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    Chubby Fish

    4.7 (433 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Chubby Fish Photos

    Business Info

    CHUBBY FISH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Chubby Fish

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    Allison P.

    Where does one begin? Before being seated, chubby fish is an experience - no reservations, but standing in line waiting for your first seating is somewhat of a right of passage. Bring along a chair, some cards, or a book and you'll enjoy the wait! Once in, peep their wine menu and simply order the caviar Sammie. There are new dishes added seasonally, but my favs are bang bang shrimp on bone marrow, cacio e Pepe cauliflower, and their oysters. You can sit at a bar, long table, or booth and will have a great experience! Can't recommend enough

    Menu
    Carmen L.

    After many years wanting to try Chubby Fish, I finally made it. It's hard to describe the flavors because there's so much going on with every dish, but just know that you're going to be amazed by flavors you thought would never blend well. The menu itself is not large, and the best way to try more stuff is to order various plates to share with those in your party. Chubby fish doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to join the line at least an hour before they open. We got lucky and took one of the last few two-person seats when we visited. Our server was awesome and the ambiance was lively and fun without being too loud. Overall, Chubby Fish is a gem worth checking out if you're in Charleston.

    Curry Smoked Golden Tilefish
    Bari T.

    I'd been hearing about Chubby Fish for over a year and honestly didn't think I'd ever make it in. Curiosity finally won, so we hopped on line at 3:00 PM, landing about 15th in line, and waited until the doors opened at 5:00. The space is tiny--only around 40 seats--which explains why the line forms so early, but stepping inside made the wait feel completely justified. The restaurant is cozy, intimate, and charming, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. We were fortunate to have Hailey as our server. She was phenomenal: warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to guide us through the menu. She explained each dish in detail and walked us through the pacing so we knew exactly what to expect. We started with the Bluefin Tuna Crudo, which literally melted in our mouths with layers of flavor and texture. The Grilled Oysters delivered bold, over-the-top deliciousness. The Charred Lamb Ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and deeply flavorful. The Hakurei Turnips in a light smoked olive sauce showcased another brilliant combination of subtlety and depth. For large plates, we ordered the Curry Smoked Golden Tilefish, offering warm, layered flavor, and the Scallop Gnudi, featuring perfectly cooked, sweet scallops resting on top of the softest gnudi. Every dish felt intentional and beautifully executed. There's a reason everyone talks about this place: it truly stands out. The chef has mastered his craft, and the entire staff exudes professionalism, warmth, and genuine passion. From start to finish, the experience was unforgettable. A must-do. If waiting in line isn't your thing, here's a tip: reach out to Ella. She and her friends live nearby and will wait in line for you. We met them while waiting, and they're wonderful, responsible, trustworthy young ladies. Her number is;(781)561-8882 just send her a message!

    Outside line
    Amber S.

    Outstanding. One of the best dining experiences. Long wait, flavorful food, expensive prices. I've been wanting to come here since they opened, but was always thrown off by the busyness and variety of other restaurants to try. I've since moved away and really wanted to make it a priority for this return trip. The wait: plan to get here 1-2 hours early. We were in line 345 on Saturday and were able to get first seating- but about 25 people in front of us. They ask for your full party to be there- so make sure everyone comes at 5. The food: incredible! We split a cavier sandwich, tuna crudo, grilled oysters, poached grouper, tempura fish with soy beurre blanc, bone marrow and ube banana pudding. Everything was amazing- I loved these cavier sandwich more than anticipated. The grilled oysters were in a panang curry or like sauce- I couldn't taste the oysters much but the curry was perfect. The bone marrow was to die for. The tempura fish was way better than anticipated- the sauce really stood out. The grouper- was OK to me, it was very smokey which overpowered the dish for me. I'm not the biggest banana pudding fan but I'm a sucker for anything ube- and this dessert was the perfect palate cleanser after dinner. It was refreshing and you could distinctly taste the ube and banana which I appreciated. Cost: we are non alcoholic diners- so we ordered a lot of food and came out to be about $200. For two they recommend 4 dishes across the board, so we had a little more. Given the long wait and short trip we wanted to try as much as we could! Recommend? Absolutely. This is a meal I will be thinking about for a while. I will be adding it to my Charleston rotation!

    I'm at the end of this line!!!
    Chris G.

    Chubby Fish...funny name but serious eats coming out of this kitchen! It was a Tuesday afternoon when I got in the 40 person line to reserve a table a few hours later for the wife and I. I love the "no free lunch" concept here at Chubby Fish. There are no reservations. You have to physically get to the door prior to 5pm and make your dinner reservation destiny. Sink or swim you chubby bastards! So that's what I did. I got in line around 445pm which is late by most standards, you need to be there by 4 on weekends! Luck was on my side and I requested bar seating around 8pm, which we were given. Amazing to watch the masters of the kitchen throw down on some work! Ordered up one caviar sammich, 5 oysters, bone marrow with tempura shrimp, grouper curry. Oh yeah and my plain Jane wife ordered some shrimp and rice. All the food was amazing. I can't yet wrap my mind around the caviar sammich because of how smooth it was. For me the battle of feats was bone marrow tempura shrimp and grouper curry. Both amazing dishes with both different flavors and textures. Not only was the food amazing the staff was top tier! The hostess remembered my name when we arrived for our reservation. Rebecca our server helped me captain this Chubby Fish food expedition. The guys and gals in the kitchen chatted with us often due to bar seating on kitchen row. Their skills really shined with the taste of each prepared dish. Chubby Fish is more than a restaurant, it's a cultural experience for the taste buds. I shall return!!!

    Diondra B.

    Absolutely loved this place. Everything i ate was so delicious. The caviar sandwich was delicious. The shrimp dish flavorful and delicious and the stroopwafel ice cream was different but good. Service was friendly too

    Tiffani R.

    Chubby fish is a great restaurant, the ambiance and service is top notch. I really enjoyed chatting with some of the servers/cooks while they plated our oysters. All the food was really great, but it didn't live up to the hype for me. There are a lot of other restaurants in Charleston that have amazing seafood and you don't have to wait in line for over an hour. We had a lovely night and Im glad we tried it out, but I probably won't be back.

    Caviar Sammich
    Jamie C.

    Wow, just wow. We waited an hour in line at 4:15 PM just to get a 10:15 PM time slot. By that time, I was exhausted and honestly not even hungry. But this meal? Hands down the best I had during our entire Charleston trip. Every dish was perfectly executed--especially the caviar sandwich, which stole the show. From the crudo and ceviche to the curry, celery salad, clam cavatelli, and even the "not fried chicken" ice cream, everything was exceptional. The service was stellar too--truly a standout experience.

    Fried chicken (dessert)

    Got here at 4:05pm and waited in line, was just 1 person and was a secure a communal table on a Tuesday. Was it worth wait? Absolutely. This place exceeds every expectation you could get from the reviews. The Cavier Sammich is so buttery and delicious with a hint of lime, this by itself is worth the wait, but then it gets better. The Tuna Crudo is put of this world. With so many avocado and combinations, this plate is incredible. Them we have the grilled oysters, which puts all your favorite local favorites to shame. Unbelievable flavors. Then I got the Charred Lamb Ribs to mix things up. And James London does not disappoint. Beautiful crispness with fall off the bone tenderness. Finally the most clever dessert I've ever seen, the chicken wings disguised as a ice cream treat. Theres a reason why this place is one of the best in the U.S. Be prepared for an hour minimum wait starting at 4:00pm on a random Tuesday. If you put in the time and patience, this place is 100000% worth the wait.

    Raw Oysters
    Minna M.

    Yes! Yes! Yes! This seafood spot is absolutely worth the wait! They do not take reservations, so yes--the line is long, but once you're in, you'll see why. Every dish, from the super-fresh raw oysters to the crudo and all of the other creative fish plates, is a flavor bomb. The menu is tapas style and it makes it easy to try a bit of everything, and trust me, you'll want to. The vibe is lively, the service is on point, and the food is unforgettable. One of the best seafood experiences I've had! And one of the best meals of my life. I have zero notes for this place. Zero regrets. Caviar Sammie was so delicious! I am still thinking about it!!! I cannot wait to come back to Chubby Fish, next time I am in town. This place lived up to its hype.

    Colin P.

    Chubby was a great experience. An experience it is! No reservations, walk in only. I would suggest getting in line around 3:30 (bring a drink while you wait). They open door to reservations at 5 - so you can make a 7pm and then go back to your day! Once in, the service is a real differentiator. The food, which is fantastic, makes the whole experience unique. Pro tip, grab a drink next door at Sea Horse. Other: you can actually pay a task rabbit to wait in line for you. While convenient, it is sort of cheating the process!

    Lamb Ribs
    Brian C.

    The Hungry Detective and Special Agent Deirdre had the most fabulous experience Sunday night at Chubby FIsh...Let me start by saying I usually don't stand in line for an hour and a half but it is definitely worth the effort!!! The doors open promptly at 5 PM and we got a great spot at the bar. I would also call it a chef's table where you can see all the action firsthand. We ordered a great bottle of Gruner wine that was lovely SERVICE: Haley went above and beyond the "Call of Duty" and knows her stuff and the menu as she made great choices and expert advice...Haley made our night and dining experience!!! A true rock star!!! FOOD: We started with the Wahoo small plate and the fish was flaky white and cooked perfectly in a light tempura finish. Second: We'd had the Red Drum that was served up in a bowl of cabbage and this incredible broth...We could have had a bowl broth with bread as a meal it was so good!!! Third: Lamb ribs that fell off the bone...superb!!! Fourth: Gnocci and mushrooms...I wish we had this first because it was incredible but we hit the wall at this point!!! NOTE: As we sat and watched the staff prepare the evening courses like a well oiled machine. I noticed a whole fish snapper being prepared that was $68 and looked fabulous. It definitely could've been a plate for two people... next time I think we will save room for the whole fish it looked wonderful! VERDICT: Guilty is sin as and well deserved of a Michelin star Chubby FIsh truly knocked it out out of the park. The attention to detail was over the top and everything tasted wonderful. I can't wait to return.

    One of the finest dining experiences. Food is outstanding, don't let the casual environment fool you.

    Caviar Sammich

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    One of the best 10 meals of my life. Truly special food. And great service. And I'm pretty old. So lots of meals.

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    Chubby Fish Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chubby Fish

    I saw where someone referred to a " stand up" table. Dot you really have to stand up and eat or could she have meant a high top?

    yes, there is one "stand up" table. no chairs, you stand to eat

    Can I bring my 1.5 year old? I saw a post from 2018, but looking for something more current. We'd feed her before/after. Visiting from out of town and don't have a trusted…

    While technically you can, I don't know if I'd recommend it. There's a lineup of an hour wait to get seated, or make a reservation to come back later. Then it's always packed, loud and frenetic with a lot of activity in a small place. I wish I… 

    Is all the food spicy?

    No. Only the curry likely, that's the only spicy dish we had. It's mostly seafood. But ask the server!

    Do they have gluten free options or can they modify dishes to accommodate gluten free?

    There are many gluten free items. Most of the menu is protein based.

    Is there outdoor seating available in January?

    No outdoor. Only indoor.

    Is there a military discount offered?

    As far as I know there isn't any discount offered there.

    Do you have to order at the counter or do you have a server take your food order?

    Servers take your order.

    Since Chubby Fish does not take reservations, how early should I plan to arrive?

    Peak dinner hours means you may need to arrive earlier than if you will dine after 8:00. It will be worthy the wait. Sorry cannot be specific regarding time line 😊

    How toddler friendly is this place?

    While I'm sure they'd try to Jerry-rig a fish to suit your needs, this place is not kid-friendly. The food is too ungapatch (Yiddish for fancy and complicated). Also, since the restaurant is a bit small, you have no buffet between a kid losing… 

    View All 10 Questions

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    AZUR

    AZUR

    4.7
    (124 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Azur Burger was terrible very dry. no flavor. The beef burgundy was no good…read more The waiters had a terrible attitude from jump Street. The owner and whoever he was stayed on his phone the entire time and spoke to none of the clients. Possibly the manager. We've been traveling around here for four days, This was the bottom of the barrel. Furthermore, I believe most of these reviews came from family and friends not honest customers..

    We had the pleasure of dining here 2 separate times over an extended weekend trip…read more Host very welcoming and nurturing. Finds your table, if you arrive early for a reservation we had luck with them seating us and he says a kind goodbye as we left each time. Nice list of 3 mocktails so even if not consuming alcohol one can look to play the part at the table and enjoy the flavor notes of a well made cocktail. The first meal we had was a bit of a work/get together meal. We ordered an assortment of items off of the menu and created a more tapas menu. The charcuterie board we picked the cheeses for and it was lovely. All as expected and quite surprised to find a cheddar I enjoyed. Came with some grapes, figs, nuts, honey and I think mustard. Glazed carrots were phenomenal. Heartily enjoyed the beet salad and thought the presentation was quite pretty. Lamb lettuce wraps are alright. Not my favorite of all the dishes served but delivered as promised, nicely cooked and presented. Spouse really liked the lamb wraps and were a stand out dish to them. Meatballs are excellent truly great texture and flavor. Escargot was a fun take on a classic dish. Finished with a unique strudel in its presentation it was quite pleasant. Spouse liked the peanut butter chocolate dessert. For brunch, I had the carrot ginger soup. Which I must say was a total delight. The soup had the hallmark texture and base flavor of the carrot ginger but it had a beautiful breath of savory and some heat seasoning wise to it. It was quite an elevated soup and heartily enjoyed! I followed the carrot soup with a French toast. I am all for softly scrambled eggs but the French toast was a touch undercooked. (I did not let the restaurant know or give them the chance to make right. I regularly eat soft boiled eggs and soft scrambled so I felt comfortable with consuming them.) Strawberries were ripe and tasty. The whipped cream was gorgeous in thickness and flavor. One in law had the caesar salad with croutons and grilled chicken. Their bowl was left clean so while they are not the talkative of sorts they did seem to enjoy it. Ordered a baguette with butter. Unfortunately the butter never made it to the table but the baguette was enjoyed. Spouse had the Azur burger with the side of tapas style potatoes. All was cooked properly to temperature and texture. Flavor and taste as promised. Wasn't their favorite dish at Azur as we had tried so many lovely dishes a few evenings before. But it did deliver on what was represented in the menu. Other in law had the quiche and a side salad. They liked the quiche and would order it again.

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    Atmosphere, view from a window seat
    Atmosphere, view from a window seat
    Ratatouille: delicious
    Ratatouille: delicious
    Mocktail

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    Sorghum & Salt

    Sorghum & Salt

    4.6
    (496 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    @sorghumsalt ("S&S") made @eater 's @eatercarolinas 's January 2026 Best New Restaurant in…read moreCharleston ("CHS") List.* I'm sure South Carolina residents understand how deep and varied the CHS Food Scene is. But people from other parts of the country, primarily may associate CHS with Low Country food like Shrimp & Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes and She Crab Soup. I didn't see any of these traditional Low Country dishes on S&S's menu. I did see (1) Carrot Bolognese, (2) Green Curry Cauliflower and (3) Seared Yellowfin Tuna with cashew tahini. S&S is a modern, creative, vegetable and fruit-focused Shareable Plate restaurant. A cool take on Farm to Table. You'll also find some seafood, chicken and meat dishes. It was so hot during our visit, that an imaginative menu with lighter high quality ingredients was welcome. My wife and I tried: Grilled SC Peaches with watercress and vinaigrette Watermelon with pickled rind, feta cheese and a vadouvan vinaigrette Gem Lettuce Salad with Maple Tahini, pistachios and pink peppercorns ‍ Chantrelle mushrooms with SC corn, black garlic and potatoes Free Range Chicken with an Ahi Amarillo sauce and cabbage Aside from the chicken, all of these dishes felt inventive and fresh. The plating was terrific. Lots of colors, shapes and textures. The flavors really popped. The stand-outs for me were the peach and watermelon dishes. The chicken was good too by the way. It was well cooked and had good texture. I wish the World had more restaurants like @sorghumsalt . It was a joy to eat there. Five Stars *Sorghum & Salt is not new in a technical sense. They existed in different forms prior to their more recent Brick and Mortar in the Cannonborough area.

    Incredible pastas, very vibey space (including a disco ball in the bathroom) and a perfect spot for…read morean upscale group lunch or dinner. We came here as a group of 8 a few months back and there was nothing that we tried that we didn't absolutely love. We got a few of the snack plates, a few of the mids and a few of the larges and it was a decent amount of food for our group. Some of the prices caught us off guard (looking at you $16 singular scallop) but when food is good, it's good. We were a group split between locals and visitors and our friends from Charleston said this was a favorite spot for them. It's easy to see why. Go for a special meal and go with friends so you can try a little bit of everything.

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    Board listing where local ingredients are acquired from
    Board listing where local ingredients are acquired from
    Acorn squash
    Acorn squash
    Amazing wine selection

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    Amazing wine selection
    The Tippling House

    The Tippling House

    4.6
    (28 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Our favorite wine bar in the area!…read more The service was exceptional as our server was incredibly knowledgeable and helped us choose wines that were a perfect fit for our tastes. They offer an impressive selection of wines both by the glass and by the bottle, making it easy to find something you'll love. While the food menu is small, every item feels thoughtfully curated. The black olives were the perfect snack pairing, and the peaches were absolutely incredible. We loved learning that the peaches are sourced locally and that the mint is grown fresh right behind the restaurant. The space itself is cozy and intimate, creating a warm atmosphere that makes every visit feel special. We can't wait to come back!

    Stopped here for some wine after dinner and found it to be a little gem. It's small but they offer…read moreboth bar seating and have some tables available towards the back. It was quaint but very inviting. I'm so sorry if I got your name wrong but I think it was Nicole? She was very friendly and told us about their specials and I love that they print a new menu daily as they rotate a lot of their wines. There was an option to do a "half bottle" which gets you just a touch more than a glass so we thought that was perfect for the two of us for just under $40. We got a nice and chilled Gamay and enjoyed our conversations with her. It's a nice place for a date, girls night or even if you want to sit alone at the bar. The team there makes you feel at home!

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    The boldest Cabernet
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    Berkeley’s

    Berkeley’s

    4.4
    (153 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    A caesar salad with a buffalo chicken cutlet and fries, split, with a coors banquet. The perfect…read moregirl dinner for two. Sitting on the patio enjoying the weather. This place has great food and great prices, service was quick and the staff was friendly. Would love to try more from here!

    What a horrible experience. Girlfriend and I went there yesterday for a quick drink or two after…read moreattending the Greek Festival nearby. There were 4 open spots at the bar, so when we *finally* found the host, we asked if they were first come, first served. He told us there were two people coming and that he'd let us know. After waiting probably 10 min, he finally agreed to seat us at the bar (the 2 other people never showed up). So, there we sat...and sat. Bartender finally comes by and plops a bottle of water in front of us. Doesn't say hi / bye / or eff you (although she definitely gave off the latter vibe with her body language). After sitting there another 10 min and not being acknowledged whatsoever, I got fed up. Stood up, told my girlfriend I had had enough...and I flat out refused to give my money to an establishment that treats their customers in this manner. Honestly, I grew up in the Lowcountry and I can tell you that *most* restaurants/bars/shops/etc. in Charleston feature employees who are generally gracious/friendly/hospitable/helpful. Then, on occasion, you run into places like this. How they stay in business has to be a function of location alone, because their service is absolutely horrible! Will advise anyone who will listen to avoid this place at all costs!

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    Patio doors
    Patio doors
    Wedge w buffalo cutlet
    Wedge w buffalo cutlet
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    Chubby Fish - seafood - Updated August 2026

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