Featured on

FOOD NETWORK+ HBO MAX

Gullah Geechee CATERING Excellence

A green lima bean with a shadow is sitting upright.

View Our Services

Proud Members Of...

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC, GULLAH CUISINE.

You've just found the Gullah Geechee Cuisine that thousands

across the country rave about.

Premiere Catering Company in Charleston, SC

Carolima's Lowcountry Cuisine is a food catering service specializing in Gullah Geechee catering, an authentic African American cuisine that combines African cooking techniques with local ingredients. We offer catering for every event, including: luncheons, breakfasts, and family reunions, in Charleston, SC.

Most people have indulged in Gullah Geechee cuisine without realizing it. Okra soup, seafood soups, red rice, garlic crabs, grits, and oysters are all a part of Lowcountry cooking, with an emphasis on seafood and grains. If you’re not a huge seafood fan, our catering company also makes amazing fried chicken, roast beef, mac n’ cheese, and scrumptious breakfast dishes!

Authentic, Quality Cuisine Made with Love.

We take both our food, and our business, seriously. As caterers, we are determined to serve delicious, high-quality food at your event, made perfectly for you and your guests! We consider ourselves ambassadors for Gullah Geechee food and culture, so it’s our goal to ensure you have the best possible service and love the food!

how can we serve you

Buffet table at an event, featuring a charcuterie board, chafing dishes, flowers, and bread, set against a backdrop of brick and painted walls.

Full Service Catering

Elevate your events with our Gullah Geechee-inspired full-service catering. Immerse yourself in tradition and convenience, letting us handle every detail for a professionally presented and culturally rich experience.

A buffet setup with four chafing dishes on a dark wood cabinet against a white wall. Silver dishes contain food, utensils rest beside them.

Drop-Off Services

Savor the taste of Gullah Geechee excellence at your convenience. Our drop-off services bring carefully curated menus straight to your doorstep, ensuring culinary delight without the need for on-site staff.

Pick-Up Services

Enjoy culinary excellence on your terms. With our pick-up services, select your favorites from our diverse menu and elevate your gatherings with Gullah Geechee-inspired cuisine, ready for pick-up at your convenience.

WE ARE YOUR PARTNER IN AUTHENTIC GULLAH CUISINE.

are YOU looking for something different?

Well...You've found it!

Two women hugging in front of Carolina's restaurant, smiling. The restaurant has a glass door and brick exterior.

'We be da' DYNAMIC DUO

Hey there! Sameka & 'Emma, your Gullah Geechee Chefs in the kitchen.

As sisters with a passion for cooking, we bring a unique blend of cultural heritage and culinary expertise to your dining experience. Explore our Gullah infused menus and let us elevate your next event with the rich and authentic taste of Carolima’s.

From savory delights to sweet treats, we craft culinary experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Join us on a flavorful journey that celebrates tradition, flavor, and the vibrant spirit of the Lowcountry. Can't wait to make your next event truly special!

Sameka & 'Emma

Check Out What's New In The Blog

Carolima's at Food & Wine Classic in Charleston

By Emma Cromedy • September 9, 2025

We are so excited to announce our participation in the upcoming Food + Wine Classic in Charleston, happening this November right here in Charleston, South Carolina. This premier event, presented in collaboration with Explore Charleston and Food & Wine Magazine, is one of the Lowcountry’s most celebrated culinary festivals—drawing chefs, winemakers, artisans, and food lovers from around the country. The Food + Wine Classic in Charleston has become a staple in the culinary calendar, spotlighting the city’s rich traditions and diverse flavors while also giving a platform to innovative voices shaping the future of food. Over the years, the festival has grown into more than just a gathering—it’s a cultural celebration of the people, stories, and foodways that define Charleston and the greater South. The opening night's theme, “Rhythm and Roots,” pays tribute to the artistry, resilience, and beauty of Gullah Geechee culture and foodways. Guests will experience an evening filled with flavors, stories, and traditions that have shaped the Lowcountry for generations and continue to inspire chefs and communities across the globe. We are honored to have been personally invited by Chef Amethyst Ganaway, a celebrated Charleston-based chef, along with the Lee Brothers, to participate in the opening night event on Thursday, November 13, 2025. For this special occasion, we knew we had to bring something truly meaningful to the table. Our dessert will feature our famous Charleston Chewie crust, topped with a cheesecake and sweet potato filling served with chantilly cream and a benne wafer—a sweet reflection of our heritage and the flavors that speak to our roots. We look forward to sharing this dish with festival guests and to being part of a celebration that uplifts Gullah Geechee traditions, honors our history, and continues to tell our story through food. Purchase tickets to attend HERE!

Carolima's Green Plate Special

By Emma Cromedy • September 3, 2025

Blue plates specials have been around for generations. Starting in 1915, on a railway running between Florida and Washington, DC workers were served a daily special of either meat or fish with two vegetables on a blue patterned plate. Over time, more items got added to the plate: a starch and a side of bread. The simplicity of the meal was highly favored by the U.S government, especially during World War 1 with all the cutbacks. Even after the war ended, blue plate specials remained popular in restaurants and diners because it allowed workers in fast-paced societies a light and satisfying meal. Restaurants benefited because it attracted more customers with its quick service, reduced food waste. The restaurant would make everything before the lunch and dinner rushed and left on steam tables to stay warm for easy service. The plates offered a sense of comfort. Over the years, blue plate specials have become more than just a quick meal. It’s become a family tradition for some and created that nostalgic feeling for others. Today, the blue plate special has evolved into a diverse culinary classic, while holding true to its humble roots. If you’ve ever dined at a classic Southern diner, you’ve likely seen a Blue Plate Special on the menu—a hearty meal made up of a meat and three sides, served hot, fresh, and affordable. It’s comfort food at its finest and a tradition that has stood the test of time. At Carolima’s, we love honoring tradition while adding our own twist. That’s why this September, we’re bringing you our Green Plate Special all month long! The Green Plate Special is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to slow down, savor authentic flavors, and connect with the Carolima’s family. Whether you’re grabbing lunch on your break or picking up dinner for the family, our Green Plate makes midweek feel special.

Fall in Charleston: A Season of Culture, Flavor & Celebration

By Emma Cromedy • August 27, 2025

Charleston’s Fall Festivals: Music, Culture, and Celebration As the Lowcountry air turns crisp and the days shorten, Charleston comes alive with a season of celebration. Fall is one of the best times to explore the Holy City—not just for the weather, but for the lineup of unforgettable events that blend music, art, food, and culture. This year, three standout occasions promise to make the season sparkle: the Lowcountry Jazz Festival, Dîner en Blanc, and the MOJA Arts Festival. The Lowcountry Jazz Festival Every Labor Day weekend, the Charleston Gaillard Center transforms into the stage for one of the South’s most anticipated music gatherings—the Lowcountry Jazz Festival. Jazz enthusiasts from across the country come together to enjoy an electrifying weekend of smooth sounds, featuring national headliners and local talent. The festival isn’t just about music; it’s about community. Attendees dress up, gather with friends, and create memories over world-class performances. If you’re looking for a soulful kickoff to the season, this festival is the perfect way to start. Le Dîner en Blanc Charleston’s social calendar wouldn’t be complete without the magic of Dîner en Blanc. Originating in Paris, this chic pop-up dinner party has become a global phenomenon, and Charleston’s edition captures the spirit with Southern charm. Guests dressed entirely in white gather at a secret location revealed just moments before the event begins. Imagine twinkling lights, elegantly set tables, and hundreds of people raising glasses under the stars. It’s more than a dinner—it’s an experience of community, creativity, and surprise. The MOJA Arts Festival Closing out the season is Charleston’s beloved MOJA Arts Festival, a celebration of African-American and Caribbean arts and culture. For more than 40 years, MOJA has honored the richness of African diasporic traditions through music, dance, theater, visual arts, and storytelling. The word moja means “one” in Swahili, symbolizing unity—a theme you’ll feel in every performance, gallery opening, and community event. From gospel concerts to artisan markets, MOJA is a reminder of Charleston’s cultural heartbeat and its ties to the broader African diaspora. Why Fall in Charleston Matters Together, these three events paint a picture of Charleston at its finest: vibrant, diverse, and full of soul. Whether you’re a lover of smooth jazz, a seeker of magical evenings under the stars, or someone who treasures cultural storytelling, the fall season offers something that connects us all. Charleston in the fall isn’t just about cooler breezes and golden leaves—it’s about gathering, celebrating, and honoring the traditions and creativity that make the Lowcountry unique. Planning Your Visit? We’ve Got You Covered If you’re coming to Charleston for any of these fall festivals, let us take care of your dining needs. From intimate personal chef services to convenient drop-off catering, Carolima’s brings authentic Lowcountry flavor straight to your table. Whether it’s a private dinner, a family gathering, or a festive weekend with friends, we’ll make sure your Charleston experience is as delicious as it is unforgettable.