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Chez Nous

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

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Gâteau Basque

Chez Nous

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

"This petite restaurant with a big heart blends French, Italian, and Spanish influence for a memorable meal."

TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Tuesday 5PM

Cuisine

French

Price

$$$

Phone

(843) 579-3060

Address

6 Payne Ct, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Daily Changing European-Inspired Menu

Daily Changing European-Inspired Menu

A unique culinary adventure with a handwritten menu that changes daily, offering two appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Best Restaurants in Charleston, South CarolinaThe 24 Best Restaurants In Charleston - Charleston10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Charleston, SC+1
Cozy, Intimate European Ambiance

Cozy, Intimate European Ambiance

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

10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Charleston, SCGoogle Review+1
Exceptional French-Inspired Cuisine

Exceptional French-Inspired Cuisine

Savor creative dishes crafted with high-quality, local ingredients, delivering a near-perfect dining experience.

Restaurants in CharlestonGoogle Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It’s a beautiful southern Saturday to have the perfectly little brunch at this hidden gem in #charleston. Chez Nous in @charleston SC is such a special place, always featuring daily written menus, which consists of two apps, two entrees and two desserts. Today’s was Roasted Eggplant w/ Nduja, Scallop Crudo w/ Trout Roe, Garganelli w/ Oxtail Ragù , Fish w/ Tomato & Lettuce, Short Crust Pastry w/ P...
@tonkel2001
38 likes • 1.1K views

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.

Dinner at @cheznouscharleston followed by drinks at the bar at @spectatorhotel — such a great little night downtown. Chez Nous is tucked away and always cozy, with a menu that changes daily (which I love). Charleston has no shortage of amazing hotels, and the bars inside them are often some of the best spots for an after dinner drink. I usually just go for soda water with lime in a wine glass, but...
@jennygatch
55 likes • 1K views

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Charming, intimate atmosphere
Daily changing, creative menu
High-quality European-inspired cuisine

What People Dislike

Pricey for portion size
Tables can be close together
Limited choices on the menu

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Chez Nous features a handwritten menu that changes daily, offering two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts.

Best Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Charleston, SC

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is small and tends to fill up quickly.

Best Restaurants in Charleston, South CarolinaGoogle Review

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.

Top 5 French restaurants in Charleston

Yes, Chez Nous is a small restaurant with limited seating, which contributes to its intimate atmosphere.

Best Restaurants in Charleston, South CarolinaGoogle Review

Portion sizes are often described as small, leading some guests to recommend sharing multiple dishes.

Restaurants in CharlestonGoogle Review

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