Tempest Charleston

Restaurant · Charleston

Tempest Charleston

Restaurant · Charleston

2

32 N Market St Suite C, Charleston, SC 29401

Photos

Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null
Tempest Charleston by null

Highlights

Seafood delicacies, robust wine list, and unique ceiling art  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

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

tempestcharleston.com
@TempestCharleston

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

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

+1 843 996 4966
tempestcharleston.com
@TempestCharleston
𝕏
@TempestCHS

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Features

wifi
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Aug 13, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation

Tempest Charleston - Review - Charleston - The Infatuation

"Tempest is a coastal modern American restaurant in Charleston. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/charleston/reviews/tempest-charleston
View Postcard for Tempest Charleston
@eater

‘Upscale Seafood’ Restaurant Planned for Market Street in Charleston - Eater Carolinas

"The group behind Market Street restaurant 5Church will add a new space to its portfolio with the opening of the Tempest in the spring of 2020. Located at 32C N. Market Street, right next to 5Church, the restaurant will offer 'upscale seafood' for lunch and dinner. Top Chef alum Jamie Lynch will be in charge of the menu, and the restaurant groups says to expect 'lobster, giant prawn, oysters, mussels, clams, white shrimp and elaborate seafood towers.'" - Erin Perkins

https://carolinas.eater.com/2019/10/21/20924774/tempest-charleston
View Postcard for Tempest Charleston

sean pickett

Google
My wife and I stumbled on this restaurant in 2022 during a terrible storm where we just wanted to get inside quick and eat. It was one of the best finds we've had. I still remember how delicious every bite was, with a fun tradition at the end of the meal. An experience well worth the price.

Katherine Capka

Google
Such a lovely spot!!! Incredible food on a concise menu. Our server Jordan was excellent and made the experience memorable. She was attentive without being overbearing and had amazing recommendations. I would absolutely come back any time!! The flowers and brandy at the end of the meal were such an incredible touch. Couldn’t recommend it enough !!!

Ike Fleetwood

Google
Consistently recommend as a top seafood place in town. Been twice for dinner and brunch - both meals fantastic. Best shrimp and grits ive ever had, probably the best in Charleston (which is quite a claim!). Highly recommend a whole roast fish which they generally have on the menu. Beautiful decor- stain glass roof adds a uniqueness you don’t come across often.

Kelley Leonard

Google
Reviews are all over the place. We walked past on day one of our trip and thought the decor was really cool. The gal at the door was so nice and that made us want to go back. We just wanted a light snack and cocktails so we sat at the bar. It too entirely too long to get a drink. I mean to tell you we almost got up and left. It was not well run or organized at all. The manger was useless and the 1-2 bartenders were really not that busy. It was disappointing. we did like the tacos and our cocktails were inventive. Although they did not have fresh cut cucumbers for my gin and tonic. They subbed in cucumber juice, which is just not the same. The ceiling artwork and other wall art is really worth a look.

Brittany Feldhaeusser

Google
Excellent service and ambiance. All of the recommendations were on point, we loved everything. Their specialty bread, roasted shrimp, and truffle pasta are all so flavorful and perfectly cooked. Dessert was to die for. Can't wait to go again.

Tayler T

Google
Honestly one of the tastiest, most refreshing culinary experiences I’ve had in a long time. We did the gastronomy experience, and it was beyond delicious. Each course came out and was plated beautifully, but had time and space between the next course so you didn’t feel like you were rushed. Our server Reagan was so kind and friendly. Definitely made us feel right at home. Our favorite part was the rose for each female guest, cognac tasting, and the check in the book that doubled as a visitors log! So unique and so special. We celebrated our 4th anniversary here and I’m sure we’ll be talking about this for many years to come!!

Katie Fo

Google
Absolutely loved this place! We did the Chef’s menu for $55 and it’s worth every penny. You get quite a lot of food for it. The interior is well decorated and the bathrooms are clean. It’s not too noisy. I can’t see myself taking my kids here at night time but I went with a girlfriend (kid free!) and we loved it. 10/10 we’ll be back when we vacation to Charleston.

Kennon Rymer

Google
Tempest is a fantastic restaurant overall with a great atmosphere. We were seated out on the front porch as you walk in which I very much liked, but was also to my surprise. Wehen making reservations you might want to specify as the weather might not be as optimal as our experience. The server was excellently trained and was always on task. The manager made at least two passes during our meal and this was duly noted. My wife got the 3 course meal and I opted for an appetizer and a main. All three parts to her meal was superb as we shared. She got the grouper as her main and a brown butter bread and ice cream with peaches. Five star on all accounts. The bread to start with is unique as it has the flavors of the ocean and it with the home made cream butter is extra special. I got the swordfish and it was excellently prepared, grilled to perfection. The grilled cabbage was simply put fantastic. Spot on so far. The mushrooms however were overly flavored and were entirely too strong for this exceptional plate. Eaten separately they were tolerable. All in all we will definitely return and I would strongly recommend this restaurant. A solid A-.
google avatar

Gabe M.

Yelp
One of my favorite restaurants in this world! - The rolls - the always inviting cocktail list - the seafood tower - I have never had an average meal here - Recently tried their brunch and found it was one of the best brunches I've ever had. Everytime, I visit Charleston it's the first meal.
google avatar

Kris L.

Yelp
Overpriced small portions, slow service and no complimentary bread was brought to our table, which at the time we didn't know we were supposed to get until I saw these Yelp reviews. We actually left hungry even with a $250 bill for 4. I can't understand why this place is rated highly as the wagyu beef was tough, not melt in the mouth tender as it should have been if it was real wagyu beef, the chicken was flavorless, slightly rubbery and tiny, smaller than a Cornish hen. Update: we went back the second day and asked about not receiving bread and were told that this is no longer complimentary due to the high costs.
google avatar

Robert W.

Yelp
Superb! We were celebrating our 144th birthday. I'm 74 my wife is 70. Initially, we were seated downstairs, which was quiet and lovely, however we wanted a lively night so we moved upstairs where a bridesmaids group was seated. We loved being around the younger group. We both ordered from the prix fixe menu. Lisa had the pickled mussels as a starter with a main of flounder. I had the wedge salad with the wagyu strip. Everything was better than excellent. Desserts didn't disappoint - I had the Horchata, and Lisa had the honey pot de crème. Our server, Kel, was wonderful. She helped make the evening special. Go! Do not miss it, you will be sorry if you do.
google avatar

Bee B.

Yelp
What a lucky find walking along the streets of Charleston. We were wandering around to wait for our haunted carriage ride, and saw the happy hour clapboard sign for $2 oysters. We couldn't resist and checked out The Tempest. Very cute spot as it used to be an old church. I loved the stained glass ceiling above the bar. We ordered a dozen of the house oysters, a couple of drinks and the ocean rolls. The rolls were milk bread with Nori and the butter had furikake sprinkled on it. The service was quick and friendly. Fun spot near all the carriage tours and the walkable market.
google avatar

Jacqueline T.

Yelp
I ordered the prosecco and tuna tartare which I loved, but it appears to no longer be on the menu. Perhaps it was a special when I first visited. This place is excellent, super elegant and sophisticated. Make sure you dress up when visiting! Look at the picture of the ceiling that I've included! Service was good. I will be back for sure.
google avatar

Angela B.

Yelp
So delicious! Must try the oysters we got them in a variety assortment and it was sooo good!! Honestly everything was so tasty, the service was great our server was Jill and she was super sweet! Must try everything on the menu type of place lol oh and don't get me started on the bread and whipped butter lol
google avatar

Thomas R.

Yelp
We had a great meal at Tempest during a weekend away in November. We were seated upstairs in the front room with a window looking outside. We connected with our server and explained that we would be having a bunch of share plates. We had the wedge salad, the yellowfin tuna crudo, pickled mussels, bok choy, and the charcoal roasted shrimp and clams. Let me start by saying the bread service here was one of the best that we have ever had. The rolls are served in a cast iron skillet where the butter was then melted in the skillet. The bread had seaweed infused in it and it was to die for. The flavor of bread was supreme. Each of the small plates that we ordered were presented well and tasted beautiful! The highlights here were the tuna tartar, the pickled mussels, charcoal roasted shrimp, and the wedge. Overall it was a fantastic dining experience.
google avatar

Rachel G.

Yelp
The seating downstairs was a little odd for our group and secretly wish I would have taken an adventure upstairs just to see the whole space. The portions were a little small for the price, but tasty nonetheless and not the average flavors which was nice. The service was great although I felt super awkward for only wanting to drink regular water here.
google avatar

Stephanie Y.

Yelp
Such solid food and amazing service for large parties! Came for a work event where we even had a customized menu printed out (for maybe ~40 people in total). Apps came out to share and we could choose from a variety of entrees and desserts. For apps we had a seafood tower, lobster tail, ceviche and more. All the seafood was so fresh and everyone loved the food! Dietary constraints were also considered and they were very careful to outline which foods could not be eaten by those with restrictions. I got the steak and a honeycomb dessert (honey pot creme? or something like that). Steak was pretty good - a bit over cooked though. Dessert was great! I also tried a chocolate dessert and a few bites of other people's entrees and can say that you cannot go wrong with any dish.

Jorge P.

Yelp
Had an amazing time here!! Our server was a delight, and the food was phenomenal. Thank you for a great experience!
google avatar

Grace M.

Yelp
RESTAURANT WEEK REVIEW: We had a lovely time at dinner at Tempest on Thursday! It was 3 courses for $45 but still left paying $95. I did up charge $10 for the steak and $15 for a glass of wine. It was really nice dinner, however my steak did come out a little cold and was a bitch chewy but still very good! The crispy fingerling potatoes were delicious!! Wish they were all that way! Tomatoes were great but needed more flavor and desert was also good but we were sooo stuffed. Also the starter bread is amazing!! Our waiter was soooo nice and the ambiance was really cool. We sat on the porch and had a really nice night!

Tessa H.

Yelp
We went to a late dinner and the service and food were impeccable! The seaweed rolls were so great. I had the grouper and my husband had the casarecce pasta. Both were exceptional. I didn't love my first cocktail and the waitress recommended a great replacement. Highly recommend!
google avatar

Etaká B.

Yelp
We snuck in at 5 o clock, the only free reservations were at opening, and thoroughly enjoyed our 3 course. Weirdly enough the seaweed bread rolls were one of our favorites of the night. It very much has a fine dining menu and feeling but a bit more approachable for us amateurs. The waitress was incredibly patient and knowledgeable, expertly deboning the fish at table side. The carnation and coniac (?) taster that arrived with the bill was a cherry on top of a lovely dining experience.
google avatar

Sahar R.

Yelp
Kind of surprised with the high rating for what you get meal wise. Come here if you have a light appetite and a lot of money. Friends had the tuna tartar, whole fish, and I had a broccolini. Service: amazing waitress and staff. Fun, bubbly, and quick. The kitchen gift put out 2 milk bread which was so incredibly sweet. Everyone enjoyed that. Food: meh, not worth the money in my opinion. My side dish totaled to be almost $16 w/o tip, and my problem with it was how overly seasoned the broccoli head was and generally so full of oil. They didn't have a crunch to it, and the oil was an awful amount. Best part of the dish was the onion. There are better local options for a more reasonable price.
google avatar

Elisha L.

Yelp
I think this place was the highlight of my Charleston trip! The bartender from their sister restaurant, church and union, recommended this place, and I'm so glad I made a change in my dinner plans to do so. My server/bartender was wonderful. He checked in at the perfect times, carefully watched for when to bring my next course, gave me more information about the wine selection, and even gave CHS recommendations. I had the 3 course economy gastronomy, which is a great deal at $60. First course was the yellowfin tuna tartare, second the casaracce pasta, lastly the Some More dessert (I don't normally go for chocolately dessert but this was amazing). At the end of the dinner, my server brought me a rose to take home as well. A sweet touch to end the evening. I sat in the first floor bar area, and it was casual and calm. The ceiling has a beautiful mosaic above to look at, and the bar seating is large and comfy as well. Overall, the owners knocked it out of the park at The Tempest!
google avatar

Aidan M.

Yelp
Great place. They tried to stick us outside in the street after I mad a reservation a month in advance. Luckily they were able to fit us at the bar after we complained. Food and service was absolutely fantastic once we were inside. Some of the best seafood I've had in Charleston. Just make sure they don't put you outside on the street. Patio is nice but they tried to put us on the sidewalk where it was windy and dirty.
google avatar

Diana S.

Yelp
Everything we ordered was amazing! Had no complaints about any of the dishes we had. We do recommend this place. If you want to impress someone, bring them here.
google avatar

Melinda B.

Yelp
My husband and I have celebrated our wedding anniversary here for the past two years. This place is a must anytime you are in Charleston. The food is delicious and service is always exceptional. Outside seating is available and this place has nice charm and beauty. See you next year!
google avatar

Catelyn H.

Yelp
After eating at this restaurant, I feel bad that it was so low on my list of restaurants to try! As you enter Tempest, you're welcomed by the intimate atmosphere and kind staff. A stained glass ceiling and fresh flowers will make you wonder if the menu was crafted with the same detail. The seating at the restaurant is limited, so I recommend grabbing a reservation. As I started my dining experience, I enjoyed their dealers choice craft cocktail. I'm the type that likes surprises, so I didn't ask what was in it until it arrived. The cocktail balanced savory and sweet to a tee. For an appetizer, my table ordered a dozen oysters on the half shell- they had many varieties, but we went with the ones from Maine. In addition to the oysters, the restaurant provides scrumptious bread and butter. The oysters were served with 3 sauce varieties: horseradish cocktail, vinaigrette, and a creamy buffalo type sauce. The crowd pleaser was the vinaigrette! Plates at Tempest are served a la carte and sides are family style. For a main course I enjoyed the tuna, but also got to try the crab cake. Both dishes were beautifully prepared and were devoured pretty quickly! As dinner began to wrap up, Tempest offers their guests a sweet treat, drink, and flower as part of their tradition. These details are what make customers return, so I commend the staff on this touch! I'll be returning soon!
google avatar

Sarah M.

Yelp
From the moment I sat down to when I left, I was so so impressed by this restaurant! We made reservations on a Sunday evening and it was quite quiet, which was perfect for an intimate date night. Our waitress was outgoing, polite, and very attentive, probably one of the best waitresses I've had here! My boyfriend and I ordered the pre-fixed $55 3 course meal: Appetizer, entrée, and dessert. We started off with complimentary Japanese nori milk bread and whipped butter with some furikake sprinkled on top. It was so soft in the inside and the nori bits were nicely folded. The taste of nori was not so overpowering. For appetizers, we ordered Spanish Octopus and Smoked Fish Mousse. I was blown away by these dishes. The octopus was cooked to the right consistency where the texture was not rubbery and very easy to chew. The Smoked Fish Mousse was smooth and had a nice smoky flavor to it. Loved spreading it over the toasted bread that it came with. Both dishes had spectacular presentation! For entrée, I ordered Pan Seared Tuna. The Pan Seared Tuna was cooked to perfection. I could smell the truffle oil. Tuna can have a "weak" taste, but the black truffle sauce added that perfect amount of flavor. For dessert, I ordered the Honey Pot de Crème. It came out in a very small dish. I generally don't have a big sweet tooth, so this was the perfect amount for me. It had the two extremes of texture, soft and smooth, hard and crunchy. It definitely had a strong honey flavor so I appreciated even more with how small it was. Before we left, our waitress gave us a complimentary cognac (as well as a rose for the ladies) and explained to us a bit about the history of the place. Loved this tradition that they did. I plan to come back here soon because I had such an awesome and positive experience!
google avatar

Joey T.

Yelp
We came back after two years and the place got even better! Still the best steak and octopus, and now you can add bread and s'mores mousse cake dessert to their arsenal. Great drinks, amazing service, the best really, offering some free stuff to celebrate our anniversary and the engagement of the couple we dined with. My friend didn't love his fish, so they whipped him up a crab cake on the spot, which was the best I've tasted. They make it with some peppers and corn, very good flavors. Tuna tartare was just ok. Their shrimp was extremely fresh tasting, could barely tell they once lived in the sea. Ambiance in both dining spaces is comfortable. Best place in Charleston that I've been to.
google avatar

Brian H.

Yelp
Have you ever met your soulmate? I haven't yet, but I felt an immense connection with Dalton. Easy on the eyes and even easier on the Waitering. Smooth and fast, like a 2017 camero before they made them hybrids. His kind explanations of each food with the vivid descriptions that brought you back to the poems of Robert Frost. 11/10, best waiter. Additionally, the food was phenomenal. Fish would recommend.
google avatar

Lauren H.

Yelp
So we didn't actually get to eat here. I made a reservation for this restaurant for brunch about one month prior to New Year's Day. Three days before new years (meaning way too late to book anywhere else) they call to say they are not offering brunch that day despite our reservation. Utter nonsense thanks for ruining our plans Tempest...
google avatar

Lauren S.

Yelp
Such a great restaurant! Our server Lauren was friendly and helpful with great service. Yummy fresh food (we had the oysters). Great beautiful ambience as well.
google avatar

Ashley L.

Yelp
Tempest is a must have experience if you're a foodie living in or visiting Charleston. Found on the iconic Market St. downtown they are in a small location that aids in the intimate feel. The waitstaff are professional and enthusiastic about providing a fantastic dining experience. We mentioned it was our anniversary and they were quick to welcome us with complimentary champagne. They have multiple food options and all are wonderful. Your best bet is to go with the "Tasting Menu." For the price you get an amazing amount of food and get to really feel the message the chef wants to convey to the diners. My first course was octopus and the cook was flawless. The texture could not have been any better and paired with amazing flavor makes this a must try. My husband had tuna tartare on crispy rice with seaweed. This was such a fresh and flavorful bite and was like a build-your-own sushi course. For entrees he had a succulent, medium-rare filet mignon while I enjoyed amazing whole snapper with the most perfect crispy skin. We both fell in love with our plates and would gladly order them again. We finished off with dessert which was a real treat and even got a send off with a traditional pour of cognac and a flower. This place really knows how to make a night special!
google avatar

Marita S.

Yelp
Marty was our five star server! She was wonderful!!! A true professional with a genuine personality. The food was delicious: divine Caesar Salad and the most flavorful fish that melted in my mouth accompanied by a delicious risotto with shrimp!!! Excellent dish!!! The restaurant has an intimate quiet ambiance which we enjoyed very much. The beautiful colorful ceiling is the main attraction as you enter the restaurant! It's a WOW FACTOR!!! I highly recommend TEMPEST !!!
google avatar

Panayota E.

Yelp
Amazing food, service and atmosphere, wish i got more photos! Hubby surprised me here with reservations for my birthday and we loved absolutely everything!! Can't wait to come back!! Definitely check it out if your in Charleston!

Joanne J.

Yelp
Super nice hostess to start our party of 4 on a Thursday night. We were celebrating friendship and a birthday looking forward to a great dinner. Do we get it or not? Our server was Ragan, young girl with a beautiful smile and eyes, very pleasant and well spoken, off to a good start! The night only got....BETTER! Our serverRagan was the BEST server we have had in a very long time at any where. She spoke intelligently and passionately about each item she explained to us, her descriptions made our mouths water. Thanks to her descriptions we all ended up ordering exactly what suited each of us. We had a fantastic night thanks to all the staff including kitchen staff but especially to Ragan, THANK YOU FOR A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME
google avatar

Burt R.

Yelp
At best I would give 2.5 stars so 3 is rounding up. I will say the service, ambiance and presentation is 5 star and the first course and dessert is 5 star. However, what those areas brought to the table far exceeds the cuisine at this restaurant. I rarely find food that I will not finish however, their chicken seemed as though a chef may have accidentally dropped the salt shaker on the meal and the risotto tasted exactly like movie theater popcorn. I have only been here once and maybe this is not the norm. However, I am unlikely to revisit.
google avatar

Anastasia M.

Yelp
I was very excited to come to Tempest with my friends. This is a very beautiful spot! Staff is welcoming and kind. We made reservations, simply in Resy. I chose here because a friend mentioned they had Japanese soufflé pancakes. The whole reason we came. I was disappointed when regular pancakes appeared before me. I'll attach a picture of how they're suppose to look, there's no way they fell to look like regular pancakes, it's impossible with the ingredients. Japanese soufflé pancakes are luscious. One of mine was burnt on the bottom and inedible. Now for the lobster roll. It comes stuffed full of lots of lobster, but the flavor was ok. I guess having had them in Boston ruined us for anything else. But this came with what looked like Lays potato chips. Very surprised by this, was hoping for in house made chips. The fresh squeezed orange juice was lovely, should've tried a Bloody Mary. I truly hate the experience wasn't as we hoped. But I'm willing to try dinner some time in the future.
google avatar

Morgan R.

Yelp
Wow - some of the reviews have been mixed but I loved this place! Get: fin star salad; local crudo; snapper; grouper; fingerling potatoes; broccolini; espresso martini; some more dessert Avoid: cauliflower (everything else was better) This place was incredible!!! We had read some mixed reviews online but this restaurant really hit the mark. The fin star salad is amazing!! So light but so flavorful! The local crudo (snapper with peach) was light and delicious! For entrees we had the grouper (wow!!!) and the snapper! They were both superb! The side of potatoes were so crisp and flavorful and the broccolini were truly AMAZING! In comparison the cauliflower were underwhelming. For dessert the Some More dessert was delicious! The espresso martinis were The only unusual part was with the bill you can leave a tip for the wait staff and the kitchen staff which is cool but it was hard to figure out how much would be appropriate and how to take that into account with the wait staff tip as both were great! Can't wait to come back!!
google avatar

Janine R.

Yelp
Charming location with two levels and an outside for dining. The downstairs is richer in time and upstairs is more contemporary. The Fin Star Green Leaf was one of the best salads I have had in years. It was fresh and perfectly dressed. I LOVED the flounder. It has a crispy outside and tender inside. The Yukon potatoes were served piping hot, the broccolini was great, but the cauliflower was just so-so (we were trying to see if we liked eating more healthy). We also loved the Some More dessert and espresso martini. Will definitely be returning here.
google avatar

Jenny S.

Yelp
The husband and I went out for our anniversary during Restaurant Week, and we were very happy about the service, food, and atmosphere. Our waitress was very attentive, took the time to go over the menu, and didn't mind our chit chat because we will talk forever! The Yellowfin Tuna Crudo was so amazing - it just melts in your mouth! I had the grouper from the waitresses' recommendation and I'm so happy I did. I usually shy away from fish unless it's Tuna or Salmon because that's all I ever have, but the Grouper was so flavorful and meaty in a seafood way. My husband had the Ribeye, and it was little salty for his taste because he doesn't salt anything, but combined with the potatoes, it was perfect. When it came to the dessert, I think I may have won that round. I had the Some More which is a playoff of a s'more but it had a peanut butter flavored filling. Paired with the complimentary cognac, it was perfect! And to top it all off, the ladies are sent off with a flower. We'll definitely be going back and bringing our family and friends when they visit.
google avatar

Calvin D.

Yelp
Listen!!!! If you want a nice romantic vibe,Good service...The food was top notch...This is the place is the place...In the middle of everything that's going on in downtown,Charleston....Check them out!!!!
google avatar

Nicole M.

Yelp
Great experience! Service was incredible and the restaurant was beautiful. The food was incredible! My favorite was the flounder dish - I personally felt that the risotto was salty for my liking. The sourdough rolls were INCREDIBLE and I highly recommend ordering the potatoes and dipping the bread in that sauce!!! Loved the pretty flower given to each person at the end of dinner service

Nicolette F.

Yelp
I definitely understand all of the awards, this is a must! 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.
google avatar

Matthew S.

Yelp
Drinks and food were both very high quality. Even the bread was quite an experience. The Tuna tartare was extremely excellent. I have something of a rough time with names, but I want to say the bartender was Carl. A tall fellow with long brown hair. The best bartender in all of my years. He was incredibly friendly and helpful, even making suggestions for places to try out later on. It is refreshing when I see someone who is so professional. The only thing that I didn't love was the tip line which I was already generous on, then a second kitchen tip line. I was complicit and paid on both but if I ever see a second tip line again anywhere, I will line the second one out because where does it end? "Busboy tip", "Fish Tank maintenance tip", "Ambiance lighting tip" etc. No points off, I just think that is a negative factor. Server or Bartender tip out the kitchen.
google avatar

Sabra J.

Yelp
From the beautiful mosaic on the ceiling to the roses that we all received with our bill, the Tempest was a wonderful and amazing and colorful experience! The food was absolutely heavenly (especially the Japanese milk buns and Bok choy). I'd go back in a heartbeat! And the service was fantastic, our waitress Lauren was awesome!
google avatar

Chris N.

Yelp
Sunday brunch was just amazing. We had the local mushroom Omelette, Tempest burger, and 2 mimosas. They used fresh squeezed orange juice in the Mimosas, the omelet was perfect and cheesy in the center. But the Tempest burger stole the show. It was a smash Burger with Bourbon bacon jam. I will be dreaming of that burger tonight!!!

Cheryl G.

Yelp
First asked for old fashioned cocktail made with house rye - once bill came cocktail was over $30 for one. I could have gotten a much better option for that price. Second, hope the people who are sitting next to you don't know the managers. These people were seated 30-45minutes after us, but magically we got our bills at the same time. Our services was very slow and the other table had the managers checking on them frequently. The food was good but overpriced for the small portions. My daughter chose this restaurant for after a college event. This will probably my first and last time. There are so many other great restaurants to choose from in Charleston.
google avatar

Lisa L.

Yelp
A cool, quiet oasis on a hot sunny day. We had brunch, including mimosas and a Bloody Mary (yum!) my niece had the specialty pastry which was a lemon blueberry bread. Very moist and sweet. My sisters had a bagel and lox and the lobster roll. Both were excellent. The star of the meal was the shrimp and grits. They were so creamy and delicious, I ended up having to share with everyone. The service was impeccable.
google avatar

Bob S.

Yelp
My wife had one of the best crab cakes that she ever had and I had a delicious chicken. The ocean bread is incredible and the cocktails are amazing. We ate at a lovely table on the porch and our waitress was friendly and attentive. Free cognac at the end as well!
google avatar

Mike C.

Yelp
The service, food and atmosphere were all great. We had the tuna tartare, flounder and crab cakes. All fantastic. The crab cake may be the best I have ever had. We made our reservation on open table the same day. This will be highly recommended to friends and family! The Cognac and rose were a really nice touch!
google avatar

Siobhan D.

Yelp
I went here with 5 others as part of a special birthday dinner for my sister. They all eat meat and fish, and drink alcohol, but I'm a non-drinking vegetarian and dealing with some medical stuff so simple foods are better for me. They all enjoyed their meals and cocktails, as well as the cognac parting gift. I ordered the potatoes side dish, and was able to eat a few, but they were too spicy for me and there was a dressing that looked like mayonnaise, so I just ate a few potatoes and the bread. Limited vegetarian options, unfortunately. There was a risotto that is vegetarian, and I tasted it off a friends plate. But I couldn't find any other vegetarian options. So I just ate when I got home. The space is cool, in an old church. Would be fun for a date night. We were there early and oddly there were babies at all the other tables, so definitely not a date night vibe. But still cool. Solid service, too.
google avatar

Sydney B.

Yelp
Tempest is great for brunch. In a converted church and still has the stain glass walls and ceiling. Warm interior and loved dressing up. Also casual vibes if more your route. Next to the Market so can shop before or after you eat. The soufflé pancakes were very good and filling so come hungry. Skip the omelette. Get the tuna unami sooo freaking good. We loved them and would have easily gotten another. Great for brunch or dinner and group or personal small intimate gatherings. #bergerknowsbest
google avatar

Kyle M.

Yelp
This place was amazing. The service, the ambiance, the food. All great. Definitely recommend making a reservation before going. They have seating on the first or second floor. Only the second floor was available when we got there even with a reservation. The entire restaurant looked beautiful, unique, and classy. The service was excellent. We got the pre-fixed 3 course meal which includes appetizer, entree, and dessert. Prior to serving our food, they gave us some delicious bread and butter. I was already impressed after that and the experience had not even begun. For appetizers, we got smoked fish mousse and Spanish octopus. Both were very good, but I especially liked the octopus. For entree, we got the swordfish and the snapper. They were excellent. Overall, some of the best seafood I've ever had. For dessert, I got the Some More and it was possibly the best dessert food I ever had. Granted, I don't eat dessert often, but my statement stands. After we ate, we were served a free drink of cognac as per tradition and our waitress explained a little bit about the history of the place. Incredible dining experience. I highly recommend this place and will likely find myself back here in the future.
google avatar

Alex H.

Yelp
The Ambiance was nice, the service was mediocre. There was a good deal of waiting for the food. The pancakes were yummy, burger was not good, lobster roll not good, shrimp and grits not good and crab cake not good, but the roasted oysters yummy.
google avatar

Amanda K.

Yelp
The food was decent but was not worth the price or experience. My husband and I love the 5church group restaurants and how they support veterans. We thought the Tempest was a cool concept. The prices were way too high for the amount and quality of food. My risotto was yummy but simple. My husband's fish was suppose to be seared and was way over cooked and super small portions. We left hungry and paid more than the prices online mentioned. The atmosphere was more stuffy than online as well. If you want to look like a fine dining place, this could be an option. They do have a cool tradition they share before you leave if you drink alcohol or smoke cigars.
google avatar

J. K.

Yelp
Not sure what happened with my meal, because the restaurant was nice and other food coming out looked good. I had the soggy French toast and dried out sausage. With tip, $35. Definitely not worth repeating that meal at any prices.
google avatar

Claire H.

Yelp
Tempest was amazing! I'm so glad I got to try this restaurant while I was in town. The food is absolutely delicious. They have a $55 dinner option, where you order an appetizer, entree and dessert. My friend and I each did this and shared the plates. We ordered the fish mousse and tuna sashimi for apps. The NY dry aged strip steak for entrees, and the "some more" (fancy s'more) and honey comb desserts. Everything was absolutely delicious. The complementary bread in the beginning is a japanese milk bun that they bake in a mini cast iron. The bread and butter have seaweed incorporated into it. I was apprehensive at first, but it's worth a try. You won't regret it. Visit here for a special date night or celebratory meal!