Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Royal Tern

    4.5 (367 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    The Royal Tern Photos

    Business Info

    THE ROYAL TERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Upscale
    Moderate noise

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Royal Tern

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Gustavo S.

    It's been a while since we had dined at The Royal Tern and I am happy to report that everything was just as good as I remember. We took the family out for my birthday dinner, and everything was so good. The service was so attentive and made sure we had a great dining experience. We really got to try various dishes this time and the kids got to order the Filet Mignon (they favorite) and it was cooked to perfection. We had to try the oysters which were so fresh and tasty. We also enjoyed the Salmon and Ahi Tuna. Being that we were celebrating, we went in on the desserts and they were nice enough to throw in another one on the house. This is a great restaurant, for a date or family gathering. We love that it's close to us, in John's Island. Make sure you put this one on your list of places try if you have not been yet.

    Michael M.

    We have enjoyed dining at The Royal Tern on multiple visits, and our latest was just as good as before. We made a late reservation on a Friday night, during the softie season in Charleston. The restaurant was full of lively diners, and the servers were busy taking care of them. The interior is a large open area, but there is seating at the bar and an enclosed side porch. After an order of cocktails, we enjoyed hushpuppies and burrata salad as starters. We also had the ahi tuna as an additional starter. Each starter was delicious and filling. But the softshell crab specials they had were amazing, and made this another memorable dining experience. We love coming to the Royal Tern, and are always impressed with their menu items. Desserts are also a good treat, but we were so full on this visit we had to pass.

    Brooke P.

    We didn't want to wait for a later reservation we had nearby, so took a chance as a walk in. Jay, the host, was kind enough to get us a spot on the screened patio after a brief wait. Elizabeth took great care of us and we decided on a sampler/share approach versus individual entrees. Best decision! The chopped salad was similar to a wedge, and the blackened shrimp chowder they split for us. Also had clams from the raw bar, wood grilled oysters and calamari. My favorites were the chowder and oysters, but everything was tasty! The patio was quieter than the main dining area, but also busy. So happy we stopped in.

    Amanda R.

    This was my first time visiting this spot and it was such an incredible experience. Our waiter was fabulous! He was attentive and friendly, great conversation and made the experience delightful. The food was incredible. The yeast rolls, I highly recommend as a starter. They had a non-alcoholic red wine which I was so excited to try! The interior was vibrant and I loved the blue. There was accessible parking on property with a ramp walkway to enter.

    Mussels
    Amy D.

    They still have it going on! Always a wonderful experience! Mussels are heaven sent! Oyster service is bomb!

    Grilled oysters
    Mollie N.

    I've never had a bad experience here! I've reviewed before but I'm updating it. The staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable, the food is constantly good, and the ambiance is perfect for date night or dinner with friends. This place continues to be in my Charleston top 10

    Whole flounder
    Jennifer R.

    Wow, do they know their seafood. I'm still dreaming about the scallop carpaccio, and the perfectly shucked oysters - not a speck of grit. You would be comfortable here at the bar or booths, it's intimate but open. Services are friendly and unpretentious. We had such a wonderful time.

    Filet mignon
    Lindsey B.

    A hidden seafood gem on John's Island! Make sure to make a reservation because the seats do fill up quickly. This is a very clean and bright location and a little bit more on the upscale side. I love that you can add filet mignon to the Burrata, which gives it an extra pop. The wood grilled oysters were definitely the stand up for me! The garlic butter, Parmesan, and lemon went perfectly together and made the oyster level up. We ended up splitting the filet mignon and salmon across four people, and it was plenty of food! My only gripe is that none of the steaks come with any side like the entrées do. We came here for a birthday and the server came out with a slice of fun-fetti birthday cake

    Emma P.

    I haven't really explored John's culinary scene and I can't believe I was sleeping on this one! The environment is so clean and modern... Plenty of seating and they can accommodate large parties. Recommend making a reservation because it does fill up. The staff was all amazing. Very friendly and very helpful selecting enough food for a group. The burrata but add filet is one of my favorite things. The baked oysters and tuna poke are great shareable and it goes without saying that a shrimp cocktail never disappoints. Great mocktails and birthday cake!

    Scallops withe sweet potatoes gnochi
    Patricia P.

    Another great dinner at Royal Tern. The service was excelent, the food were delicious per usual and the ambiance of this place so good for date night. I recommend all the dish from this place but my favorite is their scallops.

    Seared tuna
    Olivia L.

    Thoroughly enjoyed the Royal Tern tonight with my boyfriend and his family! I had the scallops and the smoked peach mule for a cocktail which was fantastic; however, all of the tuna dishes really stole the show. My boyfriend had the seared tuna for his entree, and we split the tuna & salmon appetizer, along with the tuna sashimi special appetizer, which were all incredible. The servers were attentive, and the restaurant was cute & inviting!

    mussels and royal tern oysters
    Tiffani R.

    Amazing restaurant. This is a hidden gem that probably isnt as busy as it should be because of the location. All the seafood was amazing and wonderfully seasoned. We loved the drinks and desserts as well. The scallop dish had so many amazing flavors and the broth from the mussels was my favorite.

    Bob B.

    The food was amazing. The whole fish catch of the day (flounder today) was amazing. Get the hot buns as an app. No questions, just do it. Known for desserts, don't skip those. Friendly service.

    Swordfish

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    26 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dawn L.
    6
    73
    575

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob B.
    2
    117
    44

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maya C.
    0
    12
    41

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Good restaurant on Maybank. The menu is excellent along with the service! I look forward to my next visit!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 3

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    The food and service were awesome. The tuna and salmon tartar is unbelievable. The staff really knows the menu well.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - The Royal Tern

    What is the dress code?

    It's John's Island, you will be welcome in suit and tie or shorts, sandals, & a Polo

    How nicely should one dress?

    Any way you'd like? Some were dressed quite nicely and others had on jeans. It's not suit and tie at all, but a blazer for men and a dress is fine.

    View All 4 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Seafood 3,836 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Lost Isle - Sweet potato hummus

    Lost Isle

    4.4(148 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    If you haven't been to Lost Isle yet, go. If you want to know what it is to have your taste, sight,…read moretouch, and hears all stimulated, go . I've been 5 times now. 3 times for dinner and twice for a cocktail and snack. Every time, the presentation of my drinks and food have been immaculate. Then I look up, and I'm seated beneath a beautiful tree with warm lights hanging above me. The fire that just cooked my food is roaring across the way. The wind is blowing and the temperature outside is perfect. I hear laughs and see smiles, not just from guests but the staff to each other and when checking in. Then, AND THEN, I get the Fire roasted olives. I want to use profanity so badly, but I also want everyone to see this and take this seriously. The garlic knuckles literally turn into a spread on the bread, then place an olive (with the pit) on top, then a light squeeze of the lemon. Next thing you know, you're saying "damn" out loud after a bite. Get the curry braised collards, do the above and dip your bread in, then you'll say "fuck." Sorry for the profanity, just go, enjoy yourself and really take in the food and environment, then you'll get it.

    I knew I was going to like this place the moment I got there and heard them playing A Tribe Called…read moreQuest. Those of you who aren't familiar with the band I suggest you give a listen to their album Midnight Marauders. The very next song played was equal in its mellow vibe, and thats exactly the atmosphere that Lost Isle has created. In fact, the team there mentioned that the playlist was carefully curated to create such a vibe. Upon entering the parking lot, a dirt and gravel parking lot, it doesn't look like much. Another one of the empty or almost empty buildings along Maybank highway. There is a handwritten sign that informs the guest to come around back from the left-hand side as the right hand side is an employee entrance. Once you get to the side of the building you start to have a slight idea of what's going on. A white wooden pergola-like structure with benches to wait for a space to open up, tall green plants line the walkway of bright white rocks. That quickly opens up to a large area full of tables and two bars. One is the drink bar, where they have a full selection of beer wine and spirits, as well as other non potent potables. 12 or so flat metal stools line the customer side of the bar. The other bar has less stools, maybe 5 or 6 but behind the bar is a wonderfully large outdoor grill that is used to grill their succulent fare. The remainder of the late space is filled with lots of tables most four tops with a few 2 tops scattered about. They are resting in several inches of white pea size gravel. An interesting fight fact is that the chairs have tennis balls on the bottom of the legs and it keeps the chairs from sinking too deep into the gravel. A small thing to be sure but a big thing when it comes to comfort! Whilst sitting at a table canopied by tall leafy trees, and kissed by the whisper of a breeze coming from one (or two) of the many strategically placed fans, you feel like you are in a quiet Caribbean island. It is a chill, relaxed vibe. While the atmosphere is smooth and mellow, the flavors coming off that grill are a bold contrast. But before we delve into the succulent delights let me first talk about the size of the menu, 4-6 appetizers (small plates), 4-6 entrees (Mains) and 4-5 shareable sides. No need to clutter up a menu nor one's thoughts perusing a phone book size menu. Small menus are the way to go; do a few things and do them well I say. Lost Isle does them well. The table ordered a few small plates of fire roasted olives with grilled bread and wood fired clams. Marinated black and green olives grilled had a great smoky, briny taste. Served with a few pieces of grilled bread and some confit garlic. Smearing the bread with some of that creamy garlic clove invoked the memories of a smoky garlic bread; a perfect complement to the olives! The wood fired clams were cooked with a chili-chorizo butter, garlic, and smoked bread crumbs. This was an explosion of flavor on the palate brightened by the juice of lemon, and was in a word, delightful. We then shared a Main of a grilled ribeye steak. Nothing on the earth was made to be cooked on open flame then a ribeye steak! Served to us at a perfect temperature (medium rare as there is no other acceptable temp) and a beautiful dark charred crust, it was a spectacle to behold. Rounding out the dish was a generous amount of Chimichurri and more of that beautiful confit garlic. One thing some people are in sorely in need of learning is that slicing a piece from a large hunk of beef and subsequently easting that slice with a sprinkle of salt seriously enhances the experience. This is why I was delighted by a tiny ramekin of sea salt. The steak was delicious. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the beverage program at the previously mentioned bar. A small but serviceable wine list is available for consumption. Average print on the bottle about $44 and no bottle more than $72. Certainly a bit under some of the more extravagant list on the other Charleston area restaurants. A great variety of cocktails fill the house cocktail lists one particularly caught the eye of the table, the Sheeney Neeney. They were also able to make classic cocktails as the vodka sodas also being consumed at the table. A few mostly local beers round out the cocktail menu. A few things that you will also need to know is that there is no real table service, you approach the bar and order your beverages, your card is entered into the system and then you tab is started. You then can order your food at other bar, given the moniker of The MC. Then you return to the table. As the dishes are completed someone will bring it to the table. We were delightfully surprised at the experience and not a negative word was uttered regarding any aspect of the meal or the experience. I recommend it for anyone looking for a few hours of repose and repast. Take it upon yourself to stop by, where one can be only minutes away from home and thousands of miles away at the same time.

    Photos
    Lost Isle - Lines are common

    Lines are common

    Lost Isle - Seating area

    Seating area

    Lost Isle

    See all

    Doar Bros. - Drink - Bourbon and Clyde.

    Doar Bros.

    4.9(276 reviews)
    7.5 miAnsonborough
    $$

    A great find in the city with beautiful and tasty craft cocktails. The staff was great walking us…read morethrough the menu and giving recommendations of what we might like best. We stopped in for some drinks and snack before dinner and opted for the Middleton and the Ticket to paradise (made with vodka) and a cheese board the snack on. Everything was great, the Middleton tasted like Christmas to me (in a good way!) and the cheese board hit the spot. A great find and can't to try them again!

    The last trip to Charleston, we made a reservation for Doar Bros to pop in for a cocktail after…read moredinner. I loved the atmosphere! It's super cozy, very chic, and pretty small. The service was on point and the bartender was killing it at the bar - multitasking making 3 drinks all at once. It was super impressive and I took a few videos of him. I'm giving 4 stars because the first cocktail I ordered was SO SWEET that I couldn't get it down. I tried to drink it but had to send it back. We asked when we ordered about the flavor profile and supposedly it wasn't sweet, but all 3 of us agreed it was way oversweet. My black manhattan was phenomenal and my husband had a mocktail moscow mule that was awesome. Overall, I'd come back again - just be mindful of the ingredients in the drink and modifying as needed for sweetness. Make a reservation if you can!

    Photos
    Doar Bros. - Best. Bartender. Ever

    Best. Bartender. Ever

    Doar Bros. - Tiger Style Clarified Nitro Punch & Doar Bros. Manhattan

    Tiger Style Clarified Nitro Punch & Doar Bros. Manhattan

    Doar Bros. - Bar

    See all

    Bar

    Last Saint - Bar

    Last Saint

    4.5(63 reviews)
    7.5 miEastside

    My first time visiting a speakeasy since living in Charleston, and the Annex absolutely blew me…read moreaway. From the moment I walked in, the vibe was intimate, beautiful, and the perfect setting for a relaxed Saturday night cap. What made the experience truly special was the bartender. There's no traditional menu, instead, he takes the time to learn what you like and crafts drinks based on your taste. I've never experienced anything like that before. The level of knowledge and creativity behind the bar was incredible. Every drink he made was stunning and tasted even better than it looked. I was honestly so impressed that I couldn't even remember all the ingredients he mentioned because I was too busy being amazed at how good everything was. It was one of those moments where you realize there are real levels to this craft. I walked in thinking I knew a thing or two about mixing drinks at home, and left with a whole new respect for the art of it. The atmosphere, the personal attention, and the quality of the cocktails made this place feel truly top tier. Huge shoutout to the bartender, easily a 15 out of 10. Cool, knowledgeable, and passionate about what he does. If you're looking for an intimate spot for date night or just want to experience thoughtfully crafted cocktails in a beautiful setting, the Annex is the place. I will absolutely be back as soon as possible.

    My husband and I visited Last Saint for cocktails before a group dinner when we were in Charleston…read morelast weekend, and it was the perfect place for drinks before a dinner. (On occasion, I rant about how we need more cocktail bars and wine bars that don't serve food at all or just snacks like nuts - don't get me started.) Last Saint is a really cool dual concept cocktail bar. The front of Last Saint is more casual - small, cozy, allows walk-ins. But you can also make reservations (or try to get lucky walking in) at the Annex. The Annex is their weekends-only cocktail experience in the back of Last Saint. You walk to the back of the bar and press ring the bell by the yellow door. Someone answers and seats at one of six seats at the bar and three small (but private) tables. The Annex is a no-menu experience. The friendly and creative staff ask you questions about your preferences for drinks and then make you something that fits the bill. It was personal and fun, and we enjoyed all the drinks we had. A reservation at the Annex is good for a 1.5 hour time frame, which was perfect for us to have two drinks before closing out and heading to our dinner reservation. We sat at the bar, which I loved, because we got to chat with the staff and watch them make our and others' drinks while we enjoyed our creative cocktails. The staff have a wide knowledge of cocktails and an almost endless supply of ingredients to choose from when making your drinks. A truly fun experience. One I haven't had in any other city. I wish there were more bars like Last Saint!

    Photos
    Last Saint - Bar seating looking toward the front door

    Bar seating looking toward the front door

    Last Saint
    Last Saint - Arcade machine

    See all

    Arcade machine

    The Heyday - Prosciutto + Brie

    The Heyday

    4.4(36 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    I recently visited Heyday Restaurant and was immediately struck by how beautiful and inviting the…read morespace is. It's a truly lovely, relaxed setting--perfect for sitting down, catching up, and enjoying a slower pace. While the service was kind, it felt a bit less attentive than expected, especially since the restaurant wasn't very busy. We found ourselves needing to ask for a few basics like place settings and salt and pepper, which took away slightly from the overall experience. As for the food, there were definitely some highlights. The scrambled eggs were impressively fluffy and generous in portion--closer to four eggs than two--and the peach jam was a standout touch. The sourdough could have been toasted a bit more, and the bacon was slightly undercooked for my preference. The avocado toast, while creative, had quite a few competing flavors on top that overpowered the simplicity I was expecting. Our cappuccinos were average, but still enjoyable. Overall, Heyday has a lot going for it with its beautiful atmosphere and laid-back charm. With a bit more attentiveness in service and small refinements in the food, it could easily become a favorite. I'd absolutely return, especially for the ambiance and a relaxed place to meet and chat.

    Second time coming to The Heyday and it's worth shouting out! I first came here when they opened up…read moreand I love how cozy it is! They have a nice patio to bring your dog and a fire pit to light during the evening. They also have cute little shops surrounding it to pop in and find some great goodies. The coffee was also delicious, a little on the pricey side ($20 after tip) but worth it! I ordered the vanilla bean iced latte and my mother in law got the iced mocha! Definitely check this place out if you're ever in Johns island

    Photos
    The Heyday - Inside dining

    Inside dining

    The Heyday
    The Heyday - Patio

    See all

    Patio

    The Royal Tern - seafood - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...