FIG — Restaurant in Charleston

Had an unforgettable experience at FIG last night. Explaining what we didn't order would be easier than listing everything we did. The table's unexpected favorite item was the Tomato Tarte Tatin. It was unlike any other tomato tart/pie/galette I've ever had. The depth of flavor was incredible and nothing acidic about it. We tried to do the best bite/worst bite comparison and I couldn't give just one favorite. My favorite starters were the Lamb Tartare, B-Liner Snapper and Rice Middlins, Burnt Eggplant, and the Ricotta Gnocchi. The tartare and gnocchi were just excellent with the former having, in addition to the tender lamb and layered flavors, a lovely presentation of housemade crispy rye crackers that curled and crunched beautifully, and the latter's most delicate bolognese perfectly suited to the uniquely delicate bite of the ricotta pasta. The snapper and eggplant were so special there is nothing to compare them to. I could have happily made meals of all of the starters listed, but the tomato tarte, snapper, and eggplant are an experience and unique to FIG. You must try these.

We ordered all of the fish mains (snapper, flounder, and wahoo) and the Pork Schnitzel. I had to talk myself into the Wahoo but it ended up being my favorite entree and I was so pleased I ordered it. The schnitzel is fried in clarified butter so, yes... it was quite good. It had the most beautiful heirloom tomatoes stacked on top, as well.

The full dessert menu descended on us as a surprise and the Frozen Greek Yogurt with Watermelon and the Peaches and Cream Tart were my personal favorites. The golden watermelon was perfect and the basil garnish elevated this simple dessert. The tart had a satisfyingly dense almond crust and I loved how the peaches were prepared - savory with just a touch of sweet. Lastly, their Chocolate Pudding is decadence in a footed compote. You may need a moment to gather yourself with the first bite or two. Make sure to get the caramel at the bottom as you go.

Although it was wonderful sharing a meal with friends in a nice restaurant after such a long time, FIG was a stand-alone memorable dining experience I'm grateful to have had the...

One of the absolute classics of Charleston cuisine, FIG lives up to every bit of the hype. The OG when it comes to a rotating menu, the night we went featured lots of local flavors and ingredients and a couple solid “never leave the menu”s. We were there for a birthday so we ordered more than normal - 3 small plates, two entrees, one side, one dessert for two people. But honestly it felt like the right amount of food. Now, for the food. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE recommends the gnocchi, so we had to get it. Sure, it’s pillowy, flavorful, whatever. It’s probably the best version of a gnocchi you’ll ever have, but it’s still..just a gnocchi. My girlfriend rated them number one, but the Steamboat Oysters with Paprika Butter (!!) were the real star for me. It’s pretty rare that one bite will just surprise you with an entirely new realm of flavor. They coke just 4 to an order, and it’s no wonder they try to get you to order a couple plates. The Lady Edison country ham salad was also a perfectly balanced whole earthy rounded mouthful. Shaved thin like prosciutto and covered in tangy cress, Gruyère-ish cheese and smooth pear, it tied the oysters for my favorite starter. The gnocchi, hot take, can probably be passed up for something else seasonal. Our entrees were phenomenal - bavette steak cooked perfectly with mushrooms, and a mustard crusted, caper coated swordfish that made me remember why I always order fish at nice restaurants…to remind me that it can be delicious. We had cocktails with our meal, and 2/4 were mind blowing (FIG filthy and Pray Tell)and 2/4 were fairly unremarkable (Bramblin Man and a requested New York Sour). Service the entire night was timely, welcoming, and friendly from the entire team from the front of house to the food runners. Mike Lata floats around occasionally, and the whole staff wants you to have a great experience. Atmosphere only gets a 4/5 because FIG’s building and interior is pretty unremarkable - not really a place that will ever make you look around and say wow. But we’re here for the food, and the food absolutely did wow. And the drinks wowed. And our experience was perfect. Great spot, make a late...

To cut to the chase; We’ve travelled to cities all over the country to eat good food, and it is no exaggeration to say that this meal was the most delicious meal we’ve ever had.

A couple months before our meal here we decided on Charleston, SC for a trip because it’s a food destination, and immediately began trying to get a reservation to F.I.G. Our trip was around Thanksgiving so they were booked out, but I set up a notification system to let me know if something opened up, and thankfully a couple weeks before our trip a slot for a later dinner opened!

From the moment you walk in the door you’re greeted by an exceptional front of house. There’s a tangible sense in the air that everyone is on their A-game and desiring to provide next level service. When we sat down our waiter walked us that days menu. It changes daily based on what ingredients are available, or even simply what was caught that day. Each menu is dated and signed, and when the waiter said, “we have no specials, because everything is special” he wasn’t joking. We also took the opportunity to ask the waiter for recommendations to other restaurants in town, two of which we tried and are also some of the greatest meals we’ve ever had. The food in Charleston is next level!

We ordered the Lump Crab Spaghetti, Slow Baked Wreckfish, and Mustard Crusted Swordfish for our meal. We were debating on ordering the Yukon Gold Potato Puree, and with some encouragement from the waiter went for it.

Overall what stood out the most was the greatest balance of Fat and Acid I ever consumed in a meal. Every single bite perfectly proportioned in flavor, texture, and creativity. This wasn’t the kind of meal that made you say “wow” after the first bite, it was the kind that made you say it after each bite, and on the way home, and the next day. Everything hit the palate just right. And the potatoes….just order them!

We are still talking about this meal a month later, and it sits comfortably atop our list next to Michelin-Star Dim Sum from SF and every other life changing meal we’ve had.

If you visit Charleston make sure you visit FIG, Make the reservation early, and build your...