Tempest Charleston — Restaurant in Charleston

This restaurant is a true example of what people mean when they say dining experience. From the moment we entered we were warmly greeted and kindly taken care of for the rest of the evening. I truly believe you couldn't find a better place to try unique and fresh seafood dishes. If you're looking for exotic flavors, Tempest has a broad menu which tantalizes the taste buds; flavors that marry so well you will find yourself drifting off into sea of ecstacy, discovering a world of flavor that is novel and untouched. We were first presented with their FAMOUS bread which sweeps you into the sea as you combine the smooth, whipped, butter and sourdough nori which is a flavor profile I never experienced before but gladly will again. My husband and I shared the whale of a Tempest tower and as we oodled over the delicate lobster dipped in chive butter sauce, we sipped on oysters and clams sparing no sauce to pair with each. While my husband dined on the delicate, citrus Koji Mahi for a main course I helped myself to the perfectly cooked octopus salad, that was so well rounded I could eat it by the spoonful, and Mahi ceviche which was draped in thinly sliced beets, a creamy white sauce, and crunchy celery. AND I HAVENT EVEN MENTIONED THE DRINKS!!! An extremely skilled bar tender presented us with the best cocktails I've had dining in Charleston thus far. If the food were a golden crown the drinks would be the crown jewls accenting all the best parts. I sipped on the iris and was carried away into a sweet sail of earthy flavors that were mellow but robust without being too overbearing. Enthusiastically I went on to try the desert rose and espresso martini which did not disappoint. So carefully crafted, the drink itself was art enough to match that of the stained glass ceiling, enough to make one return just to bask in the intricate levels of the art we call a cocktail. Almost bursting, but with enough room, we enjoyed a gnache and cookie butter stuffed smore trifle. Again, drifting away with the tide, sinking into the sweet ocean of dessert. To end our meal we were presented with a rose, cigars, and a shot of cognac which they have kept in tradition from the previous fine dining restaurant that used to reside there in the 1960s. My husband and I were so pleased with this tradition and felt as if it were the icing on the cake. The Tempest is far from and unruly storm dominating the sea, but a strong, passionate, well rounded wave excited for the next surfer to come along for a ride so it may reveal its secrets. I highly recommend this establishment and hope to...

From The Draw Of A Hat (picking a different restaurant every 2 weeks from the top 50 restaurants in Charleston - according to Charleston Magazine) 07/03/2025 - Tempest - on N. Market Street.

This is a very small restaurant. There is a downstairs with the bar that has some style to it but the seating is very limited and there are few tables to occupy downstairs. We were taken to the upstairs which was plain and boring. The upstairs is more suited for large groups and parties which was made more obvious when parties of 8 and more started to fill up the area. The noise of the occupants was echoed in the room making it hard to hear and losing any feeling of intimacy.

Our server was Maya who was very nice and explained everything well. The menu is small and limited unless you love fish. However, once we ordered we felt the meal came out too fast, even though we stressed we were here to relax and to take our time. I had the feeling that they needed to get us out of the way since the larger tables were starting to come in. We sat down at 5:15 and were out before 6:00!!!

I ordered shrimp cocktail and filet mignon. The shrimp cocktail was very generous in the quantity. However, it was covered in a heavy paprika that overwhelmed the appetizer. My filet mignon was nothing to shout about. It was cooked perfectly but not flavorful. It was served with mashed potatoes and, even though the mashed potatoes were tasty, the portion was so small it made me wonder if they were on a tight budget.

Ron had the fried calamari with a Lemon aioli. He said it was very good the portion for one was perfect. For his main course, he had the steak frites served with shoestring French fries and an au poivre sauce. He liked the fries and thought the steak was good but nothing to shout about.

We declined dessert.

The food prices were reasonable, but where they gouge you are the prices on the drinks. Each side car I ordered cost over $22. I had two without knowing the price and Ron had two glasses of wine. Our drink tab came to over $76!!! Our meal was only about $180, however, once you factor in the drinks and tip we were well over $300 for the two of us.

We walked out feeling that we didn't have a nice night out at all. The ambience was not worth mentioning, we felt rushed, and for paying over $300 we did not feel we got your money's worth at all. I don't mind paying a hefty amount if I have a good time. In this case, I was very disappointed and felt cheated on a nice night out.

So would we go back? No. I have experienced Tempest once and...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Tempest Restaurant, and I must say, it was an extraordinary culinary experience that left me in awe. From the impeccable service provided by our waitress, Lauren, to the exquisite caviar appetizer and delectable desserts, every aspect of the meal was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence.

Lauren, our waitress, was an absolute gem. Her warm and attentive demeanor made us feel welcome from the moment we stepped foot into the restaurant. She guided us through the menu with expertise, offering insightful recommendations. In fact, she even went above and beyond by suggesting Ruby's for me to have my nails done, which turned out to be a fantastic recommendation. It was a delightful surprise to discover that we were both born and raised in Sumter, SC, the center of the university. This connection added a personal touch to our dining experience, making it even more memorable.

Now, let's talk about the caviar appetizer. The Tempest Restaurant truly knows how to showcase this delicacy. The caviar was served with precision and care, and the flavors were exquisite. The rich and buttery notes of the caviar tantalized our taste buds, and the presentation was equally impressive. The dish was beautifully arranged, enhancing the overall dining experience.

And then came the desserts. The Tempest Restaurant's commitment to culinary artistry was evident in every sweet creation that graced our table. From the decadent chocolate mousse to the delicate fruit tart, each dessert was a masterpiece in its own right. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the textures were a delight to savor. It was evident that the pastry chefs poured their heart and soul into creating these delectable treats.

The attention to detail and the dedication to culinary excellence at The Tempest Restaurant are truly commendable. The combination of exceptional service, led by the remarkable waitress Lauren, the exquisite caviar appetizer, and the outstanding desserts make this dining experience one to remember. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure, The Tempest Restaurant is a must-visit destination. Prepare to be captivated by the flavors, the ambiance, and the impeccable service that will leave you...