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
4.9Service
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.
2,631 Reviews
K
Katherine
Charleston
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Everything about our experience was top notch. The food was amazing and our cocktails perfectly mixed. Our server, Sarah was friendly, attentive and professional as were all wait staff. We felt pampered and completely satisfied.
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J
Julian
Greater Boston
72 reviews
vip
4.0
72 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
Overall 4
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Food was excellent. We booked even knowing that the menu changes nearly daily - this can be tough particularly if you have dietary restrictions but there were plenty of delicious options
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C
Cathy
Fort Lauderdale
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
It was our 1st trip to Charleston. It was by far the best restaurant throughout our trip. Our food was outstanding along with the ambience and impeccable service!!!
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K
Katie
Charleston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 22 November 2024
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.
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.
