooms.
Many locals have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions here over the past 40+ years. The menu balances traditional Southern staples with upscale twists: you’ll find classics like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes, alongside unique creations like smoked Gouda grit cakes and a chilled Charleston crab dip. Steak lovers are in luck too – Oscar’s perfectly grilled steaks and prime rib have their own fan following.
Despite the elevated menu, the vibe isn’t stuffy; it’s an “upscale-casual” feel where you can relax with a craft cocktail or enjoy their popular happy hour on the patio. The excellent service is known to be attentive and friendly, often treating guests “like family.”
With an average rating around 4.5 stars from hundreds of reviewers, Oscar’s has clearly stood the test of time. It delivers that “intimate feeling not found anywhere else in Summerville” along with consistently delicious food – a combination that keeps generations of patrons coming back for more. On a personal side note, Oscar's ranks as one of our top dining spots in all of Summerville!
Info:
Oscar's of Summerville
207 W. 5th N. Street
Summerville, SC 29483
Monday-Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday-Saturday: 11AM-10PM
Sunday: 11AM-8PM
843-871-3800
8. The Icehouse Restaurant
The Icehouse Restaurant is a farm-to-table pub-style eatery that hits the sweet spot between quality and comfort. Housed in a historic 1903 icehouse building (hence the name) in downtown Summerville, this restaurant radiates character – from the exposed brick walls to the friendly buzz of the bar area. It’s “casual, upscale, and award-winning” all at once, known for its eclectic Southern fare with a New Orleans twist.
The menu truly has something for everyone. Craving a hearty Southern entrée? Try the famous salmon Wellington or the chicken and andouille Cajun pasta. In the mood for a steak? Their filet mignon with mashed potatoes never disappoints. There are even vegan and vegetarian options, like a generous veggie pita, for Meatless Monday diners.
Prices are reasonable, portions are generous, and the flavors are on point – which is why the Icehouse is “routinely rated as one of the best restaurants in Summerville”. In fact, it has been voted “Summerville’s Overall Favorite Restaurant” four years running by a local paper.
Whether you’re grabbing a craft beer at the bar (they’ve won Best Bar in town, too) or sitting down with family for dinner, the Icehouse makes you feel right at home. Friendly service and a lively atmosphere keep the place packed on weekends, so call ahead. With its combination of history, hospitality, and delicious food, the Icehouse is a prime example of Summerville’s dining at its best.
Info:
Icehouse
104 East Doty Avenue
Summerville, SC 29483
Tuesday-Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday-Saturday: 11AM-10PM
Sunday: Closed
843-261-0360
9. Matt’s Burgers
For a no-frills, all-thrills burger experience, Matt’s Burgers is the go-to joint in Summerville. This humble little brick building downtown might not look like much, but it houses a legend. Matt’s has been serving old-fashioned griddled burgers for years, earning a loyal following and a solid 4.4★ rating online. The atmosphere is as casual as it gets – think small-town diner vibes with counter service, simple décor, and maybe a line out the door during the lunch rush.
What keeps folks coming back is the food: juicy, made-to-order burgers that many swear are the best they’ve ever had. The menu is simple (burgers, hot dogs, and fries – plus a killer chili if you’re lucky), and that’s exactly its charm. Regulars recommend the mushroom swiss burger or the “Matt’s Special” loaded up with the works. Complement it with crispy crinkle-cut fries or tater tots on the side and you’re in comfort-food heaven.
Despite its popularity, Matt’s has maintained that friendly, small-town service – expect a warm greeting and your food delivered with a smile. It’s the kind of place where they might remember your name after a few visits. In a world of trendy gastropubs, Matt’s Burgers proves that a great burger in an unpretentious setting never goes out of style. As one Reddit user put it, “Some of the best burgers I’ve had anywhere, ever” – hands down.
Info:
Matt's Burgers
102 South Cedar Street
Summerville, SC 29483
Monday-Saturday: 11AM-8:30PM
Sunday: Closed
10. La Rustica on Magnolia
Rounding out our list is La Rustica, an elegant Italian restaurant that has quickly become a local favorite (boasting a 4.7★ rating on OpenTable). Set in a beautifully restored historic house under grand live oak trees, La Rustica offers a dining experience that’s equal parts romantic and inviting.
The ambiance is a standout – there’s a lovely piazza (patio) outside complete with a hand-carved marble fountain imported from Italy, and inside, cozy dining rooms adorned with wine bottles and Italian artwork. It truly feels like a little slice of Tuscany in Summerville.
Chef Giulio and his family serve up authentic Italian cuisine based on time-tested family recipes. The menu features classics like homemade lasagna, rich carbonara, and chicken marsala, as well as seasonal specials such as fresh local seafood puttanesca or house-made gnocchi. Locals rave about the Burrata caprese appetizer and the perfectly cooked veal saltimbocca.
To pair with the meal, choose from a well-curated wine list featuring Italian vintages. La Rustica’s combination of atmosphere and cuisine makes it popular for date nights and special events – and yet it remains warm and welcoming for families as well.
The staff often treat you like part of the family, which adds to the charm. If you’re looking for an intimate dinner and a break from Southern fare, La Rustica is “a family owned gem in the heart of historic Summerville” that will leave you saying grazie for the recommendation.
Info:
La Rustica on Magnolia
Monday-Saturday: 5PM-10PM
843-400-2220
Conclusion: Savoring Summerville’s Best
Summerville’s dining scene truly has something for everyone, and these ten restaurants exemplify the town’s culinary diversity and hospitality. From Southern barbecue and seafood shacks to international cuisine and cozy cafés, each spot on this list has earned its place through glowing customer ratings and rave reviews.
Together, they paint a picture of a community that loves good food and warm service. Have you tried any of these Summerville favorites, or do you have your own top picks? We’d love to hear about your favorite Summerville eats or any delicious experiences you’ve had at these spots.
One thing’s for sure – whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, Summerville offers an inviting table and a memorable meal waiting for you. Bon appétit, y’all!
Share your thoughts: Did we include your go-to Summerville restaurant? If not, let us know in the comments which spot you think deserves a shout-out, and why. We’re always hungry for more recommendations! 🍽️