During a business trip to Baltimore, I made a reservation for Charleston, a James Beard Foundation Award winning restaurant along the Harbor. It was a short and lovely walk from my hotel, and I was dining alone and initially I wasn't sure how I felt about having a solo dining experience at an upscale restaurant. My concerns were immediately dispelled as soon as I opened the restaurant door. Two men greeted me and were incredibly gracious and welcoming. They quickly found my reservation and asked me if it was my first time at the restaurant and what brought me to town. Since it was pretty early for dinner (6pm on a Monday) they gave me options for where I wanted to sit, confirming that the lounge seating I reserved was best for me because it placed me near the large bay windows that faced the harbor and the setting sun. My waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. He not only knew the menu, but he had tasted several items and gave me direct feedback on items. I decided on the three-course menu with wine pairing. For starters, I had the fried oysters. The fry was light and crisp, and oysters were flavorful, still holding the freshness of the ocean. The olive bread serving was a nice touch. The second course was white truffle fettuccine with mushrooms. The mushrooms were tender, absorbing the flavor of the seasoning. The fettuccine was fresh, light and richness of the white truffle was a perfect compliment, but not overpowering. The third course was crispy wild halibut with a zucchini beignet. Again, they do a beautiful job with frying fish. The fish with lightly fried enough to get a nice crispy, but with no oily after taste. The zucchini beignet was crisp and fresh. The tartar sauce for the halibut gave the elevated dish a hearty, fun, comfort food finish. The wine pairings were perfection. From the Cremant d'Alsace Brut bubbly, which offered a refreshing and bright flavor to go with the light oysters, and even the Chardonnay, Dehlinger, which offered a citrus accent that was a nice balance with the warm, rich embrace of the fettuccine dish, Charleston sommelier experts make every effort to ensure that pairing enrich the dining experience. For those looking for an elevated dining experience in Baltimore by the Harbor, where you really feel taken cared of, I'll suggest visiting Charleston. Every staff member I engaged with, even as a solo diner, made me feel like I was a treasured guest. read more

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My partner and I returned to Charleston for our annual Christmas dinner. While the food was generally very good, we were a little less impressed with the service this year. The major hiccup we experienced was my gluten free lamb shank pasta being sent to the vegetarian sitting at the table next to us. Watching this unfold and the server's exasperated reaction was very awkward. That being said, the manager (or maitre d?)'s graceful handling of the situation thereafter was great. He told us what happened, played it off well, explained that it would be a bit of a wait for our next course as a result, and ended up comping all our wine. Really classy touch. However, even after the long wait for the pasta, it was ultimately under-salted under-seasoned and not impressive at all. As much as I appreciate the gluten free option, I wish I had just gotten something else especially after all that trouble! The rest of the service throughout the night was also oddly paced. We ordered less courses than last year (only three) but we were there for almost four hours. Tables around us who arrived after us were served their first courses before we even had a chance to order. We were asked to pick out a wine first before choosing our food and since we weren't sure what we were eating, we weren't ready to select a wine. Even just getting the food menu took a bit of waiting around. Our server didn't inquire about any food allergies either so it was tough making decisions when I wasn't sure what was gluten free - and this was an allergy that was noted in our reservation, too. At another point, I asked for a glass of red wine three different times until finally the maitre d grabbed it for me after the pasta debacle happened. As for the rest of my meal, the scallops and lobster soup were both yummy but not anything life changing. However, my boyfriend's lamb chop dish was very very delicious. The one bite I had, paired with the pomegranates, was heaven. By the way, they offer gluten free bread service too. Has the Charleston lost their touch after the recent James Beard press? I'm not sure but I do hope they step things back up again. You come to expect a little more from an institution like this, especially after being totally blown away last year. read more

Charleston - Scallop - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Charleston deserves a Michelin star, it's an elegant Southern/French diamond tucked into the Baltimore inner harbor. The service is impeccable, they truly make you feel like royalty. The dining room is both refined and comfortable, like spending an evening at your most posh aunt and uncle's home. You can even watch the quiet choreography of the kitchen from the main dining room which is the coolest thing. The entire tasting menu is so delicious but I've been to Charleston many times and my favorite dish hands down is the lobster bisque since day one. It's so rich and creamy. I've also heard that their wine program is nationally recognized! I can go on and on about Charleston. Immense gratitude for Chef Cindy Wolf for creating such an exceptional experience in the heart of Baltimore read more

Charleston is a great fine dining experience for special occasions as it is definitely one of the more expensive restaurants I've been to in the city. It is quiet and tastefully decorated with pressed white linens and soft music. A very nice anniversary spot if you feel like splurging! I chose the 3 course tasting menu with the wine paring because I wasn't starving. Had I been really hungry, the 4 course would have been more appropriate. The portions are really small but you do get bread for the table, an amuse-bouche, and desert included in your meal. There is also an optional cheese course at the end if you are still feeling peckish. The food was 4/5. Good flavor for every dish but I was left feeling like each one was missing something. I was hoping for better given the expensive price tag. The wine pairing was a nice addition to the meal and I'm glad I decided on the option. Service was 5/5. Each course was presented and explained beautifully by the wait staff. Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. read more

Charleston - Lobster bisque - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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WORTH IT. I was worried about the value proposition... ~$300+ for food and cocktails for 2 people.... but i was so genuinely happy to have worried for nothing. The food was exceptional. Many of the dishes were rich with beautiful layers of flavor; fish and duck cooked to perfection... lobster soup insanely good. The ambiance was perfect - had everything dialed in and not too much noise. The service was incredible with numerous staff checking on us every 3-5 minutes, not in an intrusive way, just letting us know they were there. Beverage program is A+ and the desserts were a great surprise - go with the Raspberry Gateau! read more

Charleston - Menu. - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Food We came as a party of two, and each of us went for the four-course menu. Overall, the dishes were solid--around a 7-8/10 for me. Everything was good, though nothing was wildly outlandish. Grilled Octopus I personally loved the octopus; it was tender and flavorful. They cooked it so well that it was easy to bite into--none of that usual chewiness you often get with octopus. It also carried more flavor than expected, since octopus doesn't absorb seasoning easily. They really nailed the preparation. Duck Breast with Foie Gras The foie gras was velvety and tender. It came with cooked apple underneath, which I enjoyed--the sweetness worked for me, though I can see how it might be a bit too sweet for some people's taste. Lobster Soup It's worth the hype--fragrant and rich. Other Dishes Desserts were all good. We also had the risotto, fettuccine, scallop, and fried chicken. The risotto's flavoring leaned a little too salty for me. The fettuccine was fine, but nothing particularly special. Including tax and tip, the meal came out to around $180 per person. We didn't order wine but did try two mocktails. The hospitality was wonderful, and the ambience was elegant and delightful. Overall, a solid establishment and a must-visit in Baltimore. read more

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As perhaps Baltimore's premier fine dining restaurants, I had been saving Charleston for a special occasion since moving to Baltimore. I finally had the opportunity to check it out last week with three friends. Charleston is a tasting menu restaurant - you cannot order a la carte in the dinning room. But for a tasting menu restaurant, it's incredibly flexible! What do I mean by that? I've done a lot of tasting menus where you show up, they tell you get eight courses, and those are the dishes that you get. Charleston doesn't work quite like that. You choose how many courses you want (as few as three, as many as six - this does not include dessert, which is included, or the cheese cart, which is not included). As of now, the three course tasting is $99, and the six course is $189. The wine pairing ranges from $60-100+ depending on how many courses you order. That's not all that's flexible about Charleston. We all decided to do three courses (I had heard this was enough food to fill you up). The menu is split into five sections: Cold; Hot; Pasta & Risotto; Fish & Shellfish; and Birds, Game & Meat. Typically at a restaurant with a coursed menu, you would choose one starter, one entree, one dessert, etc. Not at Charleston. Order three courses? That can be any three courses. You can order three courses from the Birds, Game & Meat if you want. For my three, I selected: their special ceviche of the night (I remember it was rockfish); a scallop from the hot portion of the menu (I also don't remember details about this and it's not on the online menu currently, but I do remember it was simple and had cherry tomatoes); and the pan-roasted halibut (also a little different than the halibut on their online menu currently). I really enjoyed the ceviche; it was my favorite course hands down. The scallop and halibut were well-cooked, but just lacked a little ... excitement? Maybe it's just because I love acid so much, but these two dishes - while very well-prepared - were a little underwhelming, perhaps even a bit flat, for me. Then they asked if we wanted the cheese cart to come by. I ALWAYS want the cheese cart to come by. They wheeled it around and have several minutes of talking about cheese, we were eating some. Yum, yum, and yum. (My friends thought they didn't want cheese; they were wrong.) Dessert is included, so we all chose a dessert course after our three courses. I really enjoyed mine - strawberry mousse with a layer of vanilla cake and a fresh mint and lime sauce. Delicious and very pretty. I had done the wine pairing and did enjoy the pairings very much. The staff were wonderful about coming by and really describing the wines that were being paired with our upcoming courses. I also added on a dessert wine with my dessert course. The beverage program really deserves that James Beard award it just got. I really enjoyed the wines throughout dinner. The restaurant is understated, which I really appreciated. So many restaurants now are more style than substance. They have an Instagram wall and drinks with bubbles of smoke...only the quality of everything isn't so great. That's not the case with Charleston at all. If anything, you wouldn't know there's a great restaurant inside looking at the building from the outside. And the inside is classic and traditional, comfortable and elegant. I definitely recommend dressing up a bit, as it is quite an elegant dining room (the dress will range from guest to guest, but you never want to be the most casually dressed person, right?). The service was perhaps the best thing about Charleston. Every staff member that helped with our service (and there are a lot) were amazing at their jobs. They described dishes beautifully (it's a lot of describing for a table of 4 with three dishes each plus four desserts plus a cheese course plus wine pairings for three people). They offered suggestions, answered questions, and were very friendly. Charleston is good at what it does. It's probably Baltimore's finest dining establishment, so it's great for a special occasion, dinner with someone you want to impress, or if you just want some fancy, well thought out but still Chesapeake Bay-focused food! read more

Absolutely ah-mazing dining experience! Celebrated my birthday as a gift from a very dear couple... what a memorable experience! The ambience was absolutely perfect. It established the ideal pace to enjoy each course without rushing though. The service was impeccable. Each course was explained in detail with the appropriate wine pairing. Yes, I recommend the wine pairing. This was a gastronomical experience which exceeded my expectations... I only have one regret. I regret that I didn't get a picture with Chef Cindy Wolf when she visited our table. Maybe next time! Please do yourself a favor, make a reservation, relax and enjoy the experience. read more

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*visiting from houston* Whew, what an experience!! I will highly recommend this place to folks local or not. It is worth it!! Upon entering the establishment, the ambiance is romance and nicely dimmed. All the staff here were great, including our waiter, Dylan. Dylan was helpful and gave an excellent rundown of the menu. Food? 4 courses were more than enough for us. Portion sizes seem small but it was very filling. We did (2) 4 courses with wine pairings. 1st course: I thoroughly enjoyed the rich lobster soup; I was hesitant because of the curry oil but it was a great all together. 2nd course: lobster ravioli was decent. Nothing spectacular but enjoyable. 3rd course: lobster vol-au-vent! This was my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE and the wine pairing with it was FREAKING YUMMY. The vol-au-vent, to me, is like a lobster pot pie as the puff is the same puff I use for chicken pot pie. My 3rd course was THE ABSOLUTE BEST. I should have stopped there Lolol but the 4th course: duck with the gumbo. And wow. The duck was cooked perfectly and the gumbo with it paired nicely!! DEEP KISSES TO THE CHEF AND THE OWNERS OF THIS ESTABLISHMENT. The dessert I got was the chocolate espresso with a cappuccino! A sweet way to top off the evening! HIGHLY recommend this place, expensive but WORTH IT. read more

Charleston - Chocolate espresso with cappuccino - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I made a reservation for the Charleston with the manager, Jorge, to celebrate my birthday and on a later date, my graduation. Our server, Jocelyn V., was very nice and knowledgeable about the menu. Jorge was also very accommodating to my party as well. This is fine-dining restaurant has complimentary valet parking which is very convenient in the Harbor East area. When you enter, there is the bar area - which does not require reservations or has a dress code. The dining area, has very comfortable seating. All portion sizes at the Charleston are relatively small and they have a pre-fixe menu where you choose how many courses you would like to try: 3 courses $99 w/wine $159 4 courses $129 w/wine $205 5 courses $163 w/wine $258 6 courses $189 w/wine $303 For cocktails, I usually get the Ipanema Fizz ($18), which has sparking wine, passion fruit, and honey. It is crisp and not overly sweet. Now their menu items constantly change and are seasonal, but if available for food, I recommend trying the following dishes: Foie Gras - This is the perfect balance of rich and creaminess from the fatty liver cut with the sweet tartness of the strawberry/rhubarb compote, all atop a cornmeal cake for a nice crunchy texture. Rich Lobster Soup with Curry - The buttery lobster and the creaminess of the lobster stock reduction pair perfectly with the savory curry oil. Grilled Marinated Octopus - The octopus was so tender atop of light salad consisting of French coco beans, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and the acidity of the whole grain mustard vinaigrette to compliment the entire dish. My only drawback was the Pan-roasted Red Snapper with pecan rice. The pecan rice was a unique component which I thought worked very well. My disappoint was that my fish was overcooked and dry. It was very stringy and hard to cut. My mother, who was sitting next to me, got the same dish and her fish fillet was cooked perfectly and was buttery. It does bother me that there is an inconsistency in the dishes. I sent my dish back and opted to not replace it. Other than that, I know that no restaurant is ever perfect in a execution all the time so I am able to overlook that. The Charleston is definitely a wonderful restaurant for upscale dining and incredibly delicious food. read more

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The highlight of my day, a wonderful meal at a beautifully comforting restaurant. They were able to accommodate our change of day for a reservation. Although there was a bit of a mix up and did not have bottles still water left, the service made up for it and I did not feel slighted at all. Overall, all of the food was actually very good. One of the notable parts was the spinach soup they gave us at the beginning of the meal. It was a great start and a smart way to incorporate vegetable starters when the tasting menu offers high customization. You are able to choose pretty much whatever you want for a fixed price. Price-wise, it makes more sense to load up on the bottom part of the menu. However, the menu is still organized in a way where you can easily choose a more traditional experience. Along with the menu are some specials that change, but we did not partake. The standouts were the oysters, lobster bisque, and surprisingly the agnolotti due to the delicate corn taste. Along with the food, I found the plate ware to be very beautiful and marine-like. The tablecloths are nicely pressed and the lighting is very comforting. Definitely a place I'd recommend to someone coming to Baltimore! read more

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I'm not even sure where to start with this amazing experience. Just know you should go with an empty stomach. You choose between 3-6 courses and then each course can be anything on the menu. I went with a four course with wine pairing, which was waaayyy too much food but I just couldn't give up trying that many things. I would describe what I had, but literally anything you get here will be high quality ingredients and made beautifully. The restaurant itself has a beautiful interior and comfy seats. It is very formally set up and they will replace your napkin when you use the restroom! All the small touches that go into the service just make it even more of an experience. It is 100% worth the price tag and I would highly recommend. I cannot wait to go back! read more

Charleston - Dessert is complimentary so save room! - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Charleston was honestly such an amazing experience. We did the six course tasting menu, and every single dish looked beautiful and tasted even better. You can tell they put so much thought into everything. My favorites were the scallops, soft shell crab, duck, and beef, and somehow even the vegetables were incredible, which I was not expecting to say. The service was great too. Everyone was super nice, explained the dishes really well, and made the night feel special without being stiff or awkward. The biggest surprise was how big the portions were. For a tasting menu, we thought it would be tiny bites, but we were so full by the end of the sixth course that we couldn't even handle the cheese board, which we were actually excited about. Overall, it was an unforgettable meal and totally worth it. Just make sure you show up really hungry. read more

Enjoyed another great meal at Charleston The turbot and tenderloin were great. The oysters were surprisingly really good- had a very light fry. I wasn't a super big fan of the risotto but I don't usually like risotto- it was more runny and had more liquid than other risottos than I've had. Husband and I wanted to try the white truffle since it was in season but we were both a bit underwhelmed. read more

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Charleston delivered one of the most beautifully balanced meals I've ever experienced in Baltimore. Every course felt thoughtful and paced like a perfectly curated story. The flavors were elegant without being fussy, and the menu flowed in a way that kept us excited from the amuse bouche to the final bite of dessert. We were celebrating our anniversary and the entire staff seemed to be in on the celebration. Everyone who came to the table wished us well, and they surprised us with both a complimentary amuse bouche and a complimentary dessert. The hospitality felt completely genuine. Valet is complimentary which already makes arrival smooth. They didn't even give me a coat ticket. Somehow they just knew who we were when we stepped back to the door at the end of the night, and our car was pulled right up in front like magic. A flawless experience from beginning to end. read more

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Whatever you do, DO NOT get the ribeye that's an upcharge of $50. Huge disappointment. It's 1/2 inch thick steak , definitely not Prime, Choice at best. I ordered medium rare and it came back medium Well, it goes with the territory with a thinly cut steak. For 80 bucks (30 for course and 50 upcharge) go to ANY other steakhouse. This just aint worth it Foodwise Everything ELSE was great, the other food was remarkable and the drink was above average. Ambiance was adorable and i love the facet that the tables have room to breathe. Waiter was pleasant and patient. read more

Still.... one of my all time favorite places to be spoiled; a culinary delight. We came to celebrate my partner's birthday. The entire staff wished her a Happy Birthday. Everybody here is so attentive, down to the details. We love their octopus so of course we had to have it. Another favorite is the rich lobster soup with curry. It's divine and I love the way they pour it at the table. It's rich with a slight kick. We also had shrimp & grits, cornmeal fried oysters, white truffle fettuccini, pan roasted by scallops, and the buffalo milk mozzarella salad. I really didn't plan to eat so much following the Thanksgiving holiday, but....... the food is so divine! Desert is included so we had praline ice cream and the cheesecake. Just being greedy I suppose, but that too was delicious. We'll keep coming back for more! read more

My sister took me to Charleston for my birthday and what a wonderful dinner it was! Located in Harbor East, Charleston is swanky and cozy and feels like the fancy restaurant that it is. We learned there was a cheese cart so did the 3 courses (I believe dessert is included and doesn't count as a course which was a delightful surprise!). Every staff member we interacted with were wonderful and so kind! We were given a cauliflower soup which was delicious and you get sourdough (standard, good with butter), biscuits (kind of dense and cold), and cornbread (warm and flavorful!). Our first course was the octopus (flavorful and went well with the greens) and the oyster fritters (well cooked but sauce was mostly mayonnaise). Second course was truffle fettuccine (DELICIOUS and so creamy) and the lobster ravioli (my least favorite bites as they were cold and the pasta was hard, a little too al dente). Third course was fried halibut (piping hot with a yummy sauce but so small!) and the guinea fowl raviolini (I was nervous after the ravioli but this one was well cooked and the pumpkin filling was sweet and creamy and yummy). Dessert was the best crème brûlée we've ever had and an almond cake with ice cream. I got the Ipanema Fizz, one of their signature drinks, and it just tasted like a mimosa. We love cheese so wanted to explore the cheese cart but there were 4 blue cheese options and only a few other medium hard cheeses. We did the manchego and another cheese and both were tasty and served with crisp toasted baguette slices. Overall an excellent meal and I can't wait to go back to try more dishes! read more

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Had an absolutely amazing time at the Charleston celebrating a friends birthday. It's truly one of the best restaurant experiences in the city and well worth the splurge. The waiters and hosts were very attentive. Each course was explained in detail and the host was great at making suggestions based on our individual tastes. My favorites were veal, foie gras, and bison but several people at our table enjoyed the truffle pasta as well. The meats were cooked to perfection and the foie gras quite literally melted in your mouth. Their menu is very extensive so there is something for everyone. read more

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Celebrated my birthday last week. I have always loved Charleston, I think this was our third visit. The updates over the years are wonderful and even though it is larger the service was still extraordinary. The menu is elegant with local items, sophistically presented. The service is personable and engaging. A complete home run !!! Look forward to visiting again soon. Charleston is very likely to be the best restaurant in the state. Thank you so much for a lovely and memorable evening. read more

Wonderful! Service impeccable, Food glorious, atmosphere pleasant. Very quiet and intimate, servers on que when to come around. Dinner is served according to how many courses you choose, with wine pairing or not. Located in downtown Baltimore. Old school white table cloth well trained staff. Loved it!!! read more

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The best upscale dinner my wife and I have had in a long time. Service was impeccable, not overdone. Great table, wonderful bar. Entrees delicious and generous. Expensive but well worth it. read more

Arguably Baltimore's crown jewel. Chef Cindy Wolf's tasting menus are a master class in Southern-influenced fine dining. The shrimp and grits alone are worth the trip -- creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced. Service is polished but warm, and the wine pairings are impeccable. Yes, it's a splurge, but for a special occasion, Charleston is hard to beat. read more

A spectacular restaurant in the Inner Harbor that should be your choice for any special occasion or even just enjoying some delicious and creative cuisine. Diners choose the number of courses they would like and may select from any of the roughly couple dozen menu options to build their meal. We opted for a three-course dinner, adding a caviar course (1oz of Royal Ossetra caviar for an unbelievably low $100 price tag) and some cheeses preceding dessert. Their James Beard award-winning alcohol program is particularly noteworthy with pages upon pages of excellent cellar selections at a shockingly reasonable markup. Service was polished and fabulous. read more

I loved everything about this restaurant. The complimentary valet; the ambiance and decor of the restaurant; the staff EVERYONE was amazing. The food was impressive and pairings perfect. The experience was amazing from the moment we walked in the door - this is truly 5 Star dining. An awesome occasion I will never forget. read more

I came here for the first time for my birthday dinner not too long ago and really enjoyed it. I was told by some friends that Charleston (the Charleston?) is one of the few truly fine dining places in Baltimore and while I think there are other fine dining restaurants around, the Charleston felt possibly the classiest. From the moment we entered we were greeted by staff. Our waiter was amazing, he explained how the menu works, answered questions, and made amazing suggestions. Everything we ate was delicious and the wine was good too (also I didn't feel like the sommelier was trying to up sell us which was really nice!) I can't remember the exact names of our dishes but basically, between two of us we got steak tartare, ceviche, the scallop dish, truffle pasta (so so good!), branzino, lamb chop, and the venison dish. We got a bottle of wine too that I really enjoyed, and for dessert we got chocolate creme brulee (I didn't love this unfortunately but it wasn't bad, just not my taste) and panna cotta. I think the meal was worth the money it cost and I'd go back, so I definitely recommend going if you can! read more

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First things first: I want to thank the PHENOMENAL STAFF that took care of us on our anniversary. Brian and Sandy especially made our evening stupendous. Their clear love and care for what they do and attention to detail made this 6 course dinner and experience, not just a meal. Next- when you enter the Charleston. Expect to be wowed. You are entering a place of such love and care of finely crafted food. Every day the menu changes, you will choose 3-6 plates and choose if you want a wine pairing. The interior is stunning, the plates are gorgeous. The table is cared for throughout your meal. You'll receive complimentary bread and dessert. All of which is amazing. This restaurant, this place, this food, is truly something to behold and experience. You don't have to leave the city to have fine dining. It's right here in our laps. Don't overlook the Charleston. read more

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My best friend treated me to dinner for my birthday this week and we had an amazing experience. The service was top notch, starting with the valet, which made parking simple. The menu had a lot of variety. I had the lobster soup, fettuccini with truffle sauce and the bison filet. All great dishes. The waitress was very knowledgeable and even let my friend swap out a dish that she didn't like without any drama. They don't play music, which was a little different, but it wasn't that big of a deal. I'd definitely come back here for a special occasion. read more

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Beautiful restaurant with friendly staff and fantastic food. Very special experience, perfect for a celebratory occasion. Would absolutely return!! read more

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This was an excellent time for my anniversary dinner. Definitely something that is good for a celebratory meal, as it really is about the food and the overall dining experience. We were greeted and sat by the kitchen, which has a direct view into the operations of creating these fine meal options. I've never seen a kitchen so orderly and put together, Gordon Ramsay would be proud. While going through our 5 courses, some options were better than others, but I didn't have anything that I didn't like. I did have to send the squab back, as I didn't realize it was red meat, similar to the duck. I also suggest not wasting a course on a salad if want to get the most out of your selections. 4 -5 courses seems to be a good amount considering there is complimentary bread to start and a complimentary dessert after. If you do wine pairings, you might need even less options. I could have certainly done all 6 courses, but I think I'm a special case. The complimentary valet is a very nice inclusion, and the only thing missing was a door attendant to get the door for me on the way in and out. After paying the hefty bill, and feeling quite stuffed, I didn't want to push the door open myself--- perhaps this is something they can think about adding. read more

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Excellent food, and service! We had great chats with our neighbor tables and a wonderful wine flight. Highly recommend.

Hands down the most expensive restaurant in Baltimore, the pinnacle restaurant of the Foreman Wolfe group. I've been here once before for a work dinner (and the most memorable item was the haricot verts in 2019 and a good bottle of wine) and came most recently with a girlfriend to celebrate a random Tuesday. I love a bougie fine dining experience, and the Charleston is not too pretentious it's not approachable, but it's definitely an OLD SCHOOL kind of place. Ultimately it's a fun experience, career waiters, white table cloth and cheese carts, but it's not my favorite restaurant nor favorite experience I've ever had. We started off the course with the complimentary amuse bouche of an asparagus soup (delightful) and decided on a four course with wine paring for $195pp, my friend ended up getting another course for a total of five for $248 to get all the specials. My favorite bite of the night was definitely the Grilled Bison Tenderloin - with a grilled poblano and jalapeno. The white asparagus with an incremental $25 fell flat for me, and the foi gras, which I will never say no to, in the presentation with two other fried things on the plate was too much fat. I'm a huge fan of their cornbread (which they used to serve at Cindy Lou's) -- the hard thing with restaurant groups is they do recycle some of their items across restaurants. The mango and coconut panna cotta - I've had at Chingale before and was disappointed. Overall a fun food and wine pairing experience that truly elevates the experience - I got to try the most herbacious Sauvingon Blanc that I will be purchasing at their wine store: Bin 604! But in terms of food and service, I have had better in Baltimore. read more

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Located in the Inner Harbor, the Charleston proves to be an elegant, dining experience. First, and really important, valet is free! So, please do tip! Before dining, we sat at the bar for a bit and indulged in a cocktail and wine. The bar area is dimly lit, but very nice. After we finished our drinks, we were seated in the main dining room. While the decor of the restaurant is simple and a bit a sophisticated, I felt there was too much crown-molding. I know that is a random critique, but I couldn't get past this detail as I was thinking about my experience. Anyway, on to the food... I tried the lobster bisque, the lobster ravioli, and octopus. The lobster bisque was delightful; the broth/bisque was poured tableside. It is worth noting that the same bisque used for the soup is the same used for the lobster ravioli -- speaking of which, I have had better. The portion is on the smaller side. Also, I don't care for the filling to be grinded; I prefer to have chunks of meat or whatever the filling is inside the ravioli. Lastly, the octopus was such a star. I thoroughly enjoyed it. All-in-all, I would visit Charleston again. I'd probably opt to dine at the bar. read more

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What a phenomenal dining experience. We had a very special night out celebrating an academic milestone and the staff at Charleston did everything perfectly to help us commemorate the evening. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the nuances of the menu and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the wine pairings. The ambiance was impeccable and the staff seemed to know what we needed next before we even did. It doesn't feel crowded inside even though every table is likely always full. The noise level is perfect. Just incredible vibes. Now the food. You can choose from a 3, 4, 5, or 6-course with or without wine pairings. The wine list was extensive but if a wine pairing is offered I'm going to get it! Every single item on the menu sounds delightful, and the 9 courses we had between us did not disappoint. My personal favorites were the vegan carrot ginger soup with a saffron oil, the salmon crudo, the pan-seated duck breast, and the halibut. Every wine pairing was spot on, as expected. Overall, 10/10 experience. Great food and drink, impeccable service, great environment. I can't wait for another reason to celebrate here! read more

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This was my wife's third visit and my first, and I was immediately captivated upon entering Charleston. From the professionalism of the staff to the aesthetics of the space, everything felt deliberately chosen to create a complete and memorable experience. The artwork appeared carefully selected to tie the atmosphere together and make it truly one of a kind. We were greeted right away, and since we had arrived early, the gentleman graciously invited us to relax in the lounge and bar until our reservation. As time passed, we talked and savored our cocktails. They were light and airy, almost like floating on a cloud subtle in flavor yet beautifully balanced, the kind of drinks that enhance the moment without overpowering it. When the time came, the gentleman returned, asked if we were ready, and then graciously escorted us to our table. It was at that moment the restaurant truly came to life. The balance of tranquil lighting with earthy, neutral tones brought the atmosphere to life. Unlike the lounge, the dining room carried more energy brighter and more vibrant, filled with a mix of laughter and conversation. Different groups, both young and older, were seated close enough to invite a sense of connection, yet never in a way that felt forced. Within seconds, our server Zack arrived and welcomed us. Since it was my first time, he explained how dining at Charleston works. Guests are invited to choose the number of courses they'd like (my wife and I choice three), with no requirement to select from specific categories the choice is entirely yours. He also shared that a complimentary dessert is always included, so even if you select the minimum number of courses, you will actually receive an additional course with the dessert as the finale. For my courses, I chose the Butternut Squash Soup, White Truffle Fettuccine, and Grilled Quail. My wife selected the Pan-Roasted Wild Halibut, Grilled Quail, and Braised Lamb Neck. Each dish was timed to perfection, arriving in a steady rhythm that allowed us to savor every moment. The flavors shined individually, yet blended like a symphony thoughtful, harmonious, and executed flawlessly. I can only imagine that nothing but the finest ingredients were used, and it was evident in every bite. There were also a few unexpected moments of humor, generally candid and even a bit crude, but in a way that added to the authenticity of the evening. It reminded me that true comfort must exist for people to relax and express themselves so freely in a setting like this. What stood out most, however, was the staff. Every member made this moment in time feel extremely special. One of my biggest pet peeves is poor customer service, and Charleston was nothing less than excellent. It was an incredible night from start to finish and I honestly can't wait to go back. read more

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If you are looking for a upscale, Michelin Star type of setting ,than this restaurant is a place you need to make reservations for, the service is what I expected for a 4 course prefix menu, the food was amazing! Valet parking is free. read more

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Christmas Eve at my favorite restaurant! The service is perfect--not stuffy at all, but attentive. Sommelier suggested a nice bottle of wine that was not expensive at all and went well with the food we ordered. Pro tip--always order the scallop here. Whatever the preparation, it is always perfect! read more

We visited Baltimore to celebrate our birthdays, and were excited to try the tasting menu at Charleston after reading positive things and discussing the show The Bear and the movie The Menu. I rarely write negative reviews, as I know the impact on restaurants and I have friends in the industry, but I believe honest feedback helps both future guests and the restaurant itself. Unfortunately, our experience at Charleston was deeply disappointing. The menu lacked cohesion and refinement, feeling more like a collection of inconsistent, ill-prepared dishes than a thoughtfully crafted culinary journey. As a millennial foodie accustomed to tasting menus that highlight creativity and storytelling, I found the offerings uninspired and dated. The amuse-bouche immediately set the tone--evoking the taste of canned soup rather than scratch-made stock. The much-praised crab corn salad was weighed down by what tasted like jarred or day old mayonnaise, leaving it flat and flavorless. The "build-your-own" style tasting menu only added to the sense of confusion--when I visit a fine dining restaurant, I expect the chef's expertise to guide me through pairings and progression, not a "choose your own adventure" format. Course after course continued to underwhelm. The fettuccine, advertised as house-made, lacked the delicate texture of fresh pasta, while its cheese sauce tasted tired and heavy. The lobster bisque, a dish so often recommended by others, was disappointing as well--the lobster overcooked, the broth lacking freshness or depth. The fish courses, both red snapper and pompano, arrived overdone and bland. The beef tenderloin was okay, but not great. Even dessert, a vegan cheesecake touted as a highlight, was dense, bitter, and not even sweet. The macarons were pretty good - and I have had bad ones and excellent ones - these were a solid 7/10. Lastly, the presentation also fell short--nearly every plate decorated with the same sprig of watercress, a shortcut rather than a creative touch. To their credit, the staff was gracious and attentive throughout, and the wine program--supported by knowledgeable sommeliers--was the strongest part of the experience. The corn tasted fresh, but that alone hardly justifies the steep price point. Oh and the heirloom tomato was excellent. It was a part of one dish but it made me regret not ordering the heirloom tomato salad (one of my favorite salads). Charleston would benefit from focusing less on volume and more on precision, elevating a smaller number of dishes to true excellence. Also updating and modernizing - it's 2025. Until that happens, I cannot recommend this as a fine dining destination. For guests seeking refined, modern, and inventive cuisine, there are far better options. read more

Charleston - Beef tenderloin - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Charleston is an excellent dining experience. Having been on my list for a while, I was excited to finally dine here. From my first touchpoint at the host stand until leaving, it was beautiful, and I expected nothing less. Elegant service was set in a sophisticated dining room. I love great service and the Charleston servers are well-trained but friendly. I sat next to the kitchen, which was perfect as a solo diner, so I could watch the evening's choreography. I opted for the 3-course menu (technically four since dessert is included), but wish I had done the wine pairing, which I will do next time. I ordered a cocktail and it was quite unimpressive. Though I could have said something, I chose not to, and it's obviously not influencing my review. My meal consisted of the rich lobster soup with curry, goat cheese agnolotti en brodo, grilled lamb rack chop, and the Valrhona dark chocolate cake. Additionally, there was bread service, an amuse bouche, and truffles with dessert. Meal-wise, there was nothing that I did not love. It's hard to choose a favorite as I love both lobster and lamb and I'm always excited to see an agnolotti en brodo on a menu. The lobster soup was quite rich, as the name implies, and the savory agnolotti is accompanied by pork belly and fava beans, two other favorite items. Bread was addictive. However, the lamb truly stands out. It was the most tender, most flavorful lamb I've ever had. And the desserts were the sweetest way to end a perfect meal. But still...that lamb. I cannot recommend Charleston highly enough. It is one of my favorite dining experiences. As a particular eater, I am thrilled to find a tasting menu with enough options that I can enjoy. I'll return anytime. read more

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My lovely friend picked Charleston for me to settle up on a lost wager. I was looking forward to trying a new restaurant and catch up with a good friend even though I lost..LOL. We compete on who picks the best spots so the pressure was on!! Charleston is uber classy. Dimly lit, soft music, white linen covered tables.. you get the picture. We started off at the bar and to my surprise, half the bar seats were reserved which I have encountered before but still rare. Although Charleston looks and feels like a traditional high end restaurant with a traditional menu, it's not. Charleston only offers a tasting menu which ranges from 3 to 6 courses ($89-$179per person) respectively. I'm always subconsciously watching my food intake, so I went for the 3 course option. Well, I'm 6'4" and 200+ pounds, and given the portion size of the plates, I needed an 8 course meal to feel somewhat full! I stuck with the 3 courses so my waistline thanked me..LOL!! I chose the bison tenderloin, duck, and lobster ravioli and my friend chose the lobster soup, lobster ravioli and the grilled octopus. Everything was tasty, but she's 5'0" and maybe 120lbs. and she was still hungry..LOL! I guess the moral of the story is, if you want amazing ambiance, service and something good in your mouth, definitely come to Charleston! If you're hungry, do yourself a favor and go to Ruth's Chris down the street, this is not the place for you..LOL!! read more

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