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Overall one of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Ambiance and food options are tremendous. Food: you have the option to select from 3-5 choices. These do not need to be from different sections, you could select 5 from the land if you so pleased. The choices were delicious and they did a great job with the presentation. Alcohol: a som is available which provides great advice for good options. Fun, but standard, cocktails. Service: overall great, they did an excellent job catering to everyone at the same time and ensuring dishes were distributed at the same time.
Visit: (8/10/26) Total: $574.716 ($478.93 + $95.79 Tip) Food: 1/10 *SEVERELY LACKING FLAVOR Service: 10/10 (*Marcie & staff provided exceptional service!) Review: I must start off my honest review by saying that I usually try once a year for the past couple of years to give the Charleston a chance in hopes that I would be able to be blown away by the food, but each year I am continually disappointed. This year I am finally going to write a review as I took my wife here this evening for her birthday hoping to surprise her with the flavors which I hoped would match the reputation that Chef Wolf is known for, but unfortunately the food was so underwhelming especially for the price I paid that I feel like I should finally leave some feedback. *Quick note: I must admit that I am a little biased and used my wife's and my favorite restaurant The Milton Inn as a benchmark to compare our visit to as it seems like every single time we visit the Milton Inn, every single dish that comes out of Chef Scanga's kitchen never ceases to amaze us. 10/10 - Beverage & Beverage Service: (Champagne, Klepka Sausse Grand Cru "Blanc de Blancs - Mille Or" 2017 - $144.00) I will 100% back the Charleston's 2025 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. Just like The Milton Inn, they have brought an amazing champagne to both of their restaurants and I HIGHLY recommend this bottle to anyone as it is amazing find. 1/10 - FOOD: 8/10: Husk-Roasted Corn "Chowder," Andouille Sausage, Tasso Ham: (corn was deliciously sweet, but it was sad that the andouille sausage was barely noticeable on the palate, and this was just the start of a long and unfortunate decent of "lack of flavor" with every corresponding dish.) 1/10: Local Heirloom Tomato Salad, Fresh Buffalo Milk Mozzarella, Basil Vinaigrette: (While both my wife and I loved hearing about how the tomatoes and basil were sourced directly from Chef Wolf's garden, the basil vinaigrette was so underwhelming and lacked any depth that my wife and I commented to each other that we literally could have made the same dish at home and it would have easily had more flavor.) 8/10: White Truffle Fettuccine, Mushroom Fricassée, 24-Month Aged Reggiano, Butter Sauce: (this is the only dish where being a little more subtle helped the dish in regard to the truffle not overpowering the taste of the homemade pasta.) 1/10: Pan-Roasted Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallop with Tomatoes from Chef's Farm: (my wife and I both love scallops and we ordered two of these entrees. 1) our scallops were cold and fishy and potentially undercooked that in order to prevent my wife from being embarrassed she put the majority of the scallop on my plate and I just ate the bacon. 2) on a scale of 1-10 in regards to the flavor of the bacon it was a 1. 3) the purée of tomatoes surrounding the scallop was so under seasoned that it clashed w/ the scallop and could have been the only thing that saved the dish if it was seasoned at all.) 1/10: Grilled Veal Tenderloin, Creamy Polenta Vidalia Onion Beignets, Red Wine Reduction: (the veal was so unseasoned and had a non existing sear that it literally tasted and look "boiled". I was hoping that the red wine reduction would at least provide some sort of bang of flavor, but again the trend of this sauce was a continuation of all the sauces that we tried before which was a 1/10 on the flavor scale. The temperature of the entire dish was the temperature of a dish that had been sitting in the window aka semi warm) Conclusion: Again by no means is this review meant to be malicious as I was truly hoping for an amazing dining journey of flavor, but I felt that Chef Wolf should receive some honest feedback about our very disappointing dining experience. This was so disappointing that we would rather pay twice as much to be blown away by the flavors of Woodberry Kitchen or The Milton Inn even though they are all around the same price point. Hopefully this review doesn't go unnoticed as I would be happy to change my review if somehow things got better.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
*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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
2 years ago
Every time we are in town, we always go to Charleston. It is one of my favorite restaurants. We've been to Noma, Per se, Alinea etc. and Charleston is right up there. The food is always amazing, and the service is impeccable. My husband is a vegetarian, and they still do a fantastic job. Additionally, we we are not wine drinkers, but the mocktails are quite tasty. Several years ago, we were flying into Baltimore at 10PM or so, and they agreed to stay open so we could dine there. We'll never forget what an amazing experience that was. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
This award winning restaurant opened by chef Cindy Wolf is a dining experience to be remembered. Located in Fells Point section of Baltimore, The Charleston is extraordinary in every way. Valet park, and enter to a reception line who take your coat, ask if you are celebrating anything, and then attend to your table. The menu is unique in that you may order a 3, 4, or 5 course meal. Select from anything on the menu. The selections are small plate, but outstandingly prepared and delicious. I have included pictures, but refer to the menu for selections. Included is an after dinner cheese board and dessert. Please be sure to dress nicely and make it special night. Expect to be there for two plus hours, and with a $100.00 bottle of wine, expect to pay between $125.00 to $150.00 per person, plus don't forget to add a 20% gratuity. It's worth it if you want a really special night. read more
I was fortunate enough to have dinner here in the private room and it was a great experience. We had 5 courses plus apps and dessert. Everything was lovely and the service was awesome. The cocktails, the wine, and the food were all A1. Chef Wolf came out and it made my whole night! My only complaint was that I didn't have room to eat my dessert lol. Other than that, the night was perfect. My faves are the Sweet Bread Empanadas, Zucchini soup, The Shrimp and Grits and the Scallops. I'm putting this in my birthday list! read more
5 years ago
I have been three times. Fabulous for a special occasion. I love the chef's approach to a tasting menu. We have always done a six course with wine pairing. You can do a lovely progression if you are smart about it. The best part is that you can easily accommodate the pescatarian diners. Dessert is included so save room. If six is too much for you, they go as low as three courses which would be equally as lovely. They also have an extensive cheese cart. read more
5 years ago
I went here for a birthday dinner for two and overall it was good. We were seated right away in a corner booth which I didn't love because the booth with the back cushion was quite uncomfortable. I wish we had asked for a table with chairs...... We got the wine menu right away but had to wait a considerable time before getting the dinner menu. They weren't busy so I was wondering why the waiters were standing around and not giving us menus. The waitress was very sweet when she came over to give us the menus though. We ordered 4 courses each and although the food was delicious, I wouldn't say I was blown away. Truthfully I've had better food at other fine dining places. I'm glad I went, but I am not sure if I would return. read more
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Tony F.
Esther, thank you for the feedback regarding your recent visit to…
4 years ago
AMAZING.. What a place! INCREDIBLE reception from walking in the front door. We enjoyed the 5 course tasting menu. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I can't wait to go back. EVERY DISH AMAZING. Crafted cocktails soo good. read more
Business owner information
Tony F.
Thank you for dining with us at Charleston!
4 years ago
What an experience! I came here with a friend as a Christmas treat and what a delight it was. Amazing ambience, phenomenal staff, and delicious food. The bar/lounge area was smaller than I thought, so we dined at a table near the window. Everything in this place was perfected to a T, down to them even ironing the tablecloths. I opted for the 3 course meal and dessert was included, plus the chef gave us complimentary hors-d'œuvre to start and macarons/chocolate to finish. They also had extra amenities such as a cheese cart and tea at the end. I can see now why this place lives up to its name and deserves its Michelin Star. For the quality and amount of food you receive, plus the experience, the hefty price tag is absolutely worth it. I will definitely be coming back! read more
Business owner information
Tony F.
We look forward to seeing you again, Caroline!
5 years ago
This is a very lovely dining experience! The food is good, the service is excellent, drinks were divine. The portions are more tapas style, but everything is pretty. It's touted as the best restaurant in Baltimore...it's not the best in terms of the food being "omg, can't wait to come back" but it's a very lovely experience and the food is yummy...but you won't have food leftover for later, it's not that type place! Perfect for date night or a friendly get together or any event really. It's enjoyable and very lovely (sorry I don't have a better adjective, but when I think of The Charleston my thoughts will be "l read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Tony F.
Jon, thank you for visiting Charleston again recently and for your…
I've been in Baltimore for 5 years and always wanted to try this restaurant but it was always hard to justify the price/find an occasion. Well, my husband and I finally just decided to bite the bullet and go. We went on a Monday night around 6pm and it was empty. Later in the evening, things did pick up a bit but still not a full restaurant. The inside is beautiful and tastefully decorated. There are fresh flowers all around, on the tables, in the bathroom, etc. It felt a little awkward at first because we were the only diners there with a team of waiters and there wasn't any music playing or anything. It felt like we had to whisper or something because it was so quiet. Luckily a few other tables sat down shortly after we got there. I started with the Ipanema fizz which was delicious and refreshing. My husband got the Gold Rush with Maker's Mark, which he thoroughly enjoyed. We decided to do four courses without wine, but our friend who was with us, got four courses with wine and be prepared to drink because those are not small pours! She had basically drunk a bottle of wine by the end of the night. For my four courses I got the steak tartare, the heirloom tomato salad, the white truffle fettuccine, and the grilled Black Sea bass. All of it was delicious and well executed, not to mention beautiful to look at! The white truffle fettuccine stood out the most to me and if I could have ordered a single larger portion of that I would have, it was so good! We got two types of cheese from the cheese cart which weren't as memorable to me. For dessert I got the berry cobbler which I would highly recommend. Overall, the service was excellent, the food was excellent, and it is a great place to go for a special occasion! read more
5 years ago
Business owner information
Tony F.
Michael, thank you for choosing to dine with us again! We are so…
Ambiance -very nice, complimentary valet parking. Reservations needed.... Food exceptional...beautifully plated. Lobster was a bit tough in my soup but other than that it was very filling for the small courses. We got the 4 course meal- you get to pick. Can also have a wine pairing with that which they will bring out with each course. Beef tartar was more tender than the lobster. Beet salad looked like beef tartar- was delicious. Before dessert, they had brought out a cheese selection- did not part take since we were already pretty full. Sorbet was refreshing. Cake was good. read more
3 years ago
Excellent service, excellent food - this place is an experience and we enjoyed every minute of it. The ambiance is elegant without being stuffy. The wine recommendations were on point, the food all perfectly prepared (even the octopus and duck!), and the cheese cart had a variety of delicious cheeses available for the cheese course. Our server was 100% attentive and engaged. I cannot recommend the Lump Crab Gratin enough. It is out of this world. The walnut cake was surprisingly tasty but opera cake was hands down our favorite! read more
4 years ago
Business owner information
Tony F.
Victoria, we look forward to your next visit!
3 years ago
My wife and I came here for our anniversary last night. We have n here many times and always had a great dinner. This time was no different. The lobster soup is a go to and always delicious. My wife always says the foie gras is perfect there. The atmosphere is always very nice and welcoming to me. The staff is always friendly. read more
Business owner information
Tony F.
Thank you for celebrating your anniversary with us, Matthew!
5 years ago
9 years ago
I think this may be the first time I have given a restaurant a five star review. This place nailed it on all dimensions like ambiance, service and food. I sat at the bar and Chenelle, who is the bartender took awesome care of me. She deftly handled between paying attention to the customers at the bar while taking care of the needs of the guests in the dining room. Chenelle, was well versed with the menu. Impeccable service and attention to detail. I had 3 courses and it included a dessert. The Vanilla Bean & Creme Fraiche cheesecake was sublime. I drove over an hour to dine here and will be coming back. This is the kind of place where the numbers on the bill won't matter because you're so satisfied with the customer care, service and food. read more
5 years ago
I've heard whispers of how Charleston is the highest-end, nicest restaurant to go to in Baltimore, so although Baltimore is not particularly known for it's high-end dining, I figured I should give it a shot (I'm a sucker for nice food). My wonderful, thoughtful boyfriend took me here for my 25th birthday. While the service was as attentive and thoughtful as I would expect from an establishment of this caliber, the food ultimately fell disappointingly short. I do like how they have a build-your-own tasting menu, and I opted for 3 courses for $79, which is the smallest course you can choose. The professional service was apparent from the moment I walked into the door. They took our coats, I was offered a shawl (a very nice, soft one at that) in case I got cold as well as a cushion for my back when I sat down. Throughout the meal, the service was attentive and polite. Nothing to complain about in that department. But again, the food was unfortunately the downfall of my experience. 1. We started the meal with an amuse bouche of a small cup of soup (forgot what exactly it was). It was not bad, although my boyfriend commented that it reminded him of vomit, and once he said that, I started noticing the acidity of the soup. But again, not bad. 2.5/5 stars. 2. They then came around with some free bread - I chose the cornbread and olive bread bun. This was the first red flag - the bread was inexcusably dry and hard. I'm normally a sucker for free bread but I literally took a bite of each and didn't even bother with the rest. 1/5 stars. 3. My first course was the Prime Beef Steak Tartare (Capers, Shallots, Tabasco, Chives, Olive Bread Toast). This was probably my favorite course of the meal - the meat was well seasoned and flavorful. However, I will say that it was neither particularly memorable nor creative - it tasted like something I could get at any other restaurant. 3.5/5 stars. 4. Fine, there's only so much creativity you can incorporate into tartare. Plus, I was looking forward to my second course - Pan Roasted Sea Scallop - because scallops are one of my favorite foods! The scallop was prepared okay - the sear wasn't as strong as I like it to be which means it was missing that nice, crispy exterior. It was topped with what was essentially sliced bacon (of course, there was a fancier name for it on the menu) which I thought was texturally incompatible with the scallop - the chewiness of it really took away from the softness of the scallop. Finally, the scallop was placed on top some kind of cauliflower mash... pretty flavorless. 2.5/5 stars. 5. Okay, there's one last course which means it can be the saving grace of this meal! I opted for the Veal Tenderloin with Lobster Medallion. The lobster was literally just lobster - relatively tough and flavorless, and the veal (I asked for it medium rare) came almost well-done which is really inexcusable. Also, the food came out luke-warm. My least favorite course of the entire meal and a poor way to end the three courses. 1/5 stars. Fortunately, the meal came with dessert and we opted for the Sticky Toffee Pudding (Cherry & Fonseca Port Compote, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream). Not bad in flavor but the breading was really dry. They also provided some complimentary bonbons, caramels, and meringues, which were pretty good. 1.5/5 and 4/5 stars, respectively. All in all I'm very confused - the food I got was mediocre at best, and to be entirely honest, even if I had been served the same thing at a restaurant without the name (and even if it was cheaper), I would still be disappointed. Some things may have been an issue with preference, but things like serving my veal well-done when I asked for it medium rare is not okay. Maybe I went on a bad evening? The stellar reviews and the "name value" of this restaurant makes me hope that is the case. read more
5 years ago
We had a wonderful time celebrating my husband's birthday. I had a 3 course meal and my husband had the 4 course. Wonderful, classy ambiance. Food was good but of course some courses were better than others. Complimentary valet parking. If you're looking for an upscale dining experience, then this is the place to go. Will definitely visit again. read more
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Tony F.
Neek, we appreciate the feedback and kind words. Thank you for your…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Tony F.
Steph, we’re thrilled to hear your compliments!
3 years ago
This was literally one of the best meals of my life. From the second we walked in, we were treated with such care and class. Our server, "the most handsome Luis" was AMAZING!!! He was patient, made excellent recommendations and most of all was super fun. We did the 5 courses and every single bite was better than the last. I had the zucchini beignets, shrimp and grits, white truffle fettucini, lump crab and the special soft shell crab. My husband had the lobster soup, fried oysters, bison, grilled ocotpus and lobster ravioli. All were FANTASTIC!!! I wish I could give 100 stars, that is how good this meal was. Thank you to the staff and chef for making our anniversary, one to remember read more
Business owner information
Tony F.
Thank you for celebrating your anniversary with us, Laurie! We are…
Feel like escaping out of Baltimore to an extravagant place? Go to Charleston. Want to take out someone special for an incredible experience unlike any other? Go to Charleston. Wow is an understatement for how good of a dinner I had last night at Charleston. I decided to take a good friend out to dinner here for her 30th birthday, and called the day of for reservations. The staff member I spoke to on the phone made sure all of my questions were answered, and took the time to go over the menu/courses with me. SERVICE: First off, free valet parking was extremely convenient. Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by the staff members and they wished my friend a happy birthday. Our waiter was extremely professional, and went above and beyond in describing each item on the menu. We spent approximately 2.5 hours in Charleston (be prepared spend a good amount of time here) and had prompt service the whole time we were there. FOOD: We opted for the 3 course dinner with wine by the glass. I wish I could describe how good each meal was. Before our main courses, our waiter brought out the most delicious bread (one of which was the best cornbread I've ever had.) I started off with the lobster soup then chose truffle oil white fettuccini and then beef sirloin. Each dish was made with extreme detail and flavor. I especially loved that each time a dish was brought to her table, our waiter took the time to describe each dish and how it was prepared. DESSERT: Man oh man the dessert was also spectacular. We were actually very full by the time we finished our third course but we couldn't resist ordering dessert considering dessert is INCLUDED with all course meals! (So don't skip dessert.) Our waiter recommended a chocolate dessert for me and each bite was to die for. Charleston also put a candle on my guest's dessert for her birthday which was thoughtful. They even brought out a separate tray of tiny dessert delicates as shown in the photo with this review. All in all, I had the most phenomenal dining experience here. Definitely the most expensive dinner I've ever paid for but it was worth every penny. I plan on taking others here on special occasions in the near future. Thank you charleston for an out of this world dinner experience! I will never forget it. read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
Business owner information
Tony F.
Radhika, it is highly distressing to see that you were not blown away…
2 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
EXCEPTIONAL dining experience!!! The wait staff was so attentive, as soon as you took the last bite of your course, they appeared out of nowhere to clear your table for the next course. The dishes themselves were like works of art, so expertly arranged. Ooooo and the taste of each dish was immaculate, decadent, rich (can you tell I'm drooling). The drinks were equally as delicious. Hubby and I are already planning our next visit and the one after that, definitely worth the cost This is my favorite restaurant in Baltimore!!!! read more
5 years ago
Business owner information
Tony F.
Ellen, thank you for celebrating your wedding anniversary at…
Best food I've had in Baltimore. Literally everything was SO good and so worth the money. The truffle fettuccine was to die for; I didn't want it to ever end! Incredible derive from the team as well. Definitely recommend! read more
Business owner information
Tony F.
Lin, thank you for dining with us recently and for sharing these…
Wow wow wow! The Charleston has exceeded all of my expectations, and is your dream special occasion spot! It's been on my "must do" list for a long time and I had heard nothing but positive reviews about it, so I figured for a birthday redo over and my boyfriend's birthday, we had to celebrate here! Let's first start off with the arrangement! I called the Charleston probably a month before we were celebrating my boyfriends birthday to set up a reservation. Not only were they excited, informational, and also delighted to serve us, they also asked me did I need any other special accommodations to help celebrate his birthday. It sounds simple, but I really appreciated that. Often times goes unnoticed is the service behind the food, but the Charleston definitely wasn't lacking in that area. About two days prior to us arriving, the Charleston gave me a call and verified if I was still on to attend the following evening. I happily confirmed, they also shared that they would be putting a special shout out to my boyfriend on the menu that evening. What a nice surprise! We arrived and as their menu was set up as a tasting menu we were quickly offered the selections for the evening. I forget exactly how many courses we ordered, but please take a look at all the pictures I have attached my review; I'm hoping they give you an idea of how much food we actually ate that night. Once they took our overall order, the dishes came quickly! You all the food absolutely blew my mind away. There's nothing like going somewhere and having that feeling of WONDER about something you've never tasted before, but I had that same exact feeling every single time I tasted a dish at the Charleston. What may not be pictured here is the bread, and my boyfriend was absolutely in love with it! Lol. The three bread options, on top of the tasting course, and dessert will definitely leave you full to the brim and a little low on cash, but it was definitely money WELL spent. I have to think the team at the Charleston for such a wonderful experience! Birthdays to me or something special, they highlight the epitome of what a year has been for individual, while also giving them something to look forward to. The Charleston did exactly that for my boyfriend and I! Thank you so so so so much for the amazing food, service, and energy you provided throughout the entire evening. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
Business owner information
Tony F.
Thank you, Debra!
3 years ago
More info about Charleston
1000 Lancaster St
Baltimore, MD 21202
Inner Harbor
Directions
(410) 332-7373
Call Now
Visit Website
https://charlestonrestaurant.com
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From the Business
Ask the Community - Charleston
How much are the prix fixe options? Is there a discount for kids? The prices are not in the menu or website.
3 courses $89 w/wine $149 4 courses $119 w/wine $195 5 courses $153 w/wine $248…
Do you have to make reservations?
You don't have to, but it is better if you do.
Can you grab a cocktail in the bar before dinner?
Yes absolutely! Be aware however that due to COVID-19, we have far less capacity at the bar than usual, so we cannot guarantee space ahead of a reservation.
Are there tables available for single diners?
Yes, absolutely! Give us a call and we will happily accommodate you!
Is there a dress requirement for this restaurant?
As others have said, there is not a dress code requirement, but i would certainly recommend business casual or more.
What is the three course per fixe price?
Three courses is $79 per person (which includes dessert but does not count as one of your 3 courses). Cheese and wine pairings are available as supplements. You may choose any 3 dishes from our main menu, though we find that tends to be a lighter…
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63 reviews that are not currently recommended
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