
Circa 1886 Restaurant
Experience top-tier fine dining in Charleston with elevated Lowcountry cuisine and a fairytale ambiance in the historic Wentworth Mansion.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Circa 1886 Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience top-tier fine dining in Charleston with elevated Lowcountry cuisine and a fairytale ambiance in the historic Wentworth Mansion.
"This was probably one of the best, if not the best, restaurants I have been to in my entire life."
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.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American (Lowcountry)
Price
$$$
Phone
(843) 853-7828
Address
149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Exceptional Desserts
Indulge in exquisite desserts like Baked Alaska, Chocolate Cake, and White Chocolate Cheesecake, a perfect end to a meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Circa 1886 offers two distinct tasting menus: Ashley and Cooper, providing a curated culinary journey.
Yes, the restaurant notes that dietary restrictions can be accommodated, and they have made alterations for allergies in the past.
Absolutely. Tucked inside the Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 is described as romantic dining personified, with an elegant and historic atmosphere.
The atmosphere is romantic and elegant, set within the historic Wentworth Mansion, creating a fairytale-like dining experience.
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.
Mentioned in
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A Taste of Charleston, Old-School and New
Clockwise from top left: Seafood tower at the Ordinary; lemon ice box pie at Circa 1886; beer at Edmund’s Oast; crab cake at Charleston Grill; roasted spring onions at the Ordinary.Credit...Hunter McRae for The New York Times
The Best Restaurants in Charleston SC for Dinner, Lunch, and Breakfast
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.
Romantic dining in Charleston
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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Husk, Muse, Zero George, and Circa 1886 are in adaptively used historic residences and carriage houses, where guests are seated in formal dining rooms and parlors, while Hall’s, High Cotton, and Peninsula Grill are located in spacious historic commercial buildings recalling the city’s nineteenth century heyday. Topsail and the Old Post Office greet Mount Pleasant diners, and there is a new Hall’s for Summerville residents in Nexton community.
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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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Compressed in its narrow strip of land, lapped by its placid harbour, tumbled into its tiny islands, Charleston is a city of rich cultural history and architectural marvels – old ornate mansions, churches and forts – its downtown lined with gourmet restaurants.” So writes Paul Theroux in Deep South and, without meaning to, seems to capture the spirit of Circa 1886. Courtesy of Circa 1886. Courtesy of Circa 1886
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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).
Charleston's Most Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Day
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).
Best Charleston Restaurants (2025) | Best Fine Dining in Charleston
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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For those looking for a unique and memorable fine dining experience, look no further than Circa 1886. Voted the thirteenth best fine dining restaurant in America by Tripadvisor, Circa 1886 takes pride in serving healthy renditions of distinctive southern dishes. They take a local approach to fine dining, serving up locally sourced food with family-like service.
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Circa 1886 in Charleston is a restaurant that perfectly melds the past and present into delicious dishes. The restaurant ranked 10th on the list. Housed in a historic carriage house, Circa 1886 offers Lowcountry inspired dishes, such as the cornmeal crusted flounder, with sea island peas, vanilla tomato raisins, crab rice cake and collard green sauce.
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Southern grilled cheese with pimento cheese mousse, grilled brioche, ham, paddlefish caviar and cured yolk powder served at Circa 1886 on Nov. 13, 2019, in Charleston. Circa 1886 was one of the four Charleston restaurants featured on Tripadvisor's latest list of the top 25 fine-dining restaurants in the United States. File/Grace Beahm Alford/Staff
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For extremely fine dining, try Circa 1886 behind the historic Wentworth Mansion for modern Lowcountry cuisine and charming décor. In Charleston, service reigns, and it’s beyond reproach at Circa, whose large, elegant dining room with 19th century design and beautiful old oak trees under the gazebo outside beckon you in.
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Located on Wentworth Street, directly behind the Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 Restaurant is an American contemporary restaurant ranked #4 of 553 Restaurants in Charleston. It receives 4.5 stars and is known for always highlighting what is local and in season. It offers a full bar along with private dining options.
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Located in what once housed the stables and carriages on the property of Wentworth Mansion®, Circa 1886 Restaurant offers a stunning backdrop for bridal celebrations in downtown Charleston. The expert staff and beautiful indoor & outdoor event spaces create unique, personalized, and memorable occasions.
14 Places to Have Romantic Dinners in Charleston
Located inside the historic downtown Wentworth Mansion, this fine dining restaurant offers a seasonal and local menu with elevated Lowcountry cuisine. Executive Chef Marc Collins and Executive Pastry Chef Ashley Cardona will treat your taste buds. You can pick also from Circa 1866’s extensive wine list.
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Circa 1886: Transport yourself to a bygone era of romance at Circa 1886, located in the historic carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion. Indulge in a menu showcasing local ingredients and modern dishes infused with Charleston's rich history, amidst the backdrop of timeless elegance.
Highest-rated fine dining restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina, according to Tripadvisor
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,290 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Contemporary– Price: $$$$– Address: 149 Wentworth Street Behind the Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, SC 29401– Read more on Tripadvisor
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Although the building retains its classic charm, the food here has a modern (and delicious) twist. Circa 1886 regularly ranks among the finest restaurants in downtown Charleston SC, and the prices reflect this!. It’s somewhere to go for a really special romantic evening.
Charleston Historic District Fine Dining Restaurant
Welcome to Circa 1886 Restaurant, where our menus are a testament to the artistry of exceptional dining. Step into a world of culinary discovery as we proudly present our distinctive array of offerings, each designed to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Highest-rated Southern Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina by Diners
- Rating: 4.5/5 (384 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 149 Wentworth St. Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: New American, Southern- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:Highest-rated steak restaurants in the Charleston, South Carolina area by diners
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If you're looking for a restaurant with an exceptional wine selection, 10 Charleston restaurant's earned Wine Spectator magazine awards in 2021, among them: Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Halls Chophouse, Peninsula Grill and SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar.
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Located in the carriage house of the beautiful, and historic, Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 offers romance and charm to visitors with its rustic décor and fabulous cuisine. The food is described as a modern take on the Lowcountry’s classic dining.
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Circa 1886 offers a “refined dining experience” in a spectacular location- the original carriage house of Wentworth Mansion. It features “a creative menu bursting with flavors, and experience unrivaled Southern hospitality.” See the menu here.
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Located in downtown Charleston, Circa 1886 is more than just a fine dining restaurant – it also serves as a stunning event venue. Our experienced staff can help you plan and execute a personalized and unforgettable event, whether it’s an an
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1886 is a culinary treasure located in the heart of Charleston's historic district. Their menu, inspired by the rich history of the city, blends traditional techniques with modern creativity. Visit Website for location and menu.
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149 Wentworth StCharleston, SC 29401(843) 853-7828 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Housed inside Wentworth Mansion, this romantic space is a solid pick for fine dining in Charleston.
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Located in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion®, Circa 1886 has long reigned as one of the finest dining establishments in downtown Charleston.
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For fine dining in Charleston, Halls Chophouse andCirca 1886 Restaurant made the U.S. top 10 list at No. 3 and No. 10, respectively.
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Make it even better with the Grand Mansion Suite and at least one visit to Circa 1886 Restaurant for their amazing seasonal menu.
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