Hotel Dining

Check out—or check in to—Charleston’s most charming hotel restaurants

By Pamela Jouan

Some of our city's best-kept culinary secrets are hidden within its hotels. from intimate dining spots to neighborhood favorites, playful vibes to elegant fine dining settings, these five establishments offer unique takes on dining in the Holy City.

Circa 1886

Wentworth Mansion

149 Wentworth St., Charleston

@circa1886

Nestled in the historic carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion in the Harleston Village neighborhood downtown, Circa 1886 radiates a lush, sophisticated charm. As the evening light fades to gold, guests are welcomed along a covered walkway adorned with crape myrtle trees, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience crafted by executive chef and co-owner Marc Collins. With accolades such as 2016 South Carolina Chef Ambassador and co-founder of the Charleston Wine & Food Festival, Collins ensures the cuisine matches the authenticity and history of the building itself.

“Circa 1886 has evolved many times over the years when it comes to menu development,” says Collins. “We create menus to reflect our passion for culinary excellence as well as to deliver a complete dining experience for our guests. We’ve become a destination for many who are well-traveled and expect the best when they dine with us.”

Crafting menus much like painters master their art, Collins says he and his team draw inspiration from seasonal ingredients or a specific flavor profile. This approach allows them to explore and refine an innovative "twist" on the food they want to showcase to their guests. Try one of the chef’s tasting menus or choose from an a la carte menu that thoughtfully weaves local purveyors throughout its dishes.

Wentworth Mansion was named Charleston’s #1 hotel by Travel + Leisure in 2023 and 2024 and ranks among the top 10 best boutique hotels in the U.S. from USA Today. Originally built in 1866, the Mansion’s 21 rooms are a testament to Southern elegance, meticulously restored to showcase its original floors, grand staircase, and stunning Tiffany glass.

Élevé

Grand Bohemian Charleston

55 Wentworth Street, Charleston

@elevecharleston

Don’t be fooled by its grand white facade—the hotel’s vibrant, art-forward and upscale decor will envelop you in technicolor the moment you step inside.

If the Grand Bohemian Charleston is a decadent sundae of playful, art-forward flair in Charleston, then Élevé is truly the cherry on top. And if the craft cocktails don’t leave you feeling elated, the sweeping views oon its rooftop deck will. Open for lunch, brunch and dinner, this chic rooftop restaurant and lounge—adorned with glinting chandeliers and burnished wood—is now under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Matthew Ward, a Charleston native and former sous chef at the acclaimed Charleston Grill.

There’s a seamless flow of artistic energy that extends to every dish on the menu. “Artfulness is one of our brand pillars in food and beverage,” says Ward. “We’re known for our ground-floor art gallery and the thoughtful design of our rooms and public spaces, and we strive to bring that same sense of artistry and eye for design to our cuisine. We are inspired in the kitchen to create dishes that look as good as they taste. Just as an artist selects their medium, we let fresh, local ingredients speak for themselves on the plate.”

The menu, which Ward builds around seasonal offerings, is a testament to these local partnerships.

“We collaborate closely with local farmers, vendors and fishermen to create dishes that reflect Charleston’s unique culinary identity,” he explains. This farm-to-table approach complements the restaurant’s many experiential features, including wine blending and cocktail classes, live music and an impressive art collection. “We want our guests to have a memorable experience in every sense, making Élevé one of their favorite spots to visit in Charleston.”

A new brunch format will be rolled out soon, with a prix fixe menu with a choice of entree, two courses in typical Southern style and a tiered dessert tower for the table with various flavors of macaroons and more.

Opened in 2015, the Grand Bohemian Charleston has earned accolades such as Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award 2024 and Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers' Choice Award 2024.

Frannie & The Fox, The Den

Emeline

181 Church Street, Charleston

@frannieandthefox

When Emeline, a ship captain’s daughter, opened her namesake hotel, it was destined to capture hearts. Now, its vibrant dining duo—Frannie & The Fox and its chic bar companion, The Den—are winning over tastebuds too. With its inviting atmosphere, Frannie & The Fox feels like an escape from the bustle of downtown Charleston, as if you’ve stepped into Emeline’s own living room and garden-inspired conservatory. 

Designed to welcome guests and locals alike, the restaurant features a charming courtyard complete with a fireplace surrounded by a greenhouse-like setting that evokes a tranquil, garden-esque vibe.

Executive Chef Daniel Dalton brings over 20 years of hotel dining experience to the table. “The rich history of a hotel in downtown Charleston significantly influences our culinary offerings at Frannie & The Fox,” he explained. “We embrace a wood-fired eatery concept with Italian sensibilities, drawing inspiration from the Lowcountry’s culinary traditions.”

Guests can expect dishes that are both rustic and refined, from artisanal pizzas and house-made pastas to seasonal vegetables, all kissed with a signature wood-fired touch. “Our goal is to highlight the flavors of fresh, local ingredients with a Southern twist,” said Dalton, “creating a dining experience that feels rooted in tradition, but still modern and dynamic.”

Reflecting the playful spirit of Emeline’s sister, Frannie & The Fox exudes warmth and adventure, offering “a unique culinary journey that resonates with the character of the city and celebrates its vibrant food culture.”

Renovated in 2020, Emeline was recognized as one of Afar’s 18 Hotels for a Truly Local Stay in 2024 and earned a spot on the USA Today’s 2024 Readers’ Choice list for Best Hotel Restaurant in the U.S. Guests can choose from eight distinct room types, each offering its own unique charm.

Gabrielle

Hotel Bennett

404 King Street, Charleston

@gabrielledining

Did you know the original building that now houses Hotel Bennett was once a public library? If not, the more than 380 bookcases scattered throughout the hotel might give it away. Hotel Bennett stands as a bold reimagining of Charleston architecture, blending European-inspired architecture with opulent design details. This fusion extends to Gabrielle, the hotel’s signature two-story restaurant, where local ingredients, classic techniques and Southern hospitality shine.

“Each recipe is built on a foundation of classic culinary training and traditional techniques, paired with local ingredients,” said Executive Chef Edgar Kano. “Guests can enjoy Southern staples like She-crab Soup alongside contemporary offerings such as a local green tomato and cucumber gazpacho. Our menu reflects what Charleston is known for while elevating each dish for a more refined dining experience.”

Chef Kano is proud to support local purveyors so that guests can enjoy a reflection of Charleston on every plate. “Coastal Carolina offers the best available products, both from the sea and onshore, and staying local ensures we have the freshest produce, meat and fish available. Tarvin Seafood provides the shrimp for brunch favorites like our Shrimp & Grits and SC Bloody Mary shrimp ceviche. The Forest Mushroom tortellini offers mushrooms and other local ingredients from GrowFood Carolina and Rio Bertolini pasta. These dishes are vibrant in color and bold in flavor, just like Charleston itself.”

Hotel Bennett, which opened its doors in 2019, has quickly made a name for itself. It was among the 2024 U.S. News Best Hotels in South Carolina list and featured in Travel + Leisure’s "Readers' 15 Favorite Hotels in Charleston of 2023.” Gabrielle, the hotel’s restaurant, also earned a 2024 OpenTable “Diners’ Choice” award

Little Palm

The Ryder Hotel

237 Meeting Street, Charleston

@littlepalmbar

Anchored in downtown Charleston, The Ryder Hotel is a stylishly modern boutique destination that captures the vibrant spirit of the city. With a design that marries contemporary aesthetics with local charm, The Ryder Hotel invites guests to embark on a journey of discovery and relaxation. Central to this experience is Little Palm, the hotel’s lively restaurant, which channels the free-spirited energy of Charleston through its culinary offerings. 

Executive Chef Daniel Dalton emphasized the restaurant's culinary offerings perfectly capture the hotel’s trendy vibe. “At Little Palm, we draw inspiration from Latin flavors, creating dishes like crab empanadas, grilled picanha, and tuna tiradito,” he explained. “Each plate reflects vibrant culinary traditions and evokes the charm of tropical destinations.” The menu is designed to cater to diverse tastes, featuring comfort favorites like jerk wings and the LP double cheeseburger, alongside robust vegan and vegetarian options such as their beet & strawberry endive cups and mushroom al ajillo. “Bold flavors and colorful presentations embody a lively energy.”

As the seasons change, so does the ambiance at Little Palm. In November, the restaurant transforms into “Little Pine” for the holiday season, complete with poolside gondolas and a special menu featuring limited-edition cocktails and seasonal bites.

Since opening in 2021, The Ryder Hotel has been recognized on Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2022: The Best New Hotels & Industry Openings in the World and it was voted among the Top 5 Hotels in Charleston by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.