Circa 1886 Restaurant
149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC, 29401
Circa 1886 Restaurant Menu
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Appetizer
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Main Course
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Sweet Finish
Healthy Meal suggestions for Circa 1886 Restaurant
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Appetizer
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Main Course
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Sweet Finish
Visit below restaurant in Charleston for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
149 Wentworth St
Charleston, SC, 29401 - Phone (843) 853-7828
- Website https://www.circa1886.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:30 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Bryan D.
My new wife and I stayed at the Wentworth Mansion for the first leg of our honeymoon. In conjunction with our stay, Circa 1886 offered a 3 course meal for $45/person ($10 more if you chose the foie gras as an appetizer). The meal included an appetizer, entree, and desert for the price. With reservations for FIG on our second night, we thought it wise to dine at the restaurant attached to the hotel. We could not have been happier with our selection. From the moment we arrived at dinner, we were treated like honored guests. We opted for the latest dinner reservations we could on a Monday night. Circa was about 1/2 full so we were seated promptly. The atmosphere is cozy, intimate, servers dressed to the nines with romantic music playing softly in the background. Upon seating, we were greeted by our waiter Brian who proceeded to provide us with some of the best service Jen and I have ever experienced. He was extremely knowledgeable, providing excellent suggestions and a detailed explanation of the menu's offerings. Brian was always there attending to our needs yet not overstepping his bounds, truly spectacular service. On to the food and wine, after all that's why we were there! The wine list is extensive and ranged from the fairly inexpensive to very expensive. Being a bit of a wino, I found the prices to be fairly reasonable, especially for a place of this quality. The food portion of the menu I found intriguing with an excellent balance of land and sea options (sorry veggies but my ADD and belly don't give me the time or inclination to check out those options). Prior to our first course, Brian brought us each a small cup of asparagus vichyssoise with sprouts and lemon oil-unexpected and outstanding! So I settled on the foie gras for an appetizer while Jen selected the risotto. In all my gluttonous years, I've never had foie gras so I'm probably not the best person to base an opinion on this. It was rich, so having the appetizer cut with a cherry rhubarb cobbler and honey bourbon ice cream helped tame the richness of the duck. It was good, but probably not my thing (guess I just don't think the taste is worth the Catholic Irish guilt I felt for eating it). Jen's risotto was on point. perfectly cooked, not mushy and not overly starchy with a perfect blend of earthiness from the truffles and a hint of charred grilled taste from the cauliflower. For the entree, Jen got the Snapper paired with a wonderful watermelon jicama slaw, black beans, tomatillo, complete with avocado and dusted with lime powder. She loved it, and the bites I had showed a complex pairing the had a nice balance of acidic and sweetness that blended perfectly to the expertly prepared fish. I decided on the lamb chops which was paired with yukon gold potato mashed, arugula pesto, a goat cheese, horseradish, and accented by a huckleberry sauce. I asked for it medium rare which it was to a T. This was one of the best entrees I remember eating....ever. For desert, I got the strawberry shortcake which was very good. Jen got the pecan bread pudding which was sinfully good, actually that's an understatement....I would dare say it was last meal, plug the electric chair in now because I'm ready, good. To round it out, the chef wrote "congratulations" in chocolate on both of our deserts. An excellent and much appreciated touch. A nice bottle of wine and we were still below $200 before tip for a meal we both agreed ranked right up with the best in our lives. For two foodies who dine out at least twice a week, we considered it well worth the price. Ambiance: ***** top notch, romantic, elegant and intimate Service: ***** could not have been better, non obtrusive but attentive. Brian is a true professional. Food: ***** Outstanding all the way around. Words don't do it justice. Value: ***** While not cheap, you get what you pay for and really isn't that what it's all about? Verdict: One of the best meals of my life. Sure it was the first night of our honeymoon, but that meant the expectations were high and not only were they met, they were exceeded. Truly a memorable meal. We can't wait to go back to Circa 1886...so much so we went back that Thursday and well it was amazing again so the place is not only memorable but it is consistent as well. I would recommend Circa to anyone looking for a delicious meal in a romantic setting with impeccable service.
(5)Jim W.
We ate here as part of our anniversary celebration. The ambiance is definitely 'fine dining'. The website says that coats are not required for men. I wore a tie, but seemed to be the only guy with one. That's not to say it is casual, just not super-formal. As for the food, it was all quite good. We were offered a very small sample of some broccoli and cheese soup, which was great. We split a salad, which was also good. My beef was quite tasty, though I couldn't finish it. My wife's salmon was also good. We almost skipped dessert, as the only chocolate offering noted at the end of the description that it was actually in the form of a milkshake (though I saw several people order and finish these). We got a pecan pie / bread pudding dish that was pretty good. In all, very recommended if you don't mind spending well over $100 for dinner and drinks. The only suggestion for improvement would be slightly better directions on the website. For example, there is only street-parking + after-hours parking in an optometrist's lot just down the street. Also, you basically enter via a small parking area / driveway behind the Wentworth Mansion Hotel; we ended up going through the hotel and being directed by the staff back along our route to the restaurant.
(4)Matt W.
We've been to Charleston many times before and always try to hit up a new restaurant or two when we're down there. This time, we stumbled across Circa 1886 on Yelp and it was somewhere neither of us had ever heard of, so we decided to give it a shot. It is located on the property (actually in the old Carriage House) of the Wentworth Mansion, an incredibly beautiful and historic old Charleston estate. The decor inside is modern farmhouse, with beautiful coffered ceilings and large rustic lights. We were seated at a booth which I highly recommend given the privacy of each one. Their menu is seasonal but fairly well balanced with a number of seafood and meat options. We started off with the cheese plate and the green salad. Both were amazing. For our entrees, we got the salmon and beef. The salmon had a very unique Latin flavor to it, with barbecue sauce and a tomatillo salsa. And if you like that flavor, it was delicious. Not exactly your traditional low country flavors. The beef was a solid piece of filet over top a creamed corn, with a friend yam. The beef was very tasty, cooked perfectly. I wouldn't say it blew me away but it was above average nonetheless. Service was top notch. Would highly recommend 1886 to anyone heading to Charleston in the near future.
(5)Lauton S.
One of the best meals I have had in Charleston. With so many fine dining options to choose from in Charleston it is easy to lose places in the fog of culinary creations. Do not let that happen to Circa. Expect sticker shock upon receiving the menu but know that like a fine automobile the experince is worth the price. I was aware that the chef was known for his wild game dishes, so of course i ordered the wild boar oso bucco. It was to die for. The staff was great, very attentive and knowlegable about all the food we had ordered. Make a reservation as it is a small dining room and is also very popular. Dress well, drink well, eat well.
(5)Curtis S.
Eating my way through Charleston - Part 8 After another short walk we arrived at the Wentworth Mansion and immediately felt underdressed for the occasion. Circa 1886 is located behind the mansion (we didn't know that yet) but the sign in front appears to say (at least to us) that the restaurant is inside... so we went inside. When we opened the door there was nobody around... no guest, no staff, no sounds, nothing... really creepy. I wasn't sure if the house was an elaborate prop, if we were walking in on a spooky crime scene but after walking around for a couple minutes we found someone (not at all creepy) and they escorted us to the back of the mansion. Circa 1886 was our final stop for the night and it made for a great ending to a day full of eating and plenty of walking. We were seated at the bar and within a couple minutes we had a Croissant Donut with Raspberry Ice Cream sitting right in front of us. The croissant donut aka "Cronut" was delightfully flaky and the raspberry ice cream made a beautiful balanced dessert. This was the perfect light touch we needed to call it a day and head back to our hotel :)
(4)Tricia S.
The outdoor area was dimly lit and surrounded by gardens. We walked in and were kindly greeted. We did not have to wait long to be seated however did wait to be greeted by our waitress. They were quite busy that night. Our waitress was well informed of all of the menu items and individual ingredients. She got us excited about the meal. It was restaurant week so we ordered from w pre fixe menu along with a wine pairing. My husband started with scallop Mac and cheese, followed by wagyu beef and sweet potato purée. I had the "bacon and egg" appetizer, which was a soft boiled egg over creamy grits, bacon, and carmelized onions in a sherry vinegar broth. My main entree was Osso bucco. All of the food was delicious! My only complaint was that they did not space the first and second course far enough apart. I was still drinking wine from the first course when second course arrived. The desserts we had were a peach soufflé and a peanut butter mudd pluff. Also delicious. Overall a great dining experience to complement our vacation.
(4)Jessica B.
Because it was our first trip to Charleston, my husband and I went to Circa 1886 for our anniversary solely based on Yelp reviews and ratings. Well, Yelp did not fail us! This place was fabulous, one of the best meals I have ever eaten! And the atmosphere was very elegant and romantic. We arrived about 15 minutes early for our reservation, and I am so glad we did because we got to grab a $5 happy hour cocktail in the quaint bar. I had the mule and my husband had an old fashioned, both were excellent! The lamb chop entree and scallops were both extraordinary as well. I loved the combination of flavors that the arugula pesto, goat cheese, and horseradish gave my lamb. And because the staff knew it was our anniversary, we ended the meal with a complimentary pecan pie bread pudding that was delicious! This was such a great meal! I would recommend this place for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion.
(5)KT C.
Beautiful!!!! Didn't have a reservation, but the very gracious hostess got us in. The atmosphere was relaxing and the aromas of food filled the air, our waiters, Brian and Charles were knowledgeable and guided us and made our experience unforgettable!!! We will recommend this gem of Charleston to everyone we know!!!
(5)Heather R.
My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with excellent service, from Joseph. The restaurant is very simple and elegant in decor with nice evening lighting. We sat in a booth which was a nice "semi-private" setting. Guests were dressed in "summer-chic". What we call in the city a step or two above summer-casual. No shorts, flip-flops, etc. It was very nice to see several families dining with children and teens. We started with a garden salad and cheese plate. Both were beautifully plated and were full of fresh-flavor and imagination. The tomato dressing on the salad was light and fresh. The way the chef designed the plate and used the thin-sliced cucumbers showed a side of whimsy. The cheese plate was artfully designed and the blue, brie and gouda cheeses were at the perfect temperature. For entrees my husband had the Asparagus dish. It was full of color and flavor with wild mushrooms, ramps, potatoes, and fresh poached egg and it was wrapped in a crape. He was so thrilled with the dish. I had the chicken. It was accompanied by mushrooms, baby zucchini and mini onions with a light sauce. The chicken was moist with an amazing crispy crust. We shared the Pluff Mud Pie for dessert. I am not sure where the name comes from because it is not a pie, but a decadent pieces of chocolate cake served with a peanut butter and honey milkshake. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. The chefs and service team do a wonderful job and I would be sure to come back the next time we are in Charleston.
(5)Jane Y.
The ambiance is wonderful as well as the wait staff. The problem is that the new menu has pairings that are a bit odd. Two out of the four at the table didn't enjoy their dish. I also think that Circa should enforce a dress code. At 7:00 pm on a Thursday night there were men in shorts in the dining room. Couldn't they at least require long pants?
(2)Kelly G.
Circa 1886 never disappoints. Located on the grounds of Wentworth Mansion, the restaurant is welcoming and quaint. For the atmosphere, I would only suggest that the lighting be a little dimmer to compliment the romantic vibe they work towards. The server was extremely knowledgeable. She knew the "ins and outs" of all the dishes and was very refined in her description deliveries without sounding like she was reading a script. Their menu changes every few weeks and always features unique and enticing dishes. Last night featured rabbit, antelope, duck etc. I started with a cocktail called, "The Battery" which used cucumber vodka. It was very, very good. The crab macaroni & cheese appetizer was great and seems to be a staple on the frequently changing menu. They did not skimp on the crab, lots of it. For entree I had the pork tenderloin served over a sweet potato chipotle hash, topped with a sweet glaze, along with bok choy, accompanied by a splash of greek yogurt on the plate (pic included). I had been torn between the tenderloin or the lamb shank. Though I am sure the shank would have been delish, the tenderloin did not disappoint. Very tender and flavorful. The portion size was perfect for me and I was able to finish it (unusual for me). A hungry guy would have probably been disappointed with this portion size. For dessert we settled on the caramel banana cake. I will say that the we were interested in Godiva chocolate souffle. I had seen just about every table order it. When we were ordering our entrees at the beginning of dinner, the server asked if we wanted dessert. I had never been asked that when ordering entrees...so immediately said I would wait to make that decision. So at the close of dinner, when thinking about dessert, I then understood why she asked....the chocolate souffle takes about 45 minutes to prepare. So if you go here, peruse the desserts in the beginning and ask about their prep time because you may need to order at the beginning of dinner too. Regardless, the caramel banana cake was delicious. Circa 1886 is one of those places that you can't go wrong no matter what you order. However, If you are looking for large portion sizes or cheap prices, I would stay away from here. If you are looking to try Circa on a budget, check them out during restaurant weeks in January and September. I will definitely be back here and I will order the souffle first! Enjoy:)
(4)Tammy C.
New Years Eve dinner at Circa 1886 was everything we dreamed it would be. Every single course was beautiful and delicious and fun. The service was spectacular and the place was really beautiful. What a treat!
(5)Matt H.
My wife and I were in town for a long weekend, and we booked two dinners: Circa 1886 and Halls Chophouse, based largely on Yelp & TripAdvisor reviews. Both were excellent, and I imagine many people will be deciding between the two based on TripAdvisor's recent list that named both among the top 25 restaurants (Halls at #4 and Circa at #12) in the country. We were pleasantly surprised by a few things at Circa: (1) The entryway/grounds are beautiful. There were a few couples taking pictures outside, and for good reason. (2) Circa is much more intimate (fewer tables, quieter, more space between tables, a few fine dining touches) than we were expecting. (3) For as elegant and as intimate as it is, we thought the prices were very reasonable. (4) The portions felt like the right size, where we didn't feel uncomfortably stuffed when we left the restaurant, but we weren't still hungry either. It's increasingly rare to find that sweet spot portion size at restaurants nowadays. Why 4 stars instead of 5? Only because Halls is their comparison point, and my review for Halls explained that they may have served the best steak I've ever had. It's a little unfair to Circa to have that benchmark, as by any other comparison, Circa would be right up there.
(4)Thomas B.
Superb. $5 cocktails for happy hour with top shelf, strong pours. Great food. The scallops and the lamb chop were exactly on point. Attentive staff, brought us desert for our anniversary. Very chill, great presentation, awesome taste in a beautiful building and city.
(5)James B.
Food was great; presentation, flavor profile. Service was exceptional! The entire team flowed together like a fine ballet. Ambience was elegant and waitstaff friendly and attentive
(5)Aaron W.
My wife and I are celebrating our one year anniversary and chose Charleston as a destination to spend a couple of nights. We got reservations at Circa 1886 as it comes highly recommended from Yelp and Trip Adviser. We showed up a little early and got drinks at the bar and waited in the beautiful courtyard area for our table to be ready. We split the Antelope Goetta as an appetizer which was delicious. For the main course my wife had the Scallops and I had the Blackened Beef. The Scallops were cooked to perfection, flavors were paired well. The only thing was that the squash was a little more bitter than we like it. My blackened beef was cooked medium well and was very tender. It comes with a Tabasco cream sauce on the side, which wasn't my favorite but did add a good spice to the dish. The Candied Yam was not too sweet but was a great compliment to the beef. We had the Pluff Mudd Pie for dessert which was amazing. The peanut butter milkshake pairs great with the chocolate pie. Overall an amazing MEAL. I like this place because they provide you a well paired dish and hit home runs with whatever we tried.
(5)Jason B.
Heard nothing but amazing things about this restaurant but I'm not sure why. The building was quaint, low music played and the tables looked nice. However our server was cold, not familiar enough with menu and never around. For a $300 tab I would expect my water to be refilled more than twice and not empty for long stretches. I shouldn't have to flag a waiter down and if he wasn't feeling very polite then he should have faked it. Of course when he over filled a water glass and spilled water on the table we expected some sort of apology but heard nothing. The cheese plate was simple but tasty, the blackened beef was completely under seasoned and incredibly bland. The only good thing about the evening was the pastry chef and the mud cake and peanut butter and honey milkshake. I will never go back and I will never recommend. 1 star for the experience and 3 stars for the dessert.
(2)Mike K.
I am going to be the odd one out here but our entrees were terrible. The squash soup and foie Gras were great. Dessert was decent but my snapper and her salmon were awful. Both were dry and flavorless and my fish was accompanied with black beans and watermelon. What the hell is that? Black beans and watermelon?!?!? It was nasty. I understand the need to be creative in the culinary industry but forcing this kind of crap out is just bad. Very dissapointed.
(2)Kirby G.
Best restaurant week menu I've had, antelope is a must. I also loved that they brought you tiny bite sized samples of delicious things to try throughout the meal "complements of chef"!
(5)John D.
With an informed bartender & a capable wine list embracing Californian & Italian wines with a variety of vintages from additional regions, Circa 1886 begins the evening with easy grace & does all things well. The heirloom salad contained slices of radishes that transcended the realm of crudités, offering delicate flavors & a long finish. When is the last time you hailed the glories of a radish? I ordered the antelope for adventure, which was tender & fine, but my wife's pork chop excelled it for flavor, sauces, & portion. Desserts did not disappoint. The value of the experience for the price is compelling.
(5)Bobby A.
Off the charts amazing. I had the 5-course chef's dinner with wine pairings (one wine per course). The courses were smaller portions of the items available on the menu, so in was able to try a significant portion of the menu. All were absolutely excellent, well-presented, and perfectly timed. The wines were solid, certainly well-paired. This is the best meal I've had in a long time.
(5)Trina M.
Service wonderful. Food ok, had bbq cauliflower, it was smothered in bbq sauce , did not love. My husband had the antelope , was very dry. Dessert, wonderful. Croissant donuts. Best dessert ever. No exaggeration, would go back just for that!!!!
(3)Susan M.
Top Notch. Circa 1886 was all the reviews described. A lovely location in the carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion. The space was warm, quiet and comfortable. Our servers were excellent. They made our choices easy by describing how the dishes were cooked and answering our questions. The menu was a real delight. Ever get tired of seeing the same thing on the menu at every place you go? Well, the chef at Circa does a great job of creating unique but familiar dishes. We had two wonderful appetizers: the Gas house egg and the asparagus salad. Both were very tasty. I had the brined swordfish - it was so moist and flavorful. My companion had the filet. By the way, the cocktails were perfectly made. A rarity at many places.
(5)Danielle G.
I can honestly say this was the best meal I've ever had! We don't often go for multiple course menus but this was an exceptional treat and well worth it. We started with a great bottle of wine and were brought an unexpected amuse bouche of French onion soup that was outstanding! Two different bread rolls each and orange zest butter were brought next and while we enjoyed those our waiter was exceptional in service. Our appetizer of cheese trio was delicious and fun to eat. I order the boar and vermicelli pho style entree and he ordered the lamb. We both enjoyed our meals so much it was hard to share and stop eating all at the same time. Literally the most flavorful and tasty entree I've ever experienced. This chef is amazing!!! We decided we had just enough room for dessert and got the strawberry shortcake which of course was bomb. I'd recommend Circa 1886 to absolutely anyone looking for an amazing meal for a special occasion or just because. Its a little pricey but fully worth it! Just do yourself a favor and go.
(5)Neil D.
Visiting savannah and Charleston and decided on the recomendation of the concierge at the Renaissance/Marriott to go for Dinner at the venerable Restuarant at the Wentworth mansion called Circa 1886..old fashioned French Restuarant with very good food and Good Service..the foie gras was not very good ...Lobster and Beef Tenderloin were good and not exceptional. Problem was that Hell broke out with a Drunk Young couple who took exception with a young English couple who they said could not speak the Language and un fortunately prevented us from having my peach Souffle which I was looking forward to. .....Crazy Evening !!,!!
(4)Matt N.
Been there two times. Food is very good and service is good but Id rather they charge more and present portion sizes worth the cost or just go somewhere else. I'm all about spending any amount on a meal but at the end of the night I wanna feel like it was well spent. When I leave here I feel blah
(2)Pinaki S.
Food is pretty spectacular and the service is solid. However, the restaurant was empty on a nice Friday night and made it feel sort of empty. If you're the type that like to eat with a high energy vibe/crowds/etc, this spot is definitely not for you. Kind of has the feel of a hotel restaurant (which it is, but this is a boutique hotel). The courtyard is a beautiful spot for a drink, however.
(3)Hailey Z.
Beautiful restaurant!!! Jason was such a lovely server with very honest recommendations. I wish all our servers were as personable as he throughout our tour of charleston. Presentation was impeccable. Food was fantastic! Our party of 10 was very well cared for. Definite must see while in South Carolina!
(5)Jessica S.
An amazing meal, from start to finish! We received a postcard in the mail inviting us to come try Circa 1886 at a "neighbor discount" during the month of August--3 courses for $35 person. When we arrived, we waited for the waiter to bring us the "special" menu, as we were sure there were restrictions regarding what you could order. We were wrong--they allowed us to choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert from the regular menu. This ended up being incredibly generous on their end. We were not treated the way you feel during restaurant week at most restaurants, like we were someone looking for a deal. The waiter was courteous, and although I tried a couple of times to joke with him and get him to relax, he seemed to take his job seriously :) Food....husband had the fried oyster app. Good, but not a standout. Hard to make fried food memorable, I feel like. I have never had fois gras, but I ordered it here. While I don't have anything to compare it to, it was amazing. Husband described it as "meat butter." We both had the antelope for our meal, which was fantastic. Dessert was key lime pie and puff mud pie, both delicious. My only complaint was how full I discovered I was when I stood up! My fault, not the restaurants, and a testament to a job well done.
(5)Sean C.
I had heard so many good things about this restaurant from reading trip advisor and the chef has so many credits to his name but I found the food to be overly creative with strange combinations that just didn't work. They started by bringing out a BBQ peanut butter soup that tasted like something I would pour over ribs. Nice flavor as a sauce but it tasted just like it, a sauce, not a soup. I ordered the lobster with a white chocolate sauce for my main meal that sounded like it could have been good but it was like shrimp with ice cream in that both things are good on their own but they just do not work together. The staff was very friendly though and my wife's dish was better. I thought it tasted a bit strange but she liked it.
(3)Kevin H.
If there were 6 stars, I would give them that rating.... Yep, thats how good it is. Absolutely one of the top restaurants in Charleston. The Chef is incredible and the staff is best in the business. The restaurant staff makes you feel like the most important person in the place. I have tried several dishes and it just keeps getting better. Everything from the pre-dinner drinks to the delicious desserts are just downright terrific.
(5)Leslie J.
It was our first time at this restaurant, but it won't be the last. We were celebrating our anniversary and they really made it special for us. Even the menu they gave us had "Happy Anniversary" at the top and then for dessert they spelled it out in chocolate! We did the 5 course tasting menu with the wine pairings. Not cheap, but heck, it was our anniversary. Every course was wonderfully presented and tasty. It was just the right amount of food presented at the right pace with of course the right wine. Our server was very knowledgeable and was able to talk about all the dishes and answer our questions on "how did they do that" for some of the more unusual items. We took a bike taxi to/from our hotel - what a perfect way to be able to drink and not worry about driving. Overall, it was a great dinner and we enjoyed it a lot.
(5)Judy S.
Not often do I feel so enthusiastically positive about a dining experience that I simply cannot wait to sing their praises, even after just one encounter... but Circa 1886 has finally shown me why Charleston is famous for food. From start to finish, the meal intrigued me, surprised me, and made me think about the ingredients in a different way. I actually feel lucky to have been able to sample the Chef's creative mind on a plate, and although I've never met him, I almost feel like I know him. Can't say a restaurant has ever made me feel that way before. We were limited to the restaurant week menu, but fortunately I chose wisely, although I don't think I could've gone wrong. The chef started our meal with antelope tartare, which immediately set the tone for what was to be an inspiring and interesting succession of courses. Dragging the succulent pieces of meat through the sprinkling of oils on the plate made for a mouth watering bite that opened our senses for what was to come. My appetizer was the foie gras, and while I could go on and on about how perfectly my flounder was cooked and how delicate my chocolate souffle desert was, I'll force myself to only talk about this dish. The foie gras was morphed into the shape of a flan, and was gingerly placed atop an exquisitely thinly-sliced section of Serrano-esque ham. Scattered about the edges of the plate were hazelnuts. Putting together the soft, rich buttery foie gras with the briney ham and crunchy nut created a bite I literally cannot put into words. This is what its all about. This is why great ingredients matter. It was genius. The atmosphere is romantic... the kind of place you take a girl to fall in love with you, a friend of mine would say. To enter the restaurant, you walk through the dimly lit courtyard of the Wentworth Mansion, and immediately feel transformed to a different time and place. Again, for a restaurant to make me feel that way was a truly special experience, and all I can do is thank the owners, chef, and staff of Circa 1886 for providing me an evening with friends I will never forget.
(5)Michelle S.
Great service and decent food. We drank a few bottles of wine and felt that maybe we were causing a ruckus bc the tables are a bit close and the room is small. Don't go if you want to have lively conversation. But if you want an intimate dinner then this is your place
(4)Andrew G.
Exceptional food, beautiful setting, and really great service. Our severs seemed genuinely invested in our experience and enjoyment of the food, which makes a huge difference. The food was consistently very good, and we all enjoyed each of our meals. All round, a great experience that I would highly recommend to family and friends.
(5)Ruth G.
We booked this as our special celebratory dinner while on our road trip of the Southern States. It has a charming warm feel when you enter and staff were courteous and helpful, though could have been more attentive at times throughout our meal. We started with cocktails that were well made, and followed with starters of Arugula (lovely light dressing); foie gras; and the FARM EGG 62.5. This was magnificent !! Mains were all the meat dishes : lamb, pork, bison, steak, and our youngest had a bowl of fries (!!no less!!) - I would say only the bison was a disappointment. It was slow cooked and just too "heavy" for me. But that's a personal preference. Desserts were also well executed. Go for something unusual - you won't be disappointed. The reason for 4-star rating? Service was lack-lustre and I was expecting something amazing in Charleston. This was good to very good but not exceptional
(4)Alexandra R.
This restaurant stands out in a sea of fantastic meals in charleston. The service was absolutely perfect, the food exquisite, the ambience romantic and soothing in a way that most other loud trendy restaurants in charleston could only dream of executing. It definitely is an older crowd, but for taking our parents out to dinner it was a lovely evening. Great place for a romantic quiet conversation with a date as well. I had the duck which was cooked to perfection and sitting on top of tangy and very unexpected kimchi like veggies/fruits and saffron rissotto. Others at the table had the antelope (amazing), the flounder (gone within minutes literally) and the lamb shank- all very very good. The bibb lettuce salad we each had for appetizers were also fabulous. Thanks for a wonderful dining experience!
(5)Meridith M.
This is everything a special restaurant should be. Beautiful inside and out. Service and food was excellent! This is a perfect place for that special occasion or celebration.
(5)Zohra B.
Had dinner here for restaurant week, tried the chefs choice paired w wine for each course. The antelope was amazing!!! definitely a wonderful atmosphere inside, but outside on the patio is gorgeous!!!
(4)Phil B.
Wow. One of the best places I have ever eaten at. Service perfect and food was fantastic. Had elk which was delicious. Also was lucky enough to have breakfast and was equally great. Food creative and great flavors.
(5)Jay N.
Ok, since I was staying at Wentworth and it was my first visit to Charleston, Circa 1886 was not on my "must eat" list for our trip. But on one of the night we got lazy to walk back out to King St so we ended up with a last-minute, late reservation for dinner. I'm so glad we did this. The food was amazing and our waiter was wonderful. We had a great time chatting with him and it just made the night that much more pleasant. We ordered the Egg & Tots, heirloom tomato salad, Quail, shoulder tender, souffle, and strawberry shortcake. All the food was amazing and I would definitely recommend coming here!
(5)Dale S.
I had breakfast here with my wife when we stayed at the Wentworth Mansion and the food and service was phenomenal. It was a perfect finish to our stay and is the second time we have been here and certainly not the last. We have not been here during the winter but ti looks like a really inviting place to come when it's cold outside. This place is a hidden gem in the Charleston area and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Alexandra P.
This is quite a place and I recommend it for a special date or event. I had the vegetable plate for dinner with two mojitos! Everything was amazing although I didn't like the fried heart of palm that much. The mojitos were excellent! I had the creme brulee for dessert but it was not creamy enough. It was sort of more of a paste texture. Service was prompt and the restaurant was not too loud.
(5)Kenneth B.
We had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. The service was professional, yet friendly. The food we had was wonderful. I had the antelope and my wife had the special which was braised lamb. The portions were perfect. We celebrated my wife's 50th birthday and it was a memorable night for both of us. The restaurant is in an old carriage house, but was warm, and provided a quiet romantic atmosphere. We plan on coming back when we return to Charleston.
(5)Jordan-Elizabeth L.
My family always has a dinner reservation at Circa 1886 when we come to visit Charleston. The food is simply amazing here and they never fail to come up with creative combinations of flavors. However, the time we visited most recently, the service was quite poor compared to our previous visits. We understand that Columbus Day weekend is quite a busy one in Charleston, but it appeared to us that Circa 1886 had been overbooked. We arrived at 7:50 for our 8 pm reservation, thinking we would have a drink in the bar first. However, after we had been sitting there for nearly forty minutes, we still had not been seated in the main restaurant. My father asked the hostess what was going on, and she said that our reservation had been at 8:30. Well perhaps this was a tactic to deal with the overbooking, but we checked at our hotel (who made the reservation for us) the next morning and sure enough, our reservation had been at 8:00. All discrepancies aside, we were not seated until 9:00 pm and our dinner was still very drawn out after that. It would be nice if Circa 1886 would not accept more reservations than they can handle next time.
(3)Supriya M.
We booked the Tack Room at Circa for a private event for 25 people. It was a pre-wedding Thursday night dinner for guests who had arrived early in Charleston. Overall, the experience was underwhelming to say the least. First, the good: 1) Food was overall excellent (except for the Bass). All our selections, the rice-paper romaine, broccoli pate, shrimp n grits soup, veggie pot pie and desserts (chocolate truffle cake, panna cota) were delicious. 2) Our guest number was changing till the last minute and they were very accommodating with that. Ginny, their events manager was also very helpful and responsive all along the process. 3) The manager was very apologetic about the list below and gave us 1/2 off the entire bill, which was nice. Now the bad: 1) We arrived slightly late but it seemed like they were not ready for us. No cocktail menus were set out. Even after asking, they brought out 2-3 cocktail menus for 25 people 2) There were 2 servers taking drink orders from the group. It took forever to get everyone's orders and then it took even longer to get the drinks 3) Halfway through the salad course a palmetto bug crawled across the table. DISGUSTING! Along the same lines, my mom crushed two baby spiders on her table as well. 4) I had specifically asked for no mushrooms in the pot pie vegetarian dish when we set a menu and the dish came full of mushrooms. It tasted fantastic BUT several people in our party did not eat mushrooms and this was very disappointing. 5) The "warm" chocolate truffle cake was not warm at all. It was good, just would have been better warm. I understand that it may be hard to do this for 25 people, but it's better not to offer it at all instead of offering it and not serving it warm. Overall, Circa 1886 is probably a good place to go for a small group. I would NOT recommend it for a private event after our terrible experience.
(2)Ron A.
Perfect. Again.
(5)Claire B.
The most romantic restaurant in Charleston. Food and service were both top notch. It's pricey but 100% worth it if you are prepared to fully enjoy yourselves. This was my boyfriend and I's most special evening in Charleston.
(5)Capote S.
Perfect everything. Perfect ambiance, perfect food, perfect service. We went during restaurant week so our menu may differ from the daily selections, but I can tell you I doubt it would matter. The wine pairings were thoughtfully made, and the front and back staff were friendly, knowlegable and convival.
(5)Fran F.
PLEASE save your money and avoid Circa 1886. This restaurant is just more hype than it's worth. Let's start with the ambiance - OMG. Like dining in a tomb. Granted, the food is well prepared and the presentation is beautiful. However, the portions are so skimpy that it's criminal to charge these prices. One example - we ordered the crab macaroni and cheese for an app. It was a joke! The portion was about 2 tablespoons and cost $12. Our entrees were pitiful! My husband ordered the beef tenderloin which consisted of 2 tiny pieces of beef and 3 or 4 string beans. My pork tenderloin was about the same. Seriously, I wanted to get up and leave. So sorry we made reservations at Circa 1886. Will never return. . . but we will go back to Cypress. Now that's a great reataurant!
(2)Matt W.
$70/plate Charles Dickens Dinner Night: Expecting: Official printed document to take home (whether it b menu or Xmas Carol, etc) And some sort of bread throughout the meal. Oh and some bathroom breaks Heres how it went down: creme fresh parsnip soup was fukin amazin! Creme fresh is tasty! Light whip cream! Then poached egg salad great flavor Overall awesome dinner The drinks are as expected pricewise but great combos! Maple syrup in a whiskey drink with apple brandy! KaPow! Excellent dry dirty! The meal is supposed to be period to Dickens: it delivererd The reader was great! Really went all out! Lot of switchin characters! Like a one man show! and plenty of time for bathroom breaks. No official printed document though.
(5)Laura J.
Love this restaurant - nothing like it - visiting over our holiday as I am a native, I missed the Plantation Rice Bread Rolls made in house daily! This restaurant does not miss out on anything. This time we had the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast Pomegranate Molasses, Farro, Braised Greens, Pommery Mustard n' Tarragon Demi, Pear Sauce and the Heart of Palm Wellington Baby Vegetables, Turnip Puree, Black Truffle Demi Glace, Spinach. The restaurant is impeccable and never ever when you visit does it change but it does get better. Our service was fantastic and our reservation was perfect. We ended our meal with dessert -Strawberry Shortcake Butter Griddled Citrus Pound Cake, Grand Marnier Laced Strawberries, Mascarpone Mousse, Honeysuckle Ice Cream Peaches N' Cream Souffle Vanilla Bean Anglaise, Toasted Almond Ice Cream. Please stop here if you are in area or become a regular as Chef Marc Collins is really interesting. Finally, our cocktails or incredible and our wine was poured with significant care and attention knowing we were paying for a deserving wine vintage.
(5)Stephie P.
Circa didn't live up to the hype. I will say the wait staff is excellent. We received very good service and I like how they remembered little facts we mentioned about ourselves. The food is where Circa loses points with us. The drinks and food were all mediocre and overpriced for what it is. The antelope was ok... It was under seasoned and the flavors were all very one dimensional. The sea bass wasn't anything special either. It laid on top of a bed of beans that were mixed with pieces of corn beef and really didn't add anything to the dish.
(2)Janine B.
My husband and I and another couple went to eat at Circa 1886 on our last night of our vacation in Charleston, SC. I have to say it was AMAZING!! The food was outstanding and the service was impeccable. Everything was perfect! The restaurant is gorgeous...the Wentworth Mansion is beautiful! The wait staff is so courteous and the whole experience was fantastic. My husband had the bass and it was out of this world. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully plated! And the desserts!!! OMG...so so delicious! We had the peanut butter chocolate dessert which was amazing and the peach souffle was to die for. The strawberry shortcake was so light and delicious...definitely save room for dessert. Definitely try Circa 1886 while you are in Charleston...you will not be disappointed!
(5)Natalie G.
Everything about this place was magical. The atmosphere is set in the midst of cobblestone paths and Charleston landscaping, the service was very knowledgeable and super friendly, and the food... the food was AMAZING. We went during restaurant week and enjoyed everything we had. We will most certainly be returning.
(4)Dave P.
My wife, myself, and another couple were in Charleston celebrating our anniversary. The table had the 5 course tasting menus with wine parings. This did not disappoint. Highlights were the perfectly cooked 62.5 poached egg over farro, the tile fish, and the superbly cooked lamb chops. The banana souffle for dessert was expertly prepared and finished off a great meal. Atmosphere, service, food, and wine all top notch. As guests of the adjoining Wentworth Mansion we were treated to breakfast in the restaurant also. Light, flavorable quiche, a perfectly cooked omelet and of course Miss Betty got our mornings going. Kudos to Chef Collins and the entire team. A must visit in Charleston
(5)David M.
We really enjoyed the Progressive Christmas dinner experience. Everyone we met was nice and they also seemed to enjoy themselves.
(4)Christina W.
My husband and I went to Circa during Restaurant Week, which is probably the only way we could afford this place. Because of Restaurant Week, the menu was limited which annoyed me and I didn't keep my irritation a secret from the waiter. He was a pro and didn't let my attitude spoil his professionalism. The food was spectacular. My husband had the antelope which was overshadowed by the best tasting salmon I've ever had, and I'm from Oregon. We loved the entree, but believe or not the cheese dessert stole the show. Wow. We almost got into an argument because he didn't want to share. The atmosphere is classy and it was fun to dress up. Most of the men were in dockers and the ladies in classy dresses. Their cocktails are heavy on the alcohol and not watered down. The salmon entree and the cheese dessert are a must.
(4)Deb B.
Absolutely fantastic meal. A very romantic atmosphere. The service was great and the food was out of this world good. I am glad I was able to experience this fabulous restaurant!
(5)Corey Tess T.
What a charming experience. A date took me to dinner at this gorgeous little restaurant located inside the renovated carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion The staff was so attentive and treated us like royalty (which i am a sucker for). The meal was delicious (they have unique game like antelope and rabbit) and the entire experience was so romantic that I really thought I liked that date more than I actually did... but then, I suppose that is why you take a girl to such a romantic place, so she forgets to ask you if you are a creep... :) The decor was lush and the table we had was sort of private and secluded.. everything was presented so well. I really adored it and would return in a heartbeat.. SANS creepy date..
(5)Jenna B.
We had a great experience at Circa 1886! The food was outstanding and the service was really great. The servers were respectful, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the food. Our server even gave us recommendations for where to go afterward for drinks. My husband loved the antelope and said that it was cooked perfectly. My seafood dish was beautifully presented and delicious! And the dessert was amazing!!! The portions were somewhat small, but still bigger than at most high-end restaurants. I would definitely recommend checking out Circa 1886 for a romantic night out in Charleston.
(5)David A.
Great food and great service. This restaurant tucked in back of a beautiful inn does not disappoint. Atmosphere is on the more formal side. Wine list was expansive but overprice. Dessert was phenomenal. A bit out of the way if one is staying in downtown Charleston but well worth the trip (even to Charleston!).
(5)Kasey O.
This place was fantastic in every way! My husband and I took the server's recommendations and could not have been more pleased. I started with a quail appetizer, then had antelope in a blueberry BBQ sauce with spinach macaroni and cheese and a side of beans. Delicious! Wonderful atmosphere, great service, excellent food and tasty mixed drinks. Loved it!
(5)Adam A.
This was one of the best meals I have ever had in my life. The atmosphere is extremely classy and romantic. The restaurant is set on the grounds of a mansion and the place is extremely well maintained. The service is top notch. The waiter made legitimate recommendations and was very knowledgeable of the menu. Most importantly: The Food Mushroom/Garlic Custard: One of the strangest things I have ever eaten but the flavor was out of this world despite the adventurous texture. Antelope Entree - Unbelievable. They cook it to a perfect medium rare and the glaze that they put on it tempted me to lick the plate. Don't be afraid that it is antelope. It is not at all 'gamey'. Beef Tenderloin - One of the best steaks I have ever tasted. Chocolate Bread Pudding and Blueberry Cream Soufflé - No words. The bread pudding was the perfect amount of chocolate without being that overpowering chocolate flavor. The Soufflé was so moist in the best way possible. The desserts are made to order so you must order them when you order your meal. All in all, if you have $100 per person to spend on dinner, you MUST go to Circa
(5)Alex D.
I went here on a recommendation. The pork shank was solid. The antelope and veggie plate were both very bland. Cocktails were great! Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone with the slightest budget considerations.
(2)Jana W.
Oh my goodness! This rates in our top ten of restaurant meals ever! My sea scallops melted in my mouth, and my husbands banana soufflé was to die for! Our server, Jason, was solicitous without being stuffy. This is a place for serious foodies, no matter what age.
(5)Des S.
Food was good but service was poor. Waiter seemed to feel he had to put on an actor's performance and was ineffective in getting drinks to table efficiently. Once our plates arrived he immediately said--"It looks great, right?" First---we'll be the judge of that and, second, the taste would be important, no? Also for large groups, would recommend more than one waiter. This guy was in over his head.
(3)Alison P.
Tucked away on the grounds of the most elegant house in Charleston - the Wentworth Mansion, a luxury inn - Circa 1886 is a gem. Dimly lit, quaint, romantic and unpretentious. Service was above and beyond outstanding. Our server knew the menu inside and out, was attentive, and not at all intrusive. Tip: it's worth "getting lost" and having to go into the lobby of the Wentworth Mansion to ask for directions. The lobby was old-world spectacular, and we were directed to the restaurant by the very friendly concierge through the back door of the lobby that led to the inner gardens of the mansion. Afterwards, the concierge was kind enough to call a car service to take us back to our hotel.
(5)Anita L.
If you're looking for a crowded, happening restaurant with that cool vibe, music pumping in the background and tables placed closely together this place isn't for you. Circa comes across as a place for the older crowd, the dining rooms are large with lovely character adorned with moldings and trim of an earlier era, you won't be knocking into tables as you enter and leave. Set in an old carriage house you feel like tip toeing across the room as you enter but once seated you sink into the chair and feel comfortable and relaxed and the waitstaff immediately make you welcome, you soon feel at home. We ate at several excellent restaurants while visiting Charleston and, although all meals were fantastic, we were blown away by our experience at Circa. We started with the Crab & Mac'n'cheese - we were worried it'd be too heavy as an appetizer but found it light and delicious, the salad appetizer was good but the mains were outstanding. We had the antelope and duck which were juicy, tender, delicious! Never having tried antelope before we were surprised at it's tenderness and slight gaminess; it was very so good. For dessert we had the croissant donut - all I can say is spectacular, I wanted more! I liked that the portions were smaller and manageable, you can actually have a three course meal without struggling at the end. Honestly, I wanted to order another dessert but that would've been pushing it. You don't need to be older to enjoy this place; honestly, you're missing out if you don't go!
(5)Dan G.
Another amazing meal in Charleston. Cicra 1886 has an outstanding location in the carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion. The restaurant has a beautiful and romantic setting. The door was opened for us as we approached and we were whisked away to a comfy booth on the side. Our server greeted us promptly and described the Lowcountry/French influences of the cuisine. I was giddy with the options we had. Lowcountry "One Pot" of Braised Local Beans, Ham, Turnip Greens, Truffle "Potlicker", Cornbread and Carolina Watermelon and Pecan Salad Heirloom Lettuce, Goat Cheese, Johns Island Honey Vinaigrette to start. I'm glad that Kris was game for that one pot, it was so good and rich. The salad was fresh and the pecan were nicely spiced and the watermelon was juicy. Nice start. With some encouragement from our waiter, Kris had the Slow Roasted Local Bass with Crowder Pea and Crab Succotash, Pickled Peach and Basil, Pimento Sauce. If you've been paying attention, you know I had to have the Whiskey Brined Pork Tenderloin with Sage Gnocchi, Rainbow Chard, Caramelized Shallots, Garlic and Mustard Sauce. Subtle hints of whiskey flavored the meat, which was well matched with the mustard sauce. A mini cast iron skillet held the flavorful sage gnocchi. Not only was it really cute, they were tasty too. The recommendation was great, the bass was delicious. You think all of that sounds good? Just wait for dessert. Listen to this winner. Jelly Doughnuts of House Made Strawberry and Peach Jellies, Johns Island Honey and Peanut Butter Milkshake. Their version of PB+J was incredible. That was confirmed by the fact that I actually had to fight my wife for every last bite, instead of her typical forkfull "I'm done" stuff. I can't remember the last time I had jelly doughnuts or shakes. They were never this good. I think it's nappy time now, I'm stuffed.
(5)Kvatch K.
Very good food, delicious drinks, wonderful ambiance, and outstanding service. "Why not 5 stars then?" you might ask. Well...I think it's because I'd been led to believe that Circa 1886 would be just a little...bit...more. Don't get me wrong, our dining experience was great. My antelope in mole was really tasty but arrived cool. (We'd asked the waiter to hold our entree orders till we said "go", but I think he might have jumped the gun.) My wife's tenderloin was outstanding, and our dessert, cheesecake in a key lime shell with raspberry, was out of this world. In all a very pleasant evening but just a shade short of the best dining experiences I've had. Do, however, see the mansion if you can.
(4)Sandy F.
Excellent everything! Went during restaurant week. The antelope was very tender and tasty. Beautiful setting
(5)Steve C.
Very classy place. The antelope was amazing. I highly recommend it - and I am a most-of-the-time vegetarian! Wait staff was pleasant and highly knowledgeable. The setting quite fine. The "Key Lime Pie", which is not exactly a piece of pie, was heavenly - better than the original. I can't say enough good about this place.
(5)Rachel M.
We are truly enjoying Restaurant Week Charleston!!! First timer! Atmosphere: 5; the carriage house conversion was done just beautifully; the large traditional bar is very historic; the small dining rooms are quite inimate. Staff: 5; Patrick was lovely, he also picked out a delicious zinfandel to go with the meal Drinks: 5; local beers (in bottles) and an extensive wine list Food: 5; stand outs: cauliflower soup with a splash of truffle oil, spicy grilled shrimp with a fried green tomato, Neiman Ranch pork chop (the best), and the cornbread pudding. Yummy as well: the mushroom pate, the beef tenderloin, and the pistachio crème brulee. Overall: 5; we will be back!!!
(5)Jack S.
Has a great entrance, looks cool. Food (scallops and pork chop) very tasty but waiter could care less about his job. Felt like a retirement home should do further checking with limited time. Sorry I wasted a night.
(3)Kelly C.
Fantastic restaurant - great food, impeccable service, and the right ambiance. I would go back any night.
(4)Karen C.
It doesn't ever get better than this. Creativity out the kazoo! I started with TASTE OF THE GARDEN / $10 which consisted of root veggies yellow and red beets atop a bed of ground sunflower seeds some cocoa? made to resemble crumbled soil and a scoop of beet and truffle ice cream. Never heard of these combos and probably never will again. It all worked incredibly well and each bite was a delightful surprise to both the eyes and taste buds! My husband had the CHICKEN FRIED FOIE GRAS which he simply died over and said he could lick the plate if no one was around! For the main entrees we had the Pan fried trout which was served butterflied and all bones removed, delicate and yummy with a stuffed with shrimp mouse squash blossom, that's right! Melted in my mouth. To keep in the totally gluttonous mood my husband was in, he ordered the NIMAN RANCH PORK CHOP / $28. He had to ask to be sure and sure nuf, pulled pork sat on top of a generous pork chop, swimming in peach nectar bbq sauce-you could drink this stuff! Pig madness. A scoop of mac and cheese and a side of dilly beans complemented the dish. A great way to enjoy this tremendously creative menu is to stay at the Wentworth Mansion (next door) and then your dinners are prix fix, $42.00 for 3 courses. We usually never do dessert but who could resist this: KAHLÚA "PLUFF MUDD" consisting of Bailey's Milk Chocolate Mousse andPot au Créme and BUTTER PECAN CRÈME BRÛLÉE. Awarded 4 stars from Forbes for 2012-this is a quiet romantic spot in the historic district of Charleston, dress is casual, quaint bar for cocktails and the best service you can expect. Can't wait to return for more! This place is not for the simple minded diners who like their food the way their mom cooks it. Experimental foodies who like to try bizarre and intriguing combos leave here satisfied and in total awe.
(5)Joe N.
This restaurant is in a historic old building tucked away in a beautiful location. It's classy and elegant, yet relaxed and comfortable. The booths are perfect for a memorable romantic special occasion. The menu is rather limited and a bit cryptic, but our waiter was able to answer all our questions and make great recommendations. Appetizers - The champagne saffron vinaigrette dressing on the asparagus salad was amazing. And where else but the south could you find chicken fried foie gras? The foie gras was delicious, but a bit runny for my taste. Main course - The spicy citrus rubbed flounder was perfectly prepared and had wonderful layers of flavors. The pork chop was served with a garnish of pulled pork (pork covered in pork!), a sophisticated mac and cheese patty and a very well matched peach sauce. The highlight of this dish was the sauteed onions with a hint of anise. Dessert - The strawberry souffle was one of the best things I ever put in my mouth! We practically licked the bowl clean. This should be on your bucket list!! Overall, while it may be a little bit pricey, it was a great meal with a great atmosphere.
(4)Android I.
Went here for breakfast after staying at the Wentworth. Really outstanding service, great food! We loved it! Eggs cooked to perfection, and Betty delivers sweet rolls with a smile.
(5)Amme P.
I first heard of Circa while staying at the Wentworth Mansion, where the restaurant is located. In the hotel room there was an entire book, done in black leather and embossed with gold lettering, describing how Circa is the most amazing restaurant, and how one could expect an incredible dining experience. I was disappointed by almost everything. And for these prices disappointment is not what you should expect.
(2)Tommy V.
Going to Circa was a really nice dining experience. The food was very good, but not excellent. The service however, was amazing. If you ever have the chance to eat antelope, do it! The antelope loin at Circa was absolutely delicious and the accompaniments were great too. The rabbit was a bit dry though; the desserts and appetizers we had were good but not special. Really, the service is what shines here.
(4)Steve M.
Restaurant was very good, excellent food and service. However, this is far from the best restaurant in Charleston, yet it is one of the most expensive. Not worth the price, in my opinion, though if you have the money its worth checking out.
(3)Leah K.
This is the best in Charleston! Fabulous food, ambiance, & service!!
(5)Amy H.
Love: Service, ambiance, food, 4 course for $49 special, low noise level, parking Downside: Expensive, wine list needs updating a little Food: Almost always creative and interestingly flavored, especially the meat dishes, salads and appetizers. Fish entrees are usually wonderful, though once in a while they are a bit less interesting. The sides are very creative with local ingredients. Portions are small, but the food is rich, so that works for me. If you want volume, pick a veal chop or similar and go for the trio of soups. Menu secrets: most of the seasonal soup trios are spectacular, especially the tomato trio from last summer. They also bring an amuse bouche to start (often soup) and chocolate truffles with the check. A recent selection on the dessert list that combined dark chocolate with sea salt and caramel ice cream is a new favorite. Wine: the list is good but not innovative. Extensive selection of Pinots. Try the reds from Delectus and Lolonis if you need a recommendation. Why we go: Circa is one of my favorite special occasion places. The 4 for $49 specials (normally in July and November) are a perfect opportunity to try a variety of menu items for a great price. The dining room is one of the few places in town where you can hear the others at your table easily, and the bar is attractive and comfortable. We have had some of the best service anywhere from the staff, who are friendly and properly trained, without being too stuffy. Worth knowing: They often have wine dinners that I highly recommend. We've also had a special occasion catered in the upstairs party room and it was wonderful. The staff was extremely helpful in setting it up and the hors d'ouevres were outstanding.
(5)Lucy L.
My husband and I enjoyed a very nice meal here while enjoying a short stay in Charleston. It remains a very memorable meal to date..... The influence of the Low Country is very apparent though not overbearing. I had a prawn and fried green tomato appetizer, one of my favorite meal starters of all time. My husband nearly licked his plate after enjoying a salad of fresh greens with a balsamic aged over 50 years. The entree gave us our first taste of Wagyu, simply wonderful. My only dislike was a lentil spoon bread that came with my dish, utterly tasteless. The place was a little haughty for my taste, but then again so is Charleston in general. Still a wonderful meal nonetheless.......
(4)Lisa G.
Delicious, romantic and a fantastic experience. We both got the shrimp & grits gnocchi cause we knew we would be jealous of the other one who got it. It was delicious! For entree, I got the pork & crabcake and it was sooooo delicious. Hands down, the dessert was the highlight of the meal. It was a sweet cornbread with a brulee'd top. After dinner we walked up to the top of the hotel for the sweet views of the city. It was a glorious experience!
(5)