What Were Charleston’s Top Restaurant Newcomers of 2019?

In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. To kick it off in Charleston, Eater asked the group eight questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequent most to the biggest surprises of the year. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.

Q. What were the top restaurant newcomers of 2019?

Marion Sullivan, Food editor Charleston Magazine:
Maison, Malagon, Jackrabbit Filly, and Estadio

Stephanie Burt, writer and host of The Southern Fork:
I loved Chubby Fish and Kwei Fei this year.

Hanna Raskin, Food writer and critic for the Post & Courier:
KinFolk, Delaney Oyster House, Wild Common, and Maison (and as I say every year, I don’t go to new restaurants for at least one month, so my 2019 effectively ended in October.)

Parker Milner, Eater Charleston contributor:
The Indian menu at Tu, Dashi, and Jackrabbit Filly.

Vanessa Wolf, Charleston City Paper critic:
KinFolk, Maison, Delaney Oyster House

Erin Perkins, editor Eater Charleston:
Jackrabbit Filly, Maison, Kwei Fei, Malagon, Baba’s on Cannon, and Delaney Oyster House.

Leslie McKellar, Eater photographer:
Jackrabbit Filly

Jenn Rice, Eater Charleston contributor:
In the Triangle, definitely Jolie and Kingfisher and Poole’side Pies. It’s been great to get more spots inside Transfer Co. Food Hall, like Alimentari at Left Bank, which serves Italian tigelles — meaning you don’t have to worry about sandwich monogamy, ever. I can eat about 12 in one sitting. I finally got the chance to check out Hawthorne & Wood in Chapel Hill and let’s just say it will be in constant rotation in the new year. In Asheville, don’t sleep on Contrada, chef Brian Canapelli’s latest venture, a tiny space with a perfect menu of Italian snacks and drinks.

Kenneth Andrews, Eater Charleston contributor and pop-up enthusiast:
Jackrabbit Filly (excuse me a moment, uncontrollably drooling) and Spanglish (insert Miami Vice theme music here).

Barbara Skidmore, Eater Charleston contributor:
Vicious Biscuit, Butcher and the Boar, Jackrabbit Filly, Little Miss Ha, Kwei Fei, and Royal Tern