R Kitchen 1337 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29407

"WOW!!! This place definitely deserves more than five stars! It is quite an experience to dine here. They have a fixed menu at a fixed price (I think $65-$70 per person?); usually five courses; and all Chef's Choice. Bottles of wine are already at the bar when patrons arrive -- included in the fixed price. You MUST CALL to make reservations. They only have two seatings: 6pm and 8pm. Dining at R Kitchen is truly a whole new dining experience for me. Very casual atmosphere -- you sit at a bar and chat with other patrons and the chefs who are preparing and plating your food right in front of you. The chefs also talk about what's in the dishes they're serving, what inspired it, etc. It's part of the experience to sit down and guess what's on the menu that evening (they post clues on a board at the restaurant). And you don't know which chef you're getting that night either as they rotate. We've been there at least eight or more times in the past year, and ALL the chefs are amazing! The owner, Ross, is a gregarious, generous, accommodating, and hilariously entertaining individual. He is also an amazing chef! Chris, Justin and Alex are some of the other chefs whose culinary creations we've had the pleasure of trying. And can't forget how wonderful Lindsay is all the time. They will gladly accommodate folks with dietary restrictions; just let them know when you make reservations; however, the chefs will also ask you when you get to the restaurant. It is always so impressive to me to watch them come up with alternative dishes on the fly. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place! It is easily our favorite restaurant in foodie town Charleston! We will keep coming back!"

"This was not only a delicious meal, but one of the coolest experiences I've had at a restaurant. Not knowing what you're going to eat before walking in is so fun! The staff were super genuine and a lot of fun. They were able to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, within reason. It seemed like the staff has a lot of fun and make everything with lots of love. You can taste the difference!"

"R Kitchen is such a unique experience and a genius concept that I hope really takes off. The idea of allowing the guest to be a small part of the chef's creative process is so endearing and clever. We've had the pleasure of dining at the chef's counter twice now. Both times we were served a complementary bottle of wine. The chefs stop the music, and explain each course as they are served. The whole place has such a buzzing energy to it, with so much attention brought to the actual food and its artistry, there's an upbeat fun vibe about the entire experience beginning to end. Will definitely be back again and again."

"For tourists and foodies looking for an off the beaten path option that is sure to impress, look no further. R Kitchen is booked weeks out in advance and for a good reason. When we first walked in, we were warmly greeted by the owner, Ross, who treated us to a cold drink and wine. The environment is welcoming and eclectic. He explained that generally there is more staff, but tonight we would be served mainly by him, which turned out to he down to earth and relaxed. The dinner started off with an explanation of the five courses, which I'll admit sounded odd but having an open mind, I gave everything a try and was pleased that I did. From the tomato soup with pork belly, a salad with shrimp and apples, chicken with squash and rice, steak with collard greens and cauliflower puree, and then warm strawberry dessert with Bleu cheese garnish. Again, trusting the chef's inspiration and process paid off, as both my husband and I enjoyed every minute. Please note that for the photos, the first course I forgot to take a picture of and the others I was dying to dig in and were partly consumed."

"If you want an amazing dining experience you have to try R Kitchen! It’s a communal dining for 15-20 people with a daily custom 5 course menu! I think 2 seatings per night, 6 and 8pm. The food was unreal, but it was more than the taste, presentation and creativity of each plate, it was intimate and involved with the 3 chefs. It felt like a dinner party at a friends house who happens to be a culinary genius! They can accommodate food allergies, but the menu is for everyone and so go trust the pros to make you incredible food, you won’t be disappointed!"