Charleston, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Charleston is gearing up for the opening of Rivayat, an Indian seafood restaurant founded by Sujith Varghese, set in the downtown area. This culinary destination promises to blend traditional South Indian flavors with local seafood, showcasing dishes like lobster moilee and tandoori oysters. Designed to accommodate 55 diners and 10 bar guests, Rivayat is expected to provide a more upscale atmosphere compared to its predecessor, Makan. With an anticipated opening in late summer 2025, Rivayat reflects Charleston’s evolving dining landscape towards global cuisine.
Charleston is set to welcome a new culinary destination as Rivayat, an Indian seafood restaurant, prepares for its grand opening at 210 Rutledge Avenue in downtown Charleston. Owned by Sujith Varghese, who also operates the popular Spice Palette in Mount Pleasant, Rivayat aims to bring a taste of southern India to the local dining scene by focusing on seafood dishes inspired by Varghese’s upbringing in Kerala.
Inspired by coastal flavors and traditional cooking techniques, Rivayat will offer a menu that features both South Indian staples and North Indian favorites, along with unique interpretations tailored to showcase South Carolina’s fresh local seafood. Dishes expected to be featured include pani puri, a variety of naan, samosas, gunpowder dosa, tandoori oysters, biryani, prawn masala, butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and the standout lobster moilee, which features lobster tail in a coconut sauce with spices.
The restaurant, set to occupy the space formerly known as Makan, has undergone significant renovations, including enhancements to the bar and kitchen. Rivayat will feature seating for 55 guests in the dining room, along with 10 seats at the bar, creating a more upscale atmosphere compared to Varghese’s Spice Palette. Despite having a smaller menu than its predecessor, Rivayat will retain some beloved items from the Spice Palette.
Rivayat aims to open for lunch and dinner in late summer 2025 and has already sparked interest in the culinary community by sharing a preview of its menu with local food enthusiasts. This restaurant marks a pivotal shift in Charleston’s dining landscape, as it aims to be the first dedicated Southern Indian restaurant in the area.
The closure of Makan, which struggled to attract patrons and closed after only six months, has opened the door for Rivayat to showcase the growing appeal of global cuisine in Charleston. The city’s culinary scene continues to diversify, with more dining options that reflect various cultural influences, including Rivayat’s dedicated focus on Southern Indian cuisine.
Varghese’s culinary journey has roots in his family, especially fond memories of fishing trips in Kerala and learning seafood recipes from his mother. The restaurant’s design incorporates aesthetics from a Charleston-based designer, ensuring a blend of local charm with the rich cultural heritage of southern India.
As Rivayat prepares for its launch, food lovers and locals are encouraged to stay updated on developments through their Instagram account @rivayat_chs. By offering a modern culinary experience that is both memorable and deeply rooted in tradition, Rivayat aims to carve its niche in Charleston’s thriving food scene.
FAQ
What type of cuisine will Rivayat offer?
Rivayat will focus on seafood dishes inspired by Southern Indian cuisine, showcasing regional flavors from Kerala and incorporating local seafood from Charleston.
When is Rivayat expected to open?
Rivayat is set to open for lunch and dinner in late summer 2025.
What types of dishes can guests expect on the menu?
Guests can expect a variety of dishes including pani puri, naan, samosas, tandoori oysters, biryani, prawn masala, butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and lobster moilee.
Where is Rivayat located?
Rivayat is located at 210 Rutledge Avenue in downtown Charleston, in a space previously occupied by Makan.
Who owns Rivayat?
Rivayat is owned by Sujith Varghese, who also owns Spice Palette in Mount Pleasant.
Key Features of Rivayat
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 210 Rutledge Avenue, Downtown Charleston |
| Owner | Sujith Varghese |
| Seating Capacity | 55 in dining room, 10 at bar |
| Focus | Southern Indian seafood dishes |
| Opening Date | Late summer 2025 |
| Menu Highlights | Pani puri, naan, samosas, tandoori oysters, biryani |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston’s Culinary Scene Expands with New Offerings
New Culinary Openings Revitalize Charleston’s Restaurant Scene
Charleston’s Culinary Scene Transforms with New Openings
Additional Resources
- Eater: Rivayat Indian Restaurant
- Wikipedia: Indian Cuisine
- Post and Courier: Rivayat Indian Restaurant
- Google Search: Indian Seafood Cuisine
- Eater: Highly Anticipated Restaurant Openings
- Google Scholar: Southern Indian Cuisine
- What Now: Spice Palette Owner Opening Coastal Indian Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Seafood Cuisine
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.
