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Tempest, Charleston, SC

Tempest

4.7
4.7
2129 Reviews
$50 and over
Seafood
Top Tags:
USA Today 10Best, #1 Best New Restaurant in the Country. Upscale seafood restaurant, located on historic Market Street next to sister location, Church and Union Charleston. Tempest features hyper-local, sustainable South Atlantic seafood, with a seasonal menu curated by Chef Adam Hodgson and Bravo Top Chef Alum Chef Jamie Lynch Tempest's noteworthy raw and roast menu features both chilled and charcoal roasted options that will be prepared on a Mibrasa charcoal oven. The Mibrasa cultivates a subtle smoke flavor without compromising the integrity of the seafood and roasted selections. Impressive single, double and three tier Seafood Towers are also featured. Boasting a selection of seafood-friendly Old-World wines, along with hand-picked gins, rums and bourbons.

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today
Experiences are available.
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Unspecified
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 996-4966
  • Website
    http://www.tempestcharleston.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Tyler Cook
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    Sales Manager: (843) 996-4966 ext. 3
  • Location
    32 N Market St, Suite C, Charleston, SC 29401
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross street
    East Bay Street
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

  • 4-6:45 New Year's Eve 2024

    $100.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    We will be offering a special 3-course prix-fixe menu on New Year's Eve. Pricing is based off of reservation time + tax and gratuity: -$100: 4-6:45pm Reservation includes 1/2 bottle of champagne for parties of 2; 1 full bottle of champagne for parties of 4. A credit card is required to book the reservation and we have a 48 hour, $50 cancellation policy. Please note, your credit card is NOT being charged for the cost of the dinner, it is simply being put on file to hold the reservation.
    4-6:45 New Year's Eve 2024 Photo

  • 7-7:45 New Year's Eve 2024

    $125.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    We will be offering a special 3-course prix-fixe menu on New Year's Eve. Pricing is based off of reservation time + tax and gratuity: -$125: 7-7:45pm Reservation includes 1/2 bottle of champagne for parties of 2; 1 full bottle of champagne for parties of 4. A credit card is required to book the reservation and we have a 48 hour, $50 cancellation policy. Please note, your credit card is NOT being charged for the cost of the dinner, it is simply being put on file to hold the reservation.
    7-7:45 New Year's Eve 2024 Photo

  • 8-until New Year's Eve 2024

    $135.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    We will be offering a special 3-course prix-fixe menu on New Year's Eve. Pricing is based off of reservation time + tax and gratuity: -$135: 8-until Reservation includes 1/2 bottle of champagne for parties of 2; 1 full bottle of champagne for parties of 4. A credit card is required to book the reservation and we have a 48 hour, $50 cancellation policy. Please note, your credit card is NOT being charged for the cost of the dinner, it is simply being put on file to hold the reservation.
    8-until New Year's Eve 2024 Photo

What 2,129 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Charleston

    Best Service

  • Charleston

    Innovative

  • Charleston

    Seafood

2,129 Reviews

  1. SDSD

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, great surprise after dinner. Will be coming back!

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time at Tempest but we will be back. Service was great and the ambience (upstairs where it is quieter) was good.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food and service! I’ll be back!!! I had swordfish and it melted in my mouth! Wedge salad was great and desert was another A+.

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  4. AreEssJay

    Dallas

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ate out in the patio. Superb menu, great cocktail and drink list, and our server was an absolute joy. Fantastic meal!

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  5. KADBJ

    Atlanta Metro

    50 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Our waitress was not very friendly at all. And she didn’t seem terribly enthusiastic about any of the dishes. They also have an odd policy of suggesting that people tip the kitchen staff. That seems to us like they are asking us to cover their payroll. We didn’t know what to do so we split the tip between the waitress and the kitchen staff, but I doubt if the waitress was terribly happy about that. The portions were small, and when I asked if I could have a crabcake Benedict, the waitress simply said no. That certainly would have been a good way for her to upsell the crabcake and an egg Benedict combo but she didn’t think about that.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall1food2service4ambience1
    Host was rude. Nothing was available on the menu after we ordered. Drinks were the only good thing.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    We went to Tempest for their prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner. It was one of the only restaurants with reservations still available for Thanksgiving dinner. The hostess seemed annoyed that we arrived prior to our reservation time and asked to have a drink at the bar. The food portions were small, but that would have been ok if the quality was better. My mum had the beet salad, risotto, and Black Forest mousse. I had the squash bisque, swordfish, and fall harvest dessert. It was all mediocre at best.

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  8. MinarsiF

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience3
    Very stingy to give extra breads. Price is too pricey for the portions we received. Not really worth it

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  9. LeeD

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    I thought the portions were small and overpriced. Although the food was very good.

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  10. SimoneA

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Joseph our server was excellent. We had a discussion about "No Stuffing" with the Thanksgiving dinner. Chance that I had the same conversation with thew fellow who was sitting next to our table with his family. Just happened to be the owner who got some "Thanksgiving stuffing" from his other restaurant and gave me a take-out box to bring home. Is that hospitality or what? Made our Thanksgiving.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved the whole experience! Great Thanksgiving choice. Thank you!

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful thksgivg menu! Great service! Thk you!!

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    West Palm Beach

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    Thanksgiving dinner was not good. The menu wasn’t posted ahead and so the surprise was an extremely limited menu without a traditional thanksgiving dinner.

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  14. PFlynn2424

    Charleston

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving with a fixed menu. Alexandra was the best server, but everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome and taken care of. Food was amazing. We were very pleased with the entire experience!

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  15. PatrickK

    Charleston

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food was good, the service was attentive. The portions were very small. Especially the sides that came with the entrees. How can you serve more whipped butter with the rolls than mashed potatoes with the turkey? There are other restaurants that have the same food or better at a better value.

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  16. RobertB

    Charlotte

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We experienced their Thanksgiving Day 3 Course Meal. The Turkey and Mash Potatoes and Greens were Top of the Chart. The Duck was way to Tough (saw 2 other tables not complain but did not eat it) but management replaced ours with a different dish (Risotto) and it was delish. Deserts were unusual but very flavorful. French Press Coffee was Spot on. Mariah was our Attendant and she was Perfect.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience and great staff. Joseph was a very kind and knowledgeable server. Will definitely be back.

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  18. AA512

    Charlotte

    90 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible!! My favorite restaurant in Charleston. Roast shrimp and roasted oysters are everything. So many fish options as well, it's definitely a go to!

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a beautiful place to celebrate an anniversary! The service is outstanding and the food in unbelievable. Every time my girlfriend and I have a special occasion to celebrate, The Tempest is the first place that comes to mind!

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We came here for my man’s 48th. It was simply splendid !

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  21. ChsCulinaryTours

    Charleston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The jewel shines again. Always a unique pleasure to dine at Tempest.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the best time!! Food was excellent and our server was amazing

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Nice experience. Fixed price meal was a great deal. Must try the bread. Great service. Menu is small but top notch is you love seafood.

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  24. SocialOuting

    Charleston

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Food was delicious and beautifully presented, service was superb and ambience was perfect for the four of us catching up.

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  25. CharlesD

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Would return again. Reasonably priced as well.

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  26. AnneK

    New York Area

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and the waiter was attentive and informative. Tuna tartare was delicious and crab cake prepared differently yet super yummy! And the s’more dessert was decadent- and I don’t really like s’mores!! We’ll done!!

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  27. mikeg

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service Food was great Also offer 3 course at awesome value Will definitely be back

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  28. LindaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and meal! Brought a group of 7 and would definitely go back :)

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  29. MarinaD

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very passionate and enthusiastic staff, attention to details from glassware to every piece on a plate. Absolutely lovely overall experience. Phenomenal food! Perfect temperature wine. Get truffle beets they are to die for! Shrimp and grits unique and flavorful. Crab cakes full of big pieces of perfect crab complimented by corn and veggie sauce with just the right hint of heat. 😋 Complimentary seaweed bread OMG!! You can't stop eating it! My first time in Charleston and 2 meals at Tempest- I will be dreaming about it!🥰

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  30. KeithV

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Limited menu. Food was not as tasty as expected. Expensive food that needs improvement in flavor to be of value.

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  31. MaDk

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Party of 6 for a birthday celebration. Everyone at the table Loved everything we were served, and our waitress was charming, fun, and very knowledgeable. We all loved it and Highly recommend Tempest

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We did the $55 3-course dinner. Our 2 apps, octopus & tuna tartar, were delicious. The octopus was so tender. The entrees were every bit as good, flavorful flounder & light & moist swordfish. With the yummy bread, we had no room for dessert so got it boxed to go.. The complementary after dinner cognac was a treat. We'll definitely be back next time we're in Charleston.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. The environment is small and quiet. Great date spot

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress was fantastic and very knowledgeable about the menu. The food was impeccable. Would definitely go back

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ragan was excellent she was so enthusiastic about the food answering all our questions. The food was very tasty and will definitely be back to try more.

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  36. NicoletteF

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I get it. #1 new restaurant in the US, definitely deserved! I tried Tempest as a table of 1 while in Charleston for a conference. The service was friendly and attentive the entire time. Now, the food. I started with the charred octopus. The last time I had octopus cooked so well was when I was in Greece. The flavors and spices melded without overwhelming the natural taste of the octopus. The Pomme Frite fish special was a beautiful mellow dish. Finally, the honey pot dessert was a light delight at the end of a perfect meal.

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  37. jeffd

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We had Wes as a server. He was friendly and attentive. House bread and butter we delicious. Tuna crudo was best ever with crunchy chili garlic toppong and kimchi base. Spanish octopus was amazing. Monkfish was lovely. Swordfish was very good. Dessers were outrageous. Honey pot de creme and some more(take on smores). Nice wine, port martini and espresso martini. Nice ending with cognac on the house.

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  38. sandman

    Las Vegas

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We ate at several top rated Charleston restaurants during our 5 day visit, and Tempest was our favorite. We were seated on the outdoor entry porch on a perfect night weather wise. Service was excellent. Our food, especially the swordfish, was top notch. They serve everyone complementary cognac after dinner, a nice gesture. They also give the ladies a red rose!

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional service, knowledgeable staff (servers, kitchen, & management), exquisite seafood options…highly recommend the chargrilled options (shrimp, oysters, mussels, lobster)…save room for dessert, too! Their take on the classic s’more and unique twist with crème brûlée are a must try if you enjoy those flavor profiles.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Oyster Portions were modest. Taste was fabulous!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Tempest is rated 4.7 stars by 2129 OpenTable diners.

Tempest does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Tempest

32 N Market St, Suite C, Charleston, SC 29401

Additional information

  • Cross street
    East Bay Street
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Unspecified
  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Tyler Cook
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.tempestcharleston.com/
  • Phone number
    (843) 996-4966
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    Sales Manager: (843) 996-4966 ext. 3

Featured in

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