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Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Charleston

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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 (2880)

$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

S

Steve

Dined 3 days ago

The menu was outstanding....everything our group of four ordered was delicious. The Wild mushroom appetizer....the Wagyu spoons, angry salmon roll....all truly excellent. Service was attentive and friendly and the energy in the restaurant was delightfully lively.

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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 Burwell's Stone Fire Grill restaurant

Burwell's Stone Fire Grill

4.9

4.9 (3721)

$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

E

Ed

Dined 2 days ago

Parking is the only problem. It is nearly impossible (free or paid) to find a parking space. The food, the service, everything was perfect and I almost got into a fight because I saw a guy getting ready to leave and asked him to wait until my guest could turn at the traffic light. Of course, he got irate because I nicely asked the gent leaving to wait, and he was in front of her. But the guy leaving put his car back in park and left the guy wanting his spot to move on. It was just the way it was.

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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 Anson restaurant

4.9

4.9 (5081)

$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

H

HeatherVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful evening. Mike is the ultimate Southern gentleman and host. His management of the restaurant makes every guest feel like they are home. Lea Melissa provided 5 star service. My daughter felt well celebrated on her birthday with lovely chocolate scripting on her dessert plate. The salads we ordered were refreshing and creative. The beet salad with fresh burrata made our hearts smile. The summer salad of arugula, fresh strawberries, candied sunflower seeds, balsamic vinegar drizzled with local honey was a song of summer. The fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese (sans the bacon jam) for us, were scrumptious. Our entrees, grouper in a curry sauce, and halibut in a lighter lemon butter sauce were delicacy dives. The chocolate cake with ice cream and chocolate sauce delighted my daughter. Bravo, Anson!! Always a treat on our trips to Charleston. A dining must for anyone visiting or living in the area.

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A photo of Whole Crispy Flounder of a restaurant

Whole Crispy Flounder

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A photo of Pecan Pie ala Mode of a restaurant

Pecan Pie ala Mode

A photo of Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steak House - Charleston restaurant

Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steak House - Charleston

4.9

4.9 (19)

$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

P

Porsha

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Excellent service and great options on the food bar. Would definitely go back when in North Charleston again.

A photo of The Establishment restaurant

The Establishment

4.8

4.8 (2830)

$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

N

Nicholas

Dined 6 days ago

The food and service was wonderful. Everything was paced well and our server made sure we were taken care of.

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A photo of Hokkaido Scallops of a restaurant

Hokkaido Scallops

A photo of Peaches of a restaurant

A photo of Kersey House restaurant

4.7

4.7 (85)

$30 and under

French

Summerville

About the restaurant

Kersey House invites you to experience a slice of Parisian charm in Summerville. This beautifully restored historic home offers a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner. Chef Nico Romo, South Carolina's only French Master Chef, presents a menu that highlights classic French cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients. From delectable escargots to perfectly seared duck breast, each dish reflects Chef Romo's dedication to simple, elegant dining. Kersey House also features a stunning event space, ideal for weddings, private parties, and corporate gatherings. The manicured garden and flexible setup options create an unforgettable experience tailored to your needs. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner or hosting a memorable gathering, Kersey House promises an exceptional culinary journey. 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.

Top review

D

Dee

Dined 4 days ago

We had a lovely anniversary dinner upstairs! Service was incredible, and the food was delicious!

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A photo of Kersey’s Bastille Feast of a restaurant

Kersey’s Bastille Feast

A photo of Mercy of the Chef at Kersey House of a restaurant

Mercy of the Chef at Kersey House

A photo of Peninsula Grill restaurant

Peninsula Grill

4.6

4.6 (8158)

$50 and over

American

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Peninsula Grill is an AAA Four-Diamond restaurant located in the heart of Charleston’s renowned Historic District. It has garnered recognition from prestigious publications such as Departures, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and Wine Spectator.

The Peninsula Grill Dining Room exudes the luxurious atmosphere of a supper club, with velvet-lined walls in shimmering oyster tones, woven seagrass accents, and indigenous cypress molding. Adjacent to the dining area, the Peninsula Grill Champagne Bar is an intimate jewel-box space offering a selection of champagnes.

A proud member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of exceptional restaurants and hotels in romantic destinations worldwide, Peninsula Grill invites guests to experience unparalleled dining. Business casual attire is requested, with collared shirts required for gentlemen in the Dining Room.

Top review

D

Diana

Dined 3 days ago

Service was extraordinary(as always). Food is fantastic and beautifully presented. Excellent selection of wine and great cocktails. Highly recommend stopping by for a drink and/or eating at the bar if you’re unable to get a reservation.

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A photo of The Ultimate Coconut Cake of a restaurant

The Ultimate Coconut Cake

A photo of Diver Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Seafood Tower of a restaurant

A photo of Oscar's of Summerville restaurant

Oscar's of Summerville

4.6

4.6 (95)

$31 to $50

American

Summerville

About the restaurant

Oscar's of Summerville is an upscale casual restaurant that specializes in serving traditional American favorites and other creative cuisine. Oscar's of Summerville offers a full-service bar, seating in the main dining room or lounge as well as a porch or private banquet room. The menu features small plates of steamed PEI mussels, smoked gouda grit cakes, lump crab cakes, jumbo shrimp cocktail, cheesy mushrooms and coconut fried shrimp. Other offerings at Oscar's of Summerville include soups, sides and grilled entrées. Items off the grill are served with choice of side, sauce and salad. Additional entrées include grilled chicken breast, chicken carbonara and shrimp and grits.

Top review

V

VickiVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Food was delicious Charles is a wonderful and knowledgeable server Our favorite place

A photo of 843 KOREAN BBQ & SUSHI HOUSE restaurant

843 KOREAN BBQ & SUSHI HOUSE

4.4

4.4 (520)

$30 and under

Korean

North Charleston

About the restaurant

843 Korean BBQ and Sushi offers a delectable menu featuring traditional Korean BBQ dishes like Bulgogi and Kimchi, as well as a wide variety of sushi options. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing glass of Soju and end the night with some fun karaoke!

Top review

K

Keith

Dined 6 days ago

Food and Service was very good, but the place is in need of a complete re-model. Had to wait for the host for some time to be seated

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