These are the 15 best restaurants in Greenville for 2024, Southern Living says. Here’s why

It’s hard to believe that Greenville’s culinary scene once centered around Charlie’s Steakhouse, Maureen’s delicatessen and two hot dog places, one known as the Cat Dive, the other the Hot Dog King.

All fine establishments in their day, to be sure, but not much variety and all are out of business now, including the 93-year-old beloved steakhouse.

Back then, Greenville’s downtown closed up when the office workers went home.

Now, “Greenville, South Carolina’s culinary scene is flourishing,” Southern LIving says.

In releasing its 15 best restaurants in Greenville on Thursday, Southern Living chose an array of cuisines and moved a bit beyond downtown into some of the nearby neighborhoods.

It also mentioned the two food-centered events Greenville stages each year — euphoria in September and Fall for Greenville in October.

“Over several days, each event showcases the creativity and talent that make the Upstate one of the Southeast’s most underrated food destinations,” the magazine said.

Among the restaurants Southern Living chose to highlight is the one most credited with ushering in Greenville’s food renaissance, Soby’s.

Carl Sobocinski founded Soby’s New South Cuisine in 1997 in a building that was once Cancellation Shoes and turned it into a cozy brick-walled space with a richly hued wooden bar and a glass front that can be opened during warm weather. There is also a special table — 301 — that overlooks the kitchen.

As Sobocinski grew the business, opening new concepts around downtown, he took the Name Table 301 as the parent company.

Southern Living recommends Soby’s “top-tier favorites like crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, white chocolate banana cream pie, and apple crumble cheesecake. Soby’s “Art of the Cocktail” list is equally impressive; bourbon fans might like the Don’t Mess With Texas, while anglophiles will appreciate the Mint To Be, a cocktail made with Pimm’s.

Another Sobocinski creation, The Lazy Goat, is also on Southern Living’s list.

Established in 2007, The Lazy Goat serves Mediterranean cuisine overlooking the Reedy River.

The building is part of the Riverplace development, which jump started development on Greenville’s long-ignored south end.

Their tagline is “meet the goat and then come be lazy with him.”

“Part of its magic comes from the ambiance, where guests are encouraged to take their time soaking up the flavors, the atmosphere, and the overall experience,” the magazine said.

They recommend ordering a selection of the “Graze & Nibble” plates — fried goat cheese, Moroccan lamb, and the charcuterie board.

“A great start,” the magazine said.

Also on Southern Living’s list is Scoundrel, a year-old French restaurant that was recently named one of the 50 best new restaurants in America by Esquire magazine.

Greenville native Joe Cash opened the restaurant after a wide-ranging career in restaurants in New York City and Copenhagen, Denmark.

He wanted to open his own restaurant in New York City, but a visit to Greenville — and COVID — changed his plans. He was surprised by how Greenville had changed, enough so to welcome a restaurant he calls sophisticated and romantic.

“If you’re searching for an elevated meal — perhaps inspired by European sophistication and French flavors — you’ll find it at Scoundrel,” Southern Living says,

The magazine recommends the duck fat frites, beer tartare, and Cash’s grandmother’s cocoa powder layer cake.

The other downtown restaurants the magazine highlighted were:

Jianna — Italian fare, “expertly curated wine list, the fresh oysters, and the various delectable appetizers, from the ricotta crostini to the char-grilled octopus,” the magazine said.

Aryana Afghan Cuisine —”excellent, quick service,” and “refreshing beverages.” They also have a great patio and offer vegan and gluten-free meals.

Indaco – its fourth location after Atlanta, Charleston, and Charlotte opened in 2023. wood-fired pizza, inventive cocktail menu and non-alcohol drinks.

O-Ku – “A sibling restaurant and neighbor to Indaco, from The Indigo Hospitality Group,” the magazine said, but a totally different concept. They offer ‘high-end point of precision to sushi’ as its selling point, with a menu composed of signature nigiri, specialty sushi rolls, and Hakozushi (box-style sushi), among other dishes.”

Trappe Door — one of the oldest restaurants on the list opening in 2011, it offers Belgian-inspired fare. “With a motto that consists of two simple phrases, ‘Eat good food. Drink good beer,’ the dinner-only restaurant’s menu features dishes like deep-fried beef and cheese croquettes (Bitterballen), pork and cherry sausages, and traditional Flemish beef stew (Carbonades a la Flamande), all washed down with a selection of Belgian beers on tap.”

Slightly further afield are seven restaurants in nearby areas:

The Anchorage — The magazine says, “Part of Greenville’s culinary charm lies in its neighborhood restaurants, defined by their casual demeanor and first-rate menus. The Anchorage, a James Beard Award semi-finalist, is one of the spots that falls into that category.” Known for small plates, the magazine also recommends the “Four Course Appropriately Portioned Tasting.”

Fork and Plough — Located in the 110-year-old Overbook neighborhood recently named a neighborhood to watch by Forbes magazine, Fork and Plough focuses on locally sourced ingredients. “No matter when you choose to dine at Fork and Plough, though, you’ll be greeted with a wide selection of comfort foods. And if you aren’t sure what to get, know you can’t go wrong with the fan-favorite Shiitake Swiss Cheeseburger,” Southern Living said.

Lewis Barbecue — “Pitmaster John Lewis brought his Texas-style barbecue to Charleston in 2016; in 2022, the team took the brand another step further with a new location in Greenville. Fair warning: You’ll want to arrive hungry at the Rutherford Street restaurant. Before you know it, your tray will be filled with brisket, ribs, green chile corn pudding, mac & cheese, creamy potato salad, and a healthy serving of the housemade banana pudding,” Southern Living said.

ASADA — Latin American fusion cuisine. “The culinary team consistently experiments with various flavors and cuisines to ensure there’s always something new to try,” the magazine said. Recommended: Mission-style tacos, burritos, and quesadillas and a glass of ASADA’s sangria. An unassuming shop set back from the IHOP on Wade Hampton Boulevard.

Willy Taco — A feed and seed store for 80 years, the location is on Laurens Road, not far from downtown. “Laid back atmosphere and mouth watering menu. You might come to the cantina for the tacos, but you’ll return for the street corn fritters, brisket nachos, Mexican smash burgers, and crispy quesadillas.”

Comal 864 — Tex-Mex-style food in the up and coming West Greenville neighborhood. Chef Dayna Lee-Márquez was a semi-finalist for Best Chef: Southeast in the James Beard Awards. “Comal 864’s tacos, tortas, and birria quesitacos will leave you dreaming of a return trip.”

OJ’s diner — “South Carolina soul food is legendary, and you better believe OJ’s Diner doesn’t disappoint,” Southern Living said. Think fried chicken, fried okra, mac and cheese, and rice and gravy plus daily specials like lasagna, fried pork chops, fried fish and BBQ baby back ribs.