Wow!!!!!!! Michelin star??? I don’t think so. Why? How? The restaurant itself is very inviting. Music and lights are good. The staff is knowledgeable . I don’t know if it was just an off night, but all of my dishes were VERY SALTY and 2 out of the 4 dishes were inedible. The initial flavors were good, but I couldn’t continue eating it. I tried really hard. I’m one of those people who usually salts their food without tasting it first so I usually eat salty food. For me to not be able to eat it the dishes says something. I’ve eaten some incredible meals around the world that were just “regular” places. I went to Vern’s when it first opened and they hadn’t quite worked things out yet. I went back to have the meal of my life and was very disappointed. I thought it was mediocre at best. It’s said that 3 times is a charm, but I’m not going back to find out. I’ll go back to other restaurants I know won’t disappoint.
Evelyn Harmon
Phenomenal food. One of our favorite spots in Charleston.
The bitter greens salad can't be beat. The Pepperdelle and tuna crudo are oir favorite. You must add the sourdough!
Drinks are original but true to the classics.
Do yourself a favor and eat here.
Ray Mehta
After two decades of dining professionally across Michelin-recognized kitchens worldwide, I can say with confidence that Vern belongs in the rare category of restaurants that feed both the palate and the soul.
Opened quietly in July three years ago and earning its Michelin Star this past November, Vern is run by a husband-and-wife culinary team whose vision is unmistakable from the very first bite. This is not food that shouts. It resonates. From the moment the fork touched the plate, flavors bloomed with such precision and depth that the natural juices awakened every sense. Aroma, texture, and balance moved through the body, not just the mouth.
If you live in Charleston or are visiting, skipping Vern would be a disservice to yourself and your soul.
We began with the beet salad, layered with finesse and clarity, followed by another seasonal salad that reaffirmed the kitchen’s mastery of restraint and harmony. Each ingredient had a purpose. Nothing crowded the plate.
At the bar, Kayla, originally from Virginia, delivered one of the most memorable hospitality experiences I have had in recent years. Her energy, intuition, and professionalism elevated the entire evening. Service here is not scripted. It is genuine and deeply human.
For mains, the chicken dish and the skate wing were exceptional. Perfectly executed, deeply flavorful, and honest. The mushroom truffle pasta stood out for its balance. Earthy, elegant, and never indulgent for the sake of indulgence.
The wine program deserves special recognition. Thoughtfully curated, intelligently priced, and refreshingly accessible. Unlike many Michelin-starred dining rooms where you leave impressed but hungry, Vern strikes the rare balance of refinement and satisfaction. Portions are confident without excess. Intentional without restraint.
And then, dessert.
The hazelnut ice cream dessert is one of the finest desserts I have eaten in my lifetime. Impeccable texture, depth, and precision. It is the kind of dessert that recalibrates your standards.
Vern is one of those rare restaurants you almost hesitate to recommend. Not because it falls short, but because once the secret is fully out, reservations will become scarce. It is the kind of place you could dine at every day for the rest of your life and never lose the sense of wonder.
This Michelin star is not a culmination. It is a beginning.
B C
Vern’s definitely deserves the Michelin Star they were awarded! (Unlike Scoundrel in GVL) Food was phenomenal and surprisingly creative. I sat at the bar alone and was treated like family. Service was impeccable. Will definitely come back and highly recommend!!
Nicole Farnham
Vern’s fully earns its Michelin star. The unique menu highlights comforting, seasonal flavors that are both creative and satisfying. Outstanding service from Don and Kayla made the experience even better—warm, attentive, and knowledgeable. A truly memorable meal.
Caleb Harnish
Food was amazing. Atmosphere fantastic. Highly recommend and we will definitely be returning
Rob H
Vern’s in Elliotborough serves well-crafted, shareable plates in a warm, unfussy setting. Highlights: charred sourdough, bitter lettuce salad, and a stellar satsuma–vanilla dessert. Great wine list and friendly service—definitely a neighborhood gem.
Lee Allen
Phenomenal food, service and venue. I love this place. Feels like home.
Andrew Gifford
A great neighborhood restaurant, just wish it was in my hood! Started with Tuna, shrimps and bread with some bubbles, then moved on to the trout and the rabbit with campanello pasta, all excellent as was the service. We went at 5pm hoping for a bar seat and had an actual table l, we will be back :)
Lisa Fournier
Dano never disappoints. This is truly our favorite restaurant in Charleston. Food is beyond delectable and Bethany is the perfect added touch of elegance and perfection!:)
This was one of the finest meals we've ever had. Absolutely incredible food. The flavors were exceptional- each dish was complex but approachable. Everything, from the decor to the food to the service, had an understated elegance to it. The charred sourdough is a must have. The salad was insanely good. The entrees perfection. For the quality of food and the service, the price is completely reasonable. Charleston has amazing restaurants, and this is certainly one of the very best.
Brenna Lyden
So many times I’ve called this my “last meal” meal because if it was my last day on earth, Verns is fantastic and they do not miss! They should have a Michelin star.
Gray Stone
Great meal and excellent service. The staff was attentive and made the whole experience really enjoyable. It was definitely on the louder side, so it’s not the best spot if you’re looking for a quiet dinner—but the vibrant atmosphere works if you’re in the mood for something lively. Overall, a solid place with creative dishes and a fun energy. Would come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patrick Bise
Very nice selection of beer although small. Wide variety of wine. You can not go wrong with any of the food choices here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargot, Roast Spring Chicken
Wow!!!!!!! Michelin star??? I don’t think so. Why? How? The restaurant itself is very inviting. Music and lights are good. The staff is knowledgeable . I don’t know if it was just an off night, but all of my dishes were VERY SALTY and 2 out of the 4 dishes were inedible. The initial flavors were good, but I couldn’t continue eating it. I tried really hard. I’m one of those people who usually salts their food without tasting it first so I usually eat salty food. For me to not be able to eat it the dishes says something. I’ve eaten some incredible meals around the world that were just “regular” places. I went to Vern’s when it first opened and they hadn’t quite worked things out yet. I went back to have the meal of my life and was very disappointed. I thought it was mediocre at best. It’s said that 3 times is a charm, but I’m not going back to find out. I’ll go back to other restaurants I know won’t disappoint.
Phenomenal food. One of our favorite spots in Charleston.
The bitter greens salad can't be beat. The Pepperdelle and tuna crudo are oir favorite. You must add the sourdough!
Drinks are original but true to the classics.
Do yourself a favor and eat here.
After two decades of dining professionally across Michelin-recognized kitchens worldwide, I can say with confidence that Vern belongs in the rare category of restaurants that feed both the palate and the soul.
Opened quietly in July three years ago and earning its Michelin Star this past November, Vern is run by a husband-and-wife culinary team whose vision is unmistakable from the very first bite. This is not food that shouts. It resonates. From the moment the fork touched the plate, flavors bloomed with such precision and depth that the natural juices awakened every sense. Aroma, texture, and balance moved through the body, not just the mouth.
If you live in Charleston or are visiting, skipping Vern would be a disservice to yourself and your soul.
We began with the beet salad, layered with finesse and clarity, followed by another seasonal salad that reaffirmed the kitchen’s mastery of restraint and harmony. Each ingredient had a purpose. Nothing crowded the plate.
At the bar, Kayla, originally from Virginia, delivered one of the most memorable hospitality experiences I have had in recent years. Her energy, intuition, and professionalism elevated the entire evening. Service here is not scripted. It is genuine and deeply human.
For mains, the chicken dish and the skate wing were exceptional. Perfectly executed, deeply flavorful, and honest. The mushroom truffle pasta stood out for its balance. Earthy, elegant, and never indulgent for the sake of indulgence.
The wine program deserves special recognition. Thoughtfully curated, intelligently priced, and refreshingly accessible. Unlike many Michelin-starred dining rooms where you leave impressed but hungry, Vern strikes the rare balance of refinement and satisfaction. Portions are confident without excess. Intentional without restraint.
And then, dessert.
The hazelnut ice cream dessert is one of the finest desserts I have eaten in my lifetime. Impeccable texture, depth, and precision. It is the kind of dessert that recalibrates your standards.
Vern is one of those rare restaurants you almost hesitate to recommend. Not because it falls short, but because once the secret is fully out, reservations will become scarce. It is the kind of place you could dine at every day for the rest of your life and never lose the sense of wonder.
This Michelin star is not a culmination.
It is a beginning.
Vern’s definitely deserves the Michelin Star they were awarded! (Unlike Scoundrel in GVL)
Food was phenomenal and surprisingly creative.
I sat at the bar alone and was treated like family. Service was impeccable. Will definitely come back and highly recommend!!
Vern’s fully earns its Michelin star. The unique menu highlights comforting, seasonal flavors that are both creative and satisfying. Outstanding service from Don and Kayla made the experience even better—warm, attentive, and knowledgeable. A truly memorable meal.
Food was amazing. Atmosphere fantastic. Highly recommend and we will definitely be returning
Vern’s in Elliotborough serves well-crafted, shareable plates in a warm, unfussy setting. Highlights: charred sourdough, bitter lettuce salad, and a stellar satsuma–vanilla dessert. Great wine list and friendly service—definitely a neighborhood gem.
Phenomenal food, service and venue. I love this place. Feels like home.
A great neighborhood restaurant, just wish it was in my hood! Started with Tuna, shrimps and bread with some bubbles, then moved on to the trout and the rabbit with campanello pasta, all excellent as was the service. We went at 5pm hoping for a bar seat and had an actual table l, we will be back :)
Dano never disappoints. This is truly our favorite restaurant in Charleston. Food is beyond delectable and Bethany is the perfect added touch of elegance and perfection!:)
Restaurantji Recommends
This was one of the finest meals we've ever had. Absolutely incredible food. The flavors were exceptional- each dish was complex but approachable. Everything, from the decor to the food to the service, had an understated elegance to it. The charred sourdough is a must have. The salad was insanely good. The entrees perfection. For the quality of food and the service, the price is completely reasonable. Charleston has amazing restaurants, and this is certainly one of the very best.
So many times I’ve called this my “last meal” meal because if it was my last day on earth, Verns is fantastic and they do not miss! They should have a Michelin star.
Great meal and excellent service. The staff was attentive and made the whole experience really enjoyable. It was definitely on the louder side, so it’s not the best spot if you’re looking for a quiet dinner—but the vibrant atmosphere works if you’re in the mood for something lively. Overall, a solid place with creative dishes and a fun energy. Would come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very nice selection of beer although small. Wide variety of wine. You can not go wrong with any of the food choices here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargot, Roast Spring Chicken
Absolutely amazing across the board.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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