Thanksgiving Day dinner was enjoyable. Seated 25 minutes after our reservation. Unfortunately our credit card was misplaced by the staff. Evidently never found as we did not hear back from them. read more

The ambiance, food, and service were all incredible. Overall, my partner and I had an amazing dining experience here in the dining room. This is definitely a restaurant for special occasions. This restaurant was unique in that we could tailor our own course number separately. Dessert is included and counts its own separate course. I chose to do a 3 course menu (+1 for dessert), and my partner chose to do a 4 course menu (+1 for dessert). We were both so full by the end of it. We were started off with complimentary french onion soup which was homey and comforting, exactly what I didn't know I needed. There was also bread and butter before the first course which we just had to ask for seconds for to go with the first course of soup. I had the butternut squash soup, pan-seared salmon, beef tenderloin, and dark chocolate mousse. My favorite dish were the pan-seared salmon and the dark chocolate mousse. Both dishes were so incredibly balanced and tasty. The mousse also came with panna cotta at the bottom which was surprising and added depth to the flavor. The beef tenderloin was cooked a perfect medium rare, though it wasn't as fragrant or aromatic as I would expected. My partner had the lobster soup, grilled octopus, white truffle fettuccine, pan-roasted duck, and creme brûlée. The grilled octopus was incredible and the white truffle fettuccine was so flavorful. I wish I was able to try more of the pan-roasted duck too which was super tender, but I was already so full at that point. All in all, I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking to have an incredible fine dining experience for a special occasion or just for fun! I would love to come back again in the future. read more

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A native Marylander who moved west about 25 years ago, just before Cindy Wolf opened Charleston, I love southern cooking, especially seafood. I also lived in France for several years, and appreciate a good French restaurant as well. Charleston blends these two genres effortlessly, wonderfully. It more than impresses. Honestly, it blew me away. This exquisite conceptual blend is in everything, from the technique used in classic southern dishes (e.g. fried oysters, or lobster bisque) to the dining room design and table settings, to the wine list to the cheese cart (this is a must!) and selection of portos. I felt as though I was eating in a French expat's old southern home. This restaurant is to Maryland and the south what Alice Waters' Chez Panisse is to northern California (alas, another old neighborhood restaurant of mine). The experience also evoked a certain nostalgia for fine dining from the turn of the century. Some specifics: guests choose courses in a prix fixe format; 3-, 4-, and 5-course options are available along with an option to pair wines (3 oz pours). Dessert is included and does not count as one of the courses. The cheese cart (again, IMHO a must) is $10 per slice. We chose the 4-course option and honestly I could probably have been fine with 3. But I'm glad I got 4 because I was visiting and it gave me the opportunity to taste some additional dishes. I met an old friend from high school whom I hadn't seen in a long time. I cannot imagine a better venue for a catch up like that. We chatted at a leisurely pace for nearly four hours. The service was superb. I cannot wait for my next trip to Baltimore. Charleston will definitely be on my itinerary. read more

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Yelp Fam!!!! This review is for one of the BEST dining experiences available in Baltimore. Chef Wolf & The Charleston staff really go above and beyond when it comes to food. This amazing 3-6 course menu gives you a rotating selection of the best dishes you've ever eaten. My most recent experience was the thanksgiving dinner! So goooooood! The Turkey Confit dark & white meat Cranberry sauce Hoppin Johns Stuffing Fried green tomato Apple tart with honey ice cream Corn bread The entire meal was amazing. One of the best meals I've had for thanksgiving! I can't say enough for the quality and service of the Charleston! If you get the chance make a reservation and dine in! read more

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BEST RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE IVE EVER HAD. The best dinner ive ever had in my entire life. Every bite was absolutely scrumptious. I got the 5 course with drink pairings. Every course was delectable. Michelin star worthy, absolutely! Superb service. Absolutely stunning interior design and ambiance. If there's one place you want to try in Baltimore, it's the Charleston. It will blow your mind! read more

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Impecable service, always tasty food. Rabbit special dish was amazing. Classic lobster curry soup was delicious. As always, Chef wolfe delivers. Ambiance was on point as well. read more

Charleston - The venison tenderloin with polenta. Delicious. - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

We had the 4 course menu and it was fantastic. This is a true special occasion restaurant and worthy of its reputation. While spendy, you won't regret it. It will be memorable. The food, service, and ambiance are superlative. read more

I was initially excited to go here when passing through Baltimore. Things started great, the servers and staff were very accommodating and welcoming and helped orient me to their menu (I'm vegetarian). But things started to turn at the first course. One of my courses was the zucchini beignet which sounded quite interesting. When it arrived I was a bit dumbfounded because what they served were half a dozen fried zucchini sticks with a dipping sauce... am I mistaken about what a beignet is? It's a fried pastry, is it not? Even if it could be interpreted more broadly it's quite misleading if there's a well-established understanding of what something is. I tried a few but was so displeased that I sent it back. Aside from the above experience, the rest of the dishes served were good, but that was it. They were just good. Not amazing, not phenomenal, not memorable. Just pretty good. For those who might contest that maybe my vegetarian diet prevented me from having the real specialties this restaurant has to offer, my friend had the lobster bisque, steak tartare, and the veal sweet bread and he left feeling the same underwhelm I had experienced. The problem I feel this restaurant had was no concept and no passion driving the menu. It was difficult seeing the cohesion between the courses or what the head chef was aspiring to give to their customers. I've had much better meals at upscale casual restaurants as well as fine-dining spots, but this meal was way too overpriced for what it was. Small portions, uninspired, overpriced. I would've felt like the caliber of food would better match a restaurant that charged roughly half and a far less stuffy ambiance. read more

Overall we had an amazing experience. They give us a candle with dessert to celebrate my friend's birthday, the service was great, the complimentary valet parking was much appreciated. The lobster curry was also amazing, they poured the soup table side. Highly recommend getting the 3 courses! We both were stuffed at the end. read more

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Charleston, what has happened to you? We have been loyal guests since 2000, and we alway celebrate special occasions here. Tonight there was a notable step down in food quality, service, and overall feeling. The food was fine, but not exceptional, as we are used to. At least one entree was underseasoned. The desserts are just ok--the cheesecake being most disliked by several members of our party. the waiter took our order and then did not come back until cheese course, hence we were not able to get wine. The tables were not cleaned as we went (they used to be), and we were all just underwhelmed. A facelift on the walls does not make up for subpar service and food. The experience made our special occasion feel average. I'm not sure it's worth coming to an expensive restaurant only to leave feeling sad. Do better..... read more

This restaurant is 10. I had the pleasure of coming here for my birthday. Parking was surprisingly easy for it being downtown. The service was amazing. And the decor was beautiful as well... now to the food. Eating here was an experience. I got the meal paired with drinks. Every bite was so thoughtful, so good, I didn't want it to end. The lobster bisque is what everyone says it is... delicious. If you have the opportunity to come here I believe it's a must try! read more

Charleston - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Came here with my girlfriend after leaving Bmore for many years. I never had the chance to eat at the famous Charleston when I lived here, so this was the perfect opportunity. Wow! When we went here, they had a la carte menu where you get to pick from any of the dishes! The ambience and romantic setting were as we expected! Love the dim lighting. Fancy southern charm. We ordered 6 courses (which comes with free dessert and amouse bouche on top). And this was tooo much food, just FYI. The portion sizes were generous for fine dining. The greatest strength in all the dishes were the sauces, soups, and purees. So much complex flavors and thought goes in each sip. Favorites were: lobster bisque, scallops, octopus, crab cake (duh it's Baltimore), foie gras. ***The amouse bouche potato soup was actually my favorite bite the entire night. Def recommend for a special occasion, splurge, or just cause you have a hot date in bmore. read more

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Disappointed and underwhelmed. My husband and I are not from Baltimore and chose the Charleston for my birthday dinner. We are experienced diners and have had the good fortune to enjoy excellent meals across the US and abroad. Simply, the food was uninspired. The amuse-bouche was a tepid sip of one note soup and an unfortunate introduction. It did, however, set the tone for the entire meal. The portion sizes were very small, however the concept of diminishing returns would require an exciting first bite at all. The 3 courses out of 8 that were tasty were unremarkable. Only one course was served hot, the rest tepid. We longed for complexity. Given the choice, I would prefer to eat my own cooking. The service was inadequate, my husband and I had to pass a knife back and forth as we were not given appropriate table settings. There were several service misses. I ordered a cocktail that I sent back, which is a rarity for me. The red snapper with pecan rice was overcooked, dry, tough and half inedible. I am more than willing to compensate well the skill and expertise of a master chef, however I did not taste any of the love I would hope to, what I felt was sad and depressed. One bite into desert I just couldn't. I took it upon myself to search for a location still open in order to purchase a take out dessert to salvage my birthday celebration. We found one and it was the best part of the evening. From my perspective-hard pass. It felt bad paying the bill as we did not feel the quality of the experience was a fair exchange. I felt mislead by the praise this restaurant receives. Go elsewhere. read more

Amazing dinner. Service was top notch from the moment we sat down. Every course was fantastic. We were seated near the kitchen and it was clear this is a well oiled machine. Worth every penny! read more

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Very good experience. Good and service were excellent. Pricey but you get what you pay for

It's been our "go to" fine dining special occasion restaurant of choice for over a decade now. Same amazing food, same impeccable service, the Charleston never disappoints. Of the dozens of birthdays, graduations, anniversary's, holidays etc......I would never miss anything with black/white truffle. The rockfish and turbot are always perfection. We never miss the cornmeal fried oysters (even if not on menu definitely ask!) Any form of fois gras and sweetbreads are world class and must haves. Shrimp and grits and lobster bisque will change your mindset of what is possible and lastly buffalo and lamb when available will outshine the best filets or ribeyes at the best steakhouses anywhere. If you go with enough people ie. four or more, you can pretty much sample all the desserts which are always complimentary. If you want your kids or friends to get excited about going, check out the episode where chef Cindy appears on Bear Bobbly Flay! read more

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The food was delicious; they especially do interesting things with corn. Service was excellent, although they did give me one thing I didn't order; they discovered the error without my prompting and corrected it by giving me the wrong dish free of charge and making the correct one. It's rather embarrassing how attentive they are; does it really require this many people to wait on one couple? It's obviously not an economical choice; only go if you're a foodie who is happy to pay as much for meal as many decent families pay for a month's worth of groceries. Still, even with that caveat, it seems extreme to do this more than a few times in a lifetime. I did it once, and it didn't quite cost $400 for dinner for two, a shared dessert,a glass of wine each, and a cocktail for one of us. (I even probably undertipped slightly by some standards just to slide it in under that threshold.) Will I go again? Maybe not; definitely not often. But... it was good. Portions can be small and still quite satisfying when done so well. read more

Another fabulous dining experience at Cindy Wolfe's Charleston Restaurant. This was our fourth meal here, every visit uniquely different and special. I think the most consistent factor with our Charleston experiences is not just the spectacular food offerings, but also the feeling of being well cared for. Our primary server this visit, Joceline (sp?), was sweet, very knowledgeable about the food and wine, and able to connect with us in a way to both inform us and, like a great conductor, comfort us with the flow of the meal. We find something more to be impressed with every visit to Charleston. 5 1/2 stars! Hot tip: If there is any variety of lobster soup on the menu, order it. You won't be sorry. read more

TLDR: Such an experience here! Come for that special night. FOOD: you can choose 3-6 courses and dessert is on the house. They also seem to bring out something complimentary before your meal as well (from reading other reviews) as well as something complimentary in addition to your dessert. Risotto: I got the special of the day risotto with lamb sausage and sauces I don't remember. Overall, great flavors and well balanced. Sea Scallop: such a well seared, melt in your mouth kind of scallop. Somehow they got just the right amount of capers as well. Definitely recommend. Foie Gras: I personally don't think it paired well with the peaches. The two tastes seemed to be too separate. Foie Gras was great though and not "stinky" at all. Creme Brûlée: I for some reason did not like the creme brûlée for it's aftertaste. It tasted like hot water that was left in steel. Maybe I was tasting too much of my spoon, but overall, not for me. I came into the restaurant with average hunger, and I actually wasn't too full after the three courses (as someone who loves food). AMBIANCE: a quite, intimate, let me propose here, kind of ambiance. I felt too intimidated to talk above a whisper, but that's just me being shy and not attention seeking as well. Don't recommend coming with kids. SERVICE: they explain each dish when they bring it out, which I appreciate. They don't rush you to order or to pay. I thought giving my party the time to talk before they bring their menu was a nice touch. DRESS: Everyone in their nicer (conservative) evening clothes. Many men had ties on and some in suits. ALLERGIES: Before we had a chance to order, they brought out complimentary watermelon soup. Except, my friend was allergic. Then, they brought out complimentary macaroons and chocolates for dessert. Except, my friend is also typically allergic to macaroons because of the flour used. It would have been nice to ask the table for allergies beforehand, but just something to keep in mind for guests with allergies (though thankful for the complimentary food!). read more

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Absolutely amazing. I was here for the Valentine's Day pre-fixe menu, and was throughly impressed with the food and staff. The service was extremely meticulous and staff were very knowledgeable. Additionally, the dimly lit restaurant felt warm and intimate. Now to my favorite part, the food. From beginning to end, each dish made me crave more, and I could not wait to have my next course. I would recommend Charleston to anyone. Kudos to a gem in Baltimore. read more

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This is by far the absolute BEST restaurant I've ever dined at. It has that old school bougie feel. So from the moment we walked in, I felt catered to. They allowed me to come in prior to actually opening and sit at the bar until they could seat me when they officially opened at 5:30pm. We were seated as soon as they were seating people in the dining area. We were immediately greeted by our server and he was so acknowledgeable about the menu top to bottom. They have a tasting menu of which allows you to order three courses all the way up to six courses and experience the creativity of the Chef. I had the "Charleston She Crab Soup", "Shrimp & Grits", and the "Pan Roasted Wild Halibut " of which every single dish was splendid, I could literally taste the freshness of the ingredients used, the dishes were made perfectly!! I was very pleased and impressed (and it's extremely hard to impress me). The wine selection was immaculate, so many wines to choose from. The service was immaculate as well, our server (Brian) was very attentive, professional and pleasant. There isn't enough time or space on this review to express everything I loved about it, this was definitely an experience like no other! read more

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Not a restaurant i would typically go to, but i was not paying so that was a plus. Went with the three course meal, essentially 4 if you add desert. i should have done 4. Portions were small, i was aware going into, but i underestimated how small they actually were. What did i order? thanks for asking. Fried oysters-pass, nothing special. Shrimp and grits excellent, lamb-excellent. Desert, i goofed on that one, not the biggest fan of chocolate as a dessert, but went with the creme brule chocolate it was ok, but thats on me. Two drinks i got were ok. All in all if someone is taking me sure, but not on my free will. read more

We had a lovely experience at the Charleston in Baltimore. From the polite service to the tasty dishes, we left feeling very satisfied! We arrived early and enjoyed a couple drinks at the bar. They have a great cocktail menu and beer menu. We especially loved the Grand Cru Flemish Red Ale. It was a bit sour and tangy. The bar area is cozy and dimly lit. It feels like a lounge. At our table, the server introduced the menu concept. You have to choose how many courses you want to try. You get to pick from a decently long menu. You can do 3-6 courses each, and then dessert is included in the price. We both opted to "go big" and get 6 courses a piece. We wanted to try as much as possible. It was probably too much food. We were very stuffed by the end. I would recommend 4-5 courses. Highlights included: the lobster curry soup, the seared scallop, the sweetbreads, and rockfish. Each dish was very beautifully plated. The flavors in the lobster soup were phenomenal. The octopus paired so lovely with the olives. My husband really thought the sweetbreads had the perfect texture and rich flavor. In my opinion, one of my favorite things I tried was the lemon raspberry cake. I would definitely get that again. The only dishes that didn't hit right for us were the shrimp and grits (maybe I am snobby since I am from the South) and the duck breast. We thought there was something missing in those two. We thought the chef created amazing sauces in most of these dishes. The sauce for the crudo was spectacular. And the sauce for the rockfish was very balanced. Overall, this was a fun and exquisite dining experience. We would definitely recommend coming here for a special occasion. read more

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Lots of things to say. So I've been exploring Baltimore restaurants with my husband for years and we always saved Charleston for a fancy occasion. We had a lot to celebrate for our dinner tonight- an anniversary, two new jobs, graduation- let's just say it has been no minor month. So off to Charleston we go! Finally. Ambiance on entry: we came early for our table to get drinks. We were seated quickly at the bar but waited a solid 20 minutes to get our two drinks which took away from the appeal right away. I know places that cost money so if you're shelling out you want impeccable service- and that wait time all night just wasn't the case. Had to ask for waters with our drinks after the fact as well. Ambiance at dinner: we had a table for two in the back of the restaurant. Not sure what the issue was but we often felt neglected service wise. My Husband spoke with the sommelier and discussed wine options, and after going with his recommendation it was someone else who presented the bottle and took the initial sip? After that had waited almost an 30 minutes to get our dinner menus and then waited extensively between the courses. The service should be top notch for this price: meals brought out timely, waiters and waitresses coming constantly, warm bread (none of the bread was warm), and constant refills of drinks and water. This didn't happen. The table was also not cleaned between each course. Food: I would say the food was good but not worth the price tag due to service. We had the lobster soup, tartare, mushroom risotto, truffle fettuccine, pork chop, lamb, and chocolate mousse/ lemon panna cotta desserts. What stood out was the lobster soup, fettuccine, duck, and lamb. My husband and I each had four courses . The pork chop was sizable but dry. All in all: I wish the service was better. If it was I could overlook some faults in the food but given both were mediocre, that's how I feel about it. read more

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The exceptional service and attention to detail is what surprised me about Charleston. Last night I left my hotel and was walking to smoke a cigar before calling it quits. I noticed Charleston had their door open. I peeked inside and saw a well stocked bar. I'm in no rush, let me drink a Scotch and maybe a bar bite. The hostess comes to me and says we open in 9 minutes. It's not a problem and I wait outside. Once inside, I asked to sit at the bar. Do I have a reservation I'm asked? For the bar?? I'm told there's a reservation for two at 8pm so I can sit now. Being from out of state and the different state rules can be trying. Still, I'm a rule follower! I glance at the cocktail menu but look towards the bar. Charleston it seems has a well stocked selection of Scotches. I start with a Highland 12 year and ask to see the menu. The bartender explained our menu is a three course menu. Hit the breaks for a second, I'd like single item off the menu that shows no prices. How much for the cornmeal Oysters? I place my order and was given a place setting. *Charleston, it would be beneficial to have a separate bar menu with prices. Not all diners need to eat 3 courses at the bar. While I'm waiting, two waiters arrive. The first drops off truffle coated potato chips and the second gives me an amuse bouche, a small soup. The soup was served in a, best described as a large shot glass? Very tasty! My oysters arrive. Plump and dusted with corn meal, they're cooked perfectly. The oyster dip was an aioli, it was also another home run. I settle up and I'm on my way. Charleston, nice to see you can be flexible to all patrons. read more

Charleston - Highland Scotch - New American Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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One of the my favorite places in town... Everything was delicious. I've just come back to town. I will come ASAP read more

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Chef Cindy Wolf heads Charleston, which offers Mid-Atlantic cuisine. Our group came here after a work event in the area, and I was pretty excited to check them out! The menu offers 3-, 4-, 5-, and a 6-course tasting menu - we opted for the 6 courses, in which some of our guests went with the wine pairing. I tried: +the Royal Ossetra Caviar - with shallots, egg yolk, chives, and creme fraiche +the Rich Lobster Soup with Curry - lobster stock reduction with cream, butter-poached lobster, and curry oil; if you're into curry flavors, this soup is for you +the Cornmeal-Fried Oysters - with upland cress and lemon cayenne mayonnaise; the mayo sauce made this a creamy dish +Scottish Smoked Salmon - with cucumber, pommes pailles, upland cress, and chive creme fraiche; slightly overcooked, as the salmon was a bit dry +the Fresh Black Winter Truffle Risotto - prepared with Spanish la bomba and sliced fresh black winter truffles +the Lobster Ravioli - with roasted cherry tomatoes and a cognac & lobster cream; we were surprised at the small portions for an entree dish +White Truffle Fettucine - with royal trumpet mushrooms, 24-month aged reggiano, and butter sauce +Shrimp & Grits - with andoille sausage, tasso ham, and Anson Mills stone-ground grits +Grilled Octopus - with sun-dried tomatoes, gordal olive and tiny caper relish, and French coco bean and hickory smoked bacon sauce; the octopus was grilled well, but the capers and the olives were a bit overpowering +the Fresh Cranberry Upside-Down Cake - with candied orange slices and vanilla creme anglaise Service was friendly and attentive, and the place has a great sophisticated vibe. Valet parking offered! +course menus offered +friendly service +valet service available read more

From the time we walked in , I must say, I was super impressed with this establishment. It made me feel like I had stepped into a movie scene. We were welcomed so nicely and treated like kings and queens. They gave us the option of what view we wanted kitchen side or bay side. We chose the bay side of course. This hidden gem gave us all the luxury vibes. Our host was the best. He knew the menu like the back of his hand and didn't skip any corners. I immediately ordered an espresso martini and it was the best I've ever had. I love the option of choosing more courses from the menu in any way that I desire. The flavors, the pairings, and the gourmet style of the food were all intentional. This was an elevated fine dining experience for sure. I can't wait to visit again. read more

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The best dining experience I have ever had. The food was perfection - perfectly imagined and executed. Loved the ability to choose whatever I wanted from the menu for my 4 course meal. We got an amazing amuse-bouche as well, a generous selection of breads, dessert was included on top of the 4 courses, and macarons with our coffee. If you go, you absolutely MUST do the wine pairing with your courses. It enhanced the meal in an indispensable way. The service was also the best I have ever had. The attention to detail, no mistakes were made, and the promptness of the service was truly admirable. I was stunned that by the time we had gotten up from the table and made our way to the front door, they had remembered who we were and had our coats ready to go already. It was truly an amazing experience from start to finish and I cannot wait to go back. read more

We dined here to celebrate our anniversary and while I'm certainly glad I finally checked Charleston off of my "places to go" list, I would likely only return to the bar for a la carte service. When we arrived there were several people near the door, but nobody greeted us. I had to announce into the air that we were there for a reservation. Once I did that, we were addressed. Since we were early we were offered the option of going direct to table or having a cocktail at the bar, we chose to go to our table. We were taken on a nice tour, with a special stop at the cheese cart, then seated. The menu was explained, specials were highlighted, and the cheese cart was very highly promoted however, not once did anyone mention the cheese was not included in the price, nor is it mentioned on the menu. We were presented with an amuse bouche, offered bread, and continued to be throughout the evening, but the temperature was inconsistent and ranged from ice cold to too hot to touch. We each chose 4 courses, no wine pairings. We were pleased by most of what we chose but underwhelmed and maybe even a bit confused by some others. The zucchini "beignets" were simply zucchini fries. The description just does not match the product and for us it was a wasted course. The pan seared scallops was one scallop - no plural present here. The lobster agnolotti was delicious and the cognac cream was incredible but, the raw, unseasoned, cold sugar snaps had no place on the plate, in our opinion they were distracting. The bison filet, while cooked perfectly, had a terrible presentation. It looked as if they dumped the bottom of the rice pot on the plate - it just looked messy. Nobody swept the table of crumbs between courses, which I thought was odd; it's such a simple gesture, why is it not done here? The mignonette was possibly the best I've ever had, my husband would bathe in the soup if he could, the fried oysters were absolute perfection, and the spinach risotto was a complete surprise and the best thing we tried through the night. While we didn't opt for the wine pairing, Jessica & Zoo were able to choose for us based on some information of what we were looking for. Wine service was excellent though cocktail service was incredibly slow; at one point I thought my drink order was forgotten. There was also a point where we were without anything to drink - no cocktail, no wine, no water. Our water was empty at least twice. Zoo helped up choose 2 cheeses and both were delicious. I wish there was a card present with the cart to read along with as it was so difficult to remember what everything was, even when narrowing it down to one type of cheese. For dessert we chose the sorbet and chocolate mousse which was incredibly rich - that is not a complaint. I'm not sure how anyone does a full 6 course menu. We can eat and we needed to be rolled out. To do 6 we'd need 4 hours minimum, with an intermission to take a walk outside! We had some leftovers that the servers were happy to package for us, and upon request, provided the names of the cheeses and the farm they were produced at, on a card for us. We asked for a menu to take home in order to commemorate the evening and they packaged it nicely with a little bow. Every single person we interacted with was professional and pleasant, which made the experience very nice in light of our complaints. I must add that at one point another customer was on his phone (on speaker phone) and nobody asked him to step out, he was just allowed to continue disturbing the entire dining room. Overall, this was a lovely experience however, this was not our first Michelin experience and while the list of complaints is small, at this level of dining, we shouldn't have left with any at all. read more

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We wanted a special place to celebrate visiting family and graduation events, and were so pleased we let The Charleston provide the delicious food, comfortable setting, incredible helpful and attentive staff. We got advice on dishes to choose, wines to savor, and our party of seven was all happy with our choices and selections. It was a wonderful experience, and although this is a Very Nice Restaurant with reflective prices, it was in all, not as extravagant as such delicious food for a large party might call for. No mistake, it is a fabulous and fancy place, but nothing disappointed and we can't wait to visit Baltimore again and come back again! S. and A. Tobolowsky read more

Food is fantastic choice your courses we had 4 courses plus cheese and dessert. The ceviche was by far the best. Spice and acid on point. Shrimp and grits was a huge letdown. The andouille was bland Seemed to need salt or acid. Service is highly attentive. The absolute best service I've had anywhere in a long while. read more

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Looking for a nice restaurant for my pre-birthday dinner and stumbled upon Charleston. From the moment we walked in I knew we were in for an experience. The ambiance was classy and romantic. I love the open kitchen concept as well. Everyone was so pleasant and attentive. For those who have not been here, you have a choice of 3-6 courses at different price points, and dessert is included. We did the 3-course meal. We tried the fried oysters, beet salad, truffle fettuccine, lamb chop, braised duck, and shrimp and grits. For dessert we had the lemon/raspberry cake and the chocolate cake. For drinks we had the Ipanema Fizz and the Gold Rush. Everything was delicious! Our least favorite part of the meal was the bread. I guess everything can't be perfect. I didn't leave full, but I was definitely satisfied. The chef even came over to say hello! I love that! Definitely a memorable experience. So glad we found this place. read more

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Delicious food, impeccable service, warm and welcoming ambiance. The valet who met us at the car was very friendly and professional. The host greeted us at the door and remembered us as we left. The food was outstanding - one of the best meals ever. Love the cornbread! All of our servers were great, with a special shout out to the server who brought bread, filled water glasses and cleared the plates - don't ever lose your upbeat personality. Also appreciate that we were able to talk across the table without raising our voice volume, even though the restaurant was full. One of the best restaurants for sound management. No downside at all. Hope to return again soon! read more

We made a reservation here on 12/26/2023 to celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary. Everything was excellent!! We arrived early and they sat us in the bar area to wait, where we ordered a couple of drinks and they brought our some house-made potato chips which were yummy, both the chips and drinks. I had the Ipanema Fizz and my husband, a Long Island Iced Tea. This was best dining experience we've both have, ever. Multiple workers in the restaurant stopped by our table to wish us a Happy Anniversary and chat for a couple of minutes, mostly to tell us how young we look to be celebrating 21 years. The food was ridiculously delicious and the desserts as well. Being an avid Top Chef viewer, I loved that they have an open kitchen where if you are sitting close enough, you have a nice view of the chefs preparing your meals. The wine menu is huge but thankfully there is assistance available to help you with the perfect pairing to your delicious meal. I enjoyed every part of this dining experience and will definitely be returning. I told my husband we need to add the Charleston Restaurant to our dining list for at least once every 2 months or so. read more

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Prompt and refined service--the kind of place where they take your coats to hang and help you put it on as you leave. My water glass was never less than half full. I had a 4 course meal but definitely was overly stuffed by the end. I could've been pleasantly full by the end of course 3. The atmosphere is the quiet, dark kind of fine dining that you would expect from a restaurant this caliber. My group was definitely boisterously loud for the setting, but at least it was a week night! My favorite of the night was the salmon crab & benne seed encrusted Scottish salmon. It was AMAZING. Even the baby spinach greens it sat atop were probably the best greens I've ever tasted. The white truffle fettuccini was the other highlight, perfectly creamy and rich without being overpowering on the truffle side. I also enjoyed the raz-Putin martini. It's deceptively strong, hiding all traces of alcohol in a deliciously sweet drink. read more

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My brother, father and I took out mom for her birthday and this was the most pleasant experience any of us of had at a restaurant. As soon as we walked through the door, they asked us for our coats and even through we were early they were able to sit us right away. The service was definitely the best service I have ever experienced while dining out. The waiter and his team were friendly, informational and courteous. I did not have one thing that wasn't delicious. I had Calamari, shrimp & grits, Foie Gras, and a Berkshire PorkChop (the pork chop was a special). If you can try the Calamari Beignets its a special so I am not sure how often it is offered. The calamari had the texture of funnel cake, it was so delicious lol. I will definitely make my way back to the Charleston as soon as possible! read more

Dining Experience Unmatched! 5 stars for sure. Greeted upon entering with \warm welcomes and sat immediately. We started with Gin Bombay Martinis instead of wine - 5 Stars For entrees, the two of chose a variety of dishes. The one dish we decided to get alike was the Rich Lobster Soup with Curry Oil. - 5 stars! Possibly the best lobster soup I've ever had in my entire life. We went on to try the following in order of favorite to least desired: Shrimp & Grits with Andouille Sausage and Tasso Ham - 5 stars Grilled Lamb Rack Chop with Baby Artichokes, Roasted Baby Carrots and Saffron Basmati Rice - 5 stars Pan-Roasted Wild Halibut - 5 stars Pan-Roasted Sea Scallop with Cauliflower Purée - 5 Stars Grilled Octopus - 4 stars Grilled Wild Red Snapper - 3 Stars The Grilled Red Snapper came in last for us because it was quite bland in comparison to the rest of the dishes. The server described the dish as a "New Orleans Style" snapper. It didn't come close to a New Orleans style dish at all. I'd pass on that one next time. For dessert we choice: Blackberry Sorbet & Tart Lemon Sorbet, Lemon Shortbread Cookie, Blackberries - 5 stars Chocolate Mousse Cake - 4 stars Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, Fresh Raspberries - 2 stars The Crème Brûlée had very little filling and was hard as a rock, literally almost no custard. I sat that to the side and chose the sorbet instead. Excellent choice. Highly recommend Charleston's! read more

After reading the reviews, I knew Charleston was a must try on my trip. I was so excited to try the amazing tasting menu. The sever was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We chose several courses and most were amazing. The fried oysters and lobster bisque were both flavorful and delicious. We also tried the octopus, which was very tender and cooked perfectly. The mozzarella salad was very delicious. The halibut was cooked perfectly but lacked flavor and definitely needed some salt. The crab gratin was very flavorful. The foie gras was the best I've ever tasted. It was amazing!!! The ravioli and branzino were good but not exceptional. The duck was cooked perfectly, as was the beef tenderloin. The creme brulee was so delicious and macrons were amazing!! I definitely recommend this restaurant. It's definitely an experience. I do wish the vibe was a bit more fun and not so quiet and pretentious. Maybe turn up the music or something. For me a foodie, I wanted to relax enjoy the food and just have fun. It didn't really seem like that kind of atmosphere. read more

This was honestly one of the best meals of my life! We celebrated our 20th anniversary here. Did the tasting menu and the wine tasting menu. The service was excellent. No too intrusive but not too absent. And they helped us celebrate! read more