Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in South Carolina

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in South Carolina? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bin 2004

4.9

4.9 (38)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

North Myrtle Beach

About the restaurant

Step into Bin 2004, where sophistication and allure meet to create an unforgettable dining experience. Located at 2004 Highway 17 South in North Myrtle Beach, our new wine and tapas restaurant transports you to the chic wine-tasting rooms of New York City, Miami, or Las Vegas. With a unique blend of maximalist design and intimate ambiance, Bin 2004 is more than just a restaurant – it’s an escape. At Bin 2004, wine is the star. Our modern wine station bar offers an innovative way to sample and savor our extensive collection. With more than 400 bottles from renowned regions like Napa Valley, Italy, and France, our temperature-controlled wine room provides an intimate setting for special events and gatherings. Let our experts guide you through each selection, enhancing your appreciation for the fine wines we offer.

Top review

Stephani

Dined 5 days ago

Beautiful setting, great staff, amazing food and drinks. Highly recommended!

River House - Montage Palmetto Bluff

4.8

4.8 (396)

$50 and over

American

Bluffton

About the restaurant

River House does have a dressy casual dress code consisting of no shorts, flip flops, baseball hats or tank tops in the dining room for the gentlemen. Comparable attire for the ladies. Children under 16 are exempt. We do offer complimentary pants to guests that may need them.
River House corkage policy is a maximum of 3 bottles per reservation without management consent at $35 per bottle.
River House has a 24-hour cancellation and No-Show Policy consisting of $25 per person plus a 18% SVC Charge.

In the South, there’s an intimate connection between the table and the land. Our fertile soil feeds corn and cattle. The palmettos provide cover for quail and game. And the ocean provides its bounty with the incoming tide. The River House is a culinary celebration of this relationship and our professed love for the land and waters of the Lowcountry.

Top review

WilliamVIP

Dined 5 days ago

First rate top to bottom. Service in all aspects second to none in region anywhere outside New York. Benny was locally born, just 22 years old yet obviously well trained professional. Menu included several rarely seen in other establishments outside this area. Not inexpensive, but worth the splurge for special occasions like our anniversary tonight. Will return again and again. Well done Montage!

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Popular dish

Venison Tenderloin

Experience

Thomas Rivers Brown Wine Dinner

Top of Carolina

4.7

4.7 (98)

$31 to $50

American

Columbia

About the restaurant

Embark on a culinary adventure unlike any other as you ascend to the pinnacle of indulgence at the Top of Carolina rotating restaurant for Sunday brunch. Nestled high above the cityscape, our panoramic views are only rivaled by the sumptuous spread awaiting your arrival. As you sip on mimosas and bask in the morning sunlight, let the world below become a mere backdrop to the feast unfolding before you.

From the first bite of freshly baked pastries to the last sip of artisan coffee, every detail is meticulously curated to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your brunch experience to new heights. Indulge in a symphony of flavors, from savory classics to inventive culinary creations, all while being gently spun around to witness the ever-changing landscape below.

Join us at the Top of Carolina, where Sunday brunch isn't just a meal—it's an unforgettable journey through taste and sight, leaving you with memories as delightful as the dishes themselves.

Top review

Carmen

Dined 7 days ago

The dishes, the variety and the qualityof the food are unsurpassable. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Everything is so delicious that you do not know what to choose. the view too can't be beat.

Camellias

4.5

4.5 (291)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Reservations are not accepted for Standard Service.
Reservations are required for Afternoon Tea and Special Experiences.

Discover an unparalleled Afternoon Tea experience at Camellias, where design and architecture intertwine to create a breathtaking wonder inspired by the renowned Fabergé jewels. Step into a realm of elegance and sophistication, where every detail, from the etched mirror ceiling to the dazzling crystal chandelier, exudes opulence and charm.

Located in the heart of Charleston, Camellias presents an Afternoon Tea seating that stands as an essential experience for any bucket list.

Adults | 65.00
Children’s Tea (ages under 12) | 42.00
Crown Tea | 78.00

Pricing reflects a per-person pricing based on seats reserved.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to your reservation. Failure to cancel 24 hours before your reservation will result in a $25/per person fee.

Top review

Deborah

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Yea with Santa was a wonderful experience! The room itself is absolutely stunning, the food was beautifully plated and presented! The servers were particularly effective with my 5 year old Grandaughter, and Santa was terrific! The only downside was that it was advertised as tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Mrs. Claud was not in attendance. Very high prices for the food that we enjoyed…perhaps a glass of complimentary champagne is in order at these prices?

Frank's Outback - Outside Dining

4.9

4.9 (1191)

$31 to $50

American

Pawleys Island

About the restaurant

Frank’s Outback has 45 seats inside the building and interestingly, the patrons get to walk through the open kitchen to enter the dining room. Once inside, you sense a warm welcoming atmosphere. The walls are painted in a cool blue with original artwork on the walls. White tablecloths, candle light, hand polished silverware and glassware grace the tables. There are also 100 seats outside, set in a garden setting under a canopy of trees. The outdoor seats are covered and not affected by weather. In the Fall and Winter guests are warmed by infrared heaters and the large outdoor fireplace.

Top review

CarlVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great restaurant. Great atmosphere. Dedicate owners to customer satisfaction.

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Popular dish

Blue Crab Ravioli

Popular dish

Whole 14 Layer Caramel Cake

The Bluffton Room

4.9

4.9 (2164)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bluffton

About the restaurant

At The Bluffton Room, we serve inspired American cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients in an intimate and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Old Town Bluffton. Our well crafted cocktails, gracious service and tableside preparations evoke the feeling of a classic dinner party.

Please note that due to the size of our dining room and our tableside service, the restaurant is not suited to children under 13 years of age. Thank you for your understanding.

Top review

Donna

Dined 3 days ago

An absolutely lovely evening. We started the evening with a Lemon Drop martini and a martini for the hubby. Very good. We began our foods with the Beef Carpaccio, excellent. The bread was substantial and very good with the Carpaccio. Sometimes it's too hard, this was great. The quail eggs were delicious. Rylie (sp?) our server helped my hubby decide on the Elk Tenderloin as he was undecided. I am so glad she did - WOW. One of the best pieces of meat either of us have ever had. I had the Filet and it was excellent. Overall, an outstanding experience and The Bluffton room has improved over the years to become a place to celebrate those special occasions or just to have the very good burger at the bar. Can't wait until next time!

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Celeste Coastal Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (950)

$31 to $50

American

Hilton Head Island

About the restaurant

Experience Celeste Coastal Cuisine, a hidden gem on the north end of Hilton Head Island. Celeste offers a unique blend of Cajun-Creole influence, complemented by an excellent wine selection, a full bar, and outdoor seating. The menu features a variety of enticing options, including succulent scallops, blackened red fish, and expertly prepared steaks. Signature dishes like jambalaya and crawfish étouffée ensure there's something to satisfy every palate. The inviting decor, accented with New Orleans-inspired touches, creates a warm and welcoming environment for relaxing evenings, whether indoors or on the veranda. Guests can join nightly at 5 PM for dinner and enjoy live music every weekend in the spacious bar and lounge. Don’t miss the Sunday brunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, featuring favorites like Crab Cake Benedict. Escape the tourist rush and unwind for an enjoyable evening out. Reservations can be made by calling 843-802-4744 or visiting celestehhi.com.

Top review

Peg

Dined 3 days ago

Outstanding service, atmosphere, food....EVERTHING WAS GREAT!

Olive & Fig Mediterranean Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (406)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Hilton Head Island

About the restaurant

It was Chef Munjid and his wife Tammy’s dream to one day be able to open their own Mediterranean restaurant and share his cuisine with the world. That dream is now a reality with Olive and Fig Mediterranean Kitchen. Together they take great pride in making each plate transport you to the Greek Isles or the banks of the Mediterranean Sea where some of the finest cuisine is served. We are excited to bring you some flavors from the Mediterranean and we hope you enjoy!

As we are in our peak season we are requesting that you have patience as our cuisine is made to order. You will find no precooked items and we do not use microwaves or steam tables to heat or store food. In addition, no frozen items except those that should be such as French fries or ice cream desserts.

We take pride in our quality and request if have any concerns or not satisfied please ask to speak with Tammy the owner.

Thank you for choosing us as part of your dining experience. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

Sal

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Been here several times, the food is always good. Just a bit pricey

The Studio, An Artistic Dining Experience

4.9

4.9 (1684)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Hilton Head Island

About the restaurant

Entice Your Senses While You Dine in our Fine Art Gallery. Innovative International Cuisine featuring Local Seafood, Grassfed Beef as well as Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten Free Menu Options. Also offering Live Musical Entertainment, Artists Creating at the Easel, Patio Seating

Private Dining Room Available for up to 35 People

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Top review

Debbi

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Consistently excellent, both food and service. I usually order the pallet, which consists of three smaller portions of fish, lamb chops, and filet. All three dressed differently and delicious.

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Popular dish

Halibut Fillet

Popular dish

Shrimp & Vidalia Onion Bisque

Popular dish

Seared Diver Scallops

Patterson Kitchen + Bar

4.7

4.7 (314)

$31 to $50

American

Greenville

About the restaurant

Experience the flavors of the Upstate at our contemporary American restaurant, where Southern charm meets international flair. Nestled beside our beautifully manicured courtyard, our restaurant draws inspiration from the rich bounty of South Carolina. Our cuisine emphasizes bright, clean, and approachable dishes, all served with a touch of warm hospitality in a vibrant setting. Executive Chef Gianna Smutzki and Chef de Cuisine Veronica Rodriguez craft seasonal menus that showcase the finest of Greenville’s culinary scene.

Top review

Boots

Dined 5 days ago

My neighbors and I celebrate every year just going out to dinner with each other for Christmas. We celebrated last year Patterson‘s and this year at Patterson’s. What a wonderful experience.

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