Romantic Dining

Discover the allure of hotel restaurants 

By Elise DeVoe

With its cobblestoned streets, living history, charming homes and abundance of restaurants and bars, Charleston is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Some of the most romantic restaurants in Charleston can be found tucked away in elegant hotels. There’s no need to fiddle around with parking or ride-share services when you can spend the night after you dine. Whether you’re just visiting or a local in need of a staycation, these hotel restaurants offer the perfect indulgence for Valentine’s Day—or for any special occasion. 

Iron Rose at The Mills House 

115 Meeting St., Charleston

@ironrosecharleston

If Charleston was made for romance, the city has met its match in the historic, pink The Mills House. The famous and photogenic “pink hotel” provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic weekend. Couples hoping to take their romance to the next level can book the Romeo & Juliet package, which includes a balcony room, welcome champagne, in-room flowers, a dessert for two, and credit (up to $75) to be used at the lush and very elegant Iron Rose restaurant and garden lounge just off the hotel courtyard. The Iron Rose is a new reimagined space with sleek, moody décor and elevated fare like grilled fish, grilled flat iron steak or local shrimp served with Carolina Gold rice.

Gabrielle at Hotel Bennett

404 King St., Charleston

@hotelbennett

This Valentine’s Day, indulge in one of the many romantic experiences offered at Hotel Bennett. Indulge in a four-course, prix fixe dinner menu with your valentine all weekend long at Gabrielle. Then, impress your loved one with a staycation experience in the heart of downtown Charleston with the Be Mine at Bennett rooms package. Guests will receive complimentary sparkling wine throughout their entire stay, poured at any of the bespoke dining outlets. Take your date to Paris without leaving the peninsula with a romantic evening of bubbles and desserts at La Pâtisserie café, now open until 9 p.m. nightly.

Peninsula Grill at Planters Inn

112 N Market St., Charleston

@peninsulagrill

Inside this acclaimed Charleston restaurant, velvet-lined walls in shimmering oyster tones lend a luxe supper club ambiance to the acclaimed dining room, creating the perfect feel for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal. Sophisticated interpretations of Southern cuisine are served amid a refined, yet relaxed, atmosphere. Dedicated to serving the finest and freshest ingredients sourced daily both locally and globally, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Peninsula Grill is Charleston's foremost culinary experience. And no visit is complete without a slice of the iconic 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake, described as a "slice of heaven" by The New York Times.

The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits

75 Wentworth St., Charleston

@thewatchrooftop

When it comes to award-winning dining with a view, The Watch Rooftop claims one of the most sought-after views in downtown Charleston, providing the ideal setting for your Valentine’s Day meal. Perched atop The Restoration Hotel, voted the #1 Charleston hotel in 2022 by Condé Nast Traveler, this farm-to-table affair artfully serves modern American fare and bespoke cocktails with Lowcountry and global influences for every meal of the day. Entrees include Lowcountry bouillabaisse, seared scallops and braised short rib cavatelli. The vibe is sophisticated with an industrial edge and when sunset hour hits, have your phone ready to capture a sun-bathed skyline at the city's most romantic golden hour.

Post House Inn

101 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant

@posthouseinn

Nestled in the heart of Mt. Pleasant’s Old Village neighborhood, Post House’s coastal tavern and inn makes a great date night option. The charming dining room and cozy bar offer a menu of coastal dishes and drinks prepared by Chef Nick Wilber. Paired with glowing candlelight and a bottle of wine from their extensive collection, the Post House is the perfect place to celebrate an intimate Valentine’s Day. Make it a staycation and book one of their 7 rooms above at their small inn. 

Oystercatcher at Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort

5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms

@wilddunesresort

Truly get away from it all at Wild Dunes Resort, 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with the brand-new Sweetgrass Inn. The Inn’s restaurant, Oystercatcher, is a coastal gem, with baked and raw oysters available, served with a delicate mignonette sauce. Sit at the bar, at high-top tables or outside overlooking the resort pool while you kick back and enjoy shared moments over fresh, local fare and craft cocktails. The restaurant’s menu includes chef-crafted small plated, highlighted by fresh, local seafood delivered daily.

Frannie & the Fox at Hotel Emeline

181 Church St., Charleston

@hotelemeline

Elevate your traditional date night this Valentine's Day with a romantic dinner at Frannie. Frannie & The Fox, on the first floor of Hotel Emeline, offers an indoor or outdoor dining experience with a curated menu of sharable plates comprised of southern classics with an Italian twist. With cozy corners built for two, come indulge in Frannie fare by Chef Tim Morton while sipping your favorite cocktail or one of its niche and small-batch wines. Celebrate the one you love this Valentine's weekend with a one-of-a-kind date night at Frannie.

Charleston Grill at Charleston Place

224 King St., Charleston

@charleston_grill

Cozy up and enjoy award-winning fine dining in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. The Charleston Grill is located inside the iconic landmark hotel, The Charleston Place. Refined meets relaxed in this award-winning restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Michelle Weaver. Deliciously imaginative cuisine is inspired by classic Southern, French, and contemporary dishes that will surely make for a memorable Valentine’s Day dinner. The restaurant boasts one of the most robust wine selections in Charleston for an especially romantic evening. For a detail-oriented and curated experience, try Executive Chef Michelle Weaver’s seasonal 6-course chef’s tasting menu with optional wine pairings. Make sure to secure a reservation in advance, as this will be a highly sought-after Valentine’s Day destination.

Little Palm at The Ryder Hotel

237 Meeting St., Charleston

@littlepalmbar

Transport your special someone to a tropical state of mind at Little Palm at the Ryder Hotel downtown, a colorful hotel restaurant just off an Instragram-worthy pool. This winter, diners can reserve a cabin at Little Pine (Little Palm's winter pop-up on the pool deck). Their cozy cabins, built for two, provide a romantic hideaway so you can sip, savor, and spoil your favorite someone this Valentine's Day. Each cabin has furry blankets and an atmosphere full of romantic vibes where you can order hand-crafted seasonal cocktails and sharable bites like chocolate fondue from Executive Chef Tim Morton. Little Palm's bar and indoor restaurant will also be open to come experience Valentine's Day—or any special occasion.

Charleston Harbor Fish House

32 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant

@chasharborfishhouse

Enjoy outstanding views of the USS Yorktown and Ravenel Bridge from the Charleston Harbor Fish House within the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. Reserve seats in the Harbor Dining room for an especially intimate experience, a spectacular sunset view, and the occasional dolphin sighting. The restaurant specializes in South Carolina Coastal cuisine with local favorites like shrimp and grits and surf and turf. If you saved room for dessert, cap off the evening by warming up by the fire pits with s’mores and hot chocolate. Or head up to your room to enjoy your very own fireplace in a seersucker robe.