Ember Lexington — Restaurant in Lexington

We decided to visit try this steak restaurant yesterday, while they were participating in restaurant week.

Customer Service: 5 Ambience: 5 Location/ Parking: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Affordability: 3 Quality of food: 3 Quantity of food: 4 Reservations: Yes Overall dining experience: 3

This restaurant is situated on main street in Lexington, SC and an excellent addition to the restaurant scene. The decor is a stunning mix of luxury and modernity. Many of the tables provide a clear view of the chefs working in the kitchen. We highly recommend having reservations, as this restaurant is stays very busy and isn't that large to handle walk ins.

The menu offers a wide variety of delicious and mouthwatering starters and main courses that will appeal to everyone. My spouse and I had their lobster soup and kale salad, their 20oz USDA prime ribeye steak ($70.00) which came with potatoe puree and local farm vegetables. They also have a full bar that offers popular cocktails, wines beers, etc. We also ordered a side of their mac and cheese ($13.00) along with the 4oz broiled lobster tail ($21.00) so we could try them as well.

Our overall dining experience was just average as our rideyes had probably 4 ounces of fat on them. Our steaks were cooked as requested medium well. and our waitress we had us verify it when they brought it to our table. The mac and cheese was watery and was not seasoned very well. The broiled lobster tail was just the meat (no shell), and we felt like it was overpriced at $21 for just 4oz. Ember Steak House Lexington is very expensive like a Michigan restaurant, and we found that it cost approximately $250 for 2 adults to dine there. So I'd highly recommend, that customers preview their menu beforehand so you're prepared for the final bill. Everything we ate was fresh, delicious, and just a little under seasoned. The chefs use the best quality ingredients to produce dishes that are simply delightful.

Lastly, the customer service was excellent and our waitress was very friendly, helpful, and professional. She also went the extra mile to acknowledge our anniversary, by informing the restaurant manager who delivered two glasses of champagne to our table. Overall dining experience was nice, but we're hoping that the management reviews our experience and takes some considerations to a few our...

Nestled in the heart of downtown Lexington, Ember Steakhouse delivers an upscale dining experience that's equal parts sophisticated and approachable, transforming a charming small-town setting into a slice of big-city elegance. The ambience here is nothing short of enchanting—warmly lit interiors with thoughtful renovations create a cozy yet refined space, perfect for a romantic evening or a celebratory gathering. The subtle glow from the signature wood ember grill adds a mesmerizing focal point, infusing the air with a faint, inviting smokiness that sets the tone for an unforgettable night out.

As for the price, it's firmly in high-end territory, with entrees like the hand-cut steaks and seafood towers easily pushing the bill toward the upper range for a special occasion meal. That said, the value shines through in the attention to detail and premium ingredients; it's the kind of investment that feels justified when every element exceeds expectations, making it ideal for those seeking something beyond the everyday.

The quality of the cuisine is exceptional, showcasing a menu that's thoughtfully curated around freshness and flavor. From the expertly aged steaks seared to perfection on that ember grill—tender, juicy, and bursting with rich, charred notes—to the sustainably sourced seafood like seared scallops and lobster tail, every dish arrives as a work of art. Sides and starters, such as house-made pastas or creamy burrata, complement the mains seamlessly, while the creative cocktails and extensive wine list elevate the entire affair with balanced, inventive pairings.

What truly sets Ember apart, however, is the high quality of the staff—from the knowledgeable bartenders crafting flawless drinks to the servers who anticipate your every need with genuine warmth and expertise. Their seamless attentiveness turns a meal into a personalized event, ensuring you leave feeling not just satisfied, but truly pampered.

Overall, Ember is a gem that's quickly becoming a must-visit in Lexington. If you're craving elevated steakhouse fare in a welcoming atmosphere, this is your spot—five stars...

We visited Ember during one of its first weekends open, and while the experience had some bright spots, there are definitely a few things to be aware of.

First and foremost, make a reservation — the main dining area books up quickly. If you’re unable to snag one, there is additional seating at the bar, which is close by and still part of the atmosphere.

We visited with our 1-year-old and had requested a high chair in our reservation. Unfortunately, one wasn’t ready when we arrived, and we had to wait while they assembled it. Understandably, they’re still ironing out early-stage operations, but this hiccup added a bit of stress to the start of the meal.

The layout of the restaurant is a bit unusual — tables are quite close together, and because everyone is seated at the same time for dinner service (starting at 5 PM), it creates an intimate but somewhat cramped and synchronized dining experience. While this setup fosters a sense of shared anticipation, it may feel too intimate for some, especially if you’re hoping for a more relaxed or private meal.

Our server, Kira, was kind and friendly, but unfortunately not very attentive. With a young child in tow and long waits between courses, we ended up taking our entrées to go — a tough call, but necessary under the circumstances. (To be fair, bringing a baby to a new fine dining restaurant is a challenge in itself, so we don’t place full blame on the restaurant.)

The food, however, was excellent. The short rib stood out — tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The fries were also a strong start to the meal (though we were surprised by a $6 upcharge for an extra order). The oysters and wedge salad, while decent, didn’t quite live up to the rest of the menu.

Overall, Ember shows real promise. There’s clear attention to culinary detail, and with more time and refinement, the service and flow could match the quality of the kitchen. We’d consider returning — likely without our little one — but for now, we might lean toward a tried-and-true spot like Hall’s in Columbia for a more consistent...