Charleston, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Charleston is witnessing an influx of new restaurant openings that showcase diverse cuisines, including Southern Indian seafood at Rivayat, Filipino delights at Kultura, and modern Italian dishes at Ok Donna. With unique dining concepts and vibrant flavors, local chefs are transforming the culinary landscape of the city. Other notable entries include Frank & Jack’s, which serves nostalgic fare, and the Municipal Grand’s new lobby bar. These developments reflect Charleston’s growing reputation as a culinary hub.
Charleston is witnessing a flurry of new restaurant openings that highlight a blend of Southern Indian cuisine, innovative fresh pasta dishes, and nostalgic dining experiences. Owners like Sujith Varghese and Chef Joey Goetz are adding vibrant flavors and unique dining concepts to the city’s culinary landscape.
Sujith Varghese, known for his success with Mount Pleasant’s Spice Palette, is set to expand his culinary footprint with a new establishment named Rivayat. Located at 210 Rutledge Avenue, Rivayat will focus on seafood and will serve traditional dishes from Southern India. Signature menu offerings will include the lobster moilee, featuring lobster tail cooked in a coconut moilee sauce enriched with spices such as turmeric, curry leaves, and freshly ground black pepper. Notably, the bar at Rivayat will serve inventive cocktails infused with Indian spices, including creations like the Aam Panna mojito and a dirty chai espresso martini.
Meanwhile, the Filipino restaurant Kultura, recognized as a 2023 Best New Restaurant by Eater, is relocating from its current spot on Cannon Street to a larger venue at 267 Rutledge Avenue, formerly occupied by Chasing Sage. The move allows Kultura to benefit from an expanded kitchen, a roomy dining area, and a full liquor license, enhancing the overall dining experience. The old location will continue operations until the transition occurs, with an official opening date for the new space anticipated later in the summer.
Chef Joey Goetz is also making waves with the upcoming neighborhood restaurant, Ok Donna, located at 1117 King Street. Set to feature fresh pastas and pizzas, Ok Donna will diverge from traditional red-sauce Italian norms. Goetz aims to create a venue that is described as “cool and unexpected,” bringing a modern twist to classic Italian dishes.
Additionally, High Tide Provisions plans to launch Frank & Jack’s at 1434 Ira Road in Mount Pleasant. This new restaurant will feature a spacious outdoor area and an event space, showcasing nostalgic dishes such as short rib poutine, pot pie, moules-frites, and pizzas. The ambiance is described as a blend of Frank Sinatra vibes mixed with a “Dirty Shirley,” aiming to create a trendy atmosphere in Mount Pleasant.
Lastly, the lobby bar at Municipal Grand is now open, offering a cocktail menu that includes martinis, brunch, and dinner options, contributing to the diverse dining scene in the area.
In a recent relevant incident, local commercial fisherman Mark Marhefka lost his fishing boat due to a lightning strike, reminding the community of the risks faced in the industry.
Background Context
Charleston has become a culinary hub, attracting new and innovative dining concepts. These new establishments not only spotlight a diverse range of cuisines but also expand the cultural tapestry of the city. As Charleston continues to grow, the influx of restaurants highlights the talent and creativity of local chefs and restaurateurs.
FAQ
What new restaurants are opening in Charleston?
New openings include Rivayat offering Southern Indian seafood, Kultura relocating to a larger space, Ok Donna featuring fresh pastas and pizzas, and Frank & Jack’s with a nostalgic menu.
Where is Rivayat located?
Rivayat is located at 210 Rutledge Avenue in downtown Charleston.
What kind of cuisine will Kultura serve in its new location?
Kultura will continue to offer Filipino cuisine in its new, larger space.
What is Ok Donna’s specialty?
Ok Donna will specialize in fresh pastas and pizzas, focusing on innovative recipes instead of traditional red-sauce Italian dishes.
Key Features Chart
| Restaurant Name | Location | Cuisine Focus | Signature Dishes/Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivayat | 210 Rutledge Avenue | Southern Indian Seafood | Lobster moilee, cocktails with Indian spices |
| Kultura | 267 Rutledge Avenue | Filipino | Expanded menu with liquor |
| Ok Donna | 1117 King Street | Italian | Fresh pastas, innovative pizzas |
| Frank & Jack’s | 1434 Ira Road | Nostalgic Fare | Short rib poutine, pot pie, moules-frites |
| Municipal Grand | Location not specified | General Bar | Martinis, brunch, dinner |
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Additional Resources
- Eater: Highly Anticipated Restaurant Openings in Charleston
- Bend Source: Northern and Southern India by Way of Downtown
- Syracuse.com: First Look at South Indian Comfort Food
- Bend Bulletin: Spiceland Opens in Downtown Bend
- Tucson Foodie: Best Indian Food in Tucson
- Wikipedia: Indian Cuisine
- Google Search: Restaurant Openings Charleston
- Google Scholar: Indian Cuisine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indian Cuisine
- Google News: Restaurant News
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
