We arrived about 30 minutes early for our reservation and the manager happily accommodated us. We had a great view and the service was excellent. We were celebrating a birthday and the manager brought glasses of champagne to our table-which was very much appreciated. Food was delicious for both my wife and I. She had the braised beef and I had the spaghetti. At the conclusion of our meal, they brought us a delicious dessert with a candle in it-another nice touch. Highly recommended. Great food and great service. read more

I can't believe this place has a cumulative rating of 4.3. We were there early with a 5:15 reservation obtained last minute during the Food and Wine Festival, but that begs the question: Why was Tempest one of the few places with spots open? When we were seated, the place was mostly empy. The food, particularly for the price, was mediocre at best. I had the Cacio e Pepe with Shrimp. When it came, the aroma was so strong I had to check it to make sure the shrimp weren't spoiled. Imported shrimp, not local, which is important in Charleston. Salty, not creamy pasta. Several at the table had the short ribs, which were flavorful, but the beef wasn't short rib , most likely chuck meat cut to resemble boneless short rib. The chicken and the Bolognese were good according to those that had them. At the price paid, it was a disappointment. Our server was good, very attentive and efficient, while handling several tables by the time we were done, which is why I am giving 2 stars. The complimentary liquor and flowers for the ladies after the meal was also a nice touch, but it was presented as brandy and it was in fact whiskey, and didn't offset the mediocre food. And the setting is nice, we were seated upstairs with a good view of the Market outside, but, again, we were there to eat good food. For the cost, it should have been much better. Do better, Tempest. read more

We had a great meal at Tempest during a weekend away in November. We were seated upstairs in the front room with a window looking outside. We connected with our server and explained that we would be having a bunch of share plates. We had the wedge salad, the yellowfin tuna crudo, pickled mussels, bok choy, and the charcoal roasted shrimp and clams. Let me start by saying the bread service here was one of the best that we have ever had. The rolls are served in a cast iron skillet where the butter was then melted in the skillet. The bread had seaweed infused in it and it was to die for. The flavor of bread was supreme. Each of the small plates that we ordered were presented well and tasted beautiful! The highlights here were the tuna tartar, the pickled mussels, charcoal roasted shrimp, and the wedge. Overall it was a fantastic dining experience. read more

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Such a great restaurant! Our server Lauren was friendly and helpful with great service. Yummy fresh food (we had the oysters). Great beautiful ambience as well. read more

Tempest - Patio dining - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Everything we ordered was amazing! Had no complaints about any of the dishes we had. We do recommend this place. If you want to impress someone, bring them here. read more

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I was very excited to come to Tempest with my friends. This is a very beautiful spot! Staff is welcoming and kind. We made reservations, simply in Resy. I chose here because a friend mentioned they had Japanese soufflé pancakes. The whole reason we came. I was disappointed when regular pancakes appeared before me. I'll attach a picture of how they're suppose to look, there's no way they fell to look like regular pancakes, it's impossible with the ingredients. Japanese soufflé pancakes are luscious. One of mine was burnt on the bottom and inedible. Now for the lobster roll. It comes stuffed full of lots of lobster, but the flavor was ok. I guess having had them in Boston ruined us for anything else. But this came with what looked like Lays potato chips. Very surprised by this, was hoping for in house made chips. The fresh squeezed orange juice was lovely, should've tried a Bloody Mary. I truly hate the experience wasn't as we hoped. But I'm willing to try dinner some time in the future. read more

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So we didn't actually get to eat here. I made a reservation for this restaurant for brunch about one month prior to New Year's Day. Three days before new years (meaning way too late to book anywhere else) they call to say they are not offering brunch that day despite our reservation. Utter nonsense thanks for ruining our plans Tempest... read more

Tempest is a must have experience if you're a foodie living in or visiting Charleston. Found on the iconic Market St. downtown they are in a small location that aids in the intimate feel. The waitstaff are professional and enthusiastic about providing a fantastic dining experience. We mentioned it was our anniversary and they were quick to welcome us with complimentary champagne. They have multiple food options and all are wonderful. Your best bet is to go with the "Tasting Menu." For the price you get an amazing amount of food and get to really feel the message the chef wants to convey to the diners. My first course was octopus and the cook was flawless. The texture could not have been any better and paired with amazing flavor makes this a must try. My husband had tuna tartare on crispy rice with seaweed. This was such a fresh and flavorful bite and was like a build-your-own sushi course. For entrees he had a succulent, medium-rare filet mignon while I enjoyed amazing whole snapper with the most perfect crispy skin. We both fell in love with our plates and would gladly order them again. We finished off with dessert which was a real treat and even got a send off with a traditional pour of cognac and a flower. This place really knows how to make a night special! read more

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This place is amazing. We stumbled upon Tempest by accident (we were suppose to go to their sister location, Union & Church). The food is DEVINE. The ambience is so relaxing but intriguing & sexy. Words can't truly define how great our meals & desserts were. Alexis was our Food Connoisseur/Future Restauranteur.... in other words, server . But server doesn't fit for the level of service we received. We enjoyed the following: fingerling potatoes, broccolini & asparagus; these main courses: Snapper & Flounder and the dessert was the Some More. Everything was exceptional. I highly recommend dining here. read more

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AMAZING FOOD! WE FELT SPOILED LAST NIGHT START TO FINISH! We were delighted to find a restaurant that offered so much for various diets. We all tried different options on the menu. I had the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe w Shrimp. ( I knew my husband wasn't going to be able to resist the short ribs!) The potato gnocchi was exceptional! Knowing they could prepare GLUTEN FREE / VEGETARIAN options ( always good to give a heads up) made it a hit with the other couple we were dining. We ordered a couple of sides to share. I've never had Irish mashed potatoes before and can't imagine ever wanting the original ever again!! Same with the spinach, both were delicious and comforting. Upon entering, the main floor ceiling had an amazing tapestry of lighted mosaic stained glass! The setting upstairs in the old building overlooking the Charleston market completed the old world feel. The tradition of ending the meal with a complimentary brandy and having the bill hidden inside a paperback copy of The Tempest was a special touch. Cudos to the amazing chef & staff! From start to finish, the dining experience at Tempest was delicious, delightful, and deems a definite return! Thank you for an outstanding dining experience read more

At best I would give 2.5 stars so 3 is rounding up. I will say the service, ambiance and presentation is 5 star and the first course and dessert is 5 star. However, what those areas brought to the table far exceeds the cuisine at this restaurant. I rarely find food that I will not finish however, their chicken seemed as though a chef may have accidentally dropped the salt shaker on the meal and the risotto tasted exactly like movie theater popcorn. I have only been here once and maybe this is not the norm. However, I am unlikely to revisit. read more

Tempest - Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

One of my favorite restaurants in this world! - The rolls - the always inviting cocktail list - the seafood tower - I have never had an average meal here - Recently tried their brunch and found it was one of the best brunches I've ever had. Everytime, I visit Charleston it's the first meal. read more

We come to Charleston quite a bit and stay across the street from this place at the market pavilion (a great place to stay btw) and there are two restaurants that always make the cut. This is one of them. You know a place is great when they have the same staff year after year. The food is amazing and the staff is welcoming. If I could give 10 stars I would!!! Don't miss out even if just for an appetizer!! Also- a neat ambiance read more

Went on a Sunday around 5:30. We didn't have a reservation, but it seemed to be an off-hour and not busy. We were seated outside. Everything was excellent. The service was attentive, making sure everything was well. The oysters on the half shell were excellent. The roasted shrimp was in a silver bowl on top of black rocks. Very uniquely displayed! Wish I had a picture... And it was very good. The mushroom bolognese was also very nice. At the end there was a red carnation for the lady and each of us got a snifter of bourbon as a digestive. What a wonderful idea to end the meal. Will definitely return. read more

Sunday brunch was just amazing. We had the local mushroom Omelette, Tempest burger, and 2 mimosas. They used fresh squeezed orange juice in the Mimosas, the omelet was perfect and cheesy in the center. But the Tempest burger stole the show. It was a smash Burger with Bourbon bacon jam. I will be dreaming of that burger tonight!!! read more

Tempest - The play book used to bring the receipt. - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Not too impressed. Passable but not creative as I expected. Pretty much fresh seafood which is fine but nothing special. Staff was the best part of the experience. Server was very knowledgeable and friendly. Essentially, a nice place to take a client but not an experience different from any other similar place. read more

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Tempest was as delightful as ever. We had a fantastic server who really took care of every detail. The place is not too big- a very comfortable level of coziness. There is outdoor seating on a porch and on the street. Hot bread rolls for the table are served in a skillet, accompanied with a whipped butter with rock salt. One roll per person and it's just enough. The tempest has a wonderful seafood tower- we had the double tower, which means two layers. Lower: oysters, clams and shrimp Second level: half a lobster, ceviche and smoked shrimp salad. This is served with a cocktail sauce, a vinaigrette and a seafood sauce. Everything is fresh and simply delicious, with no "fishy" smells. We opted for two small plates and the days special. We ordered the Umami Tuna "Bombs". This is a plate of three bombs: one is cooked with truffle, another is a sashimi style with tuna, and the last is raw tuna with avocado. The plate is very small but has exquisite flavorings one can savor. The next plate was the crudo : tangy citrus with radish and a tart bite. Laced with mint. A very small plate again but a very unique piquant punch of flavor. The main entree was a lobster tail with greens and white asparagus purée. The lobster was just right, not overly cooked. It was presented beautifully and the combination of the lobster with the sides was perfect. I ordered the non-alcoholic cocktail "Drop the Beet," which was a perfect accompaniment to my meal. The drink had beet, lemon, plum shrub, and ginger beer- so very cool!!! The best part is the grand finale- every lady receives a rose and every male a cigar. Everyone is served some cognac. Classy! Overall, this is a fine dining establishment without the pomp and glory. It's for someone who appreciates great food and flavors that pack a punch. I highly recommend this restaurant! read more

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Best meal I've had the pleasure to enjoy. From first cocktails, to starter, sides, entree and dessert TEMPEST DID NOT MISS. Service was impeccable, energy was upscale without being stuffy - comfortable luxury dining. I may travel across the country in the future just to eat here again. read more

Tempest - Iris Cocktail - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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The husband and I went out for our anniversary during Restaurant Week, and we were very happy about the service, food, and atmosphere. Our waitress was very attentive, took the time to go over the menu, and didn't mind our chit chat because we will talk forever! The Yellowfin Tuna Crudo was so amazing - it just melts in your mouth! I had the grouper from the waitresses' recommendation and I'm so happy I did. I usually shy away from fish unless it's Tuna or Salmon because that's all I ever have, but the Grouper was so flavorful and meaty in a seafood way. My husband had the Ribeye, and it was little salty for his taste because he doesn't salt anything, but combined with the potatoes, it was perfect. When it came to the dessert, I think I may have won that round. I had the Some More which is a playoff of a s'more but it had a peanut butter flavored filling. Paired with the complimentary cognac, it was perfect! And to top it all off, the ladies are sent off with a flower. We'll definitely be going back and bringing our family and friends when they visit. read more

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The first time I went to tempest I had a great experience. My husband and I enjoyed the swordfish and snapper - the food was fresh, dishes were well balanced and service was excellent. I liked it so much that I decided to bring friends there who were visiting from out of town... Upon returning I did not have the same experience. Although I made reservations three weeks in advance I had to wait half an hour to be seated. After being seated I had to wait an additional half hour to put in my order. The waiter seemed flustered and described the dishes in a complex manner which confused myself and friends. After another hour of waiting we got our food - one of my friends orders we're not as expected. Instead of trying to make it right the waiter immediately said he was going to get the manager. My friend not wanting to cause a scene ate her food even though it wasn't what she wanted Considering we spent hundreds of dollars on this meal I was incredibly disappointed on the food and service. I had the monk fish this time and it was flavorless and chewy - the curry it was paired with did not fix the taste. My friend wanted to order the swordfish but it was taken off the menu even though the menu was not updated to reflect this. The highlights of the meal were the free bread and our cauliflower appetizer. Considering this is a seafood restaurant I am disappointed to be writing that and I'm not planning on returning to eat here read more

Came through on a Sunday afternoon looking for a cocktail and this spot delivered just that! I admire the setup of the restaurant, unique stained glass art piece made by a local artist, and our bartender was superb. I'm usually drawn to gin so the Desert Rose and 1885 cocktails were refreshing and my friend got the espresso martini which was love at first sip. read more

Tempest - Desert Rose and Espresso martini - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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I went here with 5 others as part of a special birthday dinner for my sister. They all eat meat and fish, and drink alcohol, but I'm a non-drinking vegetarian and dealing with some medical stuff so simple foods are better for me. They all enjoyed their meals and cocktails, as well as the cognac parting gift. I ordered the potatoes side dish, and was able to eat a few, but they were too spicy for me and there was a dressing that looked like mayonnaise, so I just ate a few potatoes and the bread. Limited vegetarian options, unfortunately. There was a risotto that is vegetarian, and I tasted it off a friends plate. But I couldn't find any other vegetarian options. So I just ate when I got home. The space is cool, in an old church. Would be fun for a date night. We were there early and oddly there were babies at all the other tables, so definitely not a date night vibe. But still cool. Solid service, too. read more

Tempest - Fingerling Potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Stopped here for brunch as I was intrigued by the cute outside area. Staff was nice. The brunch menu looked a bit different from what I expected but I went with citrus salad and shrimp and grits. The citrus sass contains bit of grapefruit which I definitely pushed to the side. The greens were fresh and light. I appreciate their slightly softener take on shrimp and grits which consisted of a tomato-based sauce, I believe. It was tasty but didn't leave me feeling overwhelming full, which I appreciated. read more

Tempest - Citrus salad, Shrimp and Grits, and Pineapple mimosa - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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My wife had one of the best crab cakes that she ever had and I had a delicious chicken. The ocean bread is incredible and the cocktails are amazing. We ate at a lovely table on the porch and our waitress was friendly and attentive. Free cognac at the end as well! read more

So, decided to have a meal at Tempest last night. It was a beautiful Charleston evening! You know the kind of night I'm which you aren't the least bit cold nor are you even close to being warm, and the soft breezes kind of kiss you on the cheek. The perfect night to dine outside on the patio! We started the night with a bottle of 2020 Lieu Dit Melon. A light dry wine with a great mineral finish. Perfect for seafood and especially oysters! We started the night with a Monkfish Ceviche and the grilled octopus. Both were great. Winner? Well since the Ceviche has beets (and I do. It like beets!) I'll give it to the tender octopus. We moved on to dinner. She chose the Mahi and I opted for the Monkfish chop. Both dishes were cooked to perfection. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, (outside of not eating at all!!) is worse than overcooked fish. Winner? Neither! It was the side of Jerk Cauliflower that we ordered. Delicious spicy and awesome. Great with the delicate fish and cooled ever so slightly by the wine. Our waiter and servers were attentive but not "over attentive" friendly and knowledgeable. The meal was ended with a rose for my lady and tradition of 2 sniffers of cognac and a cigar for me. This was a great meal and a great time made better by spending time with my partner in crime! read more

Tempest - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Tempest is a hidden gem in the market area! The stain glass is beautiful and overall great use of the space. The food was so fresh and delicious. The tower was filled with an variety of seafood that was just beautifully prepared with simplicity that let the taste of food come through. The poussin rouge was absolutely the most perfectly cooked chicken I had !! Skin was taken care of with great flavor and the chicken was juicy. Any of the fish plates will be a win. Worth every penny and the service was just perfect. read more

Tempest - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Drinks and food were both very high quality. Even the bread was quite an experience. The Tuna tartare was extremely excellent. I have something of a rough time with names, but I want to say the bartender was Carl. A tall fellow with long brown hair. The best bartender in all of my years. He was incredibly friendly and helpful, even making suggestions for places to try out later on. It is refreshing when I see someone who is so professional. The only thing that I didn't love was the tip line which I was already generous on, then a second kitchen tip line. I was complicit and paid on both but if I ever see a second tip line again anywhere, I will line the second one out because where does it end? "Busboy tip", "Fish Tank maintenance tip", "Ambiance lighting tip" etc. No points off, I just think that is a negative factor. Server or Bartender tip out the kitchen. read more

Overall the food here is pretty good. I highly suggest the soufflé pancakes because you probably have never tasted anything like it. I also recommend getting the watermelon crudo. The snapper was kind of dry and didn't really work without the sauces. The swordfish was better but not worth it in my opinion. Brunch might be the best time to go because the food is better and very unique. read more

This restaurant has a nice outdoor area and it's a little bit fancier than some of the other ones in town. Our food was absolutely delicious and our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. They have a tradition of giving the women roses & the men's cigars and both get a liquor after the meal. Check comes in a copy of the tempest book which you can sign. The food was so good we just tried a bunch of appetizers. read more

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Exceptional dinner last night celebrating my bride's birthday! Table was ready and we were seated as soon as we walked in the door. (Reservations are a must if you don't want to wait). Our server, Graham, was attentive and informative without hovering, and the food was absolutely amazing! I know the highlight for my wife was certainly the Hummingbird Cake prepared in a not so traditional way. All in all a great experience and one I'm sure to repeat before too long. read more

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Dinner was delicious. We made a reservation and out table was ready. My only issue they charged for each cup of coffee and tea. Food still excellent . All the fish dishes were great, the dessert delicious and the service was nice. My fist visit for brunch was great. Brunch was very good also. The pancakes and French toast were great. All the food have layers of flavor. read more

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The food was decent but was not worth the price or experience. My husband and I love the 5church group restaurants and how they support veterans. We thought the Tempest was a cool concept. The prices were way too high for the amount and quality of food. My risotto was yummy but simple. My husband's fish was suppose to be seared and was way over cooked and super small portions. We left hungry and paid more than the prices online mentioned. The atmosphere was more stuffy than online as well. If you want to look like a fine dining place, this could be an option. They do have a cool tradition they share before you leave if you drink alcohol or smoke cigars. read more

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Not sure what happened with my meal, because the restaurant was nice and other food coming out looked good. I had the soggy French toast and dried out sausage. With tip, $35. Definitely not worth repeating that meal at any prices. read more

Tempest - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Great food and service, cool building. Shrimp and calamari were great. Party of four all had homemade pasta dishes, really good. Great service. Complimentary snifter of brandy after meal, carnation for the ladies. Prices very reasonable for downtown Charleston. Will be back read more

What an AMAZING experience for me and my girlfriends. We felt so taken care of and the food was so so good. Our waitress was so sweet and we loved all of her suggestions. I will definitely be recommending this place to everyone. read more

Tempest was amazing! I'm so glad I got to try this restaurant while I was in town. The food is absolutely delicious. They have a $55 dinner option, where you order an appetizer, entree and dessert. My friend and I each did this and shared the plates. We ordered the fish mousse and tuna sashimi for apps. The NY dry aged strip steak for entrees, and the "some more" (fancy s'more) and honey comb desserts. Everything was absolutely delicious. The complementary bread in the beginning is a japanese milk bun that they bake in a mini cast iron. The bread and butter have seaweed incorporated into it. I was apprehensive at first, but it's worth a try. You won't regret it. Visit here for a special date night or celebratory meal! read more

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Came in for a quick bite and some drinks and to get out of the heat! I love the ambience. Although I have never been to 5Church it is cool that they're in an old church building. We sat at the bar and ordered the tuna bombs and ceviche. The tuna bombs had varying degrees of cooking from raw, seared, and a little more cooked than seared. The ceviche was interesting-covered with thin slices of peaches. Being from California we're used to eating ceviche with tostadas or tortilla chips but the fish was so refreshing it was nice to taste the flavors by themselves. Also there was no lack in carbs because their house bread is AMAZING and would honestly consider coming back for drinks and just the bread if I'm ever in town again and want to grab a drink! Their menu does not seem super extensive and we did not eat a full meal/dinner here but it was great for some bites at the bar. read more

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Honestly couldn't have had worse service. Received a win glass with old wine in its Appetizer was brought out after 66 mins. Steak frites are actually decent tho. Go to church and union next door read more

I definitely understand all of the awards, this is a must! I tried Tempest as a table of 1 while in Charleston for a conference. The service was friendly and attentive the entire time. Now, the food. I started with the charred octopus. The last time I had octopus cooked so well was when I was in Greece. The flavors and spices melded without overwhelming the natural taste of the octopus. The Pomme Frite fish special was a beautiful mellow dish. Finally, the honey pot dessert was a light delight at the end of a perfect meal. read more

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Great service and the complementary cigar/cognac at the end of the meal is a nice touch. However the Tempest tower is a major bait and switch. The provided picture for the Tempest tower is very misleading. You get half a lobster instead of a full. You only get the smaller top half of king crab legs instead of the whole thing. The Tempest tower is NOT worth it. I repeat DO NOT GET THE TEMPEST TOWER. read more

Tempest - The provided picture for the Tempest tower is very misleading. The Tempest tower is NOT worth it. I repeat DO NOT GET THE TEMPEST TOWER. - Seafood Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina