Welcome to Circa 1886
A Refined Dining Experience

Welcome to Circa 1886 Restaurant, where our menus are a testament to the artistry of exceptional dining. Step into a world of culinary discovery as we proudly present our distinctive array of offerings, each designed to elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Tucked within the original carriage house of Wentworth Mansion®, Circa 1886 evokes the romance and old-world charm of historic downtown Charleston. Look beyond its original pine floors and charming architectural details, explore a creative menu bursting with flavors, and experience unrivaled Southern hospitality. We invite you to experience for yourself why Circa 1886 consistently earns its place among Charleston, South Carolina’s most esteemed fine dining establishments.

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.

Make the most of your time in Charleston by taking part in our unique and special activities.

Exclusive Experiences

  • cocktails

    Private Mixology Classes

    Shaking With The Seasons

    Learn the basics of using different spirits and seasonal ingredients to create delicious libations.
    Learn More
  • John Riddick

    Private Wine Tasting

    Secrets of the Sommeliers

    Learn the basics of how grapes become wine and how to pick the perfect wine at a restaurant.
    Learn More
    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.

     

    • "Birthday Celebration"
      Hi Ginny, You and your team were AMAZING! Michael Dawson was fantastic, the food was delicious and all of your staff could not have been more gracious and helpful. Everything was seamless. THANK YOU! We’ll be back!
      Liz H.
    • "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

    No. 1
    Most Romantic Restaurant in South Carolina 2023
    Yelp
    No. 4
    Best Hotel Restaurant 2021
    USA Today 10Best Awards
    No. 9
    Best Fine Dining Restaurant
    TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2022

    We are ONE WEEK away from the series premiere of Wizards of Baking! Watch as our very own @pastry_chef_ashley competes against other talented bakers to create edible masterpieces inspired by the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Don’t miss this enchanting series - tune in to see Ashley’s wizardry in action!

    Tune in to the series premiere on the Food Network on Thursday, November 14 @ 8|7c or stream on @streamonmax!

    #WizardsofBaking #FoodNetwork #HarryPotter #Desserts
    ...

    Dinner for two, crafted to perfection! Indulge in a memorable evening at Circa 1886, where each dish is a work of art, and the ambiance is set for a night to savor. Whether it`s a romantic night out or a special occasion, let us elevate your evening with exquisite flavors and attentive service.
    Reserve your table today and experience fine dining like never before!
    #FineDining #Charleston #CharlestonDining #HolyCity #GoodEats
    ...

    Give thanks—and treat yourself!
    Circa 1886 will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, but our doors are open for regular service the evening before on Wednesday, November 27. Join us for a warm, delicious start to the holiday! Reserve your table today and savor the flavors of the season!

    #Thanksgiving #November #News #Charleston #FineDining
    ...

    Always leave room for dessert, especially when it`s as decadent as ours. Our pastry chef has crafted a menu of sweet delights that will satisfy any craving. From classic favorites to innovative creations, there`s something for everyone!

    Indulge in a slice of heaven and make your dining experience complete! Book your table now!
    #desserts #cake #pie #fall #finedining #charlestondesserts
    ...

    Indulge in a taste of true artistry with our newest addition to the Fall Ashley Tasting Menu: Fried Poulet Rouge, finished with luxurious caviar, delicate gold leaf, preserved Roma tomatoes, and a touch of pickle buttermilk dressing.

    Dive into this extraordinary dish and elevate your evening at Circa 1886! Ready to treat yourself? Reserve your table now and experience the magic!

    #FineDining #Charleston #CharlestonDining #ExploreCharleston
    ...

    We are less than ONE MONTH away from the premiere of #WizardsofBaking on the Food Network!

    Be sure to tune in and watch our very own @pastry_chef_ashley create some incredible pieces inspired by Harry Potter!
    #harrypotter #baking #desserts #foodnetwork
    ...

    Happy National Dessert Day! 🍰✨ Today, we’re celebrating with some of the sweet creations by our talented Pastry Chef Ashley, who brings a fresh twist to classic Southern desserts. From decadent Carrot Cake Baked Alaska to delicate, seasonal treats, every bite is a work of art. Indulge your sweet tooth and experience why dessert at Circa 1886 is the perfect way to end a fine dining experience!

    #nationaldessertday #desserts #pastry #finedining
    ...

    Craving a taste of Charleston’s rich history and culinary delights? This month`s newsletter is packed with highlights from our newly unveiled Fall 2024 menu, including irresistible dishes like Carrot Cake Baked Alaska and Broken Arrow Antelope. We also got the opportunity to sit down with our talented Pastry Chef Ashley and learn more about the inspiration for this season`s desserts!

    Want to be the first to hear about our latest menu, events, and more? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and never miss a bite of what`s happening at Circa 1886.
    Head to the 🔗 in our bio to read the latest edition and subscribe!
    #Newsletter #Foodie #Charleston #CharlestonEats
    ...

    Enjoying the perfect pick-me-up: an espresso martini to kick off the evening🤎
    #espresso #espressomartini #cocktail #charlestoncocktails #finedining
    ...

    Our Fall Menu just got even more tempting! Try the Foie Gras Torchon “Brûlée,” with Peach Cider Curd, Toasted Pecans, Finger Lime, and a hint of Basil for a uniquely bold and satisfying bite. Available on our Cooper Tasting Menu, this starter delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors and refreshing, seasonal accents, making it the ideal first bite for an unforgettable fall dining experience.

    Reserve your table today to treat yourself to this seasonal creation, and keep an eye out for more exciting dishes on our Fall Menu!

    #TastingMenu #FoieGras #Fall #FineDining #CharlestonDining
    ...

    We’re beyond excited to share that Circa 1886 has been named among the Top 1% of restaurants worldwide and recognized as one of the Top Fine Dining Restaurants in the United States by the Tripadvisor Travelers` Choice Awards!🎉

    This prestigious honor reflects the passion, creativity, and dedication of our entire team, from the kitchen to the front of the house. A huge thank you to our incredible guests for your continued support—this achievement wouldn’t be possible without you! 🌟

    Ready to experience what makes us stand out? Book your table today and join the celebration!🥂
    #TravelersChoice #FineDining #TopRestaurants #CharlestonRestaurants
    ...

    We`re thrilled to welcome the very first Food & Wine Classic Charleston this weekend! 🍷🍽️ From world-class chefs to local artisans, this culinary extravaganza is a must-attend. Be sure to check out our incredible Pastry Chef Ashley @pastry_chef_ashley in the Grand Tasting Pavilion, the heart of the event.

    We hope to see you there!
    #FoodandWineClassic #Charleston #ExploreCharleston #HolyCity #FWClassic #foodandwine
    ...

    Our Fall 2024 menu has arrived, and it’s filled with incredible new flavors you won’t want to miss! From the unique Broken Arrow Antelope to the indulgent Carrot Cake Baked Alaska, we’re excited to share these culinary creations with you. Be on the lookout as we highlight some of our favorite dishes in the coming weeks—trust us, you’ll want to see what’s cooking!

    A huge thanks to our Executive Chef Marc Collins @chefmarccollins and esteemed Pastry Chef Ashley Cardona @pastry_chef_ashley for bringing these extraordinary dishes to life!

    Ready to experience it all? Book your reservation today! 🍽
    #Fall #NewMenu #FineDining #CharlestonDining #BakedAlaska #Dessert
    ...

    Looking for your next Charleston adventure? Be sure to try our “Shaking with the Seasons” experience!

    Learn how to craft the perfect cocktail, using different spirits and seasonal ingredients in this hands-on experience!

    Book your lesson now using the link in our bio!🍸
    #cocktail #finedining #charlestonexperience #thingstodoincharleston
    ...