This was my first experience doing a surprise/fixed menu dinner, and I'm so happy I chose to do it here. All of the Charleston recommendations pointed to R Kitchen, and they were not wrong. The location is unassuming, but once you're inside you'll appreciate how quaint it is. We sat on the back patio and they even let us connect to Bluetooth to play our own music! We were introduced to the chefs who were all so welcoming and talented, and then they took drink orders. This was the first A+ part of the night, as my mom doesn't drink and was hoping to get a virgin cocktail. Since R only offers beer and wine, our host actually went across the street to get her something special from another restaurant! Then came the food - gazpacho, sweet potato succotash, shrimp and grits, pork chop, and steak. Everything was cooked to perfection, and I got to try things I probably never would have ordered on my own, like gazpacho. My favorite was the sweet potato succotash, the texture was amazing and the blend of sweet and savory flavors was perfect. My only minor disappointment here is that all 5 courses were savory so we didn't get to try a dessert. But between the service and the unique dishes, this was one of the most memorable places I've been to in Charleston! read more

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This is a fantastic place - best 40 dollars you will ever spend on a meal! Wonderful concept, great fun, a shared experience even in these distant times and outstanding food. read more

I cannot recommend this place enough! We made our reservation about a month in advance (just to be safe!) and I'm so glad that we did. My husband and I were the first to arrive and got to sit at the bar, having a front row seat to all the action. Our chefs, Justin and Johnny, were super fun and our meals were delicious!! read more

R Kitchen - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Wow all the previous 5 stars had our expectations high. The carrot soup with herb oil was ok. Salad with fresh tuna next and we thought great. Then it went terribly down hill. Menu said steak and they only had one prepared (yes, we were at the bar and saw everything) that one went to 2 others at the bar that said the didn't want pork, which was confusing as Pork was not on menu. So the sou chef opened a large vacuum packed bag of what looked like hot dogs (they said they were "special sausages") cut them up and put them in a pan. These were served with a bbq sauce that did nothing to make them taste anything other than a warm hot dog. Then veggies could have been good but red cabbage was overcooked and broccoli Rabe was WAY oversalted and was inedible...come on guys, taste the food first!!! Dessert was a gummy banana muffin with cloyingly sweet sauces. So very disappointing. Maybe it was different chefs from other great reviews. Just beware and good luck. Also, hope you like loud music. I do but it even was a bit much as the food got worse. Sorry guys but go take some cooking lessons. Keep the gal helping in kitchen. She was great. read more

Fantastic 5 course meal as always! They never disappoint! The chefs always add some character which is awesome!

I joined a group of Yelpers here for our "Supper Club" monthly tradition. The staff of three were super laid back, friendly and fun. There was no air of superiority, no fussy place settings or decor - this felt like someone's personal home kitchen, and we were all there as friends. Our unique 5-course dinner consisted of a black bean gaspacho, Nacho Chicken, stuffed pork loin, duck over garlic mashed potatoes and a dessert - apple bread pudding with an amazing bourbon-caramel(?) drizzle. This was such a phenomenal experience and it should be on every local's to-do list. They ensure repeat customers with their daily menu changes! I can't wait to visit again and try something new. Tip: Order a bottle of wine for your group vs. individual glasses read more

I cannot say enough about this kitchen! The chefs were incredible! We were a little nervous to eat out with Covid but they went way out of their way to make us feel really safe. All five of the courses were incredible, full of flavors and creativity! We consider ourselves "foodies" and this was one of the best meals we had all year in Charleston. Will recommend this place to everyone we know! You will not be disappointed! read more

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What an amazing food experience! Russ and Jimmy were our chefs and they were AMAZING! A 5-course meal for $30?! Yes, please! The menu isn't planned beforehand so you get what you get and our lineup was to die for. We started with a panzanella salad and the last time I had one was at a charity function and Paul Cullen was our chef and this exceeded my first panzanella experience. Second course was a jasmine rice dish and...holy moly. Next up, prob the most amazing tomato bisque I've ever had followed by a pork tenderloin dish. Listen, when I saw the pork come out, I kind of shrugged like "meh" because my husband legit cooks THE BEST pork...so I thought. I mean I can't even describe how amazing the pork was. For real this was legit not only one of the best pork dishes I've had, but one of the best dishes ever. Hands down. Then came the coffee cake with caramel and...wait for it...the coffee reduction...gahhhhh so freaking amazing. I can only hope that these two chefs come somewhere within driving distance of Maryland because I will 100% be the first person at the door waiting for them to open. read more

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We went to R Kitchen last night with friends. This was one of the coolest dinning experiences I've ever had! It's not a restaurant, it's a Kitchen. Chefs Hunter and Chris did an amazing job! The chefs set the menu daily with local ingredients, and then personally come out and explain each dish to the table. We had the patio all to ourselves, and it was a blast! Need reservations months in advance, but it's a must try. @ R Kitchen. read more

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Best meal we had in Charleston. The chef MB is a hidden gem and Chris the asst chef were SO engaging and accommodating to our group, even with multiple food exclusions. Made a night out of a meal...and the food, again was unbelievably balanced and amazing. Anyone in the group, even the most difficult, will have a good meal here, just make a reservation and LET THEM KNOW your allergies or dislikes ahead of time to ensure proper service. Menu was amazing, and you need to trust the chef, as it's a "chef dinner" preplanned kinda thing. Well worth it, I can't say enough good things about this place. A large group at the bar or a small couple would all love this place. Would 100% recommend. We will be back next time!!!! read more

"This is not a restaurant, this is a kitchen". Chef Chris set the stage, and I'd add "this is not dinner, this is an experience". I rarely give five stars, but I can think of few that deserve it more than R Kitchen. Five course meal for just $30. Menu changes every day, the chefs rotate as well. Seating for just 16 in the kitchen for dinner. We had creamy cauliflower soup, pork belly wraps, scallops "with a kick", Filet with poblanos, and a sweet treat to finish- every course was excellent. Your dinner menu won't be the same, but likely just as good! Check their website for number to text for reservations- plan ahead! Two seatings through the week, three on weekends. Get there early, very limited parking. Most of the first seating appeared to have drinks in the restaurant across the street after arriving early. R Kitchen doors don't open ahead of your seating. This is a must try! read more

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The food was nothing great, and the experience was downright awful. The website leads people on to thinking that you get an intimate experience of chefs cooking in front of you. This may be true if you sit inside, but the website fails to disclose that if you choose to sit on the "patio", it is not so. The "patio" was a plastic-covered shed with no breeze or proper AC. It was hot, buggy, and didn't even have music playing -- despite the waitress telling us that there would be music. The food was edible but certainly not worth $170 for two people. Not to mention that we were being rushed through our courses the whole time? It was almost like they wanted us gone?? WTH. Two stars, and two thumbs down. Never going back. This is my first restaurant review because I feel it is my civic duty to warn people away from this atrocity of a restaurant experience. read more

Went with a bachelorette group and we had an amazing time! They have a back porch we were able to have to ourselves, the preset menu made it super easy to dine with a group, everything came out with great timing and each course was delicious! Felt full, but not overstuffed. The chef was awesome and friendly! read more

Definitely the most unique dining experience in Charleston. I have loved it every time that I have been here

R kitchen is a home run and we had a great memorable dinner. I wont comment on individual plates as every day bring different delights except to emphasize that each of the five courses was superb. And if one doesn't like or is allergic to something they will cook something else. My only recommendation is to request or come early to secure a seat directly in front of the stoves so that you can join the fun and talk the chefs are having. Final comment, it is a bargain compared with most other restaurants. All foodies should come. Sitting next to us were two young foodies, aged 8 and 10 years and their smiles and squeals expressed pure delight. We can't wait to return! read more

Very unique concept! Every day is a different 5 course menu for $30. I loved that the chefs rotate between locations as well as rotate between front of house serving and back of house cooking. Everyone was friendly and the food was creative. You get sizable portions and the chefs come out and explain everything. If you are an adventurous eater, this is a must try! Would recommend reservation early and by the bar where the chef cooks - this seemed a lot livelier than the quiet patio where we were seated. When we visited, we had a veggie risotto, carrot soup, crab cake, brussell sprouts and a scallop. I would have loved a dessert in the 5th course, but appreciated that the chef said he's not a pastry chef so served us another savory dish. read more

We had one of the most phenomenal dining experiences of our lives on New Year's Eve here, but be forewarned of the following: 1. There is a prix fix menu that differs every day, but the chefs are very amenable to dietary restrictions; just tell them when you book. 2. There is no standard cuisine, but you will be served an amazing combination of tastes. 3. This is called a kitchen, not a restaurant, and you will be able to see the chefs prepare each dish in real time. 4. The location is in a small building in a transitional neighborhood, and you may miss it when you first pass it, as we did. 5. You may need to be patient to get a reservation, but it's worth it! read more

One of the best restaurants in Charleston. 5 courses of surprising meals and good portion sizes. Great prices

This spot is a big deal. A real foodie delight! It's only what the chef finds fresh and acceptable. Really. That means it's going to be good and the service is flawless. Highly recommend for large groups and intimate parties of 4 as well. Back to the food, it was mostly seafood for the first 3 courses and it was amazing. A soup that stewed for 35 hours and grilled mussels. Yummy! Definitely worth the stop in read more

Wowww! I lived in DC for 8 years and dined at many "chefs choice" restaurants and this one blows it out of the park. The price per person ($45) is extremely fair for the portion size / experience. I can't recommend this place enough and I'll be back next time I'm in town! read more

I hate ordering in restaurants because I get analysis paralysis. I love prix fixe menus and this did not disappoint. Excellent pricing and a fun, casual atmosphere. I love the idea of eating that is based on what's in the kitchen and reusing what's left from the previous day but in a fun new way. It makes me feel like I am encouraging less waste. I needed one more course to be totally full but that's probably bc I'm a fatty. read more

R Kitchen - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Definitely our favorite dinner while in Charleston. Fun, laid back and AH-MAZING food!

I've been to the downtown and west Ashley locations multiple times now and am never disappointed! The ambiance and the food is always incredible. The chefs are knowledgeable and talented and always make me and my fellow diners feel welcome, even with dietary restrictions. Can't wait to visit again. read more

Never been to an intimate dinner where the menu is TBD, but absolutely loved the entire experience from the very relaxed vibe, amazing courses made in front of you, and small group atmosphere (about 10 guests). Such a worthwhile experience for anyone looking for something different without sacrificing flavor or quality. Will be back again! read more

We stopped by after it was recommended to us by a family member and it was well worth the visit. The atmosphere, food, and service was great. It was fun not knowing what dish was coming out next and trying some new things. Big thanks to Justin, Hunter, and Emily for a great experience! read more

R Kitchen is a fantastic place to bring a date or out of town crew. Before I dive in though, let me preface my review by stating R Kitchen is a "by reservation only" sort of place. I'd hate for you to be like the several wanderers who stumbled into the restaurant during our dinner only to be turned away. So get on the phone a few weeks in advanced and lock in your spot. Alright, so technicalities out of the way, here's the breakdown. R Kitchen is not a restaurant. Yes, you are going to be served food, and yes, you will pay for that food. However, there is no menu to order off. Each night, two different chefs show up with market-purchased food and cook whatever five course meal they fancy. I know, you may be asking, what if they don't know my tastes? Here's my answer, they're professional chefs, not line chefs. They will know your tastes better than you do. And, by some strike they cook you up something you don't like, they will take it back and doctor it up with their chef-y magic. When we went, they served us an enthusiastic salad, grouper, duck confit, Brie-infused grits and a beignet smothered in dulce de leche. Everything was fantastic. I wish my memory served me better to recount what the chefs said was in each culinary masterpiece, but alas, the wine was flowing. I will say, upon receiving the check, we asked if they had any reservation openings for the next day. No dice this time, but R Kitchen was too good not to ask. read more

Can you handle one more love letter? We walked by R Kitchen one night, I stopped dead in my tracks and tried to get in the locked door. LET ME IN. So I did a little research and figured out what the hell is going on here. No wonder it's packed, no wonder the doors are locked. Cannot even wait to return to meet Ross, I was fortunate enough to go on rotating Monday Guest Chef Night and meet Bobby! 5 Courses for $25, bottles of wine for $25, ever changing menu, super nice staff makes me want to French kiss Ross. I hope this doesn't get weird. Make reservations. Just one more freakin' thing that makes Charleston delicious. read more

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A unique place to get gourmet, high end food at mid range prices. Think of a whole restaurant as one big chef's table and you'll get an idea. If this isn't for you, if you're used to fine dining style, you may want to get it to go or go elsewhere (Lana, for example, next door) I was skeptical-- the menu isn't super focused and the space is a little tight, but was very happy with my experience and especially the food. The chef (very affable) was real flexible and will work with your food requirements and it was a treat watching the food being prepared and dished.. The set up is not for everyone (something like 12 seats laid across in to bars). It's communal/chefs table seating, so not easy to chat with your friends if you have a 4+ party. Another big plus: inexpensive wine and very reasonable entree prices makes this a multiple x/month type of place, not a once a year type of place. which is good, cause I'll be coming back! read more

After reading the yelp! reviews and hearing great things from locals, I decided a visit to R Kitchen was a must. I called the restaurant on a Thursday evening and left a voicemail requesting a reservation for the following Monday; they got back to me fairly quickly and offered me outdoor seating. Don't let R Kitchen's exterior fool you - the interior is well-decorated and clean albeit very dimly lit. The setting is small and intimate. We were seated quickly into the outdoor area where we quickly realized how disconnected it was from the inside. Part of the experience comes from watching the chef prepare the dishes in front of you. Luckily, there were some no-shows and we were secured a spot inside right in front of the chef. Now - onto the food! Guest Chef Raul Sanchez had prepared a 5 course tasting menu: Empanada w/ Verde Sauce Chicken Enchilada w/ Mole Sauce Spinach Salad w/ Rib-Eye Steak Garlic, Oil and Shrimp Pasta Tres Leches Cake Although everything tasted good, there were no dishes that stood out as exceptional. I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed that there was really no stand-out. The Empanada and Enchilada were easily the most flavorful of all the dishes but really couldn't make up for the general blandness of the rest of the meal. I must say, the rib-eye steak was cooked well but just lacked flavor. If I was rating this experience solely off of the food, I'd probably give a 3/5. However, the experience in it's entirety deserves a 4/5. I enjoyed the banter between Chef Raul and the other guests and learned a decent amount from him about the food he had prepared (including the origins). I'll certainly be back but likely an evening that isn't on a Monday. read more

R Kitchen is an amazing new restaurant that occupies the old Mia Pomodori building directly across from Fuel. It's a small and quaint spot that is brightened up by the chef/owner Ross! I have been twice now, once to their guest chef pop-up dinner on Monday night and once for lunch. First, the pop-up dinner is a really cool idea! Guest chefs invade R Kitchen every Monday night to launch a full on assault of your taste buds. Aaron Swersky cooked me up one of the most flavorful and delicious meals I have ever had period. He prepared a 5 course meal with Amberjack dip, Shrimp escabeche, and Snowy Grouper over grits just to name a few dishes. And the best part about it all was that it was only $40! Yep, 5 courses for only $40! The preparation, presentation, and flavors were all out of this world. I will definitely be coming back soon to another pop-up! My second meal here was for lunch. I had the Tomatillo soup and Mexican street corn! Another awesome meal for an extremely low price! It is easy to eat well in Charleston if you have an unlimited income but I feel like their are not enough choices for more reasonable prices like R Kitchen. Don't confuse the reasonable prices with cheap though! R Kitchen uses amazing ingredients and is extremely upscale in every way. I cannot wait to try everything on the menu because it all looks so delicious! Ross and his staff (Grady and Amanda were there when I went) are all super nice and helpful. This is my new favorite spot on the peninsula! You have to try it. read more

I don't review much, and I would normally never give a bad review to a local place trying to make it in a busy city. But I felt like I had to. I won't comment on the food, it is different on every visit. Our meal was good for the price point. Not great but I was happy with my meal. The experience however was awful. Everything on their website sells it as an intimate experience with the chefs, watching them cook, learning about their process. I got none of that. Apparently a large party booked the same day as we did and took up the whole counter, so me and 3 other tables were put in a make-shift patio area. If I had known that this was going to be my experience, I would have paid a little more for better food somewhere else. I only make this review hoping that you ask before you go, and you actually get what you book. I will never be back to find out. read more

Our experience at R Kitchen was amazing!! They have three seatings : 6 PM, 730 PM, & 9 PM, and the menu changes daily. The set five course meal is an amazing $30, and was just phenomenal. The chefs speak about each course as its being served. We can't wait for us next dinner at R Kitchen!! read more

We dined at R Kitchen on 11/5. We called a few days before but got their answering machine and left a message. They returned our call a day later and we made reservations for the 6:00 seating on Thursday. (they have 6:00, 7:30, and 9:00 dining options) I was very excited about the dining experience but my husband was a little apprehensive. You don't get to choose your menu items. You are simply served what the chef wants you to have. But the chef selects ingredients that are the freshest and finest that can be found that day at the local market. He then creates the menu from those fine fresh ingredients. The menu the night we dined was: Trinity of onion and potato soup Cold smoked salmon carpaccio Roasted garlic & marinated mushroom risotto Seared Mahi with saffron rice pilaf, andouille sausage & lobster broth T-major with spinach, tomato, & glazed carrots with soft poached egg Beverages included ice water, pelligrino, and a variety of beers and wine Five courses for $30 per person ... plus beverage other than ice water. They were small plates, but after 5 courses, we were very full and satisfied! Reading other reviews ahead of time, we learned it is a very small place without much signage to indicate its existence but the small crowd that had gathered just before opening gave it away. When we arrived we weren't sure where to park since the few street parking places were full but noticed a small business (it was closed) parking lot one door down from the restaurant as well as a paid parking lot right across the street. We didn't want to take our chances of getting towed with the business lot so we used the paid parking across the street. But I did notice some other patrons using the business lot. Didn't seem to be a problem. During our meal, the head chef, sous chefs and the rest of the staff explained each course we were served. The chef even offered a glass of wine to the guest that could guess the secret ingredient of his risotto. (not telling - you'll have to try it yourself to find out!) They went around the small (I counted 14 seats inside with additional seating out back), yet comfortable, dining room gathering feedback from the guests. Each course was prepared in front of you, artistically presented, and (almost) too beautiful to eat. And they were as delicious as they were beautiful. I was nearly caught licking my plate clean multiple times. While we were dining, multiple people walked in to the restaurant inquiring about an availability. They were all politely turned away but with a suggestion to return at the 9:00 seating as it still had more room. The phone rang almost constantly. The hostess answered every chance she got but was just too busy at times. Good thing they have an answering machine! If you are even halfway considering dining with R Kitchen, please do not hesitate to give them a call. We were in Charleston for a few days celebrating our 20th anniversary. And we dined at some very fine restaurants that week. R Kitchen was, by far, our most favorite dining experience of the week! read more

My experience at R Kitchen last night was such an intimate exploration. I sat at the counter and enjoyed warm conversation with the staff while I watched them work. The 5 courses for $25 chef's dinner was not only reasonable but it was the perfect amount of food. Every course was well balanced and delicious. Definitely make a dinner reservation at which point they will ask if you have any allergies & particular food preferences. The five course menu changes every night. Then show up for a blissfully out of the ordinary culinary experience. read more

R Kitchen - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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A great idea, but failed miserably! I have delighted in food at all levels - from street food to international finest dining, so thought this would be great. The funky venue crossed the line into junky, the food was OK, the chefs' charisma and talent was "meh". At this price point ($100 per person) you must excite. This was not exciting in the least. I wish it had lived up to the idea... read more

It took me three days of calling to get a reservation here. I was THAT excited to try R Kitchen for the first time. I tried back in February and it was booked a month in advance. Mind you it was booked a month and advance this time but I knew what to expect and planned WAY ahead. I ended up going on a Monday which is guest chef night. Chef Raul was in the kitchen who is a personal friend of my best friend so I was excited to see him at his best. I have been to two of his pop up dinners at Elliotborough Mini bar and they were good but not extraordinary. Overall the experience was a bit hit or miss on the dishes. Some I really appreciated and liked others were a bit bland and poorly executed. Here is how it went: We started off with a Pork stuffed Empanada with Verde sauce, and a Chicken Enchilada with Mole sauce. The Empanada was alright. The filling was underwhelming and reminded me of something I could get at a regular mexican restaurant. I'm not a big fan of his Verde sauce. I prefer it to be less watery and have more garlic. Now the Enchilada was awesome! The Mole sauce was like a creamy chocolate curry so full of spice and flavor it pumped up the dish to another level. It probably made the enchilada honestly because chicken can be so bland on its own. It was tender and succulent not hard to cut or eat. The next dish was a spinach salad with ribeye steak, cauliflower, and a cilantro dressing. The ribeye was flavorless but well cooked. A nice medium rare. The cilantro dressing was fresh and flavorful. It had an acidity from citrus but still slightly creamy. Cauliflower was an interesting choice for a salad but it added some needed texture along with the raw red onions (not overpowering). The third dish was Garlic oil shrimp pasta. Garlicy but fresh from the Cilantro. There was a sweetness throughout the pasta that was excentuated by the tender shrimp. The final dish was a traditional tres leches cake. Now our cake was prefaced by Raul saying that sheep's milk and goat's milk which are typically in a tres leches cake are hard to find here. Now I know for a fact goat's milk is prevalent in Charleston (I volunteered at a goat dairy a few years ago on Johns Island) so I'll chalk that up to laziness. Sheep's milk would be hard to find. The cake was very moist but I couldn't taste the booze supposedly added. The frosting was very watery almost like whipped cream without enough sugar.  I like that the cake had a more unique flavor probably because of the evaporated milk. After the the dinner Raul took a poll of which dish was the favorite. The enchilada was the definite favorite. I also really liked the salad dressing. I will definitely come back since the restaurant has such a unique concept, but I'd like to go on a regular non-guest chef night to get the real experience. read more

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Just damn good. Great staff and great food. Challenging evening w a bachelorette party on the mix and yet the staff was perfect with it. Downright yummy. I've been in em all in Charleston and I'd go back to R any day. read more

One of my top 2 dining experiences. I suggest everyone go here, repeatedly if you can. We sat on the back porch, the kitchen crew has an enthusiasm you don't see anywhere. Hand guided tour of your meal is also something unique. Trust me, make a reservation and go...TODAY. Make sure you bring the address, otherwise even the most astute Charlestonian may not find it. read more

Make sure you make plans for a second dinner especially if your dinner reservations are for 6 o'clock. The food was excellent but the portions were extremely disappointing. I was excited the chef decided to make steak for the entrée but when it arrived at our table I was shocked to see a small cube sized piece of steak and a decorative mash purée underneath. Literally two bites and I was done. I was so confused because the steaks were huge and he sliced them all , plated it and there was more than half the steak left. I then saw the chef walking across the street carrying the rest of the steaks on a tray. I don't mind paying good money for satisfying food but not $120 for two people and leaving hungry. Literally had to eat dinner again that night. Never going back there, you definitely don't get what you pay for. read more

Bravo, R Kitchen! The overall dining experience was just as superb as the dishes you presented. It really is too hard to choose my favorite course. Our menu included a Spring salad with pistachios, chicken stew, pan-seared local grouper with pineapple salsa, pork belly with a delectable potato cake, and a NY Strip with a scallop cream. We rounded out the meal with the optional final course of bread pudding with a kahlua raspberry cream. I wish I could do it all again right meow. Can't wait to come back soon! read more

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