10 Romantic Date-Night Spots in Charleston, SC

June 19, 2021

10 Romantic Date-Night Spots in Charleston, SC.

Whether you are preparing for a spontaneous dinner date with a new fling you just met on Tinder or celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary with the love of your life, the most romantic restaurants in Charleston turn up the heat and set the mood for an ideal evening out. Our favorites include an intimate setting, and of course — mouthwatering cuisine. Here is a list of our favorite romantic eateries in and around the Charleston area.

1.) Sorghum + Salt

This hip, farm to table restaurant is located in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough area of downtown Charleston.

A website icon.Sorghum + Salt’s Website

The changing seasonal menu serves up some of our favorite local dishes, which always include an abundance of locally sourced veggies, seafood, and meats. We recommend ordering the Chef’s Tasting Menu to try out a little bit of everything. This spot is also great for vegan + vegetarian diners. If you are staying in one of the many Airbnb’s located on Cannon and Spring Streets, Sorghum + Salt is a convenient neighborhood destination to walk to.

2.) Muse Restaurant + Wine Bar

An off-the-beaten-path restaurant located in a historical home on Society Street, this Mediterranean wine bar is a unique and fun option when visiting Charleston.

A website icon.Muse Restaurant + Wine Bar’s Website

We love the bright and bold flavors found in each dish — some of our favorites include the Tagliatelle Bolognese and the Heirloom Tomato Salad. With an extensive wine list, the obvious choice would be to order a nice bottle of vino to share- but don’t skip out on their amazing cocktails! Book a room next door at Renaissance Charleston to end the night with some much-needed privacy.

3.) FIG

A Charleston staple, this well-known restaurant has been open since 2003 in the heart of downtown Charleston.

A website icon.Fig’s Website

Chefs Mike Lata + Jason Stanhope create elevated Lowcountry cuisine with only the freshest, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is lively with rarely an empty table to be found — so plan to make a reservation a few weeks in advance. Don’t forget to try one of their creative cocktails from behind the bar: our current favorite is “Some Like it Hot” made with mezcal + habañero tequila.

4.) Chez Nous

This inconspicuous French restaurant is tucked away inside a colonial home located in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood in downtown Charleston.

A website icon.Chez Nous’ Website

The intimate, homey setting is not its only appeal — the limited, 3-course menu changes daily and even though there is not much to choose from, each dish is very well executed and explodes with flavor. Looking for a spot to take your S.O. in the middle of the day? Chez Nous is also open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday! Visit their Instagram or Facebook pages to see their current menu for the day.

5.) Mezzo European Cuisine

Just off the Isle of Palms Connector in Mt. Pleasant, Mezzo offers up unique European plates in a quiet, intimate setting.

A website icon.Mezzo’s Website

Imagine a scene right out of Lady and the Tramp with long taper candles dimly lighting each table. Specializing in European dishes with an emphasis on German cuisine, the chef offers up tasty dishes like Duck Breast with Blackcurrant Fig Sauce and Chicken Spaetzle with House-made Egg Pasta. We recommend starting with the potato pancake appetizer and don’t forget to order the chocolate soufflé ahead; you won’t regret it. A variety of wines and beers perfectly complement the homemade pasta and schnitzel dishes. Following your meal, head next door to Regal Palmetto Grande to catch a late-night flick to round out the evening.

6.) Bistro Toulouse

Dinner with a date at Bistro Toulouse in Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Serving up French-inspired dishes in a setting reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, this hidden gem is located inside the Sea Island Shopping Center in Mt. Pleasant — not far from Sullivan’s Island.

A website icon.Bistro Toulouse’s Website

It may not look like much from the outside, but don’t be fooled by its surroundings — the staff is always friendly and attentive, and they have some of our favorite French Bread in town! Dishes we love: the Beef Tartare, Grilled Octopus, and Bouillabaisse. Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine from their rotating wines-by-the-glass menu to pair perfectly with your meal.

7.) Charleston Grill

For the food bon vivant, choosing Charleston Grill is a no-brainer.

A website icon.Charleston Grill’s Website

The restaurant is adorned with white-linen tablecloths and offers a top-notch wine list and upscale Southern cuisine. Our favorite option is the tasting menu where the chef sends out an abundance of carefully crafted dishes for you to indulge in — you can also choose to do a wine pairing with each course. Check out the calendar on their website and book a reservation when there will be live jazz to really set the mood for your intimate evening. Located inside Belmond Charleston Place in downtown Charleston, you could plan a complete romantic getaway without ever having to leave the hotel. With an indoor pool, full-service spa, and a variety of world-famous stores for shopping — there is plenty for you and your S.O. to enjoy.

8.) Stems + Skins

A local favorite in the Park Circle area, Stems + Skins offers a variety of Natural Wines and classic cocktails in a dark + cozy setting.

A website icon.Stems + Skins’ Website

If you’re hungry, they have an exceptional selection of Mediterranean-style snacks that are perfect for sharing, including: Sliced Iberico Ham, Artisanal Cheese, and Tinned Seafood. With a friendly and knowledgeable staff, this place has everything you need to make for the perfect evening. Make sure you don’t pass on dessert – we love the Flourless Chocolate Torte, which pairs perfectly with the Contratto Rosso Vermouth.

9.) Coda Del Pesce

If you’re looking for something near the water, you can’t get much closer than Coda Del Pesce situated out on Isle of Palms.

A website icon.Coda Del Pesce’s Website

This comfortable and airy beachfront restaurant not only has a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean, but it also serves up some of the finest Italian cuisine in town. Each dish is carefully prepared with locally sourced ingredients, with a heavy focus on fresh seafood and homemade pasta. The wine list showcases varietals from regions all over Italy from Lombardy to Sicily. Step right out onto the beach following your meal and take a stroll along the ocean to complete your romantic evening out with your S.O.

10.) Malagon

This petite, Spanish-style taperia located in downtown Charleston has an array of simple dishes, each bursting with flavor.

A website icon.Malagon’s Website

If you’re a couple who likes to share food, Malagon is the place for you. The service is quick, and the vibe is relaxed and unpretentious. Some of our favorite dishes are: the Mushrooms, the Clams, the Marinated Lamb, and the Fois Gras served with toast points. There is limited seating as the restaurant is quite small, so we suggest making a reservation in advance. Malagon is also open for lunch – our favorite time to pop in for a glass of Tempranillo and some light bites!

Need another suggestion?

Here are a few more options we think will make your date-night in Charleston unforgettable:

1.) Zero Restaurant + Bar
2.) Wild Common
3.) The Shellmore
4.) Circa 1886
5.) Hank’s Seafood

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