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    Malagon

    4.3 (262 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Malagon Photos

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    MALAGON ATMOSPHERE

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    Casual
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    Recommended Reviews - Malagon

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    Reviews With Photos

    Y-Danair N.

    Malagon for late lunch/early dinner. Note, it's putting the photos under my previous review but those photos are when we went as of 4/4/26. I have photos from when we went in 2022 but I won't post them as I feel like this place has went from great to fantastic in that timeline (and some dishes have changed that may no longer be available, or the presentation might be different). Sobrasada con queso (Mallorcan soft chorizo w/ goat cheese & honey on fresh made sourdough). Pulpo a la parilla (grilled octopus w/ paprika sauce, fingerling potatos). Arros con cangrejo (crab rice w/ squid ink & paprika, rice is carolina gold rice). Grilled lamb rump with confit garlic (idr what it was called since I think it's fairly new to the menu I believe?). --- Really great. We've been here before but haven't been back since it's star. The sobrasada was really good. Honestly we could've ordered like 10 of these and called it a day. We usually get octopus whenever it's on most restaurant menus. Grilled and garnished with some oils, fried? parsley I believe, fingerling potatoes, and I think maybe fried garlic or something (I'm just guessing). Simple but cooked very well which is how we like octopus. The squid ink crab rice was my favorite thing and what the server mentioned led them to their star. Was creamy, perfectly seasoned, great texture. For any non-SC folks traveling, it's a must try. Carolina gold rice is pretty core to SC's culinary history and the pairing between this texture and the crab and squid, it balanced well. The lamb rump was very tender and grilled perfectly. There wasn't much fat, but the small bits it had were rendered very well. I believe the greens are snowpea leaves? They recommended spreading the garlic confit on the cut before eating and it was subtle but definitely elevated the flavor. I also grabbed a beer which is their collab with edmunds oast, a local and beloved brewery. Light and refreshing. I thought everything was seasoned very well and cooked perfectly. Staff was attentive, helpful, knowledgeable, and the vibe was very nice. It is a quaint and pretty small spot and we were there for quite a late lunch--i think if you go solo the bar is very doable. For a table of two for a weekend dinner you may have a wait. I unfortunately forgot the server's name but everyone that took care of us were great. We had an RSVP for 4:45 but came in two hours early because our plans got mixed up. Immediately seated. Worth it 100%. The quality of the ingredients and cook, the cozy vibe, the service--well deserved star Malagon.

    Dale C.

    Wow wow wow wow wow. This was my wife's 50th birthday dinner. It was amazing. Tapas done perfectly. Small fun place with a much deserved Michelin star. Bacon wrapped stuffed dates. So tasty salty sweet. Great. House made bread with amazing melted cheese and chunks of chorizo. Salty and savory and cheesy. What is not too love. It was great could've made myself sick on it. Next came this bulb of potato with pork inside and a savory tomato sauce. So good perfectly crispy outside with an amazing texture and flavor. New to us was beef cheeks. Wow wasn't expecting this presentation but it was tremendous. I loved all of the textures the crispy edges with the soft center and the broth was a great compliment. Very different and tasty. House made cheesecake was a perfect finish to our evening. It was one of the best I've ever had. The biggest star goes to the service staff. They made the evening great. Very excited to serve us and others as we could see. They were as excited about the food as we were. Made my wife's birthday very special. Thank you thank you.

    Soppressata
    Bari T.

    Malagón is the kind of place you might walk past if you didn't know better--small, unassuming, and quietly confident. Once inside, it's immediately clear why this market and tapería earned a Michelin star. The staff are warm, attentive, and impressively synchronized, making the entire experience feel seamless. Our server, Cameron, was outstanding--knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely excited about the menu. She encouraged us to try dishes we might not normally order, and every suggestion was spot-on. We began with the Gilda: anchovy, guindilla pepper, and olive skewers. Five small bites of pure magic--salty, savory, and completely addictive. The soppressata followed, thinly sliced and incredibly tender. Where this cured meat can often be chewy or overly fatty, this version melted in your mouth. The sobrasada con queso was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, hitting every note from rich to creamy. The fried rabbit legs were next and can best be described as elevated chicken nuggets--crispy, juicy, and surprisingly comforting. Then came the La Bomba: a pork-stuffed mashed potato bomb atop tomato and aioli. Hands down our favorite dish of the night. Outrageous in the best way possible, and next time, everyone is ordering their own! The octopus dish delivered serious comfort-food vibes--soft, perfectly cooked, and deeply satisfying. The grouper skewer was cooked so beautifully it made us wish we could order the whole fish prepared this way. Our final savory dish was the carrilleras de ternera al vino tinto, red wine-braised beef cheeks, so tender no knife was needed. The balance of savory and salty was absolutely spot-on. We ended the evening with homemade churros, served hot and fresh--three to a plate, perfect for sharing--alongside an excellent cappuccino. A flawless ending to an unforgettable meal. Malagón is a must-do. You will not be disappointed, and it's abundantly clear why this restaurant has earned its Michelin star.

    Crudo
    Caroline H.

    This is now one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston because of how delicious the food is and for the element of fine dining it offers as a newly Michelin star restaurant. The staff was very attentive and pleasant and the atmosphere was warm and elegant. You will definitely need a reservation in advance. I recommend ordering items you may not reach for at other tapas restaurants because each dish here is unique. MUST TRY: - White asparagus with sardines was so tender it melted in my mouth like butter. I don't usually go for sardines but they were not overpowering and really made the dish shine - was the star of the show - Ibérico pork skirt, which is not a typical cut of meat so definitely recommend, it was deliciously marinated and tender, would get again next time - Grilled king trumpet mushrooms were cooked well and had woody notes that warmed up the meal nicely, the chocolate in the dish was a nice touch - For dessert the basque cheesecake was so good and melty with burnt flavor that I've been dreaming about ever since CAN TRY: - Crudo was delicious, zesty and fresh but if you want something less common could try the other seafood dishes they offer - Bomba (large croquette) was hardy, okay flavor and also more of a typical tapa but definitely a crowd pleaser for large parties so I do recommend WANT TO TRY: - Carrots, beef cheeks, grilled wagyu steak, cabbage with vinegar, pulpo, charcuterie, chorizo with goat cheese and honey

    Menu
    Spencer H.

    Had a wonderful lunch at Malagon. Hard to believe a Michelin star restaurant can have such an approachable and affordable menu - while still delivering world class food and service. Lunch menu is the perfect size. It's also plenty diverse. The vegetable and seafood plates were our favorite - white asparagus, grouper skewer are out of this world. The bread with soft chorizo was also exceptional. The service is very good. Attentive, helpful and friendly servers. The vibe inside the restaurant is comfortable; it was not particularly cozy. After we finished eating we felt ready to go. Perhaps for dinner service and wine it's easier to melt into your seats and pass a couple of hours. All in all a wonderful meal. Thank you Malagon!

    Nina C.

    I finally came back here after a year before they received a Michelin star and the food does not disappoint. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the ambiance is always inviting. We brought in some of our own wines and they kindly poured it for us course by course. We enjoyed some light meats and cheeses, then some perfectly cooked duck and beef roast that was fork tender. And to end it on a sweet note, we had the infamous basque cheesecake which was perfect. It was a great time with friends, food and wine.

    Flounder
    Peyton C.

    Tried Malagon for lunch and wow! It's a small little place, be prepared to be on close proximity to everyone. The vibe is perfect though. Our service was phenomenal, they were great at helping us understand the menu and recommended some things for us. The food...just wow. Easily some of the best food I've had in a long time. Everything tasted fresh and delicious. The mushrooms were a standout. The skirt steak is also fantastic. Tbh I could have stayed and ordered a few more plates (not pictured was the bread with goat cheese we got that was also a favorite), but I'm glad I didn't stuff myself. They have such a variety of menu it's perfect for repeat visits to try different things each time. I cannot recommend enough.

    Potato Bomb
    Katherine C.

    I have wanted to try this spot since visiting their sister restaurant Chez Nous- I have heard amazing things from friends and finally had a night off to stop in. It is extremely small which I was not expecting but the noise level was fine. My party was shocked when they said they didn't serve liquor which was fine for me but definitely something you should be aware of. I wasn't too impressed with the wine service- takes a while to get drinks and they are poured from carafes into preset glasses. They don't have red or white glasses, nor do they have flutes for bubbles which is shocking to me but not a huge deal. Food comes out as it is prepared- we started with the goat cheese bread and fried rabbit. The rabbit is insanely delicious- tastes like chick fil a nuggets if they were taken up 10000 notches. Amazing, crispy, battered to perfection. Next we had the braised beef cheeks and tuna carpaccio. Beef cheeks were tender and melted in our mouth. The carpaccio was fresh and had the flavor of oil, lemon and capers. Next was the chicken and patatas bravas- I have never had potatoes this good... usually I find this dish bland and unexciting but they did it so right. I couldn't get enough. The skin on the chicken was blackened and so flavorful as well. Food was great, ambience was nice only complaint is there is only one restroom and it's cramped. Service was okay, could use improvements but not horrible. Will be back to try more!

    Bread, olives, and prosciutto-wrapped figs
    Michael D.

    Our nephew came to visit this week and he's a big time fan of Michelin star restaurants, so we decided to take him to Malagon. Now, I don't go to Michelin star restaurants very often...so when I do, I kinda expect it to be a unique, special experience with outstanding food. I really can't say Malagon fits that description. Let me expound by breaking it down by category: Ambiance - I really liked the atmosphere. It's not stuffy at all. It's small inside and I'll describe it as somewhat laid back. For example, we had a couple guys at the table right next to us (I'm talking ~1 ft away) wearing shorts, flip flops and ball caps...and they didn't stick out as being underdressed. That's fine with me. I really don't care...it's just not what I expect at a Michelin star restaurant. Only negatives with respect to atmosphere were: 1) it's very loud in there (lots of hard surfaces that reflect every sound) and 2) the seating was uncomfortable (I ended up seated on a hard wooden bench that was hard to take after sitting there for an hour +). Bottom line: I'd give atmosphere 3 stars. Service - The waitress we had (coupled with a trainee who was assisting/observing) was friendly and helpful. My girlfriend asked for a recommendation on wine (indicated she generally likes New Zealand Sauvignon blancs) and the waitress recommended what ended up being one that was carbonated...which my girlfriend didn't like. It was fine, though...she drank it and switched over to an Albariño next, which she preferred. I will say, however, that the waitress didn't come by often enough. We found several times where we wanted something and we couldn't find her to flag her down. Bottom line: I'd give the service 3 stars. Food (which is the most important part, imho): I'll break it down by what we ordered: - Marinated olives - 4 stars. Simple, but delicious - Bread & olive oil - 3 stars. Bread was good, not great. - Prosciutto wrapped figs with Marcona almonds - 3 stars. These came out cold...which again, was fine. I just prefer them warm. - White asparagus with anchovies - 4 stars. Another cold dish. The asparagus had been cooked to the point where it was basically mush. However, when combined with the anchovies and a creamy substance that I thought was some kind of soft cheese, it was a delicious bite. That said, it still wasn't "OMG delicious!". - Potato & pork "bomb" - 4 stars. This was a unique dish that I highly recommend you try if you come here. Was coated in a crispy outer shell. Kinda "one note"though. - Fried rabbit - 3 stars. Just tasted like breaded fried meat. - Grouper skewers - 3 stars. The fish was tasty, although I can't say I was a huge fan of the seasoning. - Crab rice with squid ink - 3 stars. It was just ok. - Grilled pork skirt - 3.5 stars. I struggled with this one. On the one hand, the flavor was outstanding. Probably the best tasting bites I had in the whole meal. Too much fat & gristle, though. - Cheesecake - 5 stars. Honestly, this was probably everyone's favorite part of the whole meal. More custard-like than tart. - Price / value -- 4 stars. I will say that all things considered, the dishes were all fairly priced. In summary, this was a good, not great meal. If I could give it a fractional rating, I'd probably give it a 3.8 star rating. Yelp doesn't provide that feature though, so I'll go with 4 stars overall.

    Basque cheese cake
    AbdurRabb W.

    I was so pleased by the food they put in front of me. Delicious savory options focused on Spain, northern Spain if I judged/read correctly. The basque cheese cake was particularly scrumptious. Minding your allergies, point to something random and be surprised. 7/10 says it's delish.

    From left to right: Wine: Ca'n Verdura "Supernova" Food: Zorza de cordero, Mejillones en escabeche, Papatas bravas
    Zachary S.

    Food, wine, and service was great! Ambiance depends on where you sit. We sat closer to the front and it was okay. Also super dark inside, kinda hard to see. Regardless, good vibes, would come again but probably try to sit somewhere else.

    Patricia P.

    We've enjoyed dinner at Malagón several times, but this was our first time trying lunch--and what a pleasant surprise! The restaurant was quiet, which made for a relaxed experience, and we hadn't even realized they were open for lunch. We grabbed a sunny corner table near the wine cabinets, which gave us a cozy spot with lots of natural light. From the appetizer and small plates menu, we shared tuna carpaccio, zorza, octopus, and maja with Marcona almonds--every dish was absolutely delicious. Our server, Christian, was attentive and accommodating, even making sure I could get an iced cappuccino just the way I like it. Date lunch at Malagon is definitely a must to repeat again in my book!

    Ashley L.

    I love exploring my own city, and Malagon is where I ventured today. I already expected the best because it's the sister restaurant to my favorite spot, Chez Nous. I haven't been to Spain yet, but this experience felt like one of those quaint places in Madrid. The food was amazing, the attention to detail was great, and it was plated so beautifully. The wine was my favorite experience. Our server was very helpful on making sure we order enough for for the four of us. This Michelin star restaurant really impressed me and I can't wait to go back. Our

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    Waitress didn't explain how they served their food and it honestly tasted really baddon't let the Michelin recommendation get you!!

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    Malagon Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Malagon

    Do you take reservations?

    They do take reservations and I recommend that you make them because it's a small place and they are busy and often full.

    Does Malagon restaurant have a dress code?

    I guess casual will be fine

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    AZUR

    4.7
    (124 reviews)
    1.0 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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    4.3
    (61 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    Laurel is a place for true foodies! I went with a fellow foodie, and we ordered a whole bunch of…read morethings and shared. The meat dishes were fall-off-the-bone (if there was a bone) tender (although I understand the place is equally good for vegetarians and vegans!). Every meat dish was accompanied by a puree of vegetables as well, and the pairing was always perfect -- savory meat with a sweet potato for a little "sweet" counterpoint. Lovely. Excellent assortment of wine and spirits. We also sat at the bar, which was surprisingly comfortable. Even though the place was packed, no one rushed us, and we enjoyed a long, delicious evening of great food, wonderful drinks and fabulous service. Can't wait to return next time I'm in Charleston!

    Wowowow - I am beyond impressed by Laurel! Dare I call it a hidden gem, it is tucked away on the…read moreoutskirts of MUSC's campus, so it doesn't get a lot of foot traffic. I have sat at the bar, which was an incredible experience. The bartender suggested an amazing Tempranillo wine and her favorite place. I've also sat at a table and had quality service as well. The food is outstanding. I've now tried half of the menu, but never made it to the large plates. I prefer to enjoy small plates or tapas with whomever I'm with. You absolutely cannot skip the octopus - it is the best cooked and most flavorful I've ever had. Laurel is great for date night, with friends, or taking your parents when they visit! The ambiance is cozy and welcoming.

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    The Obstinate Daughter

    The Obstinate Daughter

    4.5
    (1.8k reviews)
    6.3 mi
    $$

    We were not able to score reservations, but we showed up around 5 on a Saturday and got in at the…read morebar. It was one of those moments when they told us they were full, but two people left the bar at the same time. We were so lucky! So many people were waiting. We started off with Mai Tai's and they were delicious! The bar stools were super comfortable and the entire restaurant was beautiful. We shared a shrimp roll as an appetizer and it was incredible. We also loved the fries that garnished it; they were almost like a hash brown. We also shared a pasta with ricotta that was incredible. We ended the evening with a gin drink that was featured on the menu. So glad we were able to eat here!

    Obstinate Daughter had been on my Charleston-area dining wishlist for quite some time and judging…read moreby how difficult reservations were to secure, I was clearly not alone. Despite being ready when reservations opened, the best we could manage was a lunch reservation. No worries though because lunch at Obstinate Daughter is better than no Obstinate Daughter at all. We were able to find parking in the neighborhood and had a short walk to Middle Street. From the moment we entered the establishment, I understood the hype. Our server, Sara H., was wonderful throughout the entire meal and we kicked things off with cocktails: the Abandon Ship and All Hands on Deck. Both were excellent and set the tone for what turned out to be one of the best meals of our trip - and there were a lot of highlights!!! I also ordered the Tuna Crudo special, which was incredibly fresh and a great way to start my meal. For the table, we shared the Local Lettuce Salad, the Farro with Chicken, and the Moultrie Pizza. Everything was seriously fantastic. The Local Lettuce Salad was simple but executed perfectly with croutons, parmesan, egg, and buttermilk vinaigrette. The Moultrie Pizza, topped with pepperoni, Mepkin Abbey shiitake mushrooms, tomato, mozzarella, and parmesan, disappeared quickly. And the true star of the meal for me was the Farro with Chicken. The combination of Brussels sprouts, peanuts, balsamic, black truffle, and perfectly cooked chicken was absolutely incredible. If I lived nearby, I would order this dish again and again without hesitation. Considering the restaurant's location on Sullivan's Island and its well-earned reputation, I also thought the prices were relatively reasonable. I loved the vibes. It was packed but the service never wavered. This meal was so, so, so, so, so good. In fact, if we could have snagged another reservation during the same trip, I absolutely would have returned. The hype is real. Obstinate Daughter is worth it!

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    Magnolias

    Magnolias

    4.4
    (3.4k reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    Who doesn't love a good southern restaurant with vibes that make you think of Steel Magnolias!…read more While on my run when I was in Charleston I saw this restaurant and knew my sister and I had to try it. Upon entering the hostess were so sweet and got us sat immediately. We both knew walking in we wanted a steak. And the special that the chef had was steak skewers with Boursin mashed potatoes, black berries, corn and green beans. I was a little skeptical about the black berries with the savory items but to my surprise it was soooo amazing! I also tied the blue crab bisque! Talk about flavor! My hat is completely off to the chef. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and the service received there. I will definitely be back!

    Sitting down at this restaurant made me realize that the people of Charleston always dress nicely!…read moreNoted for next time! We ordered the watermelon caprese salad, parmesan crusted halibut, and an item on the special menu that I cannot recall at the moment. Complimentary bread and butter- delicious. no notes. who doesn't love bread and butter? Watermelon caprese salad- refreshing, high quality ingredients, harmonious. the mint pesto paired with heirloom tomatoes and mozz was simply to die for. I don't enjoy fruit in salads but my boyfriend said the watermelon was essential and that this dish was amazing overall! Parmesan crusted halibut- wow. if there is one thing you should order on this menu, it's this. I don't think I spoke once during this meal. every bite-I anticipated the next. the various flavors coming from the halibut, tomato, shrimp, rice, and corn...topped with the citrus beurre blanc was sensational. I would come back for this meal. my boyfriend wholeheartedly agrees. sangria- strong. blood orange margarita spritz- strong. delicious. Overall, we'd definitely come back. Our waiter was friendly. The food was sensational. The ambiance was warm. The drinks were strong. Our moods were changed for the better after leaving so I'd say this was a 10/10.

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    4.4
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    6.5 mi
    $$

    - Food was 10/10, amazing and seasoned to perfection! -…read moreService was friendly and fast, my entrée came out about 5 mins. after my app was brought out. - Ambiance is vibrant, indoor and outdoor seating offered with a big screen on the back patio.

    Stumbled upon the place in Park circle and we were intrigued by the menu…read more We came in with a group of 5 girls and it wasn't too busy. We had A LOT of questions but our server was very helpful in explaining some of the dishes but more importantly the pictures helped greatly. The passionfruit and spicy marg were both delicious. We all tried something different when it came to the food so we could share. The trio empanadas were banging! Crispy outside and filling inside was tasty accompanied by 2 dipping sauces. You got one cheese, chicken and beef unless specified. My friend and I shared the "Max dog" which was topped with fried potato sticks, mozzarella cheese, pulled chicken, pulled beef and corn mixed in their house made tártara sauce, smoked bacon, and house made pineapple sauce. It was an epic hotdog for sure, a bit hard to eat so we had to break it down a bit lol it had a lot of textures and flavors. The mozzarella kind of fell off since it got hard so I really didn't eat it with the hot dog and enjoyed it as is. We also got a chicharrona arepa which was a Colombian Arepa (corn flat bread), pulled beef, chicharron (fried pork belly), sweet plantain, mozzarella cheese house made tártara sauce. If you haven't had an arepa it's a must try! If you love corn and protein then you will enjoy the maiz Bonito which was a bed of corn, layered with grilled chicken, gilled steak, smoked bacon, potato sticks, colombian sausage, mozarella cheese, tártara sauce, pineapple sauce. The pineapple sauce is delicious and helps cut through all the savoriness that can be a bit overwhelming. Lastly my friend also had the chuleta which was a t bone steak grilled and topped with chimichurri. The only thing I will say with the service was that we didn't see our server after the entrees were dropped and had a hard time finding her when we were trying to get boxes and pay. Eventually someone else assisted us and found her but it was quite a delay towards the end. Overall we did enjoy our experience here with this cuisine and I actually came back not too long after with a different group of friends. I do think the pace of service can improve as a whole.

    Photos
    A view Inside the restaurant
    A view Inside the restaurant
    Picada is the king's plate, or as I call it: meat-rvana!
    Picada is the king's plate, or as I call it: meat-rvana!
    Arroz con Leche - delicioso!

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    Arroz con Leche - delicioso!
    Chubby Fish

    Chubby Fish

    4.7
    (433 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    The line: there was 2 of us, we got there at 3:45p on a Friday, line was right past Seahorse…read more(&tripled by the time they opened). Once they opened, someone came down the line to see if we wanted to sit now or put our name down for later. Definitely wish we would've just sat at that time since the earliest time they had once we got to the front was 8pm. Table wasn't quite ready when we popped back at 8pm but they walked us through drinks/wine lists while we waited outside and brought the drinks out to us while we waited. Got in to our table at 8:25pm. The food: Everything was delicious. We ordered 5 dishes between the 2 of us and ended up taking a little bit of the last dish home but only so we had room for dessert. Service was amazing, everyone was helpful and kind! Verdict: Would I wait in line, sweating in the 85 degree sunny weather again? Probably not. Would I wait in line again if it was a cool 70? Maybe. Honestly, didn't really fill the hype meter for me when there are SOOO many fantastic seafood restaurants in Charleston but glad I finally went! *not pictured: cacio e pepe fried cauliflower (are it before the phone could snap it)

    We were in Charleston visiting my son, and he has been telling me for years that Chubby Fish is the…read morebest food ever. I'll be honest, I was skeptical. I am not someone who waits in line for a reservation. I always joke that if Jesus Christ is at the end of the line, I'm still not waiting. So... we paid someone to stand in line for us. The place itself is adorable. Small, intimate, and full of charm. I was a little thrown off that the only drink options are beer, wine, or water. Two people in our party don't drink, so that felt like a miss. But then the food came. And I get it now. It was, without question, some of the best food I've had in a long time. We ordered a lot, and every single dish delivered. The caviar sliders were unbelievably good, buttery, salty, and indulgent in the best way. The tuna toast, fennel and celery salad, and ceviche were all standout, with the ceviche being especially memorable. The soft shell crab and tempura flounder were perfectly done. Even the gundi surprised me. And to finish, the "not fried" ice cream and banana pudding were just outstanding. Service was excellent, warm and attentive without being over the top. The whole experience felt special. Bottom line: I hate waiting in line, and I still wouldn't. But I am very glad we found a way around it. Totally worth it.

    Photos
    Kitchen
    Kitchen
    Grilled Oysters
    Grilled Oysters
    Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe

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    Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe
    El Callao Latin Fusion

    El Callao Latin Fusion

    4.2
    (77 reviews)
    7.0 mi
    $$

    Unfortunately what used to be a Latin gem in Charleston is no longer. This place is officially out…read moreof business and rebranded as a completely different business. Different cuisine, more Mexican and seafood than Latin fusion. Low quality ingredients and a flat menu. The charming interior design is also remodeled to something much different. Don't expect quality service either. Tbh this page should be flagged as closed bc it's just not an accurate post anymore. El Callao (and Cuban Gypsy RIP) is no longer.

    We visited Cócteles El Primo after reading reviews from when this location appears to have been El…read moreCallao Fusion, but our experience was nothing like what was described online. The food was disappointing, especially the lomo saltado. It tasted more like plain carne asada than traditional lomo saltado, and it was extremely greasy. There was so much oil left on the plate that it pooled at the bottom, and even the rice was oily. The quality, flavor, and presentation were far below our expectations. The service was just as disappointing. Our server took our order and then essentially disappeared. No one checked on us, we were unable to get drink refills, and after waiting for a long time, we had to get up ourselves just to ask for the check. The restaurant also looked very different from the photos and reviews we had seen online, making it seem like the older reviews no longer reflect the current business. Overall, between the poor food quality and lack of service, this was a frustrating experience. We will not be returning and cannot recommend this restaurant.

    Photos
    New bar window is super nice and really opens up the inside
    New bar window is super nice and really opens up the inside
    Chorrillana Chilena
    Chorrillana Chilena
    El Callao Latin Fusion

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    Malagon - spanish - Updated August 2026

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