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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Downtown Charleston

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19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Camellias restaurant
1. Camellias
4.6
Exceptional(294)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Downtown Charleston
Booked 7 times today
Reservations are not accepted for Standard Service.Reservations are required for Afternoon Tea and Special Experiences.Discover an unparalleled Afternoon Tea experience at Camellias, where design and architecture intertwine to create a breathtaking wonder inspired by the renowned Fabergé jewels. Step into a realm of elegance and sophistication, where every detail, from the etched mirror ceiling to the dazzling crystal chandelier, exudes opulence and charm. Located in the heart of Charleston, Camellias presents an Afternoon Tea seating that stands as an essential experience for any bucket list.Adults | 65.00Children’s Tea (ages under 12) | 42.00Crown Tea | 78.00Pricing reflects a per-person pricing based on seats reserved.Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to your reservation. Failure to cancel 24 hours before your reservation will result in a $25/per person fee.
A photo of Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston restaurant
2. Coast Bar & Grill – Charleston
4.4
Awesome(4972)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown Charleston
Booked 44 times today
Charleston’s freshest seafood, with laidback Lowcountry style. Coast’s chefs meet daily with local farmers and fishermen to procure the freshest seafood and produce available. Featuring wood-grilled fish, a raw bar, and a refreshing drink list. Open nightly from 5:00. Outdoor seating available.*menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menu
A photo of Virginia's on King restaurant
3. Virginia's on King
4.5
Awesome(3031)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 57 times today
This sophisticated Southern dining spot blends the comforts of a traditional Southern kitchen with familiar regional dishes prepared with the utmost care for quality and flavor. The menu incorporates local fresh ingredients and old family recipes to bring you Southern cooking, Lowcountry style.*menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menus
A photo of Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett restaurant
4. Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel Bennett
4.5
Awesome(1124)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 15 times today
Gabrielle captures the spirit of Charleston with quintessential hospitality, warm design, a vibrant bar, charming views and a menu that puts fresh, locally sourced ingredients on center stage. Each bold and flavorful dish showcases the South’s fresh bounty, allowing ingredients to speak simply and powerfully for themselves. Featuring a lively indoor bar and dining room, as well as the city’s finest outdoor dining terrace, the menu is complemented by views overlooking historic Marion Square.
A photo of 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston restaurant
5. 39 Rue de Jean - Charleston
4.4
Awesome(5136)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown Charleston
Booked 72 times today
39 Rue de Jean - Charleston is a French-style cafe and bar offering the best in Brasserie cuisine. The restaurant's reviews rave about the excellent service, delicious food, and the fabulous atmosphere. Many customers have celebrated special occasions there, with one even saying the atmosphere felt like being in Paris. The restaurant's authentic French vibe and excellent service make it perfect for special occasions.
A photo of O-Ku restaurant
6. O-Ku
4.8
Exceptional(2746)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown Charleston
Booked 56 times today
O-Ku, a Japanese restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a triumph of execution and concept. The restaurant's menu is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, and it features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are prepared with care. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are both complex and delicate. Focused on incorporating authentically Japanese flavors into the fare, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature contemporary Japanese entrées and traditional sushi of the season reflecting the uniquely designed space. Guests can enjoy chef specialties including kurobuta pulled pork don-buri, braised short rib with shiso pesto, coconut curry, and hakozushi a box-style sushi. A wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and crudos are also available. The beverage program at O-Ku is a sophisticated blend of specialty cocktails, premium sake, bubbles, red and white wines and unique beer selections.
A photo of The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel restaurant
7. The Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel
4.4
Awesome(1801)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Downtown Charleston
Booked 28 times today
The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, named for Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Marion, features classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Executive Chef Heyward Davis and Chef De Cuisine Daniel James create regional specialties that emphasize farm to table practices using locally grown fruits and vegetables with respect to the traditional beloved flavors and techniques of the Lowcountry.Known for its award-winning Shrimp and Grits, The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar overlooks historic Marion Square Park and is popular with both locals and visitors to Charleston. Guests can enjoy live piano Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm - 9pm.The restaurant also has a private dining room, the Parkview, that seats thirty and overlooks King Street and Marion Square Park. This intimate space is perfect for private events and small parties.Masks are recommended for fully vaccinated customers. Consistent with CDC guidelines, unvaccinated customers should wear masks.
A photo of Church and Union - Charleston restaurant
8. Church and Union - Charleston
4.5
Awesome(8599)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 169 times today
A 5th Street Group Concept. Modern-American cuisine served in a casual yet refined atmosphere. Menu by Executive Chef Doug Watson & Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Jamie Lynch.
A photo of Indaco restaurant
9. Indaco
4.8
Exceptional(3810)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown Charleston
Booked 45 times today
Located on Charleston's Upper King Street, Indaco (Italian for "indigo") serves rustic Italian cuisine. Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, housemade salami and cured sausages fill the restaurant's menu which can be enjoyed family-style or a la carte. With community tables, an open kitchen, and a comfortable atmosphere, Indaco can accommodate 100 guests for a casual night of food and drinks. The wine list is focused on affordable Italian varietals, the Negroni cocktail is on tap, and the fresh sodas are made in-house. The massive wooden doors on Upper King Street are your first indication that Indaco is different from the typical Charleston restaurant. Rustic details continue inside with butcherblock tables, lime-wash walls, and white brick. An open kitchen with nearby community tables lets interested diners keep an eye on the action inside the kitchen. Outside, a patio puts you streetside to watch Upper King Street's vibrant nightlife scene.
A photo of Peninsula Grill restaurant
10. Peninsula Grill
4.6
Exceptional(8000)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown Charleston
Booked 32 times today
This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant located in the very heart of Charleston’s famed Historic District has been recognized by Departures, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, Wine Spectator, and others for serving the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally and globally. With velvet-lined walls in shimmering oyster tones, woven seagrass, and indigenous cypress molding, the Peninsula Grill Dining Room ambiance is supper club sumptuousness. The Peninsula Grill Champagne Bar is an intimate jewel box space that offers several outstanding champagnes by the glass and a delicious bar menu.Peninsula Grill is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of restaurants and hotels in romantic destinations around the world. Business casual attire, Collared Shirts are required for Gentleman in the Dining Room.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kerri
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    "We decided to celebrate Christmas with a special 'date' for brunch at Gabrielle in Hotel Bennett, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, the service was impeccable. Daniel, in particular, stood out for his attentiveness and the thoughtful touch of addressing us by name. Every staff member we encountered was warm, professional, and genuinely helpful, adding to the festive atmosphere. The food and ambiance were perfect for the occasion, and we left feeling truly cared for. I can't recommend Gabrielle enough—it was such a memorable experience that it might just become our new Christmas tradition."
    More info
    Gabrielle Charleston in Hotel BennettPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Southern• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.5
  • Karin
    Key West / Florida Keys •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Dinner at Rue De Jean has become a little Christmas Eve tradition. We were able to make a reservation easily on OpenTable the week before. We were seated promptly. Our server was absolutely delightful. The restaurant was decorated super cozy and the food never disappoints. We had a great time and plan on doing this again next year. 
    More info
    39 Rue de Jean - CharlestonPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.4
  • Nancy
    South Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had a wonderful lunch with friends on Christmas Eve!
    More info
    Virginia's on KingPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.5
  • Mollie
    South Carolina •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Had 4 fabulous meals , one daughter has celiac and waiter was able to help us navigate safe choices with the menu and propose alternatives and personally went to talk to the chef . I got the crab stuffed flounder and it could have fed 2 people. Love the alley and all of the holy City restaurants but coast is our fav! Highly recommend, def worth it !!!
    More info
    Coast Bar & Grill – CharlestonPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.4
  • Regina
    South Carolina •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Tea with Santa was a fun holiday experience. My 3 and 6 year old really enjoyed the Santa. He spent a lot of time chatting with each child and adult. The food I sampled was tasty!
    More info
    CamelliasPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• Downtown Charleston
    •
    4.6

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Downtown Charleston

Discover the perfect spots for celebrating special occasions in the vibrant heart of Downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Our curated selection of restaurants offers a range of dining experiences that cater specifically to making your celebrations memorable. Whether you're looking for the sophisticated ambience of a French brasserie or the unique flare of a themed cocktail bar, Downtown Charleston has it all. Each restaurant is renowned for its exceptional service, outstanding cuisine, and the ability to create a festive atmosphere that's ideal for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Patrons consistently praise these establishments for their ability to exceed expectations on special occasions, ensuring every dining experience is exceptional. The dining scene in Downtown Charleston is characterized by its diverse culinary offerings and its commitment to quality, making it a prime destination for any celebratory event. Prioritize your next special occasion by choosing one of Downtown Charleston’s top-rated restaurants to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

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