South Carolina has taken home just 10 James Beards in the restaurant and chef awards' 33-year history, and a Palmetto State restaurant has never taken home the award for Outstanding Restaurant.
Which South Carolina restaurant deserves to win a James Beard Award in the Outstanding Restaurant category?
We asked, you answered.
Chubby Fish’s James London peels back a filet from a local snapper when deconstructing them on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Charleston.
More than one-third (34.2 percent) of respondents to The Post and Courier's February survey named NICO Oysters + Seafood, while 23.3 percent of participants gave a shoutout to Chubby Fish.
"I live 1,000 miles away from this restaurant and regularly reminisce about my last meal there," one reader wrote about NICO. "Every aspect of my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. The flavors and freshness were unparalleled, and every single bite was cooked to perfection."
"Their food is outstanding. It is innovative without being overly done and the flavor always comes first," another respondent commented about Chubby Fish. "The staff are also some of the kindest and most informed, attentive people. It’s always an extreme joy and privilege to eat at Chubby Fish."
Chez Nous (5.1 percent), FIG (3.1 percent), The Ordinary (2.7 percent) and Wild Olive (2.1 percent) were also among the many restaurants readers recommended.
"Having lived in Seattle for 10 years and Atlanta before that, I have found The Ordinary to be the closest thing to 'award winning' dining in this list and throughout Charleston," another reader said. "They bring a wonderful combination of Southern fair with modern elegance."
Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards highlight culinary talents from across the United States. In total, 11 South Carolina chefs and restaurateurs from across the state landed on the 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist list in January, nearly doubling the number of semifinalist nods the state earned in 2023.
James Beard Award finalists will be announced on April 3.
