Bintü Atelier. African inspired cuisine

Very cozy and comfortable. The staff is friendly and welcoming. You feel like it's home. The food was mouth-watering, with a variety of flavors, you are able to taste each spice. We tried the lamb (Yassa) and snapper. Lamb was rich, savory, and warm. The snapper was cooked to perfection...flaky, with a crisp on the outside, and seasoned to perfection. All side dishes paired well and the Fritters (appetizer) was also amazing. Be sure to try the fresh juices. We tried pineapple/ginger and passion fruit. Mm mm mmmm!

This place was the best food we had on our trip to Charleston! The atmosphere was perfect, small, quaint and staff was super friendly! We had some homemade juices, the snapper and yassa and it was all cooked and flavored to perfection. I will definitely be visiting this spot again, next time we're in Charleston!

We were visiting Charleston and wanted something a little bit different. Southern Fair is easy to find in Charleston, but ethnic food is a bit of a challenge. We found this place on Google maps. We had seating outside in something that sort of resembled. What an African tent might look like. Quite charming! The food was like nothing. We have eaten before and seemed quite authentic. Beyond that, it was quite delicious! The staff were friendly and inviting. The tables were close together which also allowed us to strike up a conversation with the couple next door which added to a wonderful experience. All of the food was amazing, even the dessert. The servings are quite large so save room for dessert. Also, it's good to book this place in advance because it's unlikely you'll be able to get a reservation the same day. If you're looking for a place that's a little unusual and offers as much an experience as it is good dining, then this is your place.

My husband and I had heard about this place and were finally able to make a reservation. Let me tell you it was worth it! Bintü Atelier is an absolute gem! The crab rice was bursting with flavor, and the soft shell crab on top was fried to perfection! Unbelievably crispy and fresh. Every bite was a treat! The way this restaurant blends African and Gullah cuisine is truly special, creating a dining experience that’s both soulful as well as elevated. Don’t even get me started on the chicken wings,they are to die for! Can’t wait to come back and explore more of the menu. Highly recommend!

Highly recommend! The hot sauce that came with the skewers was amazing, so flavorful. We got several small and large plates and split them amongst four of us, and everything was delicious. We sat on the outdoor patio which had a beautiful set up and great vibes. An overhead fan kept the area cool in the shaded tent. We had a chance to speak with the owners who were lovely. I would definitely come here for authentic African cuisine. We brought a couple bottles of wine with us, as they do not serve alcohol.

10 out of 10!!!

I'm speechless....GREAT ON EVERY NOTE...THANK YALL

This place is a gem! I don’t think I can call it a “hidden” gem based on its many excellent reviews, but as a visitor to Charleston, none of my uber drivers or local people I chatted with were familiar with it. Which is a shame bc it was soooooo good! We had the Zanzibar patties which had incredibly thin, flavorful perfectly cooked pastry with an unctuous, moist filling, soft silky black eyed peas with flatbread that is technically a side but could be an excellent meal on its own, and the peanut stew that felt like home on the best way even though it was brand new to me. Everything felt wholesome and cooked with care and expertise. Staff were friendly, kind and helpful. We left STUFFED bc our bellies were done but our tastebuds kept needing more :). Definitely get a reservation and arrive hungry.

Bintu Atelier is an absolute gem! I ordered the shrimp egusi with fufu and it far exceeded my expectations—so full of flavor and such a huge portion that I could barely finish it (though I gave it my best shot!). The restaurant itself is small, cozy, and beautifully decorated. It’s super welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating, but definitely make a reservation because it fills up fast!! Annie took care of us, she was so kind and gave fantastic menu suggestions. I’ll definitely be back to try more dishes, especially the Thiéboudieun (fried flounder with jollof rice and vegetables) they serve on Fridays and Saturdays. I caught a whiff of it on my way out and it literally made my mouth water, even after my huge meal. This place is a must-try—I’m already planning to come back tomorrow and bringing friends with me next time!

So glad we discovered this place during our Charleston trip. Our server was friendly and welcoming and gave great recommendations. We went with the Mafe, Shito spicy crab, and plantains and loved it all!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mafe Guinaar, Shito Spicy Crab Rice

Everything was GREATTT!!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Baobab & Raw Honey Frozen Cream, Suya Beef Skewers, Ndambe, Fulani Grilled Chicken Wings, Shito Spicy Crab Rice, Pineapple Ginger Juice

We were delighted with everything we ordered at Bintü Atelier. Their food is absolutely delicious. We also enjoyed the fresh juice drinks. We recommend making a reservation as there is limited seating. Not a great picture as we dived in immediately - this is really mid meal. The whole fried snapper is excellent and super fresh.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It's well worth a visit to Bintü to experience the flavors of West African cuisine. The Joloff rice, Ndambe bowl, and chicken wings were outstanding. The service was friendly and attentive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Consistency is the best word to describe Chef Bintou when it comes to the food she is creating and giving to her guest at her restaurant. Her food is amazing, and I've been back countless of times since I've first came 8 months ago. This is my go 2 restaurant here in Charleston.

Tracey is truly an ice cream connoisseur! If the ice cream isn't sold out, GET it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Haven't had a meal quite like this in the US. Really nice homey feel. Enjoyed the juices. The lamb was exceptional.

Food: 5