Myrtle Beach, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Yelp’s recent ranking showcases South Carolina’s culinary scene, emphasizing the popularity of coastal restaurants. With 77 of the top 100 eateries located by the coast, Mediterranean Bistro in Myrtle Beach takes the lead. Other notable mentions include The Jones Oyster in Greenville and Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Charleston. This ranking reveals the diverse dining options available and highlights local favorites that appeal to both residents and tourists.
Myrtle Beach – Yelp has released its July ranking of the top 100 most popular restaurants in South Carolina, with a notable emphasis on the state’s coastal culinary scene. Out of the top 100 eateries selected, an impressive 77 are situated in coastal areas, highlighting the abundance of seafood and beachside dining options that attract both locals and tourists alike.
The highest-ranked restaurant in the state is the Mediterranean Bistro located in Myrtle Beach, celebrated for its dishes including grilled chicken salad, avgolemono, shrimp gyro, and meatballs. This restaurant has garnered praise for its excellent food and attentive service, although some patrons have commented on its relatively high prices.
Following close behind Mediterranean Bistro, The Jones Oyster in Greenville ranks second, renowned for its lobster roll and grilled oysters. Myles and Jun Yakitori Japanese Char Grill in Summerville holds the third position, famous for its beef Yakitori and Wagyu beef. In fourth place, The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head is noted for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, especially during birthday celebrations, while Jack Of Cups Saloon in Folly Beach, which is known for its curry dishes and peanut ginger soup, rounds out the top five restaurants.
In terms of restaurants located in Columbia, Tacos Nayarit ranks the highest at 15. Other notable Columbia establishments in the top 100 include Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli at 17, smallSUGAR at 38, Backstreets Grill at 57, Kitchen and Bar at 68, Midwood Smokehouse at 77, and the Original Pancake House at 83. These rankings demonstrate that Columbia has a diverse food scene that is well-regarded across the state.
Notable entries in the top ten also include Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Charleston at sixth place, recognized for offering employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. The seventh position belongs to Halls Chophouse, a prominent steakhouse in Charleston celebrated for its She Crab soup. Lewis Barbecue in Charleston, which is famous for its brisket and sausages, comes in at eighth, followed by 167 Raw Oyster Bar, known for its catered events and seafood offerings in ninth place. Rounding out the top ten is Java Burrito Company in Hilton Head, noted for its long waits that customers agree are worth it.
This latest restaurant ranking not only sheds light on individual culinary gems but also reflects the rich and diverse food culture present in South Carolina, particularly along its scenic coastline. With seafood staples and innovative dining options, residents and visitors alike can indulge in a variety of flavors and experiences throughout the state.
Key Rankings Summary
- 1. Mediterranean Bistro – Myrtle Beach
- 2. The Jones Oyster – Greenville
- 3. Myles and Jun Yakitori Japanese Char Grill – Summerville
- 4. The Jazz Corner – Hilton Head
- 5. Jack Of Cups Saloon – Folly Beach
- 6. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee – Charleston
- 7. Halls Chophouse – Charleston
- 8. Lewis Barbecue – Charleston
- 9. 167 Raw Oyster Bar – Charleston
- 10. Java Burrito Company – Hilton Head
FAQ
What is the highest-ranked restaurant in South Carolina according to Yelp’s July rankings?
The highest-ranked restaurant is Mediterranean Bistro located in Myrtle Beach.
How many restaurants in the top 100 are located in coastal areas?
Out of the top 100 restaurants, 77 are located in coastal areas.
Which restaurant ranks highest in Columbia?
Tacos Nayarit ranks the highest among Columbia restaurants at position 15.
What are some notable dishes at the top-ranked restaurants?
Notable dishes include grilled chicken salad at Mediterranean Bistro and the lobster roll at The Jones Oyster.
Key Features of Top Ranked Restaurants
| Rank | Name | Location | Notable Dish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mediterranean Bistro | Myrtle Beach | Grilled Chicken Salad |
| 2 | The Jones Oyster | Greenville | Lobster Roll |
| 3 | Myles and Jun Yakitori Japanese Char Grill | Summerville | Beef Yakitori |
| 4 | The Jazz Corner | Hilton Head | Birthday Celebrations |
| 5 | Jack Of Cups Saloon | Folly Beach | Curry Dishes |
| 6 | Bitty & Beau’s Coffee | Charleston | Employment for Disabled |
| 7 | Halls Chophouse | Charleston | She Crab Soup |
| 8 | Lewis Barbecue | Charleston | Brisket |
| 9 | 167 Raw Oyster Bar | Charleston | Seafood Options |
| 10 | Java Burrito Company | Hilton Head | Long Waits Worth It |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Hilton Head Expands Its Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Options
Mungo Homes Launches Fairway Woods at Wyboo in South Carolina
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Faces Lawsuit Over Construction Costs
Charleston Businesses Embrace Nostalgia with Free Souvenirs
Emry’s Bookshop Set to Open in Hilton Head Island
Major Renovations Begin at South Beach Marina in Hilton Head
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Charleston City Paper
- Google Search: Charleston restaurants
- Clarion Ledger
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Cat Country 107.3
- Google News: South Carolina food industry
- Perishable News
- Google Scholar: South Carolina restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
