Charleston South Carolina Restaurant – Circa 1886
If you are looking for an elegant dinner option in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, then you need to dine at Circa 1886. The food is top-notch and the atmosphere is perfect for a special evening out. You’ll definitely want to add this experience to your bucket list!
Circa 1886 Menu
The fresh menu embraces the season’s bounty, highlighting local ingredients whenever possible. From farm-fresh eggs and honey to seasonal vegetables and grains, each dish reflects the region’s distinct flavors.
Discover a culinary journey with their two tasting menus, each offering a unique and exquisite dining experience curated by Chef Marc Collins.
The Ashley Tasting Menu ($130 with optional wine pairings) begins with decadent starters like Truffle Toast with whipped Neufchatel, black truffles, leek puree, and paddlefish caviar, followed by the delicate Grouper featuring pepitas, Cotija cheese, and butternut squash ravioli in a chipotle lime beurre blanc. The meal culminates in the elegant Wagyu Beef with a mushroom spinach ragu and tomme parsnip puree, finished with a rich vegetable jus lie. And as though that was not enough, the grand finale is a Seasonal Soufflé accompanied by house-made ice cream.
Guests of Charming Inns (Wentworth Mansion®, John Rutledge House Inn®, Fulton Lane Inn, and Kings Courtyard Inn) have an exclusive offer available just to them – a 3-course menu for $80 or 10% off the tasting menus.
The Cooper Tasting Menu ($130 with optional wine pairings) offers a fusion of Southern charm and contemporary flair. The meal begins with savory Roasted Garlic & Artichoke Brulee featuring Iberico ham and chive tuile, followed by a delectable Crab “Bake” boasting lump blue crab, cauliflower, celery, corn crunch, and Swiss cheese. Then, savor the iconic Charleston Hot Quail Breast served with chilled avocado crema and Carolina Gold Rice peanut onigiri. The highlight is the Broken Arrow Antelope, a tender dish accompanied by butter-braised cabbage, maple cranberry poached pears, and a green peppercorn sauce. The delightful conclusion to the culinary journey is a White Chocolate Cheesecake with cranberry and pomegranate consommé, candied kumquats, and poppy seed cake.
Chef Marc Collins
Marc Collins has been the executive chef at Circa 1886 for more than two decades. In addition to creating amazing meals at Circa 1886, he is also a food champion in Charleston and beyond. For over a decade, he has worked with a network of local farmers and fishermen sourcing the freshest ingredients to use in his culinary masterpieces.
In 2019, Chef Collins became a South Carolina Chef Ambassador and was able to showcase the culinary history of South Carolina. On top of all of that, he has volunteered for organizations including Louie’s Kids, Feed the Need, and the Lowcountry Food Bank.
Notes About Circa 1886
- Be sure to make reservations in advance. Circa 1886 is rated #4 out of 523 restaurants in Charleston on TripAdvisor.com. You don’t want to miss out on an incredible dining experience while you are in Charleston.
- Circa 1886 is also the recipient of the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the US (2014 – 2017) at TripAdvisor, named the Most Romantic Restaurants in the World in 2017 by Architectural Digest, won the Best of Award of Excellence in 2017 from Wine Spectator, has been awarded Four Diamonds from AAA for 16 consecutive years, and has been included in the Forbes Travel Guide for 16 consecutive years.
- Parking: There is limited onsite parking at the restaurant. There is a parking garage at 81 Wentworth Street. You might be able to find a parking spot on surrounding neighborhood streets.
- Attire: Dress etiquette is business casual. They “strive to provide an environment that all guests feel comfortable in their personal style of dress.”
- Circa 1886 is open for dinner Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Whether you are looking for a modern spin on Southern cuisine or something with an international flair, Circa 1886 has something to offer. The food is incredible, the wine list is excellent, and the service is impeccable. If you are looking for a truly special dining experience, Circa 1886 is the place to go.
Circa 1886 Location
Circa 1886 is located at 149 Wentworth Street in the original carriage house at Wentworth Mansion. The restaurant retains old-world charm and character from yesteryear, yet has all the modern amenities to make your dining experience truly memorable.
