Caviar & Bananas in Charleston: What to Know Before You Visit

What Caviar & Bananas is and where to find it

Caviar & Bananas is a specialty grocery and prepared-foods shop in downtown Charleston that stocks imported cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, and other ingredients you won't find in a standard supermarket. The store sits at 51 East Bay Street, in the historic district near the waterfront, and operates as both a retail market and a place to grab ready-made sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes to eat on the spot or take home.

The shop draws locals and visitors looking for European imports, artisanal products, and ingredients for entertaining or cooking at a level beyond weeknight basics. The name itself—caviar and bananas—signals the mix: luxury items alongside everyday staples, all chosen for quality.

Key Takeaways

• Caviar & Bananas stocks European cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, and specialty ingredients you won't find in chain groceries.
• The shop offers prepared foods including sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes ready to eat or take away.
• Located at 51 East Bay Street in downtown Charleston, it sits within walking distance of other historic district shops and restaurants.
• Prices reflect the specialty nature of the inventory—this is not a budget grocery stop, but a destination for specific ingredients and meals.

What you can buy there

The retail side carries imported and domestic cheeses, many from small producers. You'll find aged Goudas, French varieties, Italian options, and others rotated seasonally. The cured-meat selection includes prosciutto, speck, soppressata, and other charcuterie, often from European suppliers or American makers working in traditional styles.

Fresh pasta—both filled and unfilled—is made in-house or sourced from regional producers. Oils, vinegars, jams, and other pantry items lean toward quality European brands and small-batch makers. The produce section is smaller than a full grocery but focuses on items that pair with the cheeses and meats: fresh figs, grapes, nuts, and seasonal vegetables.

The prepared-foods counter offers sandwiches built to order, composed salads, roasted vegetables, and hot entrées that change daily. Prices for prepared items run higher than a deli counter but reflect the quality of ingredients—you're paying for the imported meats and cheeses going into the sandwich, not just bread and lunch meat.

Hours, parking, and how to plan your visit

Caviar & Bananas operates during standard retail hours, though these can shift seasonally and around holidays. Before heading downtown, check their current hours by phone or online, especially if you're visiting on a weekend or holiday.

Parking in the historic district is tight. Street parking exists but fills quickly, particularly during tourist season and weekends. A paid lot sits nearby on East Bay Street, and several municipal garages are within a short walk. If you're visiting during peak hours (lunch, late afternoon), arriving early or parking a block away and walking is often faster than circling for a spot.

The shop is small and can get crowded at lunch and before dinner service. If you want to browse the full cheese and meat selection without a line, mid-morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday tends to be quieter.

What to expect price-wise

Caviar & Bananas is not a budget grocery. Imported cheeses run $18 to $30 per pound depending on the variety and age. Cured meats are similarly priced. A prepared sandwich typically costs $12 to $16. A composed salad or hot dish runs $10 to $18.

If you're shopping for a specific dinner party or want to build a charcuterie board, you can spend $50 to $100 easily. For everyday groceries, this is not the place. For a special meal, a gift, or ingredients you genuinely cannot find elsewhere in Charleston, the prices reflect the sourcing and quality.

Why locals and visitors go there

People visit Caviar & Bananas for several reasons. Some come for a specific ingredient—a particular cheese they've had before, a type of cured meat, a brand of oil—that they can't find at Harris Teeter or Food Lion. Others use it as a lunch stop while exploring the historic district, grabbing a sandwich and eating on a nearby bench or in their hotel.

Entertaining at home is another draw. If you're hosting a dinner party or putting together a charcuterie board for guests, the shop's curated selection and staff knowledge make it easier than hunting across multiple stores. The prepared foods also serve people who want a restaurant-quality meal but prefer to eat at home or in their hotel.

The location itself—steps from galleries, antique shops, and the waterfront—makes it a natural stop on a historic district walk. Many visitors discover it by wandering and end up spending more time browsing than they expected.

How it fits into Charleston's food scene

Caviar & Bananas represents a particular strand of Charleston's food culture: the emphasis on quality ingredients, European influence, and the idea that eating well is worth the cost. The city has a strong restaurant scene and a growing number of specialty shops that cater to home cooks and entertaining.

The shop sits alongside other specialty grocers and food shops in the historic district and beyond—places like Harris Teeter's specialty sections, farmers markets, and other independent grocers. But Caviar & Bananas has a specific identity: it's the place you go when you want European imports and you want them now, without driving to multiple stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or call in a prepared-foods order?

Many specialty shops allow phone orders for prepared foods, which can save time if you know what you want. Call ahead to confirm current policies and to ask whether they can set aside specific cheeses or meats you're looking for, especially if you need a large quantity for entertaining.

Do they have a wine or beverage section?

Many specialty food shops carry wine and beverages that pair with their cheese and charcuterie selections. Call or visit to see what's currently in stock, as inventory varies by season and availability.

Is there seating inside, or is it takeaway only?

Most specialty food shops in the historic district have limited or no seating, designed for grab-and-go rather than lingering. Nearby parks and benches along East Bay Street offer places to eat if you purchase prepared foods. Confirm seating options when you visit.

What's the best time to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Weekday mid-mornings and mid-afternoons tend to be quieter than lunch rush and early evening. Weekends and tourist season bring more foot traffic. If you're browsing the full selection or want to chat with staff about recommendations, a slower time is worth planning for.

Do they sell gift items or gift baskets?

Many specialty food shops create custom gift baskets or sell items packaged for gifting. Call ahead to ask what options are available and whether they can prepare something specific for your budget and preferences.