8 romantic restaurants in Charleston for every kind of date

When it comes to planning a flawless first date, the right vibes are just as important as the food; you want a place that isn’t overly loud or too hushed and a setting that smooths over any awkward moments. The Darling checks all those boxes with a crowd-pleasing menu of oyster shooters, seafood towers, fried fish baskets, and burgers. The best seat in the house is by the raw bar near the front window, where you’ll be entertained by bustling King Street views.

A local food journey at a rustic-chic spot is bound to impress your date. At Sorghum and Salt, the ultra-seasonal New American menu changes daily, though dishes are always heavy on the produce. Chillier months bring options such as scallops with celery root, shiitake, and watercress or butter beans with focaccia, feta, and sea bean vinaigrette. To focus solely on your date and get better acquainted, leave the decision-making to the chefs and opt for the four- or six-course tasting menu.

Nothing enhances a special anniversary like a decadent French meal in a gorgeous dining room. Find both at Brasserie la Banque, a locally beloved spot in historic downtown. Start your celebration with caviar, chilled oysters, escargot, or foie gras. Mains include classics such as steak frites, coq au vin, and duck cassoulet; all pair well with the exceptional French wine list. Be sure to save room for dessert, because the top-notch choices here include crepe cake, chocolate mousse, tarts, and profiteroles. Pro-tip: start—or end—your romantic evening with a martini or a manhattan at Bar Vaute, the cozy bar downstairs.

Tempest’s nautical dining room is an elegant backdrop for a celebratory night out together. But it’s the installation by local artist Honey McCrary that’s the true scene stealer. The 100,000-piece stained glass creation on the restaurant’s ceiling adds a wow factor to any anniversary or romantic milestone. The seafood-focused menu is just as innovative, featuring local bounty such as Lowcountry oysters from the Ace Basin and sheepshead with perloo (a savory rice dish), shrimp, and sauce Americaine. Whether you and your SO are perched indoors or out, Tempest’s dimly lit atmosphere fits the bill for an enchanting evening.

Paris is always a romantic idea—and so is escaping to Maison. The petite but popular French bistro is led by executive chef Vandy Vanderwarker (formerly of The Ordinary). Vanderwarker’s menu marries traditional French fare, such as burgundy escargot and rabbit en croute, with more casual dishes including steak frites. Large glass windows allow a peek into the bustling bistro. French wines grace the drinks menu, rounding out the transportive European ambiance for you and your date.

Indaco’s farmhouse-inspired interiors, dressed in natural woods and white brick, are ideal for lively conversations. And its rustic Italian plates, which include black pepper tagliatelle with a runny egg yolk, housemade salumi, and wood-fired pizzas, were made for devouring with multiple friends. Parties of four or more can enjoy a meal at a pair of butcher block tables or out on the streetside patio. Sign up for one of Indaco’s regular wine dinners for an exceptionally great group date.

Royal service awaits at Oak, a classic steakhouse in a former bank building. Each of the three floors boasts a distinctly different vibe: downstairs is where you sit to see and be seen, while the upper levels are more intimate. No matter what vibe and area is right for you, you’ll be treated to attentive service and a luxurious menu, worthy of your momentous evening. Signature steak options include filet mignon, prime ribeye, and a porterhouse to share with upgrade options such as scallops Oscar. The wine selection features an impressive by-the-glass list as well as half bottles and magnums, ideal for your extra-special toast.

Pop the question at one of the area’s prettiest waterfront restaurants. From Charleston, a visit to The Kingstide begins with a leisurely 30-minute ferry ride to Daniel Island, setting the tone for an epic evening. Executive chef Kevin Getzewich’s menu focuses on fresh and seasonal dishes with solid seafood options such as crab fried rice and Lowcountry chowder. Sit inside the nautical dining room or on one of the multiple terraces overlooking the Wando River. Or propose at The Kingstide’s scenic rooftop, equipped with its own raw bar and small plates menu.