Welcome to Circa 1886
An Elevated Culinary Experience

Welcome to Circa 1886 Restaurant, where contemporary cuisine meets historic charm inside the original carriage house of Wentworth Mansion®. Discover imaginative tasting menus, seasonal ingredients, and an intimate fine dining experience that has made Circa 1886 one of Charleston’s most acclaimed restaurants.

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EXPLORE OUR MENUS FOR DINNER, WINE, AND COCKTAILS.

Discover the flavors that define Circa 1886.

Menus
Private Gatherings

Intimate Celebrations

From anniversaries and family reunions to weddings and rehearsal dinners, our staff is experienced in creating unique, personalized, and memorable events.

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Events & Experiences

Celebrate the art of fine taste

Discover the art of celebration at Circa 1886. From elegant wine and cocktail classes to extraordinary seasonal events, each experience invites you to savor the creativity, craftsmanship, and charm that define Charleston’s most refined gatherings.

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A Legacy of Charleston Hospitality

Our Story

Discover the story of Circa 1886—where Charleston’s rich history and timeless setting at Wentworth Mansion® meet the creativity and dedication of the culinary team who bring our vision to life.

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Executive Chef

Marc Collins

Executive Chef Marc Collins has been masterfully creating culinary magic for more than 20 years, transforming any ordinary night out into a spectacular experience.

 

Meet The Team
  • "Our dining experience surpassed our expectations."
    It is well beyond time that the Michelin folks award at least two stars to Circa 1886. In our experience, it has met or surpassed that standard on every occasion. For 15 years. Thank you Circa, for so many truly memorable meals!
    Gail R.
  • "Top-notch dining experience"
    What an amazing dining experience this was. Set in what was once the carriage house. Beautifully decorated and a lovely restful experience. Our waiter was superb (and we connected immediately with him as he is originally from the same state and area as we live). My husband and I each had the tasting menu. He had the Cooper Menu and I had the Ashley Menu. The food was absolutely top rate! If you want a quiet, elegant meal, I highly recommend Circa 1886.
    C6239KKmonicad | Nashua, New Hampshire | 4/30/23
  • "Perfection!"
    Husband and I had each of the 5-course tasting menus. The service all around was top-notch. Wine pairings were perfection, and the quality and quantity of food was amazing. Best meal. I cannot speak highly enough of this hidden gem!
    dpp74 | St. Augustine, Florida | 12/31/22

Awards & Accolades

Celebrating Excellence

Top 1% Worldwide
Best of the Best Date Night Restaurant
Tripadvisor 2025
Pastry Chef of the Year
Executive Pastry Chef Ashley Cardona
Stars of the Industry 2025
Best of
Award of Excellence
Wine Spectator since 2004
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Dec 17

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Sometimes it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest impact. That final sweet bite, perfectly presented and savored slowly, is the moment that stays with you long after the last course. Explore our full menu through the link in bio and see what awaits. 🍓 #Circa1886 #CharlestonDining #Pastry #TastingMenu #CulinaryExperience #FineDining #SweetTreat #HolyCityEats #BehindTheScenes #Charleston #VisitCharleston #Dessert

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Dec 15

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Every dish begins with intention, and the dining room is where it all comes together. 🕯️ Chef Marc Collins shares the stories behind Circa 1886’s menus in our blog—discover how seasonal ingredients, inventive flavor pairings, and decades of experience shape every plate. Link in bio! #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #NewMenu #CharlestonEats #LuxuryHospitality #MeetTheTeam

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Dec 13

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New to the menu and always changing. 🐡 Our Catch of the Day changes with the tide, served over White Acre Pea Cream Stew with smoked trout, spinach, and artichokes. Come see what the culinary team is cooking up—reserve via the link in bio. #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #BehindTheScenes #LuxuryHospitality #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #NewMenu #CharlestonEats #VisitCharleston #Foodie

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Dec 11

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Looking for a holiday gift that goes beyond the ordinary? Treat someone special to Sommelier Anne Hampton’s Secrets of the Sommeliers experience. 🍷 Through guided tastings and curated pairings, she transforms every sip into a story. Learn more or book through the link in our bio. #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #Sommelier #WineLover #LuxuryHospitality #MeetTheTeam #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #Holiday #Gifting #Experiences

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Dec 6

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Help us welcome Antoinette, the newest member of the Circa 1886 team! Her love for farm-to-table cooking, Italian-inspired warmth, and artistry on the plate shines through in everything she creates. We’re thrilled to have her in our kitchen as she completes her culinary externship and continues learning alongside our team. #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #SousChef #LuxuryHospitality #MeetTheTeam #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience

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Dec 4

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A soufflé may be hard to wrap, but the experience behind it is easy to give. Celebrate the season with a Circa 1886 gift card and share a night they’ll truly remember. Visit the link in our bio to shop today! #Circa1886 #CharlestonDining #Pastry #TastingMenu #CulinaryExperience #FineDining #SweetTreat #HolyCityEats #Gifting #Charleston #VisitCharleston #Dessert

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Dec 2

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A moment of cheers sets the tone for the night. 🥂 Celebrate New Year’s Eve with us at Circa 1886, where Chef Marc Collins’ multi-course menu, candlelit charm, and warm hospitality create an evening worthy of new beginnings. Visit the link in our bio to secure your table! #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #CharlestonEvents #NYE #Events

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Nov 30

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For the person who has it all, give the gift of experience this holiday season with Shaking with the Seasons. 🍸 This hands-on class teaches different spirits shape a cocktail and how to use fresh, seasonal ingredients to mix delicious drinks at home. Book this holiday gift to remember through the link in bio! #Circa1886 #Cocktails #Cocktailsofinstagram #Cocktailsforyou #FineDining #CraftCocktails #CharlestonCocktails #CharlestonDining #ExploreCharleston #Holiday #Gifting

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Nov 28

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From day to night, the charm of Charleston shifts, and Circa 1886 finds its glow. When dusk arrives, the restaurant transforms into something unforgettable — intimate, historic, and beautifully lit. Reserve your evening through the link in bio and step into the glow. 🕯️ #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #HistoricHotel #Historic #Romantic #DateNight

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Nov 26

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This season of gratitude has us honoring the people who make Circa 1886 shine: our remarkable team! If you’re still finalizing your holiday plans, Thanksgiving Eve reservations remain available. 🦃 Please note that we will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Reserve your table through the link in bio. 🕯 #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #LuxuryHospitality #MeetTheTeam #Thanksgiving

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Nov 24

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For the two who love a little romance with their dinner. 🕯 Your perfect table is waiting at Circa 1886. Tag who belongs at your table for two and visit @resy to make it official. #Circa1886 #CharlestonDining #TastingMenu #CulinaryExperience #FineDining #HolyCityEats #VisitCharleston #DateNight #CharlestonDate #ExploreCharleston

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Nov 22

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No better way to celebrate National Espresso Day this weekend than with an espresso martini by candlelight. ☕️ Settle in, sip slow and savor the moment. Join us for an evening to remember—book your reservation through the link in bio. #Circa1886 #Cocktails #Cocktailsofinstagram #Cocktailsforyou #FineDining #CraftCocktails #CharlestonCocktails #CharlestonDining #ExploreCharleston #Martini #EspressoMartini

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Nov 20

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For a dinner as memorable as the journey there, pair a @charlestonrickshaw ride with an evening at Circa 1886. Glide through historic streets, arrive by sunset, and savor a night designed to linger in your memory. Reserve now and elevate your night out. #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience

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Nov 18

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From our kitchen to the Grand Tasting tent, the Circa 1886 team had a fantastic time at this year’s Food and Wine Classic. We loved sharing our dishes with you and hope each taste added something special to your weekend. 🦀 🍎 If you’re craving more, we invite you to reserve a table through @resy and discover the flavors that inspire our team every day. #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #FWclassicCHS

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Nov 16

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Small soirée or big celebration, our private event menus keep things delicious. Think elegant hors d’oeuvres, seasonal ingredients, and dishes that look as good as they taste. Tap the link in our bio to start planning your event at Circa 1886. #Circa1886 #Cocktails #Cocktailsofinstagram #Cocktailsforyou #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #CharlestonEvents #EventPlanning #PrivateDining

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Nov 14

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If yesterday’s newsletter slipped by your inbox, don’t worry, there’s plenty more to savor. 🍸 It’s the perfect way to stay connected to Charleston’s dining scene, one delicious update at a time. Subscribe through the link in our bio. #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #Newsletter

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Nov 12

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Food & Wine Classic is almost here, and we’re showing up hungry. 🍴 Visit @chefmarccollins and @pastry_chef_ashley in the Grand Tasting Tent and enjoy bites like Corn and Crab Salad and Sorghum Spice Cake. Come by, say hello, and have a taste of what our team has been crafting! #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #FWclassicCHS

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Nov 9

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Thoughtful hospitality is at the heart of every Circa 1886 dining experience. 🕯️ We were touched by guest Jack H.’s recent words, noting that “the service is impeccable and unobtrusive.” It is our privilege to offer service that feels warm, refined, and attentive. Reserve your table through the link in our bio. #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #LuxuryHospitality #MeetTheTeam

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Nov 7

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A few new favorites just joined our menus. Think fresh Chilled Maine Lobster, a perfectly cooked 62° Storey Farms Egg, and a vibrant Roasted Beet Salad. 🦞 They’re seasonal, they’re flavorful, and they’re waiting for you. Take a peek at the menus and reserve through the link in our bio! #Circa1886 #Cocktails #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #TastingMenu #BehindTheScenes #LuxuryHospitality #ExploreCharleston #DiningExperience #CulinaryExperience #NewMenu #CharlestonEats #VisitCharleston #Foodie

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