Most Romantic Fine Dining Restaurants in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

A city known for romance, Charleston, South Carolina is also recognized as a culinary treasure. Gifted chefs with access to fresh local ingredients turn out tantalizing cuisine that is unique to Charleston. A romantic date night is instantly special when enjoyed at one of these fine restaurants, where exceptional food combined with charming ambiance creates an irresistibly intimate evening.

Celebrate your love in high style. Whether it's a first date or a special anniversary, there are plenty of romantic date options available in Charleston. Here are 3 of the best upscale romantic restaurants in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley (off of East Bay Street)
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
843-577-0025
www.mccradysrestaurant.com

McCrady's is a treat for the senses from the moment you enter the restaurant. Hidden down a cobblestone alley off of East Bay Street, McCrady's is resplendent in old-world grace and charm. Originally built in 1778, McCrady's is located in a registered National Historic Landmark Building in the French Quarter District in Charleston.

Honoring a bygone era, the bar area and the dining room skillfully combine simplicity with sophistication. The same can be said for the food. Chef Sean Brock is passionate about clean, fresh ingredients and is committed to using local produce. Many of the vegetables and meats come from the restaurant's farm.

McCrady's dishes up a flavorful and unique blend of contemporary American cuisine. The menu is creative, the service is impeccable, the plates are beautiful, and the food is inspired. All this plus an extensive wine list makes McCrady's the perfect restaurant for a romantic date.

To heighten the romance, request a table near the oversized fireplace.

Click here for a virtual tour of McCrady's Restaurant. Click the links on this page to review the dinner menu, the Chef's Tasting Menu, the 3-course Market Menu, the snack-bar menu and the amazing dessert menu.

Additional considerations:
- Reservations are recommended, walk-ins are accepted
- Dress is business casual
- Bar hours from 5:00pm - until
- Dinner hours: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm
- Not open for lunch
- Prices range from $31 - $50 USD
- Major credit cards accepted
- Wheelchair accessible
- 2 public parking garages within 1 1/2 blocks of the restaurant
- Street parking is also available

Charleston Grill
224 King Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
843-577-4522
www.charlestongrill.com

A list of Charleston's top romantic restaurants must include the Charleston Grill; the epitome of southern elegance and refinement. An intimate vibe and live jazz music establish Charleston Grill as one of Charleston's most treasured hot spots.

With an overall emphasis on fresh food, the Charleston Grill menu is sectioned into four categories: Lush (lavish French-American), Pure (fresh and simple), Southern (Charleston classic) and Cosmopolitan (creative and exotic). The selections within each category change seasonally.

Located in the Charleston Place hotel, the 4-star restaurant's paneled walls, padded chairs and warm lighting create an intimacy that is truly romantic. The extensive wine list compliments the romantic atmosphere, making Charleston Grill a top choice for any special occasion.

For an added romantic touch ask for a table overlooking the interior courtyard.

Click here to experience the sights and sounds of Charleston Grill and click the links on this page to see what's on the creative and ever-changing menu.

Additional considerations:
- Reservations are recommended, walk-ins are accepted
- Dress is business casual in the dining room. Jackets and ties are not required
- Bar opens at 5:00pm daily
- Dinner hours: Sunday - Thursday: 6:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 6:00pm - 10:30pm
- Not open for lunch
- Prices range from $31 - $50 USD
- Major credit cards accepted
- Wheelchair accessible
- Valet parking is available through the Charleston Place hotel on Hasell Street
- Street parking is also available

Peninsula Grill
112 North Market Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
843-723-0700
http://www.peninsulagrill.com

Romance your sweetheart at Charleston's elegant four-star Peninsula Grill, located in the Planters Inn hotel. Luxuriant velvet upholstered walls, beautiful antique Cyprus woodwork and 19th-century oil paintings adorn this high-style, romantic restaurant.

Traditional Lowcountry food with an upscale attitude, the Peninsula Grill offers sophisticated dining in an elegant Charleston setting. The menu changes seasonally but there is always a steak and a seafood option available. If your idea of romance includes true Southern hospitality, the Peninsula grill captures the essence of Charleston.

Since special occasions are often indulgent, top off your romantic meal with a slice of Peninsula Grill's signature Ultimate Coconut Cake. This dessert, based on the Executive Chef's grandmother's recipe, has made national headlines for years. This decadent confection serves as a wedding cake for many Charleston brides and is so popular that it is available for purchase online and shipped nationwide.

Amp up the romance; ask for a table with views of the lush garden and reflecting pool.

Click here to see images of the Peninsula Grill and their beautifully plated entrees. Click the links on this page to peruse a representative menu and review the extensive wine list.

Additional considerations:
- Reservations are recommended, walk-ins are accepted
- Dress is business casual. A jacket is requested but not required for men. For women, a dress or slacks is suggested
- Breakfast hours: Monday - Friday: 7:00am - 10:00am, Saturday - Sunday: 8:00am - 11:00am
- Dinner hours: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm
- Not open for lunch
- Prices range from $31 - $50 USD
- Major credit cards accepted
- Wheelchair accessible
- Off street parking is available in the parking garage on Hayne street
- Street parking is also available

Sources:
Personal experience
McCrady's Restaurant, Charleston Grill and Peninsula Grill Websites