Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery — Restaurant in Charleston

As a recent addition to Charleston’s vibrant food scene after moving from New York, I’ve found it challenging to discover spots that match the charm and character of a classic NYC bodega or eatery. However, Lilian’s has completely won me over. This cozy little place reminds me of one of my all-time favorite spots back in New York, Edith’s Eatery, and it captures a similar magic.

Not only is Lilian’s charming, but their mission statement resonates deeply with me. After reading the book Extinction recently, my approach to dining out has changed—I’ve become more mindful about supporting places that prioritize local, seasonal ingredients. Lilian’s embodies the true concept of “farm-to-table,” uncorrupted and authentic.

Whether you’re stopping by for coffee and pastries while using the space as your office for the day, enjoying a casual lunch with a friend, or grabbing brunch, Lilian’s has something for everyone. They even offer fresh vegetables, wine, and ready-to-go options for dinner, making it the perfect stop on your way to or from work.

The attention to detail is unparalleled, and the team at Lilian’s genuinely takes care of their customers in so many thoughtful ways. It’s a place where hospitality and quality come together effortlessly.

I can confidently say that Lilian’s will be one of my go-to spots whenever I’m in downtown Charleston. It’s a gem that has completely charmed me, and I’m sure it will...

Pros: great location near the Citadel; adorable interior, clean Cons: literally everything else. Recommend: Go elsewhere; too many great restaurants in Charleston to waste time & money here.

The hostess rolled her eyes in greeting; refusing to speak to us. We were hungry & on a timeline so we placed an order anyways. The scrambled eggs tasted funky; like they could make you sick; couldn’t place the flavor; didn’t trust eating it. The sausage patty was chorizo: which wasn’t stated & still would have been fine for me except it was actually mostly cheap filler: rice. The breakfast burrito was a hodgepodge of non-listed items, tasted ok; but again tons of filler: black-eyed peas and potato wedges. Everything was way too salted; now salt is an individual preference; but I like salty…this was too too much. Even the salad was lettuce & salty seasoning…weird & gross & lame. On the way out, I wished the “waitress/hostess/barista” a good day. To which, she rolled her eyes again and continued to be non-verbal to paying, polite, friendly customers.

Her actions towards customers were in stark contrast to her sickeningly sweet, brown nosing of her manager, which I had witnessed mid-meal, offering her in a cloyingly sweet manner “to make her a bevi (short for beverage).”

We had this disgusting food & terrible service for premium Charleston price. ...

Was bummed that Harold's Cabin closed but Lillian's is the perfect replacement. The layout is the same but they cozed-it-up nicely. There was a 45 mun wait for a brunch time table but we lucked out at the downstairs first come, first serve bar (there is an upstairs one, too). Coffee is great (second state) and I had a glass of Cotes du Rhone that was very delicious and paired great with my grilled cheese and tomato soup. They add a thin layer of crisped cheese on top of bread which gives it a nice crunch and taste. My wife had the breakfast burrito. It is quite large and had eggs, potatoes and field peas (I think) served with their homemade hot sauce and it was amazing. Could not leave without grabbing their homemade chocolate chip cookie which was large, flat, and gooey inside. So glad this historic building was filled with great...