Unforgettable Date Night

Charleston dining spots that have inspired romantic restaurant proposals

By Pamela Jouan

Charleston is a city that knows romance—cobblestone streets, dreamy sunsets and unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you’re planning on proposing, celebrating Valentine’s Day, or just enjoying the perfect date night, these enchanting tables set the scene for love.

82 Queen

82 Queen St., Charleston

@82queenchas

Like a good marriage, the romance with 82 Queen has stood the test of time and is still going strong at an impressive 43 years. It’s impossible not to fall head over heels for their iconic She Crab soup, the indulgent crispy roasted duck, or their Bourbon pecan pie—a warm hug on a plate.

Their enchanting courtyard in the picture-perfect French Quarter neighborhood is the stuff of storybooks and offers a magical ambiance day or night. Inside, six uniquely-designed dining rooms ensure every meal feels like a brand-new adventure. It's no wonder 82 Queen has been the backdrop for countless proposals, anniversaries and celebrations over the decades.

Chez Nous

6 Payne Ct., Charleston

@cheznouscharleston

Relationships are unique—just like the ever-changing menu at Chez Nous. With rotating two options offered each day for appetizers, entrées and desserts, the dishes are simple yet inspired by the flavors of France, Northern Italy and Northern Spain. Check the restaurant’s Instagram page every morning for that day’s menu, written in stunning French cursive. The ambiance seals the romance: soft jazz, dim lighting, and flickering votives set the mood. Housed in a historic downtown  home with original details, Chez Nous feels intimate and timeless. It's no surprise couples often celebrate proposals here, from popping the question to savoring dessert post-yes. At Chez Nous, every day feels like a special occasion.

Circa 1886

149 Wentworth St., Charleston 

@circa1886

For an unforgettable romantic dining experience, Circa 1886 is a standout inside the historic Wentworth Mansion. Share the Ashley and Cooper Tasting Menus to savor dishes like luxurious Foie Gras Torchon “Brulee,” indulgent Fried Poulet Rouge and the Seasonal Soufflé. 

The ambiance—soft music, candlelight, and intimate booths—includes unique charming details, like original carriage house doors and windows. Thoughtful design makes each space cozier and quieter. Proposals are a magical part of their story, with many couples choosing everything from intimate dinners to grand floral-filled gestures over the years. One groom even proposed atop the mansion’s cupola! Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, Circa 1886 ensures an enchanting experience.

Le Farfalle

15 Beaufain St., Charleston

@Lefarfallechs

Le Farfalle offers the perfect mix of romantic charm and exquisite cuisine, less than a ten minute walk from the historic Charleston City Market. Start with the whipped ricotta, a creamy blend of honey, olive oil and silky cheese served with a toasted baguette—a sweet and savory sharable favorite. Follow it with the duck confit agnolotti, a rich, savory pasta dish made fresh daily for a perfectly sharable date night must-have.

The ambiance is just as enchanting. Choose a seat on the patio under twinkling string lights, in the cozy dining room by a window, or tucked away in a private booth behind the bar. With dim lighting and soft music, the setting invites intimate conversation. Le Farfalle has witnessed many romances, from proposals to celebratory dinners, with couples returning for anniversaries and rehearsal dinners. Co-owner Caitlin Toscano added,” It’s flattering to feel like you're a part of someone's love story.”

Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery

247 Congress St., Charleston

@lillianschs

Lillian’s is truly a love letter to Charleston and the legacy of the former restaurant Harold’s Cabin. It honors and celebrates Lillian Jacobs—Harold’s wife who helped build the original concept of a neighborhood store and restaurant for the Hampton Park Terrace neighborhood. Open in December 2024 under the Lillian’s name, the spot remains “a place where people can gather, celebrate, and feel like they’re part of a story that spans generations,” said owner Heather Greene.

From the warm lighting to the intimate seating and the high level of attention to detail in every dish and drink, the upstairs space is designed to feel special and personal. Whether it’s a first date, an anniversary, or just a spontaneous night out, Lillian’s offers a setting where romance and authenticity thrive.

Saint Urban’s

357 N Shelmore Blvd., Mount Pleasant

@sainturbans

This Euopean-inspired wine bar along a charming shopping corridor in the I'On neighborhood in Mt. Pleasant is tailor-made for a romantic evening out. First consider the space. It’s cozy and candlelit. Every inch counts. The leather, fabrics, tiles, artwork and chairs were all carefully sourced from Europe. It's lit almost entirely by candlelight, the playlist is curated to include French jazz, and did we mention it's cozy? 

Graze on an ever-changing menu of farmhouse cheeses, charcuterie and artisanal chocolates, all hand selected and globally sourced. Tuesdays offer a special French Bread pizza-only menu. Pair with clean, easy drinking wines available by the glass and bottle that lean international and old-world, or toast with a robust cocktail menu. Since they have had several first-date guests who are now happily coupled, it’s an auspicious sign of fostering romance.

Sorelle

88 Broad St., Charleston

@sorelle_chs

Chef Nick Dugan suggests starting your Valentine’s dinner with Sorelle’s “Pillows of Gold,” delicate ricotta ravioli in buttery luxury—indulgent, elegant and perfect for sharing. For a playful Lady and the Tramp twist, try the Sorelle Spaghetti with crispy zucchini, pomodoro, burrata and fresh basil. Add truffles to a dish for an extra touch of romance.

The Romeo and Juliet balcony, overlooking historic Broad Street and “Four Corners of Law,” offers couples an intimate, magical setting. Inside, soft lighting and cozy banquettes blend Charleston charm with Italian elegance. Proposals are part of Sorelle’s story—two on the balcony since opening in 2023—but still waiting for its first Valentine’s Day proposal. It could be you!

The Caviar Bar at Zero George

0 George Street, Charleston

@thecaviarbar

What could be more romantic than caviar? Start your evening with elegance at The Caviar Bar at Zero George, an intimate addition to the acclaimed menu at The Restaurant at Zero George downtown. Chef Petrillo, drawing on his time at Caviar Russe in New York, has crafted a menu that elevates caviar service in the Southeast. Pair your caviar with Bubbly & Bites for a celebration of flavors, perfect for a romantic rendezvous.

Tucked at the end of the dining piazza, The Caviar Bar exudes candlelit charm. It’s classy. It’s refined. And it’s romantic. It’s ideal for date nights, anniversaries, or even proposals—one magical "yes" has already happened here.

Vern’s

41 Bogard St., Charleston

@verns_chs

“Sharing a warm plate of housemade pasta is our love language at Vern’s,” said owner Bethany Heinze. In late winter, this true neighborhood restaurant on a cozy corner in downtown Charleston features a pasta celebrating local and seasonal brassica crops—like kale and broccoli raab—paired with creamy burrata. Another standout is their Testaroli, hand-cut fresh pasta served with a rich mushroom and truffle ragu, topped with a local egg yolk mixed tableside. Each dish is crafted for sharing, making it perfect for a romantic night out.

Vern’s is a sensory escape. Candlelight flickers, a fireplace glows, vintage speakers hum with groovy, unobtrusive tunes and fresh florals and essential oils adorn the bathroom. It’s cozy, like a buzzy dinner party at your best friend's house. Two of their first regulars got engaged there—popping the question mid-meal—proving Vern’s is where love feels right at home. ϒ