Great food, reasonable prices. Especially loved the red snapper, I fear the restaurant is cursed by the niche menu (I think it's supposed to be fine Japanese dining) and the location that seems to send tenants packing. I hope it stays and I will be back but was not remotely crowded Friday night at 6:30 read more

Snow Monkeys is a hidden gem but I wish (for their sake-and mine too) that it wasn't SO hidden. Set in a cute bistro type place way in the back of a group of businesses, you have to be really looking to find it. Once you do find it though-aaaah the food is devine. The chef at this establishment goes out of his way to prepare dishes that sing to you. Every single bite of every single dish was a pleasure from the watermelon and feta salad to the gnocchi to the fish to the duck. My husband and I were in heaven. We don't usually order dessert but why not? The roasted blueberries on some sort of amazing cake and ice cream was delicious, of course! DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE!!! read more

This was our second visit, once when they first opened, and a revisit a year later. The first visit was a huge win with delicious house cocktails and several options for the meals. This visit we found they no longer offer their cocktails, which was a disappointment because it was one of the reasons we came out. The daily menu cannot be found and for a $200 dinner, I'd like to know what will be available. This night a few things on the menu were not available, which also gives one pause. That being said we loved the Yellowtail, and the Baby Romaine was delicious!!! Brisket, was bland and dry, and at $32..a shame to serve. Not sure where the English pea and potatoes were. The sesame noodles were wet, drippy, and had no flavor. We'd go back in a heart beat for dessert. While it wasn't what was supposed to be offered, the passion fruit sorbet and the toasted blueberry/cake compote were sublime. The meals here are to be like a tapas, and shared, which really raises the prices. And since each plate may be one bite each for 4 people, you can see how quickly your bill will climb. Sharing a weekly menu on the website and bring back your amazing cocktail menu would be nice. Folks should try this place for their own opinion, but with so many spots around, twice may be enough for us. read more

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Great addition to the island! I walked in and was quickly greeted by a lovely server. I was immediately surprised on how cute this place was. I ordered a glass I wine, the roasted pork dish, the baby gem salad, and the ricotta gnocchi. The baby gem salad was unexpectedly the best salad I have had. It had the most unique flavors like sesame, balsamic, nuts, and shallots (I think). So flavorful! The ricotta gnocchi was great. I loved how soft the pasta was and the field peas were a great addition. The roasted pork was so tender and juicy. It was accompanied by a potatoes mash, and gravy sauce with fresh peas and carrots. I was so happy with all my dishes and the service. I can't wait to go back to try other menu items. read more

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I highly recommend a visit here. Staff is so knowledgeable and cool ESPECIALLY the bartenders they really know what they are doing. The pistachio dip is one of the most unique and delicious flavors I've had in a long time. I will be going back just for the pistachio dip! read more

Snow Monkeys - Pistachio dip and sake flight - Japanese Near Me - Johns Island, South Carolina

Really great food and service. Highlights were the mussels and duck , and the desserts are also fantastic. I highly recommend this place.

This restaurant was amazing. Beautiful presentation and delicious food! The shrimp and cod were highlights. Cant wait to come back!

A meal here is guaranteed to be memorable. It would be easy to write off the preparations as "pretentious" except they pull everything off. The combination of flavors and textures delight you with each bite. For three people, we found one raw, one small plate and one entrée each gave each of us just enough. Dessert choices were limited (they offered one) so can't remark on that. But if you've had all the shrimp and grits and whole hog the area has to offer, I can GUARANTEE you won't leave Snow Monkey's thinking it was similar to anything you've eaten in your life. read more

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Adorable little space, walk in only which is nice. Our server was fantastic. She took her time explaining all the dishes and making recommendations based on the most popular options. Everything is shared, small plates and came out plated beautifully. For being on John's, this is more of a fine dining experience than I expected. The pistachio dip, with housemade crackers was tasty and creamy. The ricotta gnocchi was like a beautiful pillow of cheese, but the zucchini accompanying it didn't seem to have any seasoning on it; definitely not a traditional gnocchi. The potato beef croquettes were fantastic, warming and with a nice depth of flavor. The duck was very flavorful and I enjoyed it's accompaniments. Not sure if it was just the day we went, but it was very warm inside. read more

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We were looking forward to experiencing this restaurant for the first time this past weekend, following a recent trip to Japan, but we came away feeling very disappointed and probably won't return here again! We ordered the Pistachio dip and croquettes as our appetizers to share between the three of us, but one dish came out well before the other; we'd already finished the dip before the next app arrived! Main courses ordered were: Cod, Red Snapper and Pork Loin. The Cod and Pork were both over-salted. With smaller quantity sized portions, you need excellent quality and we all left the restaurant disappointed by the food. We had a 7:30 reservation, but by the time we were on our main course, the restaurant was nearly empty and lacking in any atmosphere. In addition, the service we received was inconsistent. The girl clearing away the plates seemed to be the only one eager to do her job and it became evident she was getting ready to leave as she repeatedly wanted to remove plates that we were still eating from! We asked if the AC could be turned up as the heat was uncomfortable and the staff said that noting could be done. With so many GREAT restaurants on Maybank Highway on John's Island, they will need to improve quickly. Overall, a very disappointing experience. read more

Snow Monkeys just opened and I was excited to have the chance to try it! Many different restaurants have been in the space so I was excited to see what was new. I arrived just as they opened and there was already a line waiting! I see that as a great sign! The food menu was diverse and we shared several small plates. The drink was strong and small but delicious! We had the duck, pistachio dip, and gnocchi! Very unique dishes and beautiful presentation! read more

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It would be a real shame if this restaurant with its inventive and delicious dishes were ignored by food lovers in the area. The ambience is very pleasant and the service is excellent. Tell your friends to go for an unforgettable dining experience. read more

This was right up there with the four star Michelin restaurants I've eaten at around the world. Every dish was perfectly prepared with amazing seasoning, spices and flavors! My tongue was alive from the pistachio dip to the brisket. Nothing disappointed. The wine list is small but absolutely perfect for the dishes served. How is this restaurant not packed? I'd die to have this in Charlotte. In NYC you'd never get in. Charleston what is wrong with you? I shouldn't be able to get a reservation for months. Go. I'm not kidding go before you simply cannot get in. It's trust good. Really. Ask the bartender to make a cocktail. He's amazing. . @explorecharleston @charlestoneater @travel.charleston @google @googlechatleston @go.wanderlog @go.wanderlog @johnsislandeats @chachitravels read more

Snow Monkeys - Yosa's Garden and pistachio dip - Japanese Near Me - Johns Island, South Carolina

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I'd consider this to be more of an artistic culinary experience, than a restaurant. If you know that going in, you'll likely have more level-set expectations. The bad: The seating choices are some of the worst I've ever experienced. If you are a two top, one of you will sit in a chair that my wife described as "ikea quality" while the other one will sit on a painted piece of plywood. Not kidding. Luckily there are decorative pillows that you can grab to sit on top of, but that props you 2-3" higher than you should be sitting, so now your not eye level with your date, and crouching over your table. We were told by our server that the average couple chooses between 5-6 items to share as they are served family style. We chose 4, and had 1 martini each. Our tab was $195 after tip. While on the 4th plate, we discussed where we'd go afterwards because we'd still be hungry, and we eat far less than the typical American. If you want to have 2 rounds of drinks and the 5-6 suggested items, you'll probably spend around $300 after tip. Just be prepared, is all. They did not have cucumbers in house for my requested martini choice. The good: The service was impeccable. The bartender came over to discuss the Gin I chose. The server(s) were attentive and timed everything perfectly. They provided at least 3 rounds of fresh silverware. The place is clean and decorated well. The plating is superb. You'll really be dazzled visually, as well as find yourself trying to identify all the individual components of each dish. You'll want to take small bites and really savor each morsel, a wonderful break from the fast-paced, need to hurry up and eat lifestyle most of us are used to. All 4 plates we ate had complexity and cohesion. Overall, I recommend it. read more

My wife and I tried Snow Monkey's last night and the food was among the best we've had in Charleston (not just on Johns Island) in a long time! This is seriously well conceived and executed cuisine. Lots of flavors and textures and underneath it all very knowledgeable cooking skills on display. For example, the chilled shrimp starter has shrimp that are perfectly cooked, tender and served at room temperature in a light buttermilk sauce. The shrimp were not overcooked and rubbery as they often are in restaurants. They were accompanied by baby corn that had been lightly marinated with what tasted like an aged balsamic vinegar which added great flavor and texture to complement shrimp. The gem salad had a wonderful white balsamic vinaigrette with shallots and some herbs that was very tasty and fresh. We fought over the last piece of lettuce. Last but not least, the cold smoked duck with a fruity barbecue sauce was Michelin quality. Without being asked how we liked the duck cooked, it arrived perfect -- melt in your mouth tender, not over or undercooked and perfectly seasoned. We also shared an excellent dessert which was at the same high level as the dinner. It had blueberries, a fruity ricotta dollop, and some kind of little soft cookie or cake tidbit that was perfect with the berries and ricotta. One quick mention on the wines - the list was small but well chosen and imaginative. I had the Reisling which was quite dry for a Reisling and was perfect with the shrimp and duck. This place is the real deal. You won't be disappointed! read more

Excellent new restaurant on John's Island. Delicious flavors of Japanese/French fusio cuisine! Service was excellent, too!! Snag a reservation if you can... pk read more

Worth the uber ride from the peninsula... chefs tasting menu was well worth it. We loved every dish with the hamachi and baby Romain dishes stealing the show. I would come back to Charleston just to eat here again. read more

I've never thought Japanese and French cuisines could go together but I wish I had thought of it sooner. This is an amazing addition to John's island. I only tried a third of the menu and need to go back to try everything else. The octopus is the best I've had in Charleston which is saying a lot. The service was amazing and the drinks were refreshing and innovative. Definitely go and give it a try! read more

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I don't really leave reviews anymore but this place had to of been one of top 20 meals of all time for me and I've been privileged enough to dine in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Hard to beat a meal that is seasonally fresh with a compliment of flavors and textures with beautiful displays. Each dish feels like a work of art. Service was next level but I feel like reviews should be 90% about the food. Having a good or bad server shouldn't influence the review of the restaurant as a whole. That being said service was excellent 10/10 I went with my wife and we split the Tokyo salad, which was a nice savory umami salad with a nice sesame flavor. We also split the Tuna Tataki which had nice flavor and was very fresh, I liked the palm hearts for a nice fresh crunch with the almonds. I got the Duck and my wife got the scallops, both were amazing. Speaking for myself the duck was cooked perfectly and was probably best I have had (non confit). Everything had a beautiful sauce which did not overwhelm the main protein and the veggies were beautiful, bright, and perfectly seasoned. Portions are what you expect from French inspired cuisine, which I thought were perfect since we ordered 6 dishes in total, including dessert. Desserts were amazing and the prices were a great value for quality, freshness, and care that went into each dish. Not somewhere I can afford to go every weekend but you bet I will be coming every chance I get and I'm excited to see what the other seasons bring to the menu. Cheers to the chef, staff, and owner for a great concept and execution. read more

Popped in here for a drink at the bar and was pleasantly surprised by how unique this restaurant was. Upscale vibes but super comfortable atmosphere. I made good friends with the bartender Eric, he was super informal & kind. At one point I snapped an action shot of him serving us, so I had to share! We loved the small plates and the attention to detail. Menu items were unique and alot of the ingredients we saw on the menu, you simply can't find them anywhere else. Definitely worth a gander for a fun date night. We'll be back! read more

Snow Monkeys - Japanese Near Me - Johns Island, South Carolina

This spot was recommended by a server at Lenoir (other review) Honestly It was beyond expectations. They nailed it! We sat at the bar and Noah was great. He recommended the smoked salmon, romaine and scallops. Not knowing, we went along with it and damn was it good! Oh yeah. We had the pistachio dip which was amaze balls! They make their own crackers... Idk. I want to go back and try other dishes. I think this place is one of the best spots in Chucktown. read more

Special, brilliant, amazing ingredient's, presentation outstanding... Thank you for a wonderful evening !! read more

High dining experience on Johns Island. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Very well curated menu. Great service. It is better than Lost Isle and much easier to get into. I hope they participate in Food and Wine events around town! read more

My third visit to Snow Monkeys delivered yet another Michelin Star level meal. From the yellow tail to the brisket, each dish was exquisite and unique. This time we made it to dessert! Wow! Apple dessert with cinnamon ice cream, amazing. It was truly one of the best restaurants at which I have ever eaten. Staff and wine also special! read more

First of all, our server Tess was incredible. So sweet, and she took such care in guiding us through the menu and offering recommendations. The food was amazing! Beautifully plated, thoughtfully paired, and full of creative ingredients and techniques. It's not often I find a fusion restaurant that hits the mark on both cuisines that they're combining. Also just a lovely atmosphere, it's open and welcoming. LOVE the open kitchen! What a hidden gem, we will definitely be back! read more

Snow Monkeys - Japanese Near Me - Johns Island, South Carolina

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Felt drinks were overpriced and didn't care for the food combinations. Ordered a Tequila on the rocks - their pours are tiny. Very few people there and the only one to engage us was our waitress - she was pleasant and did a good job but felt ignored by the rest of the staff. read more

Great food experience 40 + years Charleston food scene patron Snow Monkey really stands out Wonderful server, Valentina was very knowledgeable and professional Will put this on my list to bring friends who are tired of same charleston fare. read more

If this was in downtown Charleston, buzz would be off the charts. Amazing food. Cool atmosphere (wild vibe change as you walk past video games in the window of bar next door). Servers super into the food, and helpful. Strongly recommend. So many flavors in each dish. read more

Great service~ some dishes very good- beef tartar- and others easily improved with more attention. Good concept for Johns Isl. Something different! read more