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 place is so fancy it's scary. I genuinely walked in and was intimidated by the ambiance. It didn't help that we were one of the first tables of the night, so I felt like I couldn't speak above a whisper. However, once the meal started, I mostly forgot about that discomfort. I got the lobster soup, crispy soft shell crab, and grilled veal tenderloin. The dishes got progressively better, and there was bread service throughout, which got progressively worse (I tried amazing cornbread, then really good olive bread, then a standard baguette-like bread). For dessert, which was included with our meal, I had an espresso and Vermont maple mousse, which was delicious. The pastry chef also sent our table four mini black raspberry macarons, which were phenomenal. For drinks, I skipped the wine pairing and just had a cocktail - the Gold Rush - which tasted like a tangy old fashioned. It tasted good, but there was too much ice, which watered it down a bit. I also had a glass of tawny port with my dessert, which paired excellently with the mousse. We were celebrating my grandma's birthday, and the staff didn't do anything huge - just a complementary glass of champagne and a candle in her dessert - but honestly that was perfect; anything more would have felt tacky. I'm convinced they placed us by the kitchen as a birthday treat; we had such a great view of the kitchen, and while I loved being able to see the chefs at work, I did feel a little guilty being nosy. Shoutouts to everyone in the front of house - and a special shoutout to Mina, Brian, and Nadira (sorry if I spelled any of those incorrectly!) for their exceptional hospitality. read more

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

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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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

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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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

A wonderful dining experience!! A close friend who has dined here a few times before suggested Charleston for a girls dinner, and I'm glad she did. I initially thought I would only get 3 courses but I changed my mind and went with 4 courses. When I looked at the menu the day before I assumed that dessert counted toward the total number of courses and it DOES NOT. So my four courses were the Rich Lobster Soup with Curry, Zucchini Beignets, Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops and the Pan-Roasted Wild Rockfish. And for dessert I had the Sticky Toffee Pudding. I wouldn't get the Zucchini Beignets again because they are nothing more than Zucchini fries to me. My favorite was the Rich Lobster Soup with Curry...I could've had an entire bowl of that. I'll definitely be back. read more

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The epitome of fine dining in Baltimore. I've been here a dozen times - subtle decrease in attention to detail - needed to wave down waiter a few times - they need to be more aware Regardless- the dining rooms are beautiful and the meal exceptional Came here for a Friendsgiving dinner- for parties of 8 or more they recommend a set menu of all the favorites- makes ordering much easier for a group- menus were personalized and my favorite souvenir Must eats: Foie gras- like natures butter, savory and smoky- avoid if you have a heart condition-lol Cornmeal fried oysters- I could eat this everyday for the rest of my life- creamy and tangy Truffle fettuccine- fresh pasta with the most amazing truffle flavor- again, avoid if your hear arteries are about to clog Then again, if Charleston was your last meal on earth, you have lived a good life read more

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I visited the Charleston for the first time to celebrate my birthday. What an absolute treat! From start to finish the food and service were amazing. The cold sugar snap pea soup we started with was velvety and divine. I could have eaten that every day. The restaurant was elegant and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. I enjoyed every bite I had but my favorite was probably the goat cheese agnolotti. 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

The restaurant is located right along the water. We went with a four course per person and shared. Honestly, I would have been fine with three course for myself. The dessert does not count towards the course number but comes with your meal. The service was spectacular - very attentive though out our experience. The décor was nice. We started off with Apple toast- Complements from the chef. The apples were seasonal and the toast was very crispy which was great texture. Next began the courses, in order of likes: Scallop BLT- Large perfectly cooked scallops. The bacon was a welcomed addition with the saltiness and crispiness. Rockfish- Flaky and juicy. Served on the side are buttered mushrooms which were to die for. Lobster soup- The lobster was cooked to perfection. The coconut lobster bisque was delicious and creamy. Octopus- Very tender but the capers and olives were too strong of a flavor. Lamb- Cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Bison- Cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The sauce was good but felt a lack of cohesion. Duck- Duck served two ways over rice and gumbo. The duck was a bit chewy. Shrimp and grits- Large shrimp but it was sadly over cooked. Next, was dessert which I had the mousse - Cappuccino flavor! Last, we finished with macaroons and bonbons- complements from the chef. read more

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It was my wife's birthday. Where to celebrate? "How about Cindy Wolf's flagship restaurant?" I thought. After all, it'd been on our radar since Tom Sietsema's 2019 review in the Washington Post but, because it's located a long way from us, we hadn't made the effort. We're so glad we made the trip to Baltimore this past Thursday for what wound up being a magical evening. The staff was exceptional: Eliza and George greeted us warmly ("that's quite the hat!"). George led us to table #4...the perfect choice (thanks Eliza!) as I'd had my eye on that table thanks to web-based interior shots of Charleston. Jocelyn, our Server, was friendly, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable when it came to the daily menu, the evening's specials, and the daunting wine list. It's no wonder Charleston was a 2025 James Beard Foundation award winner for its "Outstanding Wine & Other Beverages Program." Thanks to Jocelyn's Busser, Dionicio, our water glasses were never empty and we had a constant supply of muffins, sourdough, and the best cornbread ever! He was the master of unobtrusive service. Ah, but whatabout the food?! Perfection. Champagne followed by Chef's welcoming sippable soup set the stage for a mix-and-match tasting tour. Potato & Beer soup, Lettuce & Beet salad, and Grilled Tenderloin for me and Zucchini Beignets, Lettuce & Beet salad, and White Truffle Fettuccine for her. All simply confirmed that Chef Wolf and her kitchen staff are at the top of their game. We finished the evening with our complementary desserts (Almond Pound Cake, Cashew & Dark Chocolate Vegan Cheesecake) and coffee. Even the chocolate Macarons, a parting treat, were delicious. Finally, a word about the room. "Calming" comes to mind. Never hurried. Conversation was easy. Very much appreciated nowadays where, even in upper tier restaurants, it's a struggle to hear your tablemates. All-in-all, a wonderful birthday evening made possible by Charleston Restaurant Baltimore. read more

What an impeccable dining experience! I got three courses with wine pairings, and each course was delicious and unique. The white truffle fettuccini was a stand out and my husband is still talking about the shecrab soup. The service is perfect! I can't recommend this dining experience enough- and don't skip the cheese course! read more

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The Charleston is a great special occasion spot. One of the finer dining restaurants I've been to and I think most notably, the service was perfect. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly and made the experience really special. I did the 4 course tasting with the wine pairing and genuinely felt like the price matched the meal/experience. The food was great! I enjoyed everything but the lobster bisque and the scallop in particular were fantastic. Very flavorful and well prepared. The space itself is also nice, comfortable and somewhat low key, which I appreciated! It didn't feel stuffy at all. I would love to return here another time for another nice night out! read more

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Food was absolutely amazing, the ambiance was perfect and the service was outstanding! Reasonably priced. An absolute must try. read more

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We had a memorable anniversary dinner at Charleston tonight. The setting, the service, the food were magnificent! We started with two soups - delicious lobster bisque and corn bisque. Then arugula salad with frisbee and also succulent lobster ravioli. The rockfish with artichoke hearts and also the rabbit leg with chanterelles were excellent. I had an extra dish - the venison with poblano and jalapeño. Our desserts were wonderful, peach and almond cake, and a strawberry mousse with almond cupcake. What an enjoyable, happy evening! read more

Treated my friends to a dinner when we could dress up and be fancy! This was the perfect place. Making a reservation for Charleston was easy and they call the day before the reservation to make sure that everything is still a go. They also asked me if there were any special occasions coming up, which there were but I totally neglected to mention! My friends got there before me and when I arrived, they were seated near the bar with drinks in tow and looked so pleased! They were recommending drinks to me and my date LOL. They had also already met the chef and owner and she exchanged greetings once more when we were seated at the table. They took our coats at the door and we were seated at our table. I already knew how many courses I wanted to pay for, so we were given the option to choose our courses beforehand or be surprised. We were all happy to be surprised and boy was that a good idea. My date was mostly pleased, besides one dish. So if you are not that adventurous, I recommend choosing your courses beforehand. Everything was really delicious. The lobster bisque was slightly chewing, but not off-putting at all. Really tasty. It's been a couple weeks since we went, so I can't remember everything we ate, but I know that we had a pasta dish that was to die for. I have never been big on pasta, but that was the best pasta I ever had. EVER. The desserts were also delicious. We all shared a a bit of ours with each other and you simply couldn't make a wrong decision. The guy who watched over our set of tables was really delightful and kept up with our playful banter and series of questions. Perhaps the dress code is business casual-cocktail-formal? We all dressed a little different but they were all appropriate. No one made me feel overdressed and I got to wear a dress that I hadn't been able to give some love recently! Paying was also really easy. I had made a note about wanting to pay away from the table and they helped me be very discreet about it. Can't thank them enough for that. Would definitely go back! read more

A lovely restaurant with relaxing vibe and excellent food. Hubby made a last minute reservation for Saturday during our getaway at Baltimore Harbor and we had a great time even only sitting at the lounge. The attentive service is top notch, our sever is very informative and gives great suggestions. I was pleasantly surprised that they have quite a long list of choices on the menu to choose from for their 3, 4, 5 or 6 courses dinner. We opted for the Four-courses and hubby chose that night's special-Squab($25 extra) and it was out of the world! I enjoyed the Pan seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras very much. Wild Burgundy Snails with Creamy Polenta was tasty and appetizing. The White Truffle Fettuccini was really delicious. For dessert we tried Vanilla Creme Brulee & Dark Chocolate Cake, both were good and the chocolate cake wasn't heavy which we like it very much. An indulging experience and I highly recommended. They also have an extensive wine list and suggestion pairing on each dish. read more

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What an amazing first time experience! Upon arrival, the host was extremely friendly and they did take our coats for us. The atmosphere is what you would expect for fine dining. Plenty of space between tables so it's not loud and stuffy. Our server took us through the menu and made recommendations based on his preference and what are pallets were seeking that night and he did not disappoint! We ended up doing the wine pairing and for $149, that's a great deal. The Rich Lobster Curry was something that everyone had told us to get. It was rich but not too rich. It was perfect and something I could eat every day and never get tired of it. The lamb was cooked to perfection. It literally melted in your mouth and fell off the bone. The bison was perfectly seared and cooked just the way that I like it. Dress - slacks and a button up shirt should work perfectly here for the guys. Overall - what a culinary experience and one that I would love to go back for. read more

Charleston - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

From start to finish, this meal was incredible. The service was top notch and the restaurant was quiet and beautiful. There are so many good dishes on this menu but our favorites were the lobster soup, the squab, the duck broth, the duck main dish and the white truffle fettuccine. We would definitely come back and try more dishes if we were in the area! read more

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I absolutely do recommend this spot. My literal only issue is that it was silent,no music. Which means that when my friends were saying loving words to me on my birthday I heard it all. the food was fantastic. Small portions but I had 4 courses and it was perfect. I was full but not stuffed. I'm a lover of creme brulee. It has cardamom on it which my palate loved;it gave a common dessert some complexity. read more

Charleston - I don't remember what this was. But it was nice. - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Amazing food, wine and service. Definitely my go to for my next Baltimore staycation. It was wonderful.

Definitely old-school bougie (white table cloths, sommelier with a 50+ page wine list, cheese cart, and 4-6 course tasting menus), but don't get me wrong, I won't turn my nose up at a fancy fine-dining experience. Especially since you often get to taste flavors and try fare that you wouldn't normally be able to find at just any establishment. And for the most part, Charleston didn't disappoint. The scallop course was cooked to perfection, the breaded oysters were amazing - fried on the outside and creamy on the inside - it is RARE to get oysters that perfectly fried. My favorite dish was probably the duck. I am a fan of duck in all its forms... greasy over rice, fried and slathered in a bbq sauce... but this was on the scale of a dish I had in DC, where the duck was so tender it was like eating a seared, well-rested steak. Honest, perfection. I was a little disappointed in the white truffle fettuccini and their desserts. They had no wow factor like the rest of the meal and the pasta dish didn't even have real truffles. At over $200 per person for 5 courses, I would have expected a few shavings on the miniscule portion. But, 6 out of 8 of our party loved that dish, so maybe I am being too picky :) The restaurant itself is intimate and upscale, but still approachable. Most guests were dressed up, so it is definitely FANCY, but there is no specific dress code, or at least not one that is enforced from what I could tell. Our party of 8 was seated back in what I am going to call the wine room, where we were surrounded by dimly lit shelves of wine - it was old world and romantic and we had a delightful time. Their wine list is overwhelming - I am not kidding when I said it was over 50 pages! I asked for a Brunello and the Sommelier told me to turn to page 57... 57!!!! So, if you don't know what you are looking for or what might pair well with your upcoming courses, I would suggest asking for a recommendation. I also think our party-size was a little overwhelming for the staff. I am not sure they are used to serving that many people at once. There were times that the food didn't come out all at once, which is awkward for the pacing when you are eating a coursed meal, and one dessert came out a full 5 minutes after the rest of the table's. I know this is nit-picky, but it's an expensive meal at one of the premier restaurants in Baltimore, I would have just thought it would have been a little better coordinated. But, like I said, we had a big group. A smaller group may not have the same experience. Despite that though, the waiters and staff were friendly and helpful, explaining the dishes and the wine-pairings that came with them. All-in-all, I would recommend. It was a fun experience, very enjoyable meal, made all the better with a group of friends! read more

I REALLY enjoyed the appetizers but both the pastas and steak was just ok. To be a fine dining establishment, I expect to be wowed by each course. Complimentary valet is a nice plus. I'd recommend the zucchini beignets (which weren't actually beignets but tasted great and fried perfectly), the lobster curry soup, and the fried oysters. Dessert is complimentary which is cool! I took off 2 stars because I was underwhelmed by our pasta dishes and I LOVE PASTA. The steak wasn't cooked to the temperature I initially requested. I'm sure they would've corrected it but I didn't bother sending it back. I just don't expect to have to send a steak back for being cooked to the improper temperature at a fine dining restaurant. I also noticed for one of the courses they mixed up the dishes, placing my husband's order in front of me, and mine in front of him. Which was resolved with a simple swap, but again to be fine dining all the little details matter. And last, between one of the courses we waited quite a bit before the next course came out. The menu is priced as bundles and not separated by courses. So you get 3 things for $90, 4 for $120, and so on. Price doesn't matter if you get 4 soups and salads or 4 meat dishes. Up to you to mix and match how you please! Service was overall good. If you're into fine dining, this is a spot you might want to check out. After going once and not being blown away, I don't think I'd make plans to go back. If I was invited here, I'd probably select different pastas and "entrees." Overall, I'm glad I got to experience The Charleston. read more

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New to the Baltimore area and wanted to celebrate. Charleston did not disappoint. The lobster soup was amazing as well as the duck and octopus. Looking forward to our next meal there to try different dishes (although the lobster soup will be a must each time). read more

This isn't a restaurant, it's an experience. We were treated like royalty by the staff. They gently and knowledgeably explain every single dish with such reverence and care. The food was beautifully crafted and delicate. (small portion- so get 4+ courses or add a cheese course). While all of the food was good, the CHEESE rocked our world -- the most unique and flavorful selection we've seen. The ambiance is very formal so pull out your nicest outfit for this one. Baltimore is lucky to have Charleston and I hope they get a Michelin soon! read more

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Cozy environment, fantastic food, and professional service. Definitely the right place to enjoy a great time with someone you love. read more

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So underwhelming. Charleston is upscale, pricey; a place for date night or when someone else is paying. The restaurant is lovely with low, lighting, interesting art. The staff is extremely polite, as it should be. The chef/owner is a nine time James Beard award finalist. I always enjoy a good tasting menu. At Charleston you can choose the number of courses. My son and I were so looking forward to the food but most of the dishes just fell flat. In a nutshell, for the most part the food just lacked flavor! The dishes had fancy descriptions but were all under seasoned. Out of the parade of dishes offered, there was not one where we said,"Wow! That was delicious!" Even the crab cake was just okay. We have had much better in Baltimore. Maybe we were expecting too much, but for the price, I'm sure there are better options for an upscale dinner in the Baltimore area. read more

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A go to place for celebrations. Some dishes are special. Love the shrimp and grits. Veal is excellent. Complementary valet parking comes in handy. read more

Charleston - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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We booked a reservation Friday evening at Charleston as a holiday present, and it was a nice treat to end the year. We didn't see the free valet sign from Lancaster St while driving, but there is also metered street parking and garages nearby. Our coats were taken by the hostess and we were seated promptly. Looking around I saw people dressed from jeans to suits and everything in between, so don't feel pressured to dress to the nines if you don't want to. We were seated in the smaller dining room off of the bar/lounge area and it was awkwardly quiet for about an hour until the room filled up with seated parties. The menu is somewhat of a tapas & entree hybrid, where you pick smaller plates from one list and price is based on the number of plates ordered. It makes for easy sharing and trying a larger variety of dishes. Between the complimentary bread, 3 plates, dessert, and the surcharge cheese course we elected prior to dessert, both of us left full. Our 2 favorite dishes were the duck, and the pappardelle with guinea fowl special. As nice as the main courses were, dessert for me was rather boring. My dark chocolate cake was light and airy, rather than rich and decedent like I had hoped. Fortunately they complimented our desserts with mini macarons and chocolate truffles our servers said was from the pastry chef that I really enjoyed. The overall experience was very nice and I would return for a special occasion. read more

I didnt even take pictures while I was here. That is how nice of a time I had. Another experience Cindy Wolfe has knocked out of the box. The service is top notch, I definitely have to come back to hang out at the bar and lounge I have heard so many good things. But the dinner was phenomenal. Me and the Boo came for an anniversary? a Bday? I cant remember but we were celebrating and this was the perfect choice to live it up. every course was so well curated and perfect. I dont always love when restaurants are confident in not having salt and pepper on the table but the Charleston was and for good reason. Now im not paying $10 per cheese selection for their cheese plates but everything else I have no problem shelling out for. Just have nothing but good things to say about this establishment. Im trying to retire Vibe in my lexicon but the Charleston was such a vibe! read more

Stuffy place that probably hasn't changed in 30 years. The food is similarly uninspired. For all the great things we heard about this restaurant, I was sorely let down. The ambience was tired and old. Everyone in the restaurant looked tired and old. The service was surprisingly slow and inconsistent. Between my wife and I we had 8 dishes. Maybe two of them were actually ok. The vast majority were very salty, and even ignoring that, the flavors were very tired and old. Simple things like a steak. Cooked completely medium on half the steak and unevenly medium rare on the other side. Carrots not cooked long enough and giving me the end piece where the plant connected. Shrimp that tasted extremely sea watery. I don't think the chef tasted a single damn dish before serving them. Good wine list. read more

Service was truly fantastic. Food was excellent. Ambience was great- it's Charleston!!!excellent arrangement explaining small plates.

My partner took me out for my birthday to the Charleston, which was the first time either of us have visited this restaurant. We were greeted by the nice valet team who took our vehicle and provided us with the pick up ticket. We then entered and were showed to a window seat for two which was a great location! The decor is what I would call traditional elegance. Not too modern not too old. The server approach and went over the cocktails for us. We decided to indulge in some cocktails, I chose their manhattan and it was delicious. A mix of whiskey and port wine I believe. It had a dark fruit note with the hint of whiskey heat but well blended. I started with the sweet corn bisque which was very good. Velvety texture with a hint of sweetness and mild spice. Not too sweet like many corn bisques can tend to be. Then I moved to the fried green tomatoes with fresh buffalo mozzarella, fantastic! The fried green tomatoes were crisp on the outside with a tart mostly soft tomato inside. The buffalo mozzarella was nice and soft with a subtle richness. Then I moved to the veal sweetbread empanada...the veal was tender and full of flavor and not over seasoned. The empanada was crisp and full flavored while the cauliflower was subdued adding balance to that dish. Then the bison filet, was cooked perfectly and tender over a nice slightly spicy pepper reduction sauce. A+ quality cut of bison and seasoned just enough to add flavor to a low fat cut of meat. The sweet touch was a dark chocolate cake with berries and an Irish coffee. The cake was rich in the dark chocolate flavor and had an ever so slight note of salt maybe.... The reduction under the cake provided a caramel bourbon note balancing out the richness of the cake. Oh and the Irish coffee wasn't half bad either :) All in all, a very special quality meal with great server service throughout. We were never unattended and always felt like the meal had a good tempo. Obviously the Charleston is a nice place and more expensive than most restaurants in this area but a great choice for a special occasion. We are looking forward to returning soon! Thanks Charleston team and to my amazing girlfriend! read more

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I've been eying this restaurant for a few years and I finally went with a couple friends who were willing to splurge. The inside is very nice and has an open kitchen concept. We all got cocktails to start which were great. I really enjoyed my Harbor East Martini! Complimentary bread was provided as well as a shot glass of cauliflower soup with a beet crostini that were both delicious. All three of us decided on the 4 course meal ($119 each). I got the lobster soup, white truffle fettuccini, pan roasted wild halibut and their crab cake special. It was all so amazing! My favorite was the lobster soup which was creamy and had a good amount of lump lobster pieces in it. Dessert is also included with any of the courses chosen. I got the blueberry-lime & grapefruit sorbet - light and refreshing after so much food! Complimentary macarons were also given to us with our desserts which was really good. With everything we had, I was quite full about 3/4 of the way through. Next time I would just get the 3 course meal which would be just as satisfying. Although this place is pricey, it was well worth it. Service is super top notch here with very friendly staff, food/presentation look and taste great, and cocktails were amazing. I highly recommend for a special occasion (or for any reason just to splurge on yourself!) and cannot wait to come back again! read more

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My husband and I came here for our elopement dinner. He got the six course meal and I got the five course meal. Honesty, I should have done the three or four course meal. I would have had the perfect amount of food with the three course meal. I would have been slightly full with the four course meal and I was feeling pretty miserable with the five course meal hahaha. I got the lobster bisque. It was creamy and I loved the added layer of spice to the dish. There was a lot of lobster too! Then, I got the apple salad. I would not recommend this one. There was nothing special about it and I actually ate less than half. I got the fried oysters which were good, but again I would not pick this dish next time. Then, I got the duck which was really good! It was so tender and flavorful. Lastly, I got the beef. I would say this is my favorite. The drinks were good and I loved the dessert. Not to mention, the service was great! All in all, I am so happy we picked this place for our elopement dinner! read more

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I recommend this place for excellent service and delicious food and drinks. I feel like I only needed to do the three or four course meal and kind of regretted going with the full course. I would say three or four is good for someone not super hungry. Kind of got selfish when I saw the menu. You can look at all the photos to see the quality ingredients they use and the presentation of their dishes. It's very clean cut and beautifully plated. read more

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