
Chez Nous
A charming European-inspired gem in Charleston, offering a daily changing menu in a cozy, intimate setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Chez Nous

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming European-inspired gem in Charleston, offering a daily changing menu in a cozy, intimate setting.
Book Ahead for Reservations
Chez Nous is popular; reservations are recommended, especially if you prefer indoor seating.
Embrace the Daily Menu
Trust the chef's selections; the limited, handwritten menu offers a liberating and exceptional culinary journey.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Daily Changing European-Inspired Menu
A unique culinary adventure with a handwritten menu that changes daily, offering two appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Cozy, Intimate European Ambiance
Dine in a charming, converted house that feels like a personal invitation into a French family's home.

Exceptional French-Inspired Cuisine
Savor creative dishes crafted with high-quality, local ingredients, delivering a near-perfect dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Reservations
Chez Nous is popular; reservations are recommended, especially if you prefer indoor seating.
Embrace the Daily Menu
Trust the chef's selections; the limited, handwritten menu offers a liberating and exceptional culinary journey.
Check Social Media for Menu
See the daily menu updates on Instagram (@cheznouscharleston) before your visit.
Consider Sharing Plates
Portion sizes are designed for savoring; sharing multiple dishes allows for a diverse tasting experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Reservations
Chez Nous is popular; reservations are recommended, especially if you prefer indoor seating.
Embrace the Daily Menu
Trust the chef's selections; the limited, handwritten menu offers a liberating and exceptional culinary journey.
Check Social Media for Menu
See the daily menu updates on Instagram (@cheznouscharleston) before your visit.
Consider Sharing Plates
Portion sizes are designed for savoring; sharing multiple dishes allows for a diverse tasting experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners frequently praise Chez Nous for its intimate, charming ambiance and the creative, daily-changing European-inspired menu. The food is generally considered high-quality and expertly prepared, offering a unique dining adventure. However, some guests find the portion sizes and prices to be a bit high for the overall experience, with a few noting that the intimate setting can feel cramped.
"Where shall we go today, France or Italy? Perhaps a bordertown experience ala Courmayeur? Having been to Charleston once before, I was interested in stepping outside the local low-country cuisine to experience a restaurant with different, even European aspirations. Chez Nous filled that bill quite nicely. The restaurant is in a converted house down an alley far from bustling King Street. Although they have a lovely patio, be sure to request an inside table if the weather concerns you. While not strictly a farm-to-table purist kitchen, the approach is absolutely one based in local, fresh, and high quality ingredients. The menu ( handwritten by the chef in both French and English) is more than concise: two starters, two entrees, and two desserts are presented each day—perhaps with the goal of relieving you of the decision-fatigue so prevalent in modern life. Regardless of intent, the approach is liberating. You make reservations here with the understanding that you are relying on the chef’s selection of ingredients determining what she will cook that day. There is no burning desire to preview the menu online and succumb in advance to our predilections. Instead, proceed with faith. The starter I chose, an antipasto dish of prosciutto, burrata, and strawberries was simple and delicious. We tried both Main’s: the spaghetti con vongole (clams from Oregon) and the fried chicken. The pasta was al dente and the sauce delicate. The chicken thighs (my personal favorite piece of yardbird) was also perfectly cooked. The scarpetta ( cleaning the plate Italian style with bread) was more than warranted. The wine list is well-curated, with most wines from France, Italy, and Spain. (I was told the owners have a wine bar in Paris as well). I selected a French Bourgogne (Chardonnay) that worked brilliantly with both of the mains. The dessert finished it off, a chocolate and olive oil cake with a delicate white sauce. For that, I selected a glass of the French Chinon (Cabernet Franc). The service by Nicki was attentive, and her wine knowledge evident. The final act was a hand pulled single espresso with beans from a local roaster —with a nice crema on top. $245 for two with a $79 wine and a glass of the Cabernet Franc—in line with fine dining in town. I will be back one day for another series of choices
by the chef."
Paul Chiavini
"Delicious. We ordered both appetizers, the fish entree, and both desserts. Charming place, good service. Dishes were cohesive with each other from start to finish and there was some ingenuity like having dishes change daily, and the types of ingredients you might not find everywhere.
The biggest issue for me was that although there were thoughtful and cohesive ingredients, the flavors and amount of food you got overall for the price were a tad lackluster. I would say the entrees were overpriced especially at $46 per dish, and the appetizers were close to $25 for each. I felt the desserts were very well priced and if I were to return, I’d probably sample the desserts and get a glass of French wine. If they lowered the prices by about $5-10 for each meal and starter, I might have given them a 5-star rating."
Lauren Montgomery
"Very good lunch experience at Chez Nous. I was excited to try it, having heard and read good things.
Lunch reservation made online and I sat at the bar. Comfortable, but it would have been cramped if busy. The atmosphere inside is charming, and nice jazz music was playing at a very agreeable volume.
The charming hand-written menus are almost comically illegible, but all the choices sounded extremely tempting. I opted for the eggplant starter which was tasty but a bit disappointing as an appetizer. More like crispy eggplant "chips", I feel they would have made more of an amuse bouche than a $23 starter.
The main couse I chose were stunningly delicious veal escalopes with a rich pan sauce and capers, lemons, and roasted potatoes. Superb quality, but rather pricy at $47.
The wine list is very good, but markup is significant.
I'd consider coming back, but must admit I don't think the prices are worth it. It's an elevated, European experience; but my tab of $156 (including tip) for starter, main and two glasses of wine is bordering excessive."
Carl Wishneusky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Chez Nous features a handwritten menu that changes daily, offering two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts.
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is small and tends to fill up quickly.
While not strictly enforced, the ambiance suggests smart casual attire. Many patrons dress for a special occasion.
Yes, Chez Nous often posts their daily handwritten menu on their Instagram feed (@cheznouscharleston) each morning.
Yes, Chez Nous is a small restaurant with limited seating, which contributes to its intimate atmosphere.
Portion sizes are often described as small, leading some guests to recommend sharing multiple dishes.
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Seasonally driven dishes drawn up on a handwritten menu that changes daily, Chez Nous is easily the most charming lunch or dinner spot in town. This petite restaurant with a big heart and blends a bit of French, Italian, and Spanish influence and each meal includes two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts. The bar features a robust collection of wine bottles to pair with your meal, making this perfect date night out or small group special occasion.
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Chez Nous might just be the quintessential date spot in Charleston. This restaurant is situated inside a charming single-style house that’s tucked away from the bustle of Downtown. The handwritten, six-item menu of French-leaning food changes daily, but you can always expect a memorable fish dish, like a grilled branzino with creamy leeks, and you should honestly just order everything.
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The menu may be nearly illegible, the space minuscule, and locating the tucked-away location like finding Waldo, but the food is almost always sublime. Each night only two appetizers, two entrées (like snapper with white wine sauce or gnocchi with chanterelles), and two desserts are offered. Sharing multiple dishes is a good option.
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This quaint house in the historic residential neighborhood of Cannonborough-Elliotborough allows diners to feel like they are in a French family's home once inside, and indeed they are, in a way. The welcoming French couple that owns this charming restaurant serves each dish of their standard three-course offering with love and affection--plainly seen in the impressive plating and near-perfect preparations of each ingredient. The menu here changes daily, so be sure to check the Chez Nous Facebook or Instagram account the morning of your meal to ensure your preferences appear on the menu; only two options are given for each course--a starter, entree, and dessert.
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We’ve already professed our love for this spot swimming in fairytale European charm, but the lasting appeal of Chez Nous is how it connects the diner with the seasons—six menu items at a time. On a recent visit, there was crispy fish with peas and sofrito, shaved carrot and golden beet salad spooned over creamy mozzarella, and berries in vanilla cream for dessert—all served in an unhurried, well-choreographed procession. At Chez Nous, the candlelight glows, the Old World wine list flows, and there’s always a new season to celebrate.
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Most mornings before lunch, the Chez Nous Instagram feed (@cheznouscharleston) features a picture of the day’s menu, handwritten in black ink on a small white card in executive chef Jill Mathias’ eccentric and highly stylized script. Next comes a separate picture of each and every dish being served that day, taken from above in flawless light. Admittedly, it’s only seven pictures total, since Chez Nous serves just two starters, two entrees and two desserts, and the selection changes daily.
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_**French food is often considered the quintessential romantic cuisine, and few places in Charleston do it better than Chez Nous. The restaurant itself is nestled into a historic house off of Coming Street, and seats only a few tables at a time, giving you a very intimate feeling right off the bat. Additionally, their entire menu is setup of a daily-changing set of 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts, so every visit is a new and exciting experience.
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French food is often considered the quintessential romantic cuisine, and few places in Charleston do it better than Chez Nous. The restaurant itself is nestled into a historic house off of Coming Street and seats only a few tables at a time, giving you a very intimate feeling right off the bat. Additionally, their entire menu is a daily-changing set of 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts, so every visit is a new and exciting experience.
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Outside the average lunch spots in Charleston awaits the beautiful Chez Nous restaurant downtown. Housed in a gloriously restored 1835 antebellum home, Chez Nous has a unique ambiance during midday when light beams through the restored cathedral ceiling atop the handcrafted tables and chairs. In fact, there are only 16 seats in the house, and the menu is limited to two appetizers, two entrées, and two dessert dishes daily.
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Global inspiration abounds here too: Chez Nous, a tucked-away neighborhood favorite with a handwritten menu that changes daily, features flavors from Southern France, Northern Italy, and Northern Spain in surrounds that feel utterly transportive and homey at the same time. Brand new on the scene, Sorelle delivers dishes from southern Italy in two magnificently restored historic buildings on Broad Street.
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Lovebirds looking to focus just on each other will love Chez Nous. This home reinvented as a restaurant only offers two appetizers, two entrees and two dessert options daily so with less menu perusing there will be more time to gaze into each other’s eyes. It feels like you stepped into a timeless French bistro here, complete with hand-scripted menus daily, small tables and even romantic patio seating.
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Meaning “our home” in French, Chez Nous offers a cozy, romantic dining experience spanning two floors of a classic Charleston single. It’s also perfect for date night, as groups larger than four can only make a reservation after 9 p.m. The menu changes daily, offering two appetizers, two entreés, and two desserts featuring food and wine from southern France, northern Italy, and northern Spain.
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Chez Nous serves an exciting selection of classic dishes from France, Italy, and Spain, and the menu changes daily. Every day, guests can choose from two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts for either lunch or dinner, and the choices vary based on season and what’s locally available. Across the board, Chez Nous gets excellent reviews for its amazing food and charming atmosphere.
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Tucked away down an alley in a former home, Chez Nous is the kind of restaurant experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. The menu is notably small with only a couple of options for each course, but that’s because they take care to make each dish the stuff of dreams. The menu also isn’t posted online because it changes constantly depending on what’s available and in season.
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French is the language of love, so why not try this cozy romantic French restaurant for your tête-à-tête?. This is a “pint-sized” place in downtown Charleston featuring food and wine from Southern France, Northern Italy, and Northern Spain. You can choose from a daily tasting menu consisting of appetizers, entreés, and desserts made with local ingredients.
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If your love language is small plates, cozy dark corners, and French wine, Chez Nous is your place. Another Charleston favorite for both locals and tourists, this intimate bistro is known for its food inspired by Southern France, Northern Italy, and Spain. The handwritten menus change daily and offer only two appetizers, two entrées, and two desserts.
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Chez Nous: The outdoor patio offers an intimate candlelit environment that is a perfect date night spot!. This cozy neighborhood restaurant features food and wine from Southern France, Northern Italy, and Northern Spain. Chez Nous offers a daily changing menu of local ingredients which consists of two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts.
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Neighborhood: Cannonborough/Elliotborough More Info: ChezNousCHS.com. Chez Nous is a dreamy hidden restaurant popular for dinner but also serves lunch in its charming, tucked-away cottage locale. The handwritten menu drops daily on socials with freshly sourced dishes inspired by Southern France, Northern Spain, and Northern Italy.
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This place offers its patrons a homey atmosphere with candlelit tables located away from busy King Street, in a historic Charleston home that was built in 1835. This is the place to try if you like food from Southern France, Northern Italy, and Northern Spain. They also prepare all of their dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
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– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (353 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: French, European– Price: $$$$– Address: 6 Payne Ct, Charleston, SC 29403-5405– Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-paying jobs in Charleston that don’t require a college degree
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The French couple who own this charming place serves the three-course French meal in an impressive plating. Every day the menu changes, so check the restaurant's social media accounts in the morning to know if they have the food you would like. They make every dish with love and serve with great attention to detail.
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What it's known for: This tiny spot brings big flavors, turning local ingredients into terrific Spanish, French and Italian dishes. The menu at Chez Nous is the same for both lunch and dinner and changes each day, offering two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts. Style: Italian, French, Spanish, Lowcountry
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Chez Nous is a small neighborhood restaurant hidden off the street of downtown Charleston. Their cuisine specializes in food + wine from southern France, northern Italy, and northern Spain. Their lunch and dinner menu changes daily, only offering 2 appetizers, entreés, and desserts made with local ingredients.
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Chez Nous: Escape to the cozy charm of Chez Nous, a hidden gem in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood, offering a daily changing menu inspired by the flavors of Southern France, Northern Italy, and Southern Spain. Let the surprise menu enchant your senses as you share intimate moments by candlelight.
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Nestled down a back alleyway, Chez Nous has a romantic charm like no other. Gas lanterns, rustic tables and the ideal ambiance, make it the perfect place for a date night. With an ever-changing menu that’s posted daily on social media, I have found that going once maybe twice a week is not out of the norm.
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Nestled down a back alleyway, Chez Nous is without a doubt the most romantic restaurant in Charleston. Gas lanterns, rustic décor, and perfect ambiance, makes it an ideal date night atmosphere. With an ever-changing menu (posted daily on social media), makes this restaurant a creative culinary favorite.
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One charming neighborhood bistro that has garnered a reputation for serving some of the most renowned Charleston food menus is Chez Nous, boasting the finest charcuterie boards in town. This culinary experience is a true showcase of the city's commitment to locally sourced, artisanal products.
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Chez Nous is an über cozy spot located in an old Charleston Single House down a little alley. Think loads of candlelight, exposed brick, silver napkin rings and twinkle lights in the courtyard. Their French inspired cuisine changes daily and is presented on a hand written menu.
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The intimate, homey setting is not its only appeal — the limited, 3-course menu changes daily and even though there is not much to choose from, each dish is very well executed and explodes with flavor. Looking for a spot to take your S.O. in the middle of the day?
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Chef Jill Mathias has created a romantically rustic space where a different menu is created daily that is influenced by southern France cuisine as well as northern Italy and Spain. Come hungry with an adventurous palate and enjoy the specials of the day.
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Each day brings a new menu of expertly crafted dishes and an extensive selection of carefully curated wines. The intimate setting, complete with communal seating and rustic decor, makes for a cozy and romantic dining experience that you won’t soon forget.
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This romantic little house-turned restaurant is a MUST on any trip to Charleston. The menu consists of just six rotating dishes each night, but every single one is sooo delicious. I love to sit out on their adorable patio.
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The menu is written out by hand daily with only two appetizers, two mains, and two desserts. Aptly named, Chez Nous means ‘Our Home’ in French. It feels like a surprise dinner party that you’re always invited to.
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6 Payne CtCharleston, SC 29403(843) 579-3060 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Serving seasonal European plates, this pint-sized spot is one of the best rated restaurants in Charleston.
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With Spanish roots, he grew up in the South and lives in Charleston with his wife, Jill Mathias, executive chef and co-owner of Malagón’s sister restaurant, Chez Nous.
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Dinner at Chez Nous – The most romantic restaurant tucked away in a neighborhood. You feel like you stumbled upon a secret restaurant in the French countryside.
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- Rating: 4.3/5 (307 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 6 Payne Court Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: French, Spanish, Italian- Read more on Yelp
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Husk, Zero, Xiao Bao Biscuit, The Obstinate Daughter, Little Jack’s, Renzo, Chubby Fish, Chez Nous, Fig, Nico, Sugar Bakeshop, and Elliotborough Mini Bar
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He also directed us a restaurant, Chez Nous, hidden in an alley that was by far and away the best dining experience we had in Charleston.
Experience: Charleston
Enjoy a Lowcountry locavore wine lunch and oyster roast with Chez Nous at a private residence on the banks of a tidal creek
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit