Crave Kitchen — Restaurant in Pickens

We had a truly remarkable meal last evening at Crave. It is rare to find a restaurant that pays such attention to detail in the Seneca / Lake Keowee area but this restaurant certainly does! It starts with the ambience which is clean and hip. The tables are spaced perfectly so you are not on top of the neighboring diners although it is a bit noisy which is why I only gave 4 stars. A little sound dampening in the ceiling might help. The service is really exemplary! The staff is very professional and well trained! We began by sampling the signature cocktails which were fine but not compelling, they were expensive and although we were there for the early sitting the bar was slow so we wont do those again. The food was really EXCEPTIONAL! We began by splitting the crab cake and it was really yummy, with almost no filler. The size was large enough for the 4 of us to each have several bites, I look forward to ordering it as an entree at a future visit. My wife had the parrot fish which she really enjoyed. It was flavorful perfectly cooked and hardy with no 'fishy' taste. I had the Agnolotti and if you like truffle oil and mushrooms then this is the dish for you it was incredible!! If this is not your jam then you will want to skip this one. Our friends had the pork chop which may be the best I have every had. It was so juicy with just the perfect amount of char I loved it! Our other guest ordered the Pappardelle which she really liked and was excited she had enough left to take home. We ordered a bottle of wine from the nice wine list and you must try the Butter Cake for dessert. While I am not normally a dessert person and this was really INCREDIBLE! The warm cake with a crunchy crust has a perfect contrast from the vanilla gelato. We share it across the table and ate every bite! If your looking to celebrate a special event or you want to create a memorable evening I highly recommend you allow the team at Crave to help...

A Culinary Gem in the Foothills – Crave Kitchen Tucked away in the scenic charm of Salem, South Carolina, Crave Kitchen delivers an unforgettable dining experience that lives up to its name—leaving you craving more long after the last bite.

We began our evening with an impressive lineup of appetizers that set the tone for a night of indulgence. The Wellington Pop Tart was a creative and decadent twist on a classic dish, perfectly flaky on the outside with rich, savory flavor inside. The Lump Crab Cake was generously portioned, bursting with sweet crabmeat and just the right amount of seasoning. The Iceberg Wedge Salad offered a crisp, refreshing contrast—topped with thick-cut bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy house-made blue cheese dressing that was anything but ordinary. And we would be remiss not to mention the Parker House Rolls—pillowy, buttery perfection that melted in your mouth.

Then came dinner, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The Crave Burger was one of the best we’ve ever tasted—juicy, flavorful, and thoughtfully crafted with premium ingredients. The 8 oz Filet Mignon was cooked to absolute perfection, tender enough to cut with a fork and seared with a beautiful crust. For those craving bold, robust flavor, the 16 oz Ribeye did not disappoint—rich, marbled, and deeply satisfying. And the Pappardelle? A luxurious plate of handmade pasta that delivered rustic Italian comfort with refined flair.

Crave Kitchen isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-sensory experience. The service was warm and attentive, the ambiance welcoming, and the food nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re a local or passing through, this place is a must-visit for any true food lover.

Five stars all the way with fantastic service to top off our phenomenal experience. Crave Kitchen has raised the bar for upscale...

Absolutely outstanding! We happened to see that they were open as we drove by. To our surprise, we made it to opening night! We arrived around 7:15 to a packed restaurant. Emily greeted us at our table and ended up taking care of us most of the evening. Emily was fantastic!!!! All the staff that came by was very helpful! Water service, choice of still or bubbles. "Water embellishment tray" was a surprise touch. After you receive your water, they present you with a selection of fresh fruit and cucumbers to add to your water. Chef sent out and amuse of fondant potatoes and duxelles with fried basil. Perfectly done! We started with the house made Parkerhouse rolls with apple butter, and we also had the "Wellington"Pop Tart. Light and flaky puff pastry filled with pulled braised Short Rib. The demi underneath told me the story of the whole kitchen. A sauce that good means the rest of the food was going to be great. My wife had the Pappardelle Bolognese, which was great! I had the Braised Short Rib. Incredibly tender, no knife necessary! We were too full for desserts, but the menu looked delicious.

We are so happy that you all are there! We can not wait to come back soon and often!

Excellent job for your...