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

    From expertly crafted dishes to an enchanting ambiance, every detail at Circa 1886 is designed to make your evening extraordinary. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply the desire to indulge, we’re here to elevate your night. Book your table and savor the magic of Charleston’s finest dining. 🍽️

    #Circa1886 #CharlestonDining #FineDining #CharlestonEats #Foodie
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    ✨ Celebrate National Espresso Martini Day in style at Circa 1886! Indulge in the perfect blend of rich coffee flavor and smooth vodka - crafted to perfection for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Cheers to the bold, the refined, and the irresistible! 🍸☕ Book ow through the link in our bio!

    #Circa1886 #Cocktails #Cocktailsofinstagram #Cocktailsforyou #FineDining #SouthernCuisine #EspressoMartini #NationalEspressoMartiniDay
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    Looking for a wine tasting experience that goes beyond the basics? Indulge in a private session with expert guidance, interactive discussions, and top-tier wines that will elevate your palate. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a beginner, it’s the perfect way to dive deeper into the world of wine. Join our master sommelier John Riddick for the exclusive experience of Secrets of the Sommeliers today through the link in our bio 🍷

    #WineTasting #WineLovers #CharlestonExperience #FineDining #Circa1886
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    Enthralled by this mouthwatering dish? So are we! 🤩 Sign up for The Dish, Circa 1886’s exclusive newsletter, and be the first to savor new menu creations, special events, and behind-the-scenes insights from our team. Don’t miss a bite—subscribe through the link in our bio today!

    #Circa1886 #Cocktails #Cocktailsofinstagram #CharlestonEats #FineDining #SouthernCuisine
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    Last evening, Circa 1886 celebrated its 25th anniversary with friends, family, and loyal guests. The evening was perfect—from the beautiful fresh flowers to the expertly selected wine pairings to the delectable menu featuring guest favorites from past menus.

    “We’re so grateful for the support of this community,” shared Rick Widman, owner and founder of Circa 1886. “It’s the team that has made this all possible. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 25 years, and especially to Chef Marc Collins—he’s not only the greatest chef in town, but he’s an even greater person.”

    The laughter and joy in the room were palpable—a true testament to the incredible community that has embraced Circa 1886 over the years. Cheers to the memories made, the meals shared, and many more years of unforgettable dining experiences to come! 🥂

    #circa1886 #charlestonrestaurants #finedining #anniversary #charminginns
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    Rainy days have us craving this indulgent duo. 🦞✨ Our Open Face Brioche Lobster “Roll” with chives, paired with silky Lobster Bisque, is the perfect bite—and it’s just the first course of our Ashley Tasting Menu. Who’s in? 🍽️

    #circa1886 #finedining #lobster #foodie #charleston
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    We take great pleasure in helping our guests celebrate life’s special moments, and this recent review is a wonderful reminder that both visitors and locals trust Circa 1886 for an intimate and unforgettable experience. Whether you`re seated in the main dining room, the cozy wine room, the private garden room, or enjoying a crafted cocktail at the bar, we’re honored to be part of your celebration. Join us for your next special occasion—or simply because you deserve a night to be pampered! 🥂🍷✨

    #Circa1886 #PrivateDining #FineDining #DateNight #Celebration
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    See what one of our valued guests loved about their dining experience at Circa 1886! We’re grateful for our wonderful guests who make every meal unforgettable. We hope you will come savor the flavors for yourself—reserve your table today!

    #Testimonials #Charleston #SouthernCharm #Circa1886
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    Happy snow day number two! We hope everyone has been staying safe and warm during this unusual weather! ❄

    Due to the lingering snow and ice, as you see here in our parking lot, we are sadly unable to open this evening.

    We look forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow!
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    We can’t believe we have to reschedule our event due to the threat of snow and ice! 🧊 ❄️

    But everyone’s safety must come first! We look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary next month!

    Stay warm everyone! 🥶

    #snowday #circa1886
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    Every month, we design a newsletter to give readers the inside scoop and go behind the scenes at Circa 1886!

    From interviews with our talented staff to recipes to important event dates, we have something for everyone!

    Don’t miss out on exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and the latest happenings!

    Head to our bio for all the newsletters and the link to sign up to have The Dish delivered to your inbox each month!

    #Circa1886 #FineDining #TheDish
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    🎉 Exciting news! Due to high demand, we’ve opened our charming Garden Room (communal table) to welcome more guests to our 21st Anniversary Dinner on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:15 PM! There are just 12 seats available. Call 843-853-7828 to reserve your spot.
    We can’t wait to celebrate this momentous occasion with you! 🥂

    $110 per person includes four courses, a welcome glass of champagne, and a take-home treat. A wine pairing will be available for an additional $70/pp.

    #AnniversaryDinner #Celebration #CharlestonDining #Circa1886
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    🎉 We are thrilled to share that our Executive Pastry Chef, Ashley Cardona, is in the running for "Outstanding Pastry Chef of the Year" by the @scrla_ (South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association).

    The prestigious Stars of the Industry Awards celebrate the best and brightest in hospitality—honoring those who go above and beyond to elevate the industry.

    Ashley will attend the award ceremony in Greenville on February 17th, where the winners will be announced.

    Whether she takes home the title or not, Ashley is already a shining star in the industry, and we couldn’t be prouder! ⭐🍰
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    🎉Join Us for a Night to Remember!

    There are just a few seats remaining for our 25th Anniversary Dinner on Tuesday, January 21—and you won’t want to miss this extraordinary celebration!

    Indulge in a specially curated, four-course commemorative menu that highlights 25 years of culinary excellence, including:

    🍞 Southern Grilled Cheese with pimento cheese mousse and paddlefish caviar
    🍗 Buttermilk Fried Red Hen with green bean casserole and roasted shallot gravy
    🦌 Broken Arrow Antelope with smoked blackberry BBQ sauce and vanilla bourbon baked beans
    ☕ Coffee and Chocolate featuring chocolate chiffon, salted caramel, and smoked sea salt

    Your evening begins with a welcome glass of champagne 🥂 and ends with a sweet take-home treat to remember the occasion.

    Seating starts at 7:15 PM

    Celebrate this milestone with us and toast to 25 years of unforgettable dining!

    Call 843.853.7828 to reserve your spot!

    #Circa1886 #CharlestonDining #AnniversaryDinner #FoodieEvent #SouthernCuisine #Celebrate25
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    As we welcome the new year, we’re reflecting on the incredible moments shared at Circa 1886. Over the past 25 years, we’ve been proud to serve as a gathering place for friends, family, and visitors to Charleston—striving to offer a refined dining experience and a touch of history in the heart of the city.

    What began as a dream in the original carriage house of Wentworth Mansion® has grown into a cherished dining destination, and it’s all thanks to you, our loyal guests and visitors. We’re honored to be part of your stories and can’t wait to create even more memories together in the year ahead. Here’s to an amazing 2025, Charleston! 🥂 #HappyNewYear #Circa1886
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    As we prepare to celebrate our 25th Anniversary on January 21st, we’re reflecting on the incredible journey that’s been made possible by you—our loyal guests and visitors. Thank you for being part of our story!

    We’d love for you to join the celebration! There are still a few seats available, so call 843.853.7828 today to reserve your spot. Let’s toast to 25 years together! 🥂 #circa1886 #anniversary #finedining

    Click the link in our bio for the menu and Circa`s 25-year history.
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