I just moved to Charleston from the NYC, and I can tell you that this is a place you don’t want to skip when you’re here in town. This is going to be a long review fyi. It’s places like this that put cities like Charleston on the map. But I have to give my flowers to the amazing owner and chef of this amazing restaurant, who is Bintou. What she is doing, is so unique, yet simple. So thank you,for cooking with love. Because it showed through your food and it was so darn delicious!
The service, was amazing which only enhanced the food even more, and I have my waitress “Z” to thank for that. A beautiful person inside and out who was so personable. She guided me during my first experience at Bintü atelier. So thank you for adding to dining experience.
I came alone, and I started off with the Soursop(non-alcoholic beverage, Fulani Wings and the yuca fries. The fact that as soon as I bite into the wing , the whole meat just fall off the bone as any meat should do on a bone! I knew I was in for something special just after that first bite. Beware that there is a sauce that it is served with, and if you don’t like spicy or heat! STAY away from it! Don’t want you to have to learn the hard way! Lol but definitely a must(the wings). The yucca fries were just as I imaged they would be. Crispy and Golden yet flavorful! Served with nafi’s sauce which is a blended of tomato sauce with a unique seasoning that was very good. The Soursop was sweet and milky with notes of pineapple flavor(I loved it)! Mind you, I was already full just from appetizer. But I had to carry on…
For my Entree, I told “Z” to surprise me! That’s something I do, when I trust and believe anything that’s on the menu, won’t be a disappointment. So when I got my entree, it was a whole fish served with brown rice, sweet plantains, sautéed onions mixed with some kind of sauce and diced salsa. To me, I was already sold because it reminded me visually of a dish I had on the beach in Colombia the country. It instantly took me back to being in the sun and eating the same exact fish with my sea salt hands! Z then told me that she had picked the “Dieum”. For the correct descriptions of this amazing freaking darn dish, just go visit the website to see for yourself! When you see anyone doing a little dance in their seat, while eating, and fork is waving. Just know that the food is QUALITY and worthy of every penny that’s in your pocket! And I was dancing! The fish was so fresh and the way the bone was so easy to remove, you can only image how tender the fish meat was. And WOW was it tender, and seasoned so darn good. All to say, this dish brought me back to being in Colombia. The whole dish was beyond delicious and I’m so grateful to have experience Bintou version of this dish! The Soursop-pineapple was the perfect pairing with this delish btw.
The dessert just get it! I can’t give everything away, so sorry but not sorry! But I will say, Bintou’s husband Tracy is a gem and a dessert connoisseur. So listen to whatever he suggests, he wont stare you wrong.
So you’re welcome! But please go support and show your love to Chef Bintou and her amazing team. It takes a village and she has an amazing village behind her. You will leave her restaurant feeling full as heck and grateful that there are chefs like her doing the good...
Read moreDuring my recent visit to Charleston, SC, I had the pleasure of dining at Bintu Atelier. African Inspired Cuisine, a true hidden gem in the heart of the city. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a memorable experience.
Food: The food at Bintu Atelier is simply amazing, seasoned to perfection. Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in a burst of flavors that leave you wanting more. Whether you're a fan of hearty mains or delicate appetizers, the menu offers something to satisfy every palate.
Drinks: The specialty drinks are a highlight at Bintu Atelier. The pineapple ginger and hibiscus ice tea beverages were heavenly, each sip more refreshing than the last. These unique concoctions perfectly complement the food and elevate the dining experience to a whole new level.
Service: The staff at Bintu Atelier are incredibly friendly and accommodating. From the moment you step in, you're treated with warmth and hospitality. They go above and beyond to ensure you have a pleasant dining experience. A word of advice: make sure you have reservations, as this popular spot can fill up quickly.
Overall: I would highly recommend Bintu Atelier to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Charleston. The combination of delicious food, delightful drinks, and outstanding service makes it a must-visit. I might even make a special trip back to South Carolina just to eat there again! Bintu Atelier is truly a dining experience you'll remember long...
Read moreWe were introduced to Bintu Atelier by friends several days ago, and enjoyed the food so much that we returned 3 days later. This was our first experience with African food, and found the experience very gratifying. The restaurant itself is very small, and reservations are definitely suggested. It's a family run operation, both servers and host are absolutely terrific in their ability to suggest and explain the various unfamiliar dishes. The dishes we ordered included sweet plantain { fabulous} Mafe {groundnut stew with chicken}, Fulani wings, Suya beef skewers and cashew ice cream. Each dish was absolutely delicious and amazing. They don't have a liquor license but their homemade juices are absolutely terrific and highly recommended. Each dish was absolutely delicious, made with African spices to which we are not accustomed but nevertheless terrific.
My suggestions is that you go in a group so that you can order dishes that's can then be shared and experienced. Parking is on the street and can be a challenge nevertheless we found a spot on both occasions.
In summary this is a terrific new addition to the Charleston food scene and I highly recommend trying this entirely new...
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