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.

  • Pouring wine
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 on a bar

    Private Mixology Classes

    Shaking With The Seasons

    Learn the basics of using different spirits and seasonal ingredients to create delicious libations.
    Learn More
  • Server pouring wine

    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
    • Marc Collins
    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 thrilled to announce that we have received @tripadvisor`s highest honor–a Best of the Best Award for Best Fine Dining & Date Night Restaurant in the United States. This puts us in the top 1% of restaurants worldwide!

    Thank you to our amazing guests for your continued support and glowing reviews. Your feedback inspires us every day. 🙏❤️

    Come join us and experience the magic for yourself. 🍽️ 🍷

    #Circa1886 #TravelersChoice #BestOfTheBest #TripAdvisor #FineDining #DateNight #CharlestonEats
    ...

    Gather Charleston is coming up this weekend! Join us as we sample delicious food from some of the city’s favorite chefs, including our very own @chefmarccollins ~ come stop by his demo on Saturday at 2:45 p.m.

    Celebrate the unique culinary culture of @travelandleisure #1 city in the U.S. Tickets on sale today! Head over to the link in our bio for more information. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!

    #explorecharleston #discoversc #gathercharleston #culinary #foodie #travelandleisure #finedining
    ...

    Treat your loved one to a romantic evening at Circa 1886. Reserve your table using the link in our bio today!

    #finedining #historic #foodie #charleston #explorecharleston #wine #chs
    ...

    One of the secrets to our success is our team! Here at Circa 1886, we provide exclusive experiences such as our “Shaking with the Seasons” class and our “Secrets of the Sommelier” class. Both classes enrich your appreciation for a cocktail and picking out a perfectly paired wine with your dinner.

    Sign up for a class using the link in our bio and add this delightful experience when visiting Charleston!

    #finedining #charleston #explorecharleston #sommeliers #wine #cocktail
    ...

    The perfect spot for any occasion. Secure your reservations now using the link in our bio.
    #finedining #charleston #anniversary #explorecharleston #foodie
    ...

    A taste of history awaits you at Circa 1886
    Reserve your table using the link in our bio
    #circa1886 #finedining #history #explorecharleston #timeless
    ...

    We’re excited to introduce our NEW specialty cocktails at Circa 1886! Let your taste buds dance with joy as you experience the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation.
    Our new specialty cocktails include:
    ~ "Scarlet Spritz"
    ~ "Just Peachy"
    ~ "Cool as a Cucumber"
    ~ "The Last Mockingbird"
    ~ "Midsummer`s Night"

    Join us at Circa 1886 and raise your glass to the beginning of August!
    A special shoutout to our bar manager, Denis, for creating these delicious cocktails!

    #circa1886 #cocktails #finedining #charleston #explorecharleston
    ...

    We couldn’t resist showing off our new Chocolate Pot De Crème dessert. This lovely new edition to the menu features a chocolate chiffon cake, coffee crème patisserie, and cocoa nibs. This sweet new delight is the perfect way to end your meal!

    We are so grateful to @pastry_chef_ashley for her creativity and dedication in creating this masterpiece. Thank you Ashley!

    Make your reservation today and experience this delight yourself!
    #charleston #finedining #chocolate #desserts #explorecharleston
    ...

    🎉 We are thrilled to be on the ballot for Best Date Night AND Fine Dining Restaurant in Charleston! 🎉 Please take a moment to show your love and cast your vote! Click the link in our bio and vote by July 23rd! ❤️ #charlestonschoice #finedining #datenight #explorecharleston ...

    We are thrilled and honored to announce that we have received a 2023 Best of Award of Excellence from @wine_spectator! 🎉We are grateful to our Sommelier, @jriddick4, and our entire team who made this possible. Cheers to this great accomplishment! 🍷 #wine #winespectator #sommelier #explorecharleston ...

    Isn’t the new Peach Melba dessert lovely?

    This new summer dessert features peach mousse, raspberry chambord gelato, and almond brown butter sable
    As always, we want to shout out our LOVELY pastry chef @pastry_chef_ashley

    #circa1886 #finedining #dessert #summer
    ...

    We are thrilled to announce that @travelandleisure released its 2023 World’s Best Awards, and our sister hotels were recognized!

    @wentworthmansionsc has regained the title of No. 1 Best Hotel in Charleston and also ranked No. 5 in the United States and No. 82 worldwide! In addition, @johnrutledgehouseinn ranked No. 4 Best Hotel in Charleston!

    This prestigious recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience and our dedication to preserving Charleston’s rich history and timeless charm, along with all our amazing guests who have supported us throughout the years. This achievement would not have been possible without their continued trust and patronage. Congratulations!🎉

    #charleston #worldsbestawards #explorecharleston #luxurytravel
    ...

    We want to give a big shoutout to our fantastic sommelier, John, for being featured in this year`s summer edition of The Sommelier Journal! We`re so proud of John for being recognized as one of Charleston`s key beverage tastemakers!

    Check out the link in our bio to read the full story!

    #charlestonrestaurants #charlestondrinks #charleston #finedining
    ...

    We are grateful for everyone’s kinds words!

    #circa1886 #charleston #explorecharleston #finedining
    ...

    Did you know Circa 1886 offers exclusive experiences such as “Shaking with the Seasons?”

    In this private mixology class, you have the opportunity to learn about different spirits and seasonal ingredients and how they play into making the perfect cocktails!

    Use the link in our bio to reserve a spot today!🍸

    #circa1886 #cocktails #charleston #explorecharleston
    ...

    🎉New Dessert Alert🎉

    Introducing our new Mascarpone Cheesecake 🍰, a light and refreshing dessert that`s perfect for the summer season☀️. The creamy cheesecake is topped with a tart tomato cherry sorbet, a sweet tomato orange marmalade, fresh berries, and basil.

    A special shoutout to @pastry_chef_ashley

    Check out our full menu in our bio for more! Make your reservation today!
    #circa1886 #dessert #charleston
    ...

    🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We`re honored to be named a 2023 Travelers` Choice Best Date Night award winner by @tripadvisor! This incredible recognition is a testament to the exceptional experiences our guests have had at Circa 1886. A heartfelt thank you to our guests who shared their stories and made this possible. Cheers to creating more unforgettable memories together! 🥂❤️ ...