CharlestonBest restaurant in Baltimore...For foodies, those seeking a perfect romantic/special occasion restaurant or just an impeccable meal on all counts, Charleston is a great choice. The menu is innovative, (how many places do you go where you really want one of each?) wine list excellent and thoughtfully paired with food, and the service outstanding.
My husband and I have had the good fortune of extensive world travel with food experiences to match. Charleston is up there with the best of the best. We are personally proud to have this gem in our city.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing!A perfect place for some seriously great food in a romantic atmosphere. Pricey but completely worth it! Only negative was that the staff was a bit too eager to clear our plates. Otherwise a fabulous dining experience.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place for a celebrationWe celebrated my Husband's birthday with a romantic dinner for 2. We loved the 4 courses that we each chose. The chef came by our table and told us more about inspiration for the restaurant. We loved Charleston, and plan to return again for another special occasion.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMElegant yet friendlyCharleston deserves its reputation as a unique and delicious place for a celebratory dinner. We chose the chef's special menu with wine parings. Everything was great, especially the cold cucumber soup appetizer, the asparagus soup, the scallops and the lamb. They emphasize local, fresh ingredients -- with some influences from French cuisine. The cheese board offered before dessert was impressive, and we loved a Gouda-like local cheese. The waiters are helpful and knowledgeable.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMOnly the best!I had dined at Charleston over 5 years ago and had hoped that the experience would not dissapoint. We went to celebrate our anniversary. The restaurant was kind enough to accomodate a change in our reservation time. We were NOT dissapointed! My Wife's lobster soup was the best dish either of us had had anywhere in the world. My fried oysters were tender and perfectly cooked, not greasy at all. Come with a big appetite, you will not want to leave behind even one bite!
The service was attentive and perfect, each plate was delivered promptly but not too fast, with an explanation of the dish. The amiance superb, the room we dined in was dressed in old southern charm and hushed but not dead quiet.
All in all one of best meals we have ever had.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMfine diningthe food is spectacular, the service extraordinary. The formality of the dining experience does not take away from the creativity of the food. the dishes were consistently executed with perfect preparations. The bison tenderloin was amazing, and the wine from the wines by the glass list, was unique, complex, and a tremendous value.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Best of Baltimore!Fantastic food, creatively presented. Love the smaller plates, multi course dinners. Love this place!6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMwonderful food and wine pairings.wonderful food and wine pairings. would recommend to anyone6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMwonderful restaurantafter several visits, I can confidently recommend Charleston for those who would like to have a superb culinary experience in a relaxed and romantic setting. Not recommended for anyone on a tight budget.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMBest of the BestThis is overall the very best meal I've had since moving to Baltimore. I can't wait to take friends here. From the free valet service to the attentive service all the way down to the delicious meal and yummy dessert. All was A+. If you are in Baltimore for a visit, you must go to Charlston.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother Great Evening at CharlestonWe dined at Charleston on Saturday 5/25. We started with well crafted cocktails (try the Vesper Martini) and some lovely complimentary appetizers. Our waiter took the time to remind us how the menu was arranged and to discuss various dishes. I thoroughly enjoyed the Lobster Soup, Roasted Beet Salad, and Buffalo Tenderloin. My husband started with the wonderful asparagus soup, moved on to enjoy the crabcake and lamb - which was excellent. We had discussed the foie gras but decided not to try it, our waiter surprised us by brining it to us with the chef's compliments and she stopped by to see if we enjoyed it - it was fantastic!!
The food, service and ambience are top notch. Charleston is one of our top 5 dining experiences.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always, outstanding food,As always, outstanding food, drink and service. Pricey but well worth it for a special occasion.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMBest everIt is perhaps unfair to say that our dinner this time was the best ever, because all of our meals at Charleston are wonderful, but this time was particularly wonderful. Service, food, wine--all perfect. My wife and I have been to Michelin-starred restaurants around the world and they have nothing on Charleston. Baltimore is fortunate to have a restaurant like this. Kudos (as always) to Tony and Cindy for providing us with the fruits of their considerable talents!5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother great Charleston mealWhile headed to this dinner, my wife and I tried to guess how many times we have dined at Charleston. We estimated we have had about 50 meals there. Every single one, including the most recent one, was outstanding. Everything about the restaurant is outstanding and it is very consistent.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMA favorite restaurant in Baltimore!Our second visit to Charleston - it was as good as I remember it being a year ago when we were in town. Food and service are outstanding. Highly recommend the wine pairings. It is not an inexpensive dinner, but we come away feeling that we have not been overcharged for the overall dining experience. And it is an experience! Love being able to select any three, four, etc courses - not limited to an appetizer, salad, entree, etc. Love Charleston!!5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb food experienceThe atmosphere and food were the best I have ever found in Baltimore. Outstanding!5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMAt the TopI had not been to Baltimore in over 13 years. Charleston was at the top of my dining list after a excellent meal in 2000. I was shocked at how much this restaurant has matured during that time. The wine list is extensive and expensive but has a number of quality choices that are reasonable prices. The sommelier was very knowledgeable and conversed with us for several minutes even though he knew we were not ordering an expensive bottle. The menu had so many great sounding dishes that it was difficult to select just three or four. Each selection was beautifully plated and served by an expertly trained staff. This is a first rate dining experience on the order with any in the region.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingly!We came here for a belated Mother's Day and I have to say my mom was completely taken back by the meal and experience she had. That's pretty much all I needed to know we picks the perfect place to celebrate. At the end of the night, my mom said, " I think this was the best meal I ever had. And you know that I've been to some top notch restaurants." Overall we were all very pleased with the experience and would definitely go back there for another special occasion.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMSmell the RosesWith all the activity in Baltimore, this restaurant helps you relax and enjoy an orchestration of wonderfully prepared and presented food. Wait staff is excellent, not stuffy, and willing to spend a few moments in conversation if you wish it. The lagniappes were bountiful. Portions were an excellent size and cheese selections were delectable. Very pricey.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AM20th Wedding Anniversary/5/15/2013I must share with everyone who is thinking of celebrating a special occasion, believe me, you will certainly congratulate yourself after choosing this venue. I vouch to say, Charleston is the very best decision we have made in a restaurant. I vote this restaurant to be the finest dining experience!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful ambience, exquisiteWonderful ambience, exquisite food (especially the lobster curry soup), and service that meets your every need. Went to The Charleston for a special occasion and it was certainly worth every pretty penny.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply the best!We have frequented Charleston over the years that we have been in Baltimore because the dishes are thoughtful and well crafted, even with an ever changing menu. But for me, it's the restaurant's staff that puts Charleston above the rest. I am fortunate to frequent many of the best restaurants throughout the US- while I always enjoy a delightful meal it, I truly appreciate a solid team working together flawlessly within a restaurant. Charleston has the most wonderful group of individuals on staff. If you are ever in Baltimore, do yourself a favor and plan a dinner at Charleston- you will be glad that you did!5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingCharleston was simply outstanding in every way. Food melted in your mouth. Each bite was unique and fabulous. I wish I could dine here every day! Top of my list of favorite restaurants! Well deserved. Every detail was well planned and executed. Lovely!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe BESTThis is hands down the best experience I've had in a restaurant of any type. The service was beyond expectation, so good in fact that it set a new mark for how a high-end restaurant really ought to be. The food was exceptional backed up with helpful and thoughtful staff and came out nothing short of perfect. The ambience was quiet, intimate, and perfectly fitting for such a great restuarant. After such a great experience, the price I paid for the meals was more than fair. If you've ever wondered what a perfect restaurant experience feels like, hastly make your way to Charleston. Even with high expectations it will still blow your mind.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMHigh expectations metI had been wanting to dine at Charleston for a few yearsn but I had balked at paying its high price point. However, for the occasion of finishing graduate school, I figured that it was now or never. The service was perfect and the food was some of the best that I have ever had. Each dish was flavorful and properly cooked without ant flavor being too dominant over the others. Although the portion sizes are not generous, I felt that I enjoyed the food more not having to try to stuff in each oversized portion. Too many nice aspects from this experience to recount here, but suffice it say, I will be returning for my next special occasion.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBest dining expericence EVER!Without question, the best dining experience EVER (in over 60 years!!).5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother great experienceEvery visit helps lock in Charleston as our favorite restaurant in Baltimore. Attentive service from knowledgeable staff. Every one of our dishes was excellently prepared. There were four of us, and we each had four courses (not incl dessert) so we had lots to try from each of our plates. The halibut, lamb, and scallop dishes were truly noteworthy. It was one of our guest's birthday, and chef Cindy Wolf came out to the table to extend her wishes. She is warm and approachable - not always the case with other chefs. An excellent dining experience - you will not be disappointed.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful eating experience!My 2 sons and I enjoyed an outstanding dining experience last night at Charleston. The service was wonderful and the food, wine and presentation was outstanding!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful dinner for my wife'sWonderful dinner for my wife's birthday. She was very happy that several different people told her happy birthday throughout the evening. Food was fantastic and service was wonderful. A great experience that everyone should try at least one time.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMBest dining experience in Bmore.I took my parents there who are big goodies and they said it was better than restaurants they've gone to in Paris. The asparagus soup was to die for, fabulous menu, excellent wine pairings... A really special, elegant experience.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways fabulousNothing more to say-Charleston is the best restaurant in the city.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat nightMenu had great variety of choices. Food presentation was excellent and boy did it taste good. Staff were friendly and professional. I highly recommend the wine pairings BUT be prepared to walk home or take a cab. Can't wait to go back again5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary DinnerTaking advantage of a gift card lessened the "sticker shock" and overall it was an excellent dining experience. Exactly what one would want when celebrating a special occasion. An impressive range of food courses and wine accompaniments allowed us to sample a wide range of the menu offerings (allowing us to share twice the variety by each ordering a different set of courses). All levels of service were exemplary. We would highly recommend Charleston for that special dining occasion.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWould be total 5 star butWould be total 5 star but 1) service falls off at dessert, took very long for dessert to arrive by which time coffee was stone cold. -need to serve coffee and dessert simultaneously 2); no hand towels or hand dryer in ladies room -have no alternative but to drip dry4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOur third time there and itOur third time there and it gets better and better! Took some friends from out of town to dinner with us, everything was beyond amazing! Can't wait for out forth trip!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding in every wayIf Michelin were in Baltimore, this restaurant would be at the top of their list. We had trouble deciding what to order, everything on the menu sounded fabulous. Service is professional and friendly. The food is beautiful to look at and loaded with flavor. We had a drink, an incredible 4 course meal with wine pairings, tax and tip in the $350 area. Dessert is "complimentary". Yes, costly, but we felt it is worth every penny when you are ready for a very special dining experience. There are several dining rooms, we had a view of the kitchen, which I enjoyed.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMNEW FAVORITE!As a first-time patron, I can truly say this is my NEW FAVORITE RESTAURANT! The fried oysters were spectacular, the lamb was succulent, the lobster soup was amazing, and the desserts were to die for... OUTSTANDING!4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful time and absolutelyWonderful time and absolutely amazing food. The unique menu allows you to order a number of different items (all items are smaller in size and and the traditional "courses" are not observed as you can choose 3, 4, or 5 courses of whatever you would like). Expensive but more than just dinner, it is an experience!4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb Baltimore RestaurantCharleston is good on every test. Service, food and ambiance outstanding.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was excellent, theThe food was excellent, the staff attentive and friendly, and an extensive wine list. Highly recommended.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWhile we thought everythingWhile we thought everything was fantastic, nothing stood out. We frequent fine dining restaurants and this one was overpriced for what you recieved. We could have eaten similar quality food and recieved the same excellent service at other locations for half the price. Again, it was wonderful, but the price was not worth it.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you want to be treatedIf you want to be treated like a king & queen, this is the place to go!
The service is top notch. Everything is explained in detail, the staff is very attentive, and each course is started with clean plates and silverware. The food is divine; even though portions are small, they are prepared with such care and quality that you want to savor each bite! Chef Cindy came out to greet her guests and is very gracious and humble.
My friends told me "to eat before you come" but I didn't find that necessary. Even my 260 lb husband thought the meal was filling. Of course he ordered the 6 course meal!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAn amazing dinner! Was takenAn amazing dinner! Was taken here for a date, and absolutely loved it!4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMI have been to CharlestonI have been to Charleston about 7 or 8 times and have previously done this survey. This is a great restaurant and the food is excellent.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb tranquil great foodSuperb tranquil great food professional staff. Would recommend to any serious foodie.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThe service was amazing! IThe service was amazing! I also enjoyed the freedom of ordering the courses any way I wanted. Next time I am in Baltimore I will be back!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was my husbands 60th birthdayIt was my husbands 60th birthday and it was a great place to celebrate. The staff was great and everyone wished him happy birthday. The bar tender was great. Third best cosmopolitan I have ever had. The waiter was excellent. We allowed him to pick our dinner and wine pairings for the evening. He made sure to call a taxi for us when we left and I appreciated that. Highly recommend this restaurant.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, oddly bad serviceI had a mixed experience. We had reservations for 4, but they nicely accommodated a 5th at the last minute. so they get points for that. The food was wonderful, the oysters especially are an absolute do not miss. The guy who went over the cheese tray was inspired. On the other hand..while we waited at the empty bar the bartender kept his back turned to us...we said "excuse me" once to no response, and then a second time, at which point he very irritably said he would get to us in a minute. Bar empty. BAck turned. That wasn't right. Then, once we were seated, they did not offer us drinks or a menu for at least 45 minutes. We flagged a waitperson. Then they didn't take an order for another awkward 30 minutes or so.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is very possibly theThis is very possibly the best meal I have ever had. And I have patronized some stellar restaurants. What is for sure, is the the service here is as good as anything I have ever experienced. Simply exquisite. The food is also incredible. I recommend it highly.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe overall dining experienceThe overall dining experience was one to remember. All of the courses were delicious and the presentations were impeccable. I would recommend The Charlston to anyone and I will be back very soon!4/10/2013 12:00:00 AM