Located in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, FIG (Food Is Good) stands out as a culinary masterpiece, earning its reputation as the best restaurant in the city. Boasting an incredible (and constantly rotating) menu, unparalleled service, and a warm ambiance, FIG has become a destination for food enthusiasts seeking a truly exceptional dining experience when traveling to Charleston.
Service Excellence:
One of those things is that when it’s bad you know it, and when it’s excellent you know it, one of FIG's standout features is its impeccable service. From the moment you step through the door, you know you are in for a great night. The staff at FIG takes pride in what they do and the servers, in particular, are known for their exceptional knowledge and dedication to providing a great dining experience. Their passion for the food and menu is highly evident, as they guide patrons through the menu with expertise, ensuring each guest feels not only attended to but truly cared for.
Creative Culinary Delights:
What sets FIG apart is its commitment to culinary innovation. The menu is a testament to the chefs' creativity, featuring a diverse array of dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Every plate is a work of art, crafted to taste incredible and engage the senses. The menu has some southern flair to it (as it should). They are committed to only using honest local ingredients, and the constant menu changes reflect that. Many restaurants make this claim, however, you know here that they are using the best ingratiates. Everything just tastes fresh and bursting with flavor.
The Chicken Liver Pate Experience:
A true standout on the menu is the Chicken Liver Pate, an experience that transcends conventional expectations. The dish surprises and delights with its complexity of flavors. Far from the stereotypical over-salted and monotonous liver pate, FIG's rendition is a near revelation. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors, with layers that unfold on the palate, leaving a lasting impression.
The dish showcases the chef's mastery in balancing textures and tastes. The richness of the chicken liver is complemented by subtle hints of sweetness, acidity, and spice. It's a testament to FIG's commitment to pushing culinary boundaries while still delivering a dish that is approachable and satisfying. Our server said it almost always stays on the menu, and it’s no surprise why. When attending this restaurant again, I would be upset if it was not on the menu.
Deciding what to have for an entree was beyond tough; that alone should say a great deal. There were only around 10 items but each one offered a flat to it that made it extremely appealing. My wife ordered a Chicken Scnhizel and the author ordered a Collard Greens with snapper. Both were perfect and truly became “the best ever” in our minds.
A word of the wise. This restaurant requires reservations (as it should) and is in high demand. We had to book nearly a month in advance and it was a late reservation. Do yourself a favor and backward plan properly and put this on your hit list as a task to accomplish early when planning a trip to the area.
Conclusion:
In the vibrant culinary scene of Charleston, FIG emerges as the crown jewel, earning its title as the best restaurant in the city. The combination of exceptional service, a creatively curated menu, and unforgettable dishes like the Chicken Liver Pate make FIG a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a dining experience at FIG is more than a meal; it's a journey into the artistry of food that will leave you with memories to savor long after the plates are cleared.
If there is one restaurant in the city to try, this one is it. Charleston is a proverbial Mecca of culinary experience and this one is the Queen (or King). It certainly was beyond memorable for us and we will be sure to go there whenever possible.