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Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Charleston

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Charleston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of O-Ku restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2868)

$30 and under

Japanese

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

O-Ku, a Japanese restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a triumph of execution and concept. The restaurant's menu is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, and it features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are prepared with care. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are both complex and delicate. Focused on incorporating authentically Japanese flavors into the fare, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature contemporary Japanese entrées and traditional sushi of the season reflecting the uniquely designed space. Guests can enjoy chef specialties including kurobuta pulled pork don-buri, braised short rib with shiso pesto, coconut curry, and hakozushi a box-style sushi. A wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and crudos are also available. The beverage program at O-Ku is a sophisticated blend of specialty cocktails, premium sake, bubbles, red and white wines and unique beer selections.

Top review

Z

ZoeVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had the best time at oku charleston for dinner. Our server, Ella, was kind and informative when we had menu questions. We tried the akami crudo for the first time and it was SO GOOD. The flavors all blended well together, but the the star of the dish was the tuna. The manager, Esther, came to our table to chat, she was lovely and very passionate about the restaurant. Oku is consistent with both food and service, we will definitely be back!

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A photo of Dumplings of a restaurant

A photo of Lobster of a restaurant

A photo of Lobster Temaki of a restaurant

A photo of Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steak House - Charleston restaurant

Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steak House - Charleston

4.9

4.9 (16)

$31 to $50

Brazilian Steakhouse

North Charleston

About the restaurant

Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse – Authentic Churrascaria in North Charleston

Formerly Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse, Lasso Gaucho brings the bold flavors of Brazil to North Charleston with an authentic rodizio-style experience. Enjoy 16 cuts of fire-roasted USDA Prime beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, carved tableside by our skilled Gaucho chefs. Our gourmet salad bar features over 30 fresh selections, plus six hot Brazilian dishes to complement your meal.

Pair your feast with a classic caipirinha, fine South American wines, or a selection from our full bar. End with a decadent Brazilian dessert.

Conveniently located near Charleston International Airport, Lasso Gaucho is perfect for romantic dinners, group celebrations, and corporate events. Experience the best Brazilian steakhouse in Charleston with world-class hospitality and bold, unforgettable flavors!

Top review

D

Dana

Dined 3 days ago

The staff and managers warmly greeted us and kept checking on our table for drink refills and any requests. They were so kind and welcoming! The food was hot and delicious!!

A photo of Anson restaurant

4.9

4.9 (5063)

$50 and over

Southern

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |

Top review

L

Leanne

Dined 2 days ago

We come to Charleston at least once a year and always make it a point to get to Ansons. Specifically we get the whole crispy flounder!! Oh my! It is the best! And the ice cream basket for dessert! This time we included grits in our meal and they literally were the best I’ve ever had. Thank you for a beautiful experience yet again. Anson’s is well worth it and a perfect find for your special dinner!

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A photo of Whole Crispy Flounder of a restaurant

Whole Crispy Flounder

A photo of Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Pecan Pie ala Mode of a restaurant

Pecan Pie ala Mode

A photo of The Establishment restaurant

The Establishment

4.8

4.8 (2819)

$50 and over

Seafood

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Everything at The Establishment begins with well-sourced ingredients from sea and field. Through developing relationships with local farmers and fishermen, our ingredients will be consistently seasonal, fresh, and pure. Chef Elliott Howells' menu will always reflect a clean, focused, and balanced approach, delivering a selection of thoughtful and refined cuisine.

Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter a few blocks away from Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, and Waterfront Park, The Establishment features an award-winning wine cellar, over 150 bourbon and whiskey offerings, and a lively bar scene complete with daily happy hour. We feature Live Music every Friday and Saturday starting at 8:00 PM, featuring multiple local artists performing an array of musical genres. Our private dining rooms are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or business meetings. We look forward to hosting you for a casual night out or an elevated dining experience.

Top review

J

JackVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The Establishment is one of the finest restaurants in Charleston. The management and staff always provide a first class experience and wonderful seafood options uniquely prepared.

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A photo of Hokkaido Scallops of a restaurant

Hokkaido Scallops

A photo of Peaches of a restaurant

A photo of Bistronomy by Nico Downtown restaurant

Bistronomy by Nico Downtown

4.7

4.7 (299)

$31 to $50

French

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Bistronomy by Nico invites you to experience a Parisian bistro in the heart of Charleston. Led by acclaimed French Master Chef Nico Romo, this charming restaurant offers a delightful mix of classic French dishes and innovative culinary creations.

The warm and inviting ambiance features a sleek, modern interior and a long marble bar, ideal for pre-dinner drinks. The menu tempts with dishes like escargot, goat cheese spring rolls, steak frites, and tuna crudo.

Chef Romo's dedication to French cuisine is evident in every dish, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients and expert technique. The impressive wine list focuses on French varietals, and the cocktail menu includes craft cocktails, and mocktails.

Please be sure to include every member of your party in your reservation. Reservations made for a smaller party than arrives may not be able to be accommodated. Kiddos count, as well! Merci!

Top review

H

HopeVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Outdoor patio was comfortable in the summer heat. Fans are quiet and efficient. Service was excellent. Half price wine on Wednesdays! Chenin Blanc was our choice- did not disappoint! GOAT cheese spring rolls and garlic buttered baguette with sea salt was a fantastic start! The Grouper with coconut rice was very tasty! Crème Brûlée with coconut shortbread cookies was the perfect choice for 2 to share.

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A photo of Mercy of the Chef of a restaurant

Mercy of the Chef

A photo of Burwell's Stone Fire Grill restaurant

Burwell's Stone Fire Grill

4.9

4.9 (3712)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Diners Choice Ten years running, aligned with extraordinary cocktail bar, make this 14 N Market Street stop a must for steak and seafood lovers. Burwell’s is a true leader in progressing hospitality, from use of the entire resource to local ingredients not harmful to our communities or environment. From shrimp to beef, you’ll only taste the best at Burwell’s. One of a kind, unlike any steakhouse back home, and one of the must visits in Charleston. Visit while in the historic Market Distirct.

You can expect a casual, thoughtful design features highlighting Charleston and its rich history throughout. Burwell’s takes great pride in being approachable to all, with high craft memorable food, ensuring guests a warm and welcoming Charleston visit. Don't miss the Wagyu!

Best place to dine in the low country - South Magazine
One of Charleston’s “local favorites” - bon appetit grub crawl

Walk-ins welcome, Burwell’s popular bar is available for full menu dining

Plenty of parking near by

Top review

K

Katie

Dined 1 day ago

Phenomenal food and excellent service, highly recommend!

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A photo of 8 oz Filet Mignon of a restaurant

8 oz Filet Mignon

A photo of Hummingbird Cheesecake of a restaurant

Hummingbird Cheesecake

A photo of Creme Brulee of a restaurant

A photo of Jackrabbit Filly restaurant

Jackrabbit Filly

4.8

4.8 (268)

$30 and under

Chinese

North Charleston

About the restaurant

Jackrabbit Filly proudly serves award-winning, heritage driven New Chinese American cuisine in the heart of Park Circle, North Charleston. Our ingredients support local farmers and fishermen. Our wines are all-natural and support women producers. And our cocktail list supports a good time. We can't wait to have you in!

Top review

M

Marie

Dined 7 days ago

Always delicious and a wonderful experience at Jackrabbit Filly!

A photo of Victor's Seafood and Steak restaurant

Victor's Seafood and Steak

4.4

4.4 (637)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Victor’s Seafood & Steak featurees an elegant dining room with a menu serving shareable appetizers such as seafood towers, and oysters and classic steakhouse entrees, and local seafood specialties. The centerpiece bar offers signature cocktails, as well as a selection of barrel-aged cocktails, beer, and wine.

*menus subject to change, pleas visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menu

Top review

T

Terri

Dined 5 days ago

My service was excellent. My food was perfect atmosphere very nice. My waitress was spot on really enjoyed her service and kindness.

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A photo of Oysters Rockefeller of a restaurant

Oysters Rockefeller

A photo of La Rustica restaurant

4.9

4.9 (131)

$30 and under

American

Summerville

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

D

Dr FrankVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent ambiance excellent waitress excellent food !! Will be back again!!

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