The food was beautifully prepared and tasty. The cigar tasted amazing. The caviar explodes with flavors. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The location is warm and inviting with beautiful landscaping in the courtyard.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The sommelier knows his wines and is a level 3 or higher. read more

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I rarely write reviews, but our experience at the restaurant at Zero George was shockingly bad--especially for a place that markets itself as "refined" and "hospitality-driven." We arrived for dinner with our 2-year-old. The tone was set immediately by our server, who was visibly annoyed when I didn't respond to his greeting fast enough because I was tending to my toddler. Rather than reading the situation with any empathy, he sharply said "Hi, miss" in a way that made it clear he expected immediate attention. Not a great start. Things only went downhill from there. My husband had to briefly step away to take a work call, and instead of accommodating the situation in any reasonable way, the server dropped water and bluntly said he'd return "when your husband is back"--effectively refusing to engage with me at all. Trying to make the best of it, I decided to feed my child first. After waiting quite a while with no assistance, I had to flag someone down--who turned out to be the manager. What followed was honestly the most appalling part of the evening. I asked if they could simply warm up my child's food. Not only did she refuse, she told me I could not feed my child in the restaurant. No alternatives offered. No attempt at accommodation. No offer for a kid friendly food item, or no offer to feed her in the hotel lobby. Her "solution" was that I should leave the restaurant and go find some outdoor space nearby to feed my toddler. To make matters worse, she added that "service will start at 6:15 sharp," essentially implying I should figure it out and be back on their timeline. The complete lack of empathy, flexibility, or basic hospitality was astonishing. I have never encountered such dismissive and hostile behavior toward a family with a young child--especially at a supposedly high-end establishment. Mind you we have been to plenty of restaurants including 3 Michelin stars. If you're dining with a child--or frankly, if you expect to be treated with basic respect--I would strongly recommend going elsewhere. read more

The food is okay.The service is not good.Ambiance is okay.Do beware the menu price.We didn't choose the A5 Wagyu .But they added without our order.And we paid $100 tips .So disappointed!We called the restaurant and they refund $190,but we still paid $100 tips .Actually the service is not worth $100!!!!!! read more

Zero Restaurant + Bar - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Amazing restaurant with a great ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Very pricey, for special occasions for sure, but the experience was so fun and well worth it. The service is top notch and I would recommend to anyone! read more

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I wrote a review yrs ago and it was deleted . We have been here 4 x and it has always been our favorite place in Charleston . The drinks will really get you tipsy! The cigar is always a staple and out of this world. The last visit we stayed at the hotel and drove in for a concert . After we had there fancy cocktails we ended up passing out and missing the concert . The food was great . Good luck getting Michelin . read more

Zero Restaurant + Bar - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This review is specific to their Sunday cooking class. We attended for a Christmas outing with family and it was incredible! Parking is super easy as they have their own lot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The class is in their full kitchen which is great. It was quiet as the staff prepped for the day but still cozy and fun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would revise the word class to more of a demonstration - while normally I wouldn't love a demonstration, Roberto did such a good job of translating what he was doing to a home cook. Loved every course and wine pairing! We learned so much and the food portions were great. Would absolutely do this again! read more

Zero Restaurant + Bar - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Upon entering the outdoor dining area, we were greeted by the host and led to our table. Our waiter walked us through the multi‑course tasting menu and warned us that the full menu would be filling, so we didn't get the upgrades that included the caviar. Throughout the night, we were well attended, even as the restaurant grew busy. As each food runner presented a dish, they explained what it was, the idea behind it, and how to enjoy it. It was a unique experience, nothing like I had ever had before. Our favorite was a steak variant that was incredibly tender when we bit into it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I also loved the ambiance; the lighting was dim and perfect.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] To top off the experience, the chefs autographed the custom menu and gave it to my mom as a birthday gift, which was so sweet of the crew! By the way, parking is right across from Zero. read more

An Exceptional Culinary Experience at Zero George -- Where Precision Meets Poetry [[HIGHLIGHT]]Dining at Zero George is a masterclass in what modern fine dining should be -- elegant yet intimate, ambitious yet deeply rooted in place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Set within the meticulously restored 19th-century carriage house of the Zero George boutique hotel, the restaurant feels like stepping into a world where every detail matters -- and every bite tells a story of Charleston's evolving culinary soul.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] From the very first amuse-bouche, it's clear that Chef Vinson Petrillo and his team operate at a world-class level. The multi-course tasting menu is a breathtaking composition of innovation, restraint, and craftsmanship -- each plate a study in balance, texture, and surprise. Locally sourced ingredients are transformed into refined, almost architectural creations that never lose their sense of honesty and flavor. The wine pairings are equally inspired -- thoughtful, adventurous, and perfectly synchronized with the progression of the menu. The sommelier's depth of knowledge and genuine enthusiasm enhance the experience without ever overshadowing it. Service at Zero George is nothing short of flawless: polished but personal, informed but warm. The staff anticipate your needs with effortless grace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sensory rhythm of the evening. Zero George isn't just one of Charleston's finest -- it stands among the best dining experiences in the country. It's where culinary artistry meets intimacy, and where every course leaves you both amazed and grateful. A must for anyone who believes dining can still be an act of wonder. read more

Great caviar tasting experience! Knowledgeable server, and a great before dinner adventure in Charleston! read more

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Ate here tonight for the first time. Was met at the door by Jason, the Maitre D. Every single staff member was the epitome of hospitality. The fixe price menu is a smorgasbord of exquisite presentation and subtle, extraordinary layering of flavors. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I was just blown away with the creativity, artistry, presentation, flavors, service and ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I rank it in the top 6 dining experiences of my lifetime, up there with Antoines and Commanders palace in New Orleans, high tea at the Savoy in London, the dinner we had in the Champagne region of France or the group Presidents dinner I curated at the Four Seasons in Seattle for the national HFMA conference. Phenomenal. read more

This is by far my favorite place to eat in Charleston. Excellent service, great experience, and even better food.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Service, ambiance great![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food....meh. It's not quite there. Flavors were off and didn't quite work for me. Unique presentations, bit missed the mark in flavor profiles, for me. 5 for service and effort, 3 for flavor. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]the restaurant has such nostalgic look and feeling[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]; we love the unique dishes, carefully selected and prepared dishes. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great service and ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the beauty of their outdoor seating in the courtyard.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The caviar service is gorgeous and delicious. Daily wine and cheese is the perfect way to get the evening going. read more

I love to eat. I love to be entertained. Amazing when I can find both. We dined here for an anniversary dinner. We were seated by candlelight on a porch overlooking a walled-in garden. Not only was it romantic, but it also proved the perfect setting to enjoy a full course meal where the amuse bouche and appetizer courses were crafted to appear as plants and other elements of nature. Every course was a treat and the flavor combinations were unusual but satisfying. The staff made us feel special. We laughed, we cried...well you get it.... What a wonderful night! read more

Zero Restaurant + Bar - Cigar shaped sweets - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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This was the best dining experience I have had in Charleston and top 5 I have had ever. I'm comparing this against Michelin star restaurants too. The presentation is amazing, food tastes amazing, service amazing, and overall ambiance is great. If there is one weakness, I would say the bar menu, but the bartender herself is amazing. Overall, this is my new favorite restaurant in Charleston and it brings such a wow factor. The caviar was a big portion and totally worth it. I can't wait to try their new restaurant costa! read more

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Stunning experience last night with Zero George's dynamic tasting menu. The best way to describe the evening is euphoria. The only way to approach the tasting menu is to include the wine pairings. While there are other offerings such as truffles, caviar, and wagyu we chose to commit to the dedicated tasting menu without any additionals. It was incredible from start to finish. There's rarely a moment where you are not interacting with the sommelier or other staff. They are super attentive without being in your face. Each bite we had was sublime. To say this was a memorable experience would even be an understatement. If choosing this tasting menu, go in with an open mind and try everything. Some items certainly took the cake but all were quite impressive. The overall ambiance of the restaurant is very warm and welcoming. I think next time I will commit to the caviar experience. I can only imagine! read more

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Whoa! This place is really amazing. In my opinion, BEST RESTAURANT IN CHARLESTON. Michelin star worthy in every regard. From service to food. And with a reasonably priced tasting menu total MUST for foodies, date nights, special events. My husband found them in a Condé Nast list, the restaurant, like many places in Charleston, is in a nice but unassuming restaurant that's a converted residential building. Every single dish is stellar. The upgraded Wagyu is worth it. I probably could've fone without the caviar upgrade but that a personal preference. I still dream about the snack we started with... doughnut foie gras read more

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Wow! This place is as good as people rave! Looking for a special night or a splurge? Come here! You will not be disappointed! Ideal setting. Totally Charleston. The staff is wonderful!!! And the food is yummmmmm! We were here for the caviar bar. Four of us, 2 orders to share. Each order comes with: 2 Oz of caviar, lemon cheeks, 1 perfectly cooked soft egg, creme fresh, chives, potato chips, an brioche "sticks". Lots to try and sample. If you don't go to the caviar bar, they do have table service. They bring a tray with caviar and vodka. Looked to be a generous Oz bump off your hand (the best way in my opinion) followed by a vodka shot. Of course you can always order this at the caviar bar too. Tip: Make a reservation well in advance. read more

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It was a magical experience from the start. We walked in during a light drizzle and peeked into the kitchen as we stepped across the dimly lit courtyard, then passed through a glass door that opened up to a quaint patio, and the a beautifully cozy interior. We were seated in the patio and felt like it was the perfect setting for an anniversary dinner. Our server, Ray, was charming and enthusiastic about the menu and chef's offerings. The menu is prix-fixe and it made trying new cuisines very easy. Our palates were challenged and we enjoyed the caviar addition to our menu. For an additional $45, you can have royal ossetra caviar "bumps", followed by a shot of Nikka vodka from Japan. You can also upgrade your menu by adding the wagyu entree instead of their current offering, for $95. The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars is because I felt that several options were a bit underwhelming for the value. It was incredibly hard for me to do this but I'm basing my decision off of the dishes in the "middle" where I felt that there was a dip in flavor and the flavors didn't marry well together. For example, the hamachi with rhubarb jelly and pickled radish- the different tastes didn't seem like they worked well together. In addition to this, the pork belly was delicious but I didn't feel that it was a suitable option for such an elevated cost. Given that we could only choose from the included pork belly or $95 wagyu per person. Additionally, I was more impressed by the name of the pink bumblebee tomato, instead of the actual taste. We didn't do the wine pairing but ordering the non alcoholic drinks and some with alcohol. I wasn't a fan of the raspberry cocktail due to the strong and bitter taste, but the server was kind enough to take it back and bring me their Prosecco. I can't remember the name of it, but it was perfect. Not too sweet and dry enough. Regarding all of the positives, however...the starters and dessert blew us away. The cigar with A5 wagyu with smoke mushroom... incredible. The century (quail) egg that was soaked in yuzu for an extended period of time, the fois gras buñuelo sprinkled with dots of passion fruit, the "frozen summer garden" experience and flavor, the sheep's milk sorbet with lime and the coconut tees leche with "honeycomb" meringue were TO DIE FOR. Those dishes truly made the experience top notch. Our server was equally as passionate about the food as our chef was. He was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable. He made us feel special by acknowledging that while he couldn't place my requested rose petals on the table for our celebration, he was able to have our "celebrity chef" sign a menu for us and wrote "Happy Anniversary". I'd honestly visit once again just to see what creative offerings the chef has come up with. A minor side note- guest services at the hotel answered our question quite rudely when we tried to ask to be connected to the restaurant so that we could attempt to move our reservation to a later time. He stated "Well, nobody is answering the phone because the restaurant is in operation." Despite that minor bump in the road prior to our arrival, we loved the quick and efficient service that was offered at the actual restaurant. Everyone was incredibly attentive to our table. They offered a smile each time and our waters were never empty. Please give them a visit if you're ever in town. read more

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This was our second time at Zero George. Both times food and service were excellent, however, 3 out of the four in our party were all sick around the same time early in the morning and we think it was due to bad oysters served in a course we had there. We did call the restaurant the next day and let them know that we were all sick at the same time, and they said they were sorry in an email but that was all. We paid almost $2000 for dinner for four people, and although we've liked going there in the past, any time one of our party mentioned zero the whole trip we were all green.... Will be a while I think before we can return. At that price point... I just think the restaurant would have tried a little better to acknowledge that we were all sick from their restaurant.... Very disappointed at the lack of empathy on that front. read more

Zero Restaurant + Bar - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The food was outstanding, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the experience was special and the atmosphere made it all come together.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This was our second time and we will be back! We recommend everyone give it a try. read more

Food left me speechless. I can sit here and go over but I want to talk about the innovation that was put into the food. Of course it was good but you can't even put a number on it. You will just have to try it. Worth every penny plus a tip. I didn't really get alcohol but if you want to pair things they have a Somme there for you. The service was top notch even got to speak to the owner. The ambiance matched everything. This was an experience while eating and being served. Just go. Edit & Update a month or so later: I see that this has been getting views and I ft like it could use more ... umph. So the menu is chosen by the restaurant it changes week to week. I do not know how to get the details of what is being served that week. I originally went for beef Wellington throat I saw on an old photo menu. When I got there-- there was no beef Wellington to be prepared. When I saw the menu-- I thought to myself-- I do not want any of this. Then come to find out that you get all of it I was dead set on BEEF WELLINGTON. alas I was tired of moving and it was late. So I said to my wife-- whatever-- let's just eat here. The owner promised me I would love the food. He was CORRECT!!! I went from not wanting anything that was on the menu to loving every single thing that was served to me!!! I was glad I did not leave. There was quail eggs, radishes, steak, fish and edible things you didn't think was edible. It was an amazing experience--- so again, just go!!! read more

5 Stars and then some. So pleased with our choice for our last dinner in Charleston! Chef Vinson Petrillo who you can catch battling on Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay is absolutely brilliant and so talented. We went for their tasting menu and the wine pairings. Hubby had the upgraded wine offering for an additional $65 and I can honestly say that my wines were just as good as his. Our waiter was easy going and great. Our Som was a bit guarded I felt like, but never rude. He let me take pics of the wines since it seems that every time we do this, we return home and often can't remember what the wines were. We started out night with a couple of cocktails and ended our night with another set downstairs at their bar. Gorgeous restaurant, bar and kitchen area. As a matter of fact, upon entering you go by the kitchen and talk about being star struck when you catch a glimpse of Chef Petrillo working his magic. Can't say enough about this amazing place. One of the best tasting menus ever. Very well thought out and put together. Upon walking out, Chef Petrillo asked us if we had enjoyed ourselves and offered to sign a menu. Talk about a great send off. What an awesome human being! Will definitely return! read more

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The food at Zero is preposterously posh: gold foiled lobster rolls and chicken wings? "Cigars" made of raw meat with a butter cream ash? How the heck do can you give this place anything other than five stars? A negative review makes you an entitled snowflake whose expectations of life and gratitude for it are completely misaligned. A positive review makes you one of the sheeple: easily duped by appearances and high prices. So let's stick to the basics: Ibrought my wife here for one of our annual celebrations of her 39th birthday. The restaurant is under construction right now so all they have open is their chef's table, a price fixed tasting menu of six courses (though the first course is really six in and of itself) with wine pairings*. The table is an eight top in the kitchen, so if you're coming as a couple, be prepared to talk to strangers. When seated with 6 other people in the high end dining demographic, I kind of want to bring up fox hunts and white privilege (the menu was one spotted owl pate short of what you'd expect Dick Cheney to be eating every night) over our ornate foie gras rice cracker thingsmajig with my dining companions but instead we talked about travel, food, and Texas I guess? Here's the deal: we didn't have a lot in common with the other guests but it didn't matter because my wife and I were in such a sense of awe at the flavor and presentation of the food that it didn't matter that we ignored the small talk. The service is amazing as well. I did not feel rushed but did note that we departed the restaurant in precisely 120 minutes. Every course we had was a wonder -- so much so that I spent most of the evening perplexed that I get to live a life where a meal like this is included. In the end Zero is more than appearances and high prices, it's a definition of culinary *art* at all levels. The food was exquisite. The service was masterful -- Throughout the evening they wished my wife a happy birthday and presented her with a candle in her dessert. As the night concluded, i was even sad that i was going to leave our single serving dinner companions. My wife left happy and feeling 39 yet again, and I looked thoughtful and classy. Okay just thoughtful. Zero is good but they're not miracle workers. And I guess that makes me one of the sheeple. * As someone who does not drink, I was a little nervous I'd miss out on half the meal, but Zero charged me substantially less for staying sober through the night *and* they made me several delicious alcohol-free cocktails. What a bonus! read more

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YES YES YES. If you can, definitely come here for dinner! Make reservations in advance and you won't regret it. They serve a tasting menu for $140 per person. They have a sommelier and extensive wine/drink menu. The service is spectacular. Multiple people from the staff served us and they were all so professional and kind. The first part was a collection of "snacks" that were all handheld. They were all creative, fun to eat and tasty. Just for example, there was a flower pot of a delicious spread that we ate with the provided herbs. From there on, the bigger plates had just depth of flavor and unique flavor combinations. There was a ham, shiso cashew milk mix and cantaloupe dish that was a surprising cohesive marriage of flavors. The aged pork belly came with a "pork belly powder" which just elevated the pork belly flavor to new heights. The salmon was tandoori spiced, and served with a artichoke cream and a homemade bread. There were optional additions for an extra price. We both opted for the caviar (because caviar). It was a special celebration so I opted for the wagyu which was an extra $95. I remember reading someone saying that it was worth the price and I didn't believe them. BUT IT IS WORTH IT. It is A5 grade and they give you a pretty large piece. It literally melts in your mouth. Anyways, if you can't tell, I'd definitely recommend Zero. We will be back if we're back in Charleston. One thing just to note - my legs were eaten alive by mosquitos. We had outdoor patio seating, I was wearing a skirt, and it just rained before we got there. So while I thought the outdoor decor was more charming, if you're prone to bites, choose indoor. If you choose outdoor, wear pants. read more

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The tasting menu is composed of 13 courses, the first five are small bites. You start with a liquid nitrogen frozen herb ball in a leaf (very cool experience, you have steam coming out of your nose and mouth), followed by an oyster (not my favorite bite, I thought the flavors were an odd combination and did not work together well), foie gras on a cracker (second favorite bite of the meal), raw tuna cigar, smoked salmon cream bunuelo and a prosciutto croquette (third favorite bite). After these bites come the bigger dishes, starting with raw beef and a rice cracker. I enjoyed this course, the passionfruit was a nice addition, but it lacked overall flavor. Next were the chestnut ravioli which were extremely good and I think is just a fabulous dish. This was followed by swordfish served with a salted roll (similar to an Asian bun with more flour). The swordfish itself was underwhelming and had a slightly fishy aftertaste (not usual for swordfish in my experience), but dipping the bread in the sauce it came in was divine. They could just serve the sauce and bread without the swordfish and it would still be a fantastic dish. The last savory course was the red deer and this was the best bite of the meal. It came with beets, which were nice, but did not add much, but the meat was so supremely tender. I cannot say enough good things about the red deer. The last two courses were dessert. The first was a sheep's milk sorbet which was sour and refreshing. The last dish was a tres leches (coconut mousse in a coconut husk) with honey comb and was very pleasant. The service was top notch (as you would expect) and the ambiance is cozy and welcoming. I would recommend trying the restaurant if you are in the area and are celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself. read more

Looking for that special occasion place? Zero George is it. This is not a "regular" restaurant. This is an upscale coursed meal with wine pairings restaurant - headed towards Michelin ratings, so don't go here for your average Friday night out. Go here for something special. Went here last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary and we were not disappointed. We've had several Michelin rated meals and this one comes spectacularly close, I won't go in to exactly why it's not *quite* there as that will make me sound completely pretentious (if I don't already). I loved the "snacks" at the beginning and the way they made everything a different take on something, the "cigars" were even served in an "ashtray." Getting the wine pairing really showed with this meal, my husband took one bite of the tuna and then a sip of wine and said "that was the perfect sip of wine." That's when you know the wine pairing is good. Even though they're undergoing renovation, ambiance is still good, we were sat inside (there was seating on the porch with a heater for every table and it was cold this week) in a small room, we took a corner table. We never lacked for anything, there was always someone standing by, but not hovering. We also loved how you barely knew this was there, you could drive by the restaurant 50 times without knowing it. Try it, you'll appreciate it - but save it for something special - oh and don't eat anything all day before you go, because, even though it's a "tasting menu" it's still a lot of food. read more

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Went there last night for our 27th anniversary, the service was terrible, [[HIGHLIGHT]]we had to sit outside for the caviar experience[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], limited menu, I can name 20 restaurants in Charleston that blow this dump out of the water for half the price and I'm not some bumpkin that has not experienced fine dining, been to Jean George, Le Cirque, Peter Luger, Le Bernardin etc. Call me before making a mistake Matt Findlay 973-464-8249 read more

This was one of the best meals we've enjoyed in years. The playfulness, innovative courses and variety in the courses was amazing. The service was outstanding, we will definitely be back next time we visit Charleston! read more

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Absolutely phenomenal! We did the tasting menu and was so creative and well done. Have eaten at several Michelin restaurants and would rate the meal easily up there. read more

Zero Restaurant + Bar - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We enjoyed this amazing "tasting" menu, great service, in a lovely setting, we also added as an option caviar tasting with Japanese vodka. All beautiful and delish. The reason I'm giving this two stars is that this tasting menu is a rushed experience. You have about two hours to get through an enormous amount of wonderful food and really no time to enjoy the flavors and company you're with. When I'm dropping nearly $900 for a birthday dinner I don't want to be rushed. That must be fixed. read more

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I came for the experience and enjoyed the ride. I had the chef's menu with wine pairings. The menu appears to stay the same. I give props to the staff for their knowledge of the menu and pleasant disposition. Also, I appreciate seeing Chef Vince at work upon entering, as you walk through the kitchen to enter the bar and dining room. Most memorable dish- the smoked tile fish was full on umami over a wonderful yolk sauce. It had a meaty bite for a fish dish. The opening dishes were certainly pretty to look at, but did not surprise my palate as much as I hoped. The popcorn grits was creative but a little difficult to swallow. The Beef Wellington stands on its own and executed perfectly. The meat melts in your mouth. The potato foam was a pleasant play on meat and potatoes. To end the meal, two desserts with ginger gelato and granita and deconstructed chocolate tart. I cleaned up the gelato as it was a great palate cleanser, and both desserts were a cross between savory and sweet. Since it is the last course, I wanted more fanfare. In summation, the accompanying beverages justify the price point for this restaurant. It is a great dining spot to celebrate a special occasion. It is a small dining room so be ready to share your conversations. It has romantic garden seating, but it was a chilly spring evening on my visit. I am glad I went but it does not make me want to return. read more

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Please see my Yelp review below: Have you ever found yourself saying, "you know, I've had some good fois gras and never really liked fois gras...but this ... this was amazing"? No? Just me then? Ok. That was my first inkling that the food was going to exceed any expectations I had. There are many components to a meal at Zero George that should each be considered. First; it is a tasting menu only. If you do not have an open mind and a wide ranging appreciation for flavors- some that you might think you wouldn't like if you picked for yourself, you may want to look elsewhere for a special occasion place. Secondly, if you don't want to spend 4-7 hundred dollars on a meal, you will not want to come here either. It is more than just pricy- it is exorbitant. However, if a unique, once in a lifetime palate experience in the most beautiful garden setting imaginable is something you think is worth the cost: you're right and should come to Zero George. The next consideration is how incredible the service is; I've rarely experienced anything like it. Hospitality taken to its natural zenith by people who believe in the mission of bringing you an unforgettable experience. And finally - the food and beverage. I know many people find conceptual dining experiences to seem pretentious based on the words chosen to describe the dishes but sometimes a meal is ethereal and playful and that's just that! This was one of those meals. I feel that way even though there were two dishes that simply were not for me. (Pork belly and potted plant.) First, the snacks. The frozen spring garden was fun and playful and silly and tasted amazing. A deeply frozen some thing or other wrapped around by a leaf; you blow out through your nose while eating and it starts you off on a lighthearted note. Opens up your mind and mouth! The oyster was good, it was an oyster lol. Pea custard on a crisp - yum! The potted plant was a radish with quinoa and some kind of butter and it was.. fine. The next round of snacks started to bring the flavors to a new level. The tartar cigar with dehydrated mushroom "ash" packed a lot of fun and camp into a small plate, the crab donut was more complex than I could've imagined, but their take on a "century" egg was my favorite of all the small plates! Smoked roe on top- so yummy. However, the buñelo was what was most surprising to me, since I typically flatly dislike fois gras but couldn't stop eating this one with its passionfruit gel complements. We opted into the caviar experience- I hadn't had caviar before and knew if I wanted to get the real taste I'd better try it here. So very glad I did. Much more flavor than just salt; savory and interesting- and the vodka cleanser went down so smoothly. The main plates started off strong and peaked, for me, with the octopus dish. The hamachi was so fresh -sharp and sweet- but you really do have to eat it atop the rice crisp accompaniment to get the most of it. The pink bumblebee tomatoes with their cream and seaweed was lick-your-plate-clean good, so the flat bread they send out with it comes in handy to sop all the goodness up! I enjoyed the pork belly enough but it was simply eclipsed by the genuine joy I felt with the octopus. I will say the paired wine enhanced my experience of the pork belly, as did getting a bit of each component of the dish together all at once for a full bite. The octopus, though, I actually don't think I have the requisite vocabulary to express how incredible it was. Octopus is another dish I've never had and I'm so glad my first exposure was here, the banana ...remoulade(? I can't remember but it was a sauce on the side) made it all another lick the plate flavor. The sheep's milk sorbet was a great palate cleanser, very sharp and the meyer lemon was sweeter than the the other berry flavor! The dessert? It's never left the menu and never will. The chef's take on tres leches with crisped honeycomb and the wine pairing will not soon leave my memory. Sweet, crispy, light, creamy... just perfection in a bowl. All the plates are small but by the end of the meal I was so stuffed I could hardly finish. A note on the cocktails: the old fashioned is maybe overpriced but it was a solid and refreshing, classic and traditional old fashioned. The rest were delicious (that we had, a suite sour and a gin drink I can't remember the name of!) and I think priced appropriately. We only had two wine glasses that were intentionally paired with the dishes (did not opt for the full pairing), however, based on how perfectly the flavors were enhanced by the flavors of the wine: we missed out and will next time certainly be choosing the pairing experience as well. If you're looking for a one of a kind experience, do come here. And a disclaimer! You will likely not have the same dishes I had, as they change their menu seasonally (and sometimes weekly!) led by the chef's current vision. read more

Zero Restaurant + Bar - The menu - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This isn't just a meal it's an experience. My wife and I enjoyed everything about this place. I also included the wine pairing with my dinner which made everything taste even better. A must try for any foodies who appreciate the fine dining experience. read more

My wife and I came to Charleston on a mini-moon after we were married in November to essentially eat our way through the city and enjoy a nice relaxing weekend. We compiled a list of restaurants and Zero was one at the top of our list. We've been to over a dozen restaurants with "fancy" tasting menus so there's always a worry in the back of the head the chef forgot to include great tasting food when conceptualizing these whimsical dishes. No worries at Zero. The staff started us off with some bubbly for our new marriage and the evening only improved from there! The staff navigated us through the eclectic menu from start to finish and it was all expertly cooked and huge on flavor that matched the fun plating and imagination. Some standouts were the creative "snacks" at the beginning, including a foie gras waffle and a "cigar" of beef tartare with mushroom powder. Their version of beef wellington and a pasta dish that was inherently German also stood out to the both of us. The wine pairing with the food was very well done and we also enjoyed some DELICIOUS espresso martinis to cap the evening. Price-wise, I'd say it's on the nose for the quality and quantity of food you consume, as well as the ambiance and service. If you're contemplating coming to Zero for a special occasion and are on the fence about it, hop off the fence. This place is legit. read more

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I have had a top three list for a long time and this has definitely won itself in top two. We went for a birthday dinner and was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism of the establishment throughout. Food was completely out of this world, kudos to the chef read more

Food and service was great. However I was literally attacked by bugs on the outdoor patio.They kindly offered me bug spray, but by the time I got it I was already done for....you would think for the money you pay they would get the outdoor areas sprayed.....it's hard to enjoy your dinner when you're constantly getting bit by bugs. They also landed in my food and drinks. I got at least 25 bites all over my legs. read more

Zero Restaurant + Bar - Bug bites - New American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Very cool experience. Did the tasting menu with the wine pairings. The snack plates (deviled eggs, tomato sandwiches, 'foiffle', and potted plant (baby radish in a pot of butter, fried red quinoa, and dried olive) were fun and tasty. One of the best deviled eggs I've ever had - heavy on the garlic and caviar on top for salt. The tomato sandwiches were wrapped in nori, which was a choice I didn't care for. The potted plant seemed like a better concept for plating than for eating. Next was a thick slice of smoked salmon with a new potato hash, a crispy tweel, and a cream sauce. Eaten apart, the elements were so-so, but they sang when eaten as a perfect bite. After that was my favorite - tortellini with a lemon custard. Unbelievable dish - I would have been happy with just that. So creamy and light at the same time. The pasta was fluffy and perfect. Next was Spanish octopus with chorizo over a mole verde sauce and lime pea puree. My wife said the mole sauce was her second favorite sauce of all-time (first was a parsley sauce on salmon in Paris she still dreams about). I have never had a more tender octopus than this. Following the octopus was a beef Wellington accompanied by aerated potatoes. It was hard to follow the previous 2 innovative courses with a known main course - It was good, but safe, and could have used some salt. Dessert was a couple of small items that were great (creme brulee, a whole grain Krispy treat, mini strawberry tartlet, and a couple of passion fruit/watermelon/cayenne gummy bears, served next to a tres leches cake with dehydrated coconut. The cake was soooooo sweet - they said there was a berry compote with it, but I never saw it on the plate. It would have been welcome to cut through the sugar. All in all, a great meal with a lot of things to discuss/remember. read more

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In a word? AMAZING! From the food to the service, everything was top notch ![[HIGHLIGHT]]I highly recommend Great spot for a date night, very different food, not your typical steak and shrimp style but very demure[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more