Everything at The Establishment begins with well-sourced ingredients from sea and field. Through developing relationships with local farmers and fishermen, our ingredients will be consistently seasonal, fresh, and pure. Chef Elliott Howells' menu will always reflect a clean, focused, and balanced approach, delivering a selection of thoughtful and refined cuisine.
Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter a few blocks away from Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, and Waterfront Park, The Establishment features an award-winning wine cellar, over 150 bourbon and whiskey offerings, and a lively bar scene complete with daily happy hour. We feature Live Music every Friday and Saturday starting at 8:00 PM, featuring multiple local artists performing an array of musical genres. Our private dining rooms are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or business meetings. We look forward to hosting you for a casual night out or an elevated dining experience.
The Establishment offers incredible, local seafood paired with an award-winning wine list. If you’re looking for elevated cuisine paired with fine wine, or for a room that is perfectly situated in Charleston’s French Quarter, look no further than The Establishment.
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value
Noise • Moderate
Diners' Choice Awards
South Carolina
Hot spot
South Carolina
Seafood
Charleston
Best Overall
Charleston
Best Service
Charleston
Best Ambience
Charleston
Hot spot
Charleston
Great for fine wines
Charleston
Romantic
Charleston
Good for special occasions
Charleston
Lively
Charleston
Seafood
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Establishment in Charleston is a sophisticated dining gem, perfect for special occasions. Guests rave about the "exquisite cuisine" and "outstanding service," with dishes like the gnudi and ribeye stealing the spotlight. The live piano music adds a charming touch to the "wonderful atmosphere." Highly recommended for an unforgettable dining experience.
2,628 Reviews
K
Katie
Charleston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
First up: Nathan. Fantastic hospitality, attentive and great personality. Worth his weight in gold. Second: if I only had one meal for the rest of my life it would be the current Wagyu Tartare on the menu. The kimchi Caesar??? Incredible. 12/10 I’m a Tartare girlie and that was the best. Second and a half: the tuna crudo. I’m so white Jalapeños are spicy to me, but that was a divine dish. Third: the hostess staff is efficient, warm and welcome. Bonus: they laughed with me not at me when I couldn’t figure out how to open the front door. All around great experience, thank you for knocking it out of the park.
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J
Jack
Charleston
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 19 November 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
As usual, great service, delicious food and a good ambiance
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M
Marilyn
Charleston
20 reviews
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
Overall 4
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
This restaurant is well worth a visit. I had the gnudi and then the Brazilian seafood stew and both were outstanding. The service is first rate and friendly. I’m looking forward to returning next month when I have visitors in town.
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J
Jack
Charleston
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great service, delicious food in a very pleasant ambiance. My wife and I always have a great time here.
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M
Michele
Coastal Georgia
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
This restaurant was fantastic. The food was excellent. The staff were amazing and attentive. Will definitely be back next time. We’re in Charleston.
Missed the piano player. Outstanding evening - one of my best restaurant experiences of the year.
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K
Kate
San Francisco
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on 14 November 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
This was probably the 25th time that we have dined at The Establishment.
It is possibly THE best kept restaurant secret in Charleston! It doesn't seem to be on the radar of visitors and it should be.
It is a fantastic experience. Staff is friendly and professional, the menu, which changes fairly frequently, has something for everyone. Seafood is a star! Last night we ate the most delicious Nantucket Bay Scallops, served raw with just enough citrus and spice to let the delicate flavor shine through. The gnudi with crab are a richer option to start but creamy and delicious.
Charred broccoli salad was a great green with which to start (and share).
Last night's main courses were flounder Grenobloise ( brown butter and capers) perfectly prepared, a Brazilian shrimp and fish stew with tomato and coconut milk,
And a pork chop with a mustard sauce.
Everything was fabulous!
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M
Morgan
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 November 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 4
Ambience 5
!!!! Annie & the staff created a most fabulous experience for our anniversary:))
& not to mention!! the lighting-the food! All exceeded expectations!
Charleston locals- you gotta come here.
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R
Ronnette
West Palm Beach
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
This is a must on our list every time we visit Charleston! Shane and his staff are always welcoming and take great care of us!
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FAQs
The Establishment is rated 4.8 stars by 2628 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
The Establishment offers incredible, local seafood paired with an award-winning wine list. If you’re looking for elevated cuisine paired with fine wine, or for a room that is perfectly situated in Charleston’s French Quarter, look no further than The Establishment.
