An exquisite dining experience in Charleston. If you have time for a special experience, don’t miss dinner here. It was a birthday celebration for my lady. We indulged in the both the offered tasting menus. If you can, enjoy the experience. I did not see the Michelin star that this chef and his staff deserve.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tyler Glander
Highly recommend this restaurant if you don't mind spending a bit more. Sea bass is by far the best thing on the menu. You have 2 tasting options. I recommend buying both, 1 for yourself and the other for whomever you are dining with. Then you get to try everything which I recommend. Very quiet atmosphere which makes for a great late evening meal. Overall a great dining experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Toby Redding
Decor highlights historic charm with refined elegance
Brian Walsh CHS Realtor
Circa 1886 is one of the most special restaurants in Charleston the kind of place that turns a great night into a lasting memory.
My wife and I come here every year for our anniversary, and it never disappoints. From the moment you step inside, the service, atmosphere, and attention to detail are all exceptional. The setting inside the historic carriage house feels timeless, and the food is always outstanding — refined without being pretentious, with creative dishes that still celebrate Lowcountry flavors. Every visit feels personal and perfectly executed.
As someone who lives and works in 29401, I love that places like Circa 1886 continue to define Charleston’s reputation for world-class dining with Southern charm. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night you want to remember, Circa 1886 is always a great choice.
– Brian Walsh | Downtown Charleston Realtor
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Valerie Vines
Amazing experience! I ordered staters because I wanted the soufflé for dessert. The chef/staff made an alteration to one of the dishes because of my allergies. Dennis at the bar is fantastic!! Go out of your way to come here. Service and food are amazing! Also, the wine list is quite extensive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Bachand
Underwhelming tasting menu. Many plates came out cold and delayed. We had much better food at other restaurants during our visit to Charleston.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
David
I only had the breakfast as a guest of the mansion/hotel.
But oh my goodness... this place should have a Michelin star or two.
Phenomenal... absolutely Phenomenal.
I will stay at the mansion again just to eat breakfast here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M H
Was very excited to eat here but the food fell short. Monkfish was extremely salty. Salt is not something you shy on in the culinary world but this was just too much. The antelope is a lean cut of meat and if executed well, can be delicious. It was excessively dry. The pesto gnocchi w/ lemon and saffron, very lemon forward. There was no hints of basil or pine nuts. The server Bryan was amazing and very friendly. We really liked him.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
M O
Waitstaff was really kind! Amazing experience. Would recommend for a special night.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Richard Kowalski
Pretencious. Great food presentation but average food. Limited menu.
Dining at Circa 1886 is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you step inside this historic carriage house, you are transported into a world where timeless elegance meets innovative Southern cuisine.
Executive Chef Marc Collins is a true culinary genius. Every dish that leaves his kitchen is a work of art—impeccably plated, deeply flavorful, and rooted in Charleston’s rich food traditions while still pushing creative boundaries. His ability to balance history with innovation makes every bite memorable.
Equally impressive is the beverage program under the guidance of Bar Manager Denis. His cocktails are masterfully crafted, highlighting both precision and artistry. Denis doesn’t just mix drinks—he curates an experience in the glass. Whether you’re savoring a classic or one of his inventive creations, you can trust that every detail has been considered.
What makes Circa 1886 truly special is the harmony between the kitchen, bar, and service staff. The team works seamlessly to create an atmosphere that is warm, inviting, and absolutely unforgettable.
Charleston is blessed with a world-class dining scene, but Circa 1886 stands at the top. If you want a meal that will linger in your memory long after the last course, this is where you want to be.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mandy Hammond
Exceptional in every way. Food, service and atmosphere were amazing!! Highly recommend the pairing experience!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
erik brazil
As a business traveler, I'm all too familiar with the sterile loneliness of the road. But my visit to Circa 1886 was a welcome exception. From the moment I walked in, the impersonal nature of my trip melted away. The staff treated me not just as a customer, but as a cherished guest, sharing stories and checking in with a warmth that felt like family. The experience was matched only by the food, which was absolute perfection. Flavors danced along my tongue and warmed my soul. This is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. I would urge anyone looking for a spectacular meal and a sense of belonging to visit.
An exquisite dining experience in Charleston. If you have time for a special experience, don’t miss dinner here. It was a birthday celebration for my lady. We indulged in the both the offered tasting menus. If you can, enjoy the experience. I did not see the Michelin star that this chef and his staff deserve.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Highly recommend this restaurant if you don't mind spending a bit more. Sea bass is by far the best thing on the menu. You have 2 tasting options. I recommend buying both, 1 for yourself and the other for whomever you are dining with. Then you get to try everything which I recommend. Very quiet atmosphere which makes for a great late evening meal. Overall a great dining experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Decor highlights historic charm with refined elegance
Circa 1886 is one of the most special restaurants in Charleston the kind of place that turns a great night into a lasting memory.
My wife and I come here every year for our anniversary, and it never disappoints. From the moment you step inside, the service, atmosphere, and attention to detail are all exceptional.
The setting inside the historic carriage house feels timeless, and the food is always outstanding — refined without being pretentious, with creative dishes that still celebrate Lowcountry flavors. Every visit feels personal and perfectly executed.
As someone who lives and works in 29401, I love that places like Circa 1886 continue to define Charleston’s reputation for world-class dining with Southern charm. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night you want to remember, Circa 1886 is always a great choice.
– Brian Walsh | Downtown Charleston Realtor
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing experience!
I ordered staters because I wanted the soufflé for dessert.
The chef/staff made an alteration to one of the dishes because of my allergies.
Dennis at the bar is fantastic!!
Go out of your way to come here.
Service and food are amazing!
Also, the wine list is quite extensive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Underwhelming tasting menu. Many plates came out cold and delayed. We had much better food at other restaurants during our visit to Charleston.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
I only had the breakfast as a guest of the mansion/hotel.
But oh my goodness... this place should have a Michelin star or two.
Phenomenal... absolutely Phenomenal.
I will stay at the mansion again just to eat breakfast here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was very excited to eat here but the food fell short. Monkfish was extremely salty. Salt is not something you shy on in the culinary world but this was just too much. The antelope is a lean cut of meat and if executed well, can be delicious. It was excessively dry. The pesto gnocchi w/ lemon and saffron, very lemon forward. There was no hints of basil or pine nuts. The server Bryan was amazing and very friendly. We really liked him.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Waitstaff was really kind! Amazing experience. Would recommend for a special night.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Pretencious. Great food presentation but average food. Limited menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
A must have in Charleston!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dining at Circa 1886 is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you step inside this historic carriage house, you are transported into a world where timeless elegance meets innovative Southern cuisine.
Executive Chef Marc Collins is a true culinary genius. Every dish that leaves his kitchen is a work of art—impeccably plated, deeply flavorful, and rooted in Charleston’s rich food traditions while still pushing creative boundaries. His ability to balance history with innovation makes every bite memorable.
Equally impressive is the beverage program under the guidance of Bar Manager Denis. His cocktails are masterfully crafted, highlighting both precision and artistry. Denis doesn’t just mix drinks—he curates an experience in the glass. Whether you’re savoring a classic or one of his inventive creations, you can trust that every detail has been considered.
What makes Circa 1886 truly special is the harmony between the kitchen, bar, and service staff. The team works seamlessly to create an atmosphere that is warm, inviting, and absolutely unforgettable.
Charleston is blessed with a world-class dining scene, but Circa 1886 stands at the top. If you want a meal that will linger in your memory long after the last course, this is where you want to be.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceptional in every way. Food, service and atmosphere were amazing!! Highly recommend the pairing experience!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
As a business traveler, I'm all too familiar with the sterile loneliness of the road. But my visit to Circa 1886 was a welcome exception. From the moment I walked in, the impersonal nature of my trip melted away. The staff treated me not just as a customer, but as a cherished guest, sharing stories and checking in with a warmth that felt like family. The experience was matched only by the food, which was absolute perfection. Flavors danced along my tongue and warmed my soul. This is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. I would urge anyone looking for a spectacular meal and a sense of belonging to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the finest meals in Charleston
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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