Circa 1886
Contact
149 Wentworth Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
Phone: +1 843 853 7828
Fax: +1 843 720 5292
visit website | map/directions
Tucked behind the stately Wentworth Mansion is one of Charleston's hidden gems. Circa 1886, named for the year the Wentworth Mansion was built, is home to some of Charleston's finest fare. With a wine list that boasts close to 280 bottles, and contemporary cuisine influenced by Charleston's rich history, this five-star restaurant offers diners an intimate evening that won't soon be forgotten. The menu changes seasonally, keeping abreast of the freshest local produce and seafood.
Of course, the service is top-notch, with an enthusiastic, professional wait-staff ready to meet your needs. Dinner is served nightly Monday through Saturday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Reservations are suggested. Jacket is suggested but not required.
Frommers Review: Situated in the carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion, this deluxe restaurant offers grand food and formal service. Begin by taking the invitation of the concierge for a view of Charleston from the cupola, where you can see all the bodies of water surrounding the city. Seating 50, two main rooms are beautifully set in the most idyllic place for a romantic dinner in Charleston. The chef prepares an updated version of Low Country cookery, giving it a light, contemporary touch but retaining the flavors of the Old South. Menus are rotated seasonally to take advantage of the best and freshest produce. For a first course, try the candied carrot soup with roasted garlic, or the spicy grilled shrimp over fried green tomatoes. Here the traditional gazpacho comes with celery instead of tomato and is flavored with carrot-Tabasco oil. Featured main courses are prepared with consummate skill, especially the truffle-oil fried catfish or the vanilla-glazed Berkshire pork chop. We're still smacking our lips over the strawberry shortcake soufflé hazelnut tart with lightly whipped cream and Orange Julius sherbet. Special attention is paid to the salad courses, as exemplified by a concoction of baby spinach, strawberries, wild mushrooms, and red onion, all flavored with a champagne-and-poppyseed vinaigrette. Desserts, ordered at the beginning of the meal, include a unique "baked Carolina" with orange and raspberry sorbets, or pan-fried angel food cake with fresh berries and peach ice cream.
