- Q: What types of romantic dining options are available in Charleston, SC?
- A: Charleston, SC offers a diverse selection of romantic lunch and dinner spots, ranging from casual cafes and pizzerias to elegant bistros and historic restaurants serving amazing seafood, soul food, and more.
- Q: Does Charleston cater to different tastes and budgets?
- A: Yes, Charleston provides options for nearly every taste and budget, including several excellent take-out options for a romantic picnic in the park.
- Q: What are some unique dining experiences in downtown Charleston?
- A: Charleston has many unique downtown restaurants, perfect for a memorable romantic meal in a charming setting.
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1. Magnolias
A Charleston institution since 1990, Magnolias is a beloved favorite for many locals and one of the most romantic restaurants in Charleston, SC. The famous restaurant on East Bay Street offers a refined take on traditional Southern cooking with top-notch dishes created by Executive Chef Donald Drake served in a warm and welcoming environment.
Order dishes like Shellfish over Grits and Down South Egg Roll, and don’t miss the Southern Pecan Pie or Spiced Peach Cake for dessert. Grab a copy of Magnolias Authentic Southern Cuisine Cookbook and you can prepare some of these tasty dishes at home.
185 East Bay Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, Phone: 843-577-7771
2. Church and Union
Church and Union enjoys a unique setting inside an historic old church building, complete with stained-glass windows and loads of character. There is a massive bar along one of the walls, hand-painted ceilings and many other interesting décor objects. However, it is the food that makes this restaurant stand out from the crowd. At the helm is talented Chef Jamie Lynch who has a very impressive culinary background. The dinner menu features some interesting dishes including Kung Pao Cauliflower and Chorizo Meatballs, while the list of entrees includes home-made filled pastas, Pan Seared Scallops, Beef Ribs and Duck Breast, as well as their signature CU Burger.
32B North Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401, 843 937 8666
3. High Cotton
Shining wood floors, loads of natural light and beautiful exposed brickwork is your introduction to High Cotton Charleston. The restaurant is both elegant and warm and the ambiance is perfect for a special night out. Everything on the menu sounds wonderful and you are going to have a difficult time deciding which of their delicious dishes to choose first. Perhaps you can start off by ordering some fresh oysters, locally farmed greens or melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu Carpaccio. The entrees are equally tempting and feature their signature Broiled Seafood Platter, a selection of prime meats and an excellent choice of accompaniments and sides.
199 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401, 843 724 3815
4. Edmund's Oast
If you are looking for unique restaurants in Charleston, SC, Edmund's Oast is a stylish gastropub that draws a hip crowd with their inventive American cuisine and unparalleled craft beer program.
In addition to a diverse selection of on tap and bottled beer options, Edmund's Oast serves an array of culinary delights.
Dishes like Pickled Shrimp and Braised Lamb Meatballs are indicative of the kitchen’s creative flair, and combined with unique cocktails, Edmund's Oast will undoubtedly have you coming back for more.
1081 Morrison Drive, Charleston, South Carolina 29403, Phone: 843-727-1145
5. Indaco
Serving modern Italian fare and artisan wood-fired pizzas, Indaco is the place to go if you are craving great Italian food in a hip and inviting atmosphere.
Located on Upper King Street, this rustic trattoria is decorated with wooden tables and chairs to create a bustling, vibrant ambiance, which has you thinking you could be in the heart of Naples.
Perfectly-crafted bowls of pasta, fresh garden salads and creative pies are continually flowing out of the open kitchen and you can watch the action from the chef’s table or a seat at the bar while you sip a drink.
526 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403, Phone: 843-727-1228
6. The Grocery
Resting on Cannon Street, The Grocery is an inviting eatery with an innovative and seasonal menu that evokes memories of a small town grocery.
Executive Chef and owner Kevin Johnson’s kitchen is stocked with produce from local farmers, fishermen, and artisans, which he turns into an array of delicious Southern-influenced plates. Wood-roasted clams, pig skin pad Thai and bone marrow brûlée are just some of the menu’s creative offerings, while an extensive list of signature cocktails, wines and craft beers on tap serve as excellent accompaniments.
4 Cannon Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403, Phone: 843-302-8825
7. Vincent Chicco’s
Tucked away on Hudson Alley, Vincent Chicco’s serves classic Italian/American fare with a modern twist. The interior of the restaurant reflects a careful blend of old and new, resulting in an elegant and welcoming ambiance which is perfect for date night or a romantic anniversary. The restaurant prides itself on serving refined Italian classics, using only the freshest ingredients – everything, including the pasta and the sauces are house-made. You can start off with a sharing plate of something delicious before moving on to enjoy a fabulous pasta dish and/or entrée. You can celebrate your special night out with bubbles by the glass or bottle.
Hudson Alley, 39-G John Street, Charleston, SC 29403, 843 203 3002
8. Le Farfalle
You can expect an exceptional night out when you book a romantic dinner at Le Farfalle in Harleston Village. In summer you can dine alfresco on the extensive outdoor terrace. Le Farfalle serves dishes which would be perfectly at home in Italy, using modern approaches to bring Italian classics right up to date. The appetizers include innovative salads, Octopus Carpaccio, fresh oysters and a fragrant Umbrian vegetable stew. Pastas are all made in-house and are followed by an excellent selection of entrees and steak dishes, as well as sides of your choice. The wine list includes Italian and international wines available by the bottle or glass.
15 Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC 29401, 843 212 0920
9. EVO Pizzeria
EVO Pizzeria on East Montague Avenue in North Charleston is a bustling, casual establishment serving artisan wood-fired pizza with sumptuous homemade toppings. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients are the focus of the eatery, and the EVO team only uses products from local farmers and producers to help create their masterpieces.
The restaurant is relaxed and friendly, with large chalkboards on the walls, listing their daily specials. While pizza is the main item on the menu, daily specials can include homemade sausages, crostini, and fresh arugula. The beer list has offerings that will keep any beer aficionado happy.
1075 East Montague, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405, Phone: 843-225-1796
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