Very Special spot. Delicious meal and very pleasant service. Special touch -the Chef came to our table and introduced himself. Great ambiance only 26 seats . Highly recommend. read more

-- and unfortunately, we never even got to eat. Getting a reservation at Merci is incredibly difficult, so we were genuinely excited when we managed to secure the very last seating on a Friday night. We called at 9:30 Friday morning for the following Friday and were given an 8:00 PM reservation. We arrived at 8:00 only to be told that our reservation was actually at 8:15. There is essentially nowhere to wait, so we stood outside on the street. Thankfully, it wasn't raining. What made the wait even more frustrating was watching the host interact very warmly and familiarly with several guests from the earlier 6:00 PM seating while we stood outside waiting. Obviously, regulars are regulars, but in that moment it gave the unfortunate impression that some guests were receiving a very different level of attention than others. We weren't seated at 8:15 either. We finally sat down around 8:20 -- 20 minutes after the reservation time we had originally been given. When we made the reservation, we specifically asked about vegetarian options because one person in our party is vegetarian, and we were assured there would be options available. Then came the biggest disappointment. By the time we sat down, the beef Wellington was already sold out. We were told that it sells out every single night. If that is a known nightly occurrence, why offer a final seating at 8:00/8:15 without making guests aware that one of the restaurant's signature dishes is routinely unavailable by then? Between the confusion over our reservation time, standing outside waiting, being seated late, the vegetarian options not being what we had been led to expect, and one of the dishes we specifically came to try already being unavailable, there simply wasn't enough for our party to order. So we left without eating. For a reservation this coveted and a restaurant with this much hype, the entire experience was astonishingly disappointing. I would have loved to be writing a review about the food -- good or bad. Unfortunately, we never even got that far. read more

This place is amazing! The place is super small and cozy, so it can be difficult getting a reservation. I understand because the food here is amazing! The crudo was top notch, my boyfriend could probably eat 100 of the foccaccia breads, and the leeks were also prepared super well. I'm not normally a chicken fan, but we ordered it here and it was enough for two people and was cooked so well. The skin was super crispy, the meat was juicy and it was 10/10. They had a nice wine menu. The staff was also really pleasant. We can't wait to go back. read more

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Merci is a gem of a little "neighborhood" bistro ~ right in the Harlston Village area in downtown Charleston. Service was friendly and attentive and servers make sure to take the time to explain the menu items. With only 6-7 tables in the dining of various sizes it is a must to reserve a table. The menu does change often and I've included the most recent one from this evening 12/19/25. But you'll get a good enough idea of what Merci is about and you will not be disappointed. I sit and savor the dishes I order as they contain so many different ingredients.. all go well together...just hints of flavors perfectly created. Merci is Forbes rated worthy as well as Garden and Gun, Charleston Magazine, to name a few. You're in good hands with the restaurants purveyors too including Raven Farm, King studs Farms, Ambrose Farm Rosebank Farm, Storey Farm to name a few... so local farm to table is present here. Will return. Living in the neighborhood helps. Opens at 4:00 for early diners. That's an option and would probably have more success booking a reservation-- even at that time! read more

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If I could give Merci 6+ stars I would. It is very hard for me to give 5 stars, every restaurant has a little wiggle room for improvement! BUT Merci, one of the top 10 restaurants I've been to in my life, yes my life hands down. I've been Blessed to travel the world and I've eaten at Michelin restaurants across the globe, run and don't walk to Merci. Absolutely amazing, very expensive but honestly worth every penny. Will 110% be back, so fortunate to be local!!! read more

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I'm so sad I didn't take more pictures of the fantastic food and place here. The restaurant feels like you're walking into the chefs home, it's lightly lit and feels cozy and romantic. It's a small space seating about 30 people, making it a really special place. We got the spring pea salad, steak tartare, foie gras mousse, focaccia, roasted asparagus, slow cooked chicken, and beef wellington. Everything was so delicious, it was mine and my boyfriend's first time having a beef Wellington and I'm so glad it was here. Im normally not a fan of foie gras but the sweetness of the prunes was so perfect to cut through the richness. Everything was fantastic, but if I had to choose my favorites: steak tartare, focaccia and beef Wellington. I'm not sure if they are listed on Bib gourmand or nominated for a Michelin star but they should be. read more

Merci - Beef Wellington - French Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The food was fantastic. No buts or ands...just fantastic. The vibe and staff, could be improved. The space is small which felt more cramped than it did cozy. We had two odd moments. Our group of 4 ordered 2 beef wellingtons and were promptly told no. They have a policy to only allow one beef wellington per table. Odd. And, after 2 hours and 11 minutes at our table we were told we needed to leave as they had to turn the table. We had barely finished our dessert at this stage. We have dined at many fine dining restaurants and never been told to leave because we had overstayed our time. While lovely food, we will not likely be returning anytime soon. read more

I got a reservation for Saturday night at the chefs counter. It's 6 small backless stools which was KILLING my back by the end of the night. The stools are also very close together and if you order a few things it's very close with your neighbors! The restaurant is super small and when you walk in for your table you're right in the restaurant. My fiancé ordered the beef wellington for two but he got it for himself! He had some leftovers but he absolutely loved it!!! We also had the curry squash which was just ok. I ordered a seafood dish and sadly the clams still had some sand in them and it made the dish kinda gritty. For such a high price point I'd expect better. Regardless, we still had a great time and my fiancé is still raving about the wellington. Also, they only have wine on the menu but if you ask they also have a few beers. No liquor though. read more

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Fantastic addition to the Chucktown scene! Reservation a week in advance is a must. Order the whole menu, enjoy great wine and settle in for the experience. The beef Wellington is super unique, must order (it is served for two, but I would recommend for 4). This place is a real show stopper if you are trying to impressive. read more

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The Hungry Detective and Special Agent Deirdre had the most fantastic experience last night at Merci... If I could give six stars, I would right from the get go... all right let's talk about the atmosphere first. ATMOSPHERE: The location is in a true Charlestonian neighborhood just off the College of Charleston campus... there's a small intimate dining area and then the chef's table where I like to sit, where there's six spots. It's just perfect and you can see all the action and how all dishes are cared for and prepped by Chef Alex and his wonderful staff!!! SMALL PLATES/STARTERS: I don't know where to start because everything looked absolutely fabulous. I would've ordered one of everything if I could've as I sat there and watched all these great plates come out. I will definitely get the focaccia bread with Benton's cured ham and honey on my next visit and the tuna Crudo...we had the beef tartare with these delicate little mushrooms that were spread over this incredible handcrafted charcoal brioche bread and tallow aioli. CUISINE: The Beef Wellington for two was our main course. It takes 50 minutes to prepare and it's worth the wait, so if that's on your mind, I would let them know as soon as you arrive. They really appreciate the heads up and let me tell you this is the best beef Wellington I've had and I will say that I have become a beef Wellington aficionado and this piece of beef was over the top and cooked to perfection and accompanied with an incredible sauce poivrade and surrounded by this fabulously decorated French pastry dough. The beef was accompanied by handcrafted vegetables that were absolutely incredible along with whipped duchess potatoes, served up steaming and piping hot in a French crock WINE: Our server, Lucy and Chef Alex paired this beautiful French Bordeaux that was presented at the perfect temperature and accompanied to beef Wellington perfectly!!! DESSERT: Chocolate mousse with these little black cocoa crumbles at the bottom it was better than sneezing and a great way to finish off the evening. VERDICT: Guilty as sin for doing everything right with meticulous care and attention to every dish that leaves the kitchen. You will not find anything better in Charleston, that is so romantic and intimate with great food and wine and personality. I can't wait to return.!!! PSA: if you're gonna order the beef, Wellington do it soon as you sit down the chef and staff, will appreciate your insight because there's a lot going on at Merci!!! "Good food brings good people together" and that's what Merci is all about and such a blessing for the Charleston dining scene. read more

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Merci, merci. This place is truly beautiful start to finish. We were seated at the chefs table which really enhanced our experience. Michael, the owner, touched every table and the expediters were very interactive. They do not have cocktails but have a vast beer and wine selection. The menu seems to be ever changing but we went with the leeks, focaccia, beef Wellington and mousse. Each bite was so unique and delicious but the focaccia might just be the best thing I've ever had. The leeks were served cold and robust in flavor and the beef Wellington was just sheer perfection from cook to flavor. Our literal only complaint was the lack of backs on the barstools. This place is special and we cannot wait to come back and try more of this menu. read more

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We finally got reservations and it was a wonderful experience! This is a charming, small space with tremendous food and great service. Each dish was perfect and the sauces were so savory. We started with focaccia stracciatella - baked in a round shape with the ham, cheese and pistachio in the center. I could literally have eaten ten of these they are so good! Next, we had Agnolotti pasta with lions mane, short rib and black truffle. Oh my - it was too good to share but my husband insisted. The slow cooked chicken with braised greens was literally the best chicken we've ever had. Our friends ordered the beef Wellington and they absolutely loved it! For dessert - a delicious banana pudding that is stunning and unique. Our friends got the dark chocolate mousse and loved it. It's easy to see why Merci received a 2026 James Beard nod for best new restaurant! One tip - expect street parking and a short walk. It's worth it! read more

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I can't say enough about how great this restaurant is! Yes, it's a competition to get a reservation but you will be so happy you snagged one. We ordered 4 different dishes to share and had the Wellington also. Each dish was plated and presented beautifully and the flavors are beyond description. Just perfect. We also had two amazing deserts and some really nice wine pairings. The service was exceptional. Right now, this is the best experience in Charleston. read more

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There's a part of me that doesn't want you to know about this place but they deserve the praise so here you go: take whatever reservation you can get, sit wherever they have space and come hungry. It is such a great menu with so many tasty items. I'd say don't miss the foie Gras mousse bc you'll never taste better. The restaurant is tiny but so nice and it's astounding what the chefs are able to accomplish in a small space. I'd also like to thank the staff for not dumping our many dishes all at once but coursing them nicely. It's was appreciated. An amazing addition to Charleston! read more

Absolutely!! Was looking for a quick spot for two and saw this and a two top was just open and snagged it. What we didn't expect was the level of Fresh, flavor and presentation. We both were thinking it reminded us of the culinary institute in San Fransisco. I found the chicken to be the best I've had here no question. It was such an enjoyable experience we wanted to come back the next evening. Glad to see this level of cooking here in Charleston !! read more

The best meal I've had ever! Beef Wellington was superb. Wait staff was top notch. Even the owner/executive chef was in on it, explaining each dish in detail. Small but cozy and I didn't find it too loud because i think everyone was to absorbed with their meal. Expensive but I'm still craving it. I'd fly back to Charleston just for dinner there. Top notch. We'll done Merci!! read more

Merci - Entrance to small but best restaurant in Charleston! - French Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Fantastic experience last night at Merci. Michael, Bobby and Team, thanks for taking wonderful care of us. The food was so well thought out and prepared with love. The wine my girlfriend had was delicious and I always love having the Oddbird Zero Proof sparkling (thanks for having an N/A option on the menu.) The space is great, music was lovely. We can't wait to come back. read more

Cute spot for date night- tight quarters but still comfortable as long as you don't mind being snuggled up to the next table. Related, the noise level is a bit high - no obvious sound absorbing materials or panels. Our service was super attentive and lovely - no bread for the table; you could order focaccia, but always hoping for a baguette to chew on when I go French, so that was lame. Food was tasty- we had the tuna crudo, leeks, duck ballontine, gnudi, flounder and chicken. Tuna was great- lovely flavors and super fresh. Leeks were good- I felt like they should be warm but probably a preference thing. My meat-eater shared the chicken and duck were both very good. The gnudi was the low part of dinner - the texture and flavor were just off. I was left craving the gnudi at Melfi's after that experience. Flounder was very well cooked and capers added great acidity to the plate. We didn't stay for dessert- nothing really stood out and we had over ordered anyway. Overall, good, but expensive. read more

Merci - Duck Ballontine - French Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Do you love a challenge? One of the greatest accomplishments one can have is FINALLY getting a reservation at Merci! Set your alarm and be ready to go at 9:30 AM a week ahead of your desired date. But it is all worth it. It is a tiny corner spot on Pitt Street where you have to find a parking spot, but the anticipation of being one of 26 people that can fit into the place makes the walk from wherever you land well worth it. My wife is a non-red meat eater so the Beef Wellington that they are famous for was not an option. But we decided to share everything: Snapper Crudo, Spring Pea Salad, Foccacia, Sunchoke Farfalle, and a Seafood Poele, and a beautiful bottle of wine. (If you told my 18 year old self I would be eating this type of food, I'd say you're crazy.). The wait staff was eager to serve and accommodated our requests and they did a very thorough job in explaining the intricacies of the menu. A table visit from the Chef who beamed with pride as he explained the Sunchoke Farfalle (it was my favorite). To say that it was worth it is such an understatement. I have eaten at 50+ restaurants in Charleston since I moved here 18 months ago, but this is definitely in my Top 3! Do yourself a favor, set your alarm and get to Merci. read more

Absolutely incredible. Went to celebrate my boyfriend's new job proposal - they did not fall short by any means. I never write reviews, but I absolutely had to. FOOD - The food - incredible. We got the steak tartar - I hate steak tartar - but that was absolutely incredible. Served with black bread, kind of a brioche style infused with some type of seeds and activated charcoal. They made this bread perfect to specifically pair with the steak tartar. Absolutely brilliant. (Forgot to get a picture) We also got the foie gras - my bf has never had it, and if you have never had it before this is the place in CHS to get it. Absolutely incredible. Served with little crunchy yet soft bread sticks, perfectly baked, with foie gras that melts in your mouth. Paired with a prune like "jam" but it was prepared with some vinegar (I believe this is correct) - genius. Seriously amazing. Pictured below. We then got snapper - amazing flavors and perfectly cooked. Beautiful skin, perfect tear in the fish, balanced with tomatoes and an olive mix and some other amazing things. Not much more to say other than the fish was one of the best fish I've had in charleston. The dessert - chocolate mousse and some other dessert with whipped cream and some crunchy crumble with blackberry & a basil thing - I cannot remember what it was called but it was amazing. I'm more of a chocolate mousse and my bf is more of a berry guy - both were perfect. Will be craving both for quite sometime - and neither was too sweet or too bitter. The basil in the other dessert threw me off but was a beautiful touch. Presentation of the food was epic. No notes. SERVICE - Nothing short of spectacular. For someone that has been in the industry for nearly a decade, you could tell that our server, chef's, and hostess (seemed like a maî·tre d'??) have a wonderful relationship and that they are passionate about what they do. Very difficult to come by nowadays. We sat at the bar, and right behind the bar was the prep station - garnish etc. where they polish the food before presenting to guests. Wonderful way to experience the atmosphere. The two prep chefs are clearly eager to learn and the top chef's (executive & CDC / Sous I presume??) are wonderful teachers & leaders - the other employees absolutely eat them up! Our waitress was incredible knowledgeable and her advice on the menu was lovely. Hard to come by a server that knows the in's and outs of each menu item. (Cannot remember her name - beautiful blonde with blue eyes I believe). The host - absolutely lovely. Very welcoming, immediately made us feel like family. All in all - the only bad thing I have to say about this place is that I cannot afford to go every night. The menu items are on the more expensive side, but very much worth the price you pay. Too many times we have spent way too much money on subpar food & service, but I will be saving up to experience this again. No idea if anyone will actually read this incredibly long review - but I absolutely had to do it. 5/5 in my book. Will absolutely be back. read more

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Wow! One of the best meals I have had in a very long time. That says a lot as I am from San Francisco and we have great food around here. We were in town for a few days so made the res from home one week out, at exactly 6:30am pacific. Well worth the hassle. The menu changes often (daily?) so no reason to go into details but I'm sure everything is fantastic. Service was friendly, attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu, including the wines. Hopefully I'll get back one day soon. read more

It was a cold and snowy night in Charleston, however, it was warm and comfortable at Merci. It was our first visit to Merci and we will be regulars. We were graciously seated at the chefs' table. We were promptly and kindly greeted by the sommelier Brian who noticed we brought a bottle of 2019 Schrader RBS. He exchanged our glasses for the full bodied cab and offered to place in decanter. The staff behind the counter was friendly, engaging and helpful. We ordered the snapper crudo and focaccia for starters. Both were delicious. Then came the star of the evening: Beef Wellington. It was prepared perfectly.... medium rare with delicious poivrade sauce, amazing accompanied vegetables and potato duchess. A very generous portion and we ate every bite! Celebrating our birthdays, they brought us the dark chocolate mousse. The 10 yr tawny port was the perfect companion to the dessert. Thank you for a fabulous dining experience, but more importantly, thank you for opening your kitchen and home to us. read more

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For an unforgettable dining experience in another worldly atmosphere, make a reservation at Merci, the newest and brightest star among Charleston's already renowned restaurants Everything is perfect, including actually entering the beyond beautiful space that is Merci. The food sets itself apart with a menu that is creative and delicious. Do not skip dessert! Get thee to Merci, quick! You'll see what I mean read more