Front of Circa during the day
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Circa 1886 Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Experience top-tier fine dining in Charleston with elevated Lowcountry cuisine and a fairytale ambiance in the historic Wentworth Mansion.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Front of Circa during the day

Circa 1886 Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience top-tier fine dining in Charleston with elevated Lowcountry cuisine and a fairytale ambiance in the historic Wentworth Mansion.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This was probably one of the best, if not the best, restaurants I have been to in my entire life."

TIP

Opt for Tasting Menus

Savor multiple refined plates at once by choosing one of the two exquisite tasting menus.

Try Both Tasting Menus

Consider ordering different tasting menus with a companion to explore a wider range of flavors.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 5PM

Cuisine

American (Lowcountry)

Price

$$$

Phone

(843) 853-7828

Address

149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elegant Tasting Menus

Elegant Tasting Menus

Experience culinary artistry with two distinct tasting menus, Ashley and Cooper, showcasing refined Lowcountry flavors.

10Best Restaurant & Bakery Reviews
Fairytale Ambiance

Fairytale Ambiance

Dine in a romantic, fairytale-like setting surrounded by the historic beauty of Wentworth Mansion.

Romantic dining in CharlestonGoogle Review
Exceptional Desserts

Exceptional Desserts

Indulge in exquisite desserts like Baked Alaska, Chocolate Cake, and White Chocolate Cheesecake, a perfect end to a meal.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

No microwave or pool but it was worth it #charleston #charlestonsc #charlestonsouthcarolina #downtowncharleston #downtowncharlestonsc #wentworthmansion #charlestonhotel #circa1886
@justchillkaylin
110 likes • 5.5K views

Opt for Tasting Menus

Savor multiple refined plates at once by choosing one of the two exquisite tasting menus.

Try Both Tasting Menus

Consider ordering different tasting menus with a companion to explore a wider range of flavors.

Birthday weekend in Charleston! #angeloaktree #Cannoncitoairbnb #coopcharleston #seastheday #circa1886
@mdav19
6 likes • 174 views

Weekday Visits

To avoid crowds during peak times, consider visiting on weekdays.

Guest of Mansion Perks

If staying at Wentworth Mansion, take advantage of dining discounts at Circa 1886.

Tips

from all over the internet

Opt for Tasting Menus

Savor multiple refined plates at once by choosing one of the two exquisite tasting menus.

Try Both Tasting Menus

Consider ordering different tasting menus with a companion to explore a wider range of flavors.

Weekday Visits

To avoid crowds during peak times, consider visiting on weekdays.

Guest of Mansion Perks

If staying at Wentworth Mansion, take advantage of dining discounts at Circa 1886.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners consistently praise Circa 1886 for its outstanding fine dining experience, impeccable service, and romantic ambiance within the historic Wentworth Mansion. The tasting menus and creative dishes are highlights, though some note the menu can be limited when ordering a la carte. Overall, it's considered a must-try for special occasions.

"We were first in the door Friday evening and were greeted by friendly staff. My boyfriend and I each got a tasting menu + wine pairing to celebrate Mother’s Day before the crowds. I got the Ashley and the sommelier was very informative and an excellent story teller. Our waiter (I wish I could remember his name) was attentive and such a pleasure to be served by him. One of our favorite things of the whole menu was the soup right at the beginning. If I could have that soup everyday I would. I would buy it in Costco sized tubs it’s so good. The chef did an excellent job and every bite was delicious. 10/10 would get the tasting menu with wine pairing again."

Izzy Savage

"The epitome of a perfect dining experience. Amazing food, presented professionally, served in a comfortable format.

Was impressed from the walk up right away through the trees to the door. My partner and I each ordered the different testing menus so we'd be able to sample a bit of everything, and do glad we did. Not a single bad dish the entire night. And surprisingly my favorite was the amuse bouche. I could've eaten a bowl of it.

Our server was great. Both informative and chatty. And the simple decor still had a feeling of elegance."

Eric Munn

"Chef Marc is an exemplary talent! Absolutely magical experience from the environment, servers and attention to detail let’s not forget mixologist Dennis Whoza! Super talented group! This was my ultimate culinary experience I felt completely satiated, nourished and so surprised with the impact of flavors and combinations of pure beautiful ingredients Chef Marc’s execution is sublime! Thank you thank you! We live in Western Colorado but are contemplating returning to Charleston for another meal at Circa 1886 it’s that wonderful!"

Cynda Norman

What People Like

Exceptional tasting menus
Impeccable and attentive service
Romantic historic ambiance

What People Dislike

Limited a la carte menu options

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Circa 1886 offers two distinct tasting menus: Ashley and Cooper, providing a curated culinary journey.

10Best Restaurant & Bakery Reviews

Yes, the restaurant notes that dietary restrictions can be accommodated, and they have made alterations for allergies in the past.

Google Review

Absolutely. Tucked inside the Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 is described as romantic dining personified, with an elegant and historic atmosphere.

Romantic dining in CharlestonGoogle Review

The atmosphere is romantic and elegant, set within the historic Wentworth Mansion, creating a fairytale-like dining experience.

Romantic dining in CharlestonGoogle Review

While not explicitly stated, fine dining establishments typically suggest business casual or more formal attire.

It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially for weekend evenings or holidays, to ensure a table.

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Circa 1886 Restaurant is a fine-dining restaurant with good service that offers traditional Lowcountry cuisine expertly crafted into superb dishes using locally sourced ingredients; thus, the menu changes with each season. Circa 1886 blends modern day cuisine with the Lowcountry’s extensive culinary history. From dishes like Broken Arrow Axis Venison, sunchoke hash and sunflower seed butter to Piedmontese Oxtail with conch fritter and mustard greens, the flavors tastefully join to tell the history of the multinational influences of the Lowcountry.

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The recently renovated Circa 1886, at home within the grand and stately 5-star Wentworth Mansion hotel, is a fine dining restaurant known for its elegant presentations and sophisticated atmosphere. Within the beautiful interior, Circa 1886 creates a romantic scene fit for an intimate dinner, or better yet, a sampling of desserts. If you're already destined for dinner at Circa 1886, try out the Chef's 5-Course Tasting Menu, so as not to miss out on a dessert that pairs perfectly with your wine, your appetizers and your entrees.

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Tucked inside The Wentworth Mansion, arguably one of the most stunning hotels and buildings in downtown Charleston, Circa 1886 is romantic dining personified. Culinary artistry meets historic charm and the history of the Lowcountry converges with the art of modern cuisine inside one of the city’s most storied buildings. Executive Chef Marc Collins puts an elevated spin on Lowcountry favorites like shrimp n’ grits and cornmeal-crusted flounder on its traditional dinner menu.

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Cubby hole seating for come-hither closeness, and the soup on their five-course V-Day menu. It’s chock full of erotic items, like asparagus and avocado oil, so don’t be surprised to look up from the second course to find your date undressing. The prix fixe dinner is $100 per person, featuring entrées like roasted cornmeal crusted strip steak, hedgehog mushroom foie gras potato pavé with grilled romaine and balsamic garlic demi glace.

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_**I’ve dined at Circa 1886 a number of times in my history of living in Charleston, and I’m always blown away by their ability to make every table feel like the most important table in the restaurant. The decor harkens back to colonial luxury, and they keep the lighting romantically dimmed (so go ahead pretend like it’s 1886 and just not bother taking photos of your food).

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Circa 1886 is a hidden gem located in the carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion. The executive chef serves up modern, healthier versions of Lowcountry dishes, using less butter and cream and more whole grains. The menu changes seasonally to take advantage of fresh produce, and the restaurant boasts an extensive wine list to complement the extraordinary cuisine.

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