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Merci

Downtown · Ranked in 3 TasteSignal categories

Updated October 2026

← Best New Restaurants in Charleston, SC
#1 Best New#3 Date Night ▲#11 Best Overall ▼

Merci is a small European-inspired neighborhood bistro in downtown Charleston’s Harleston Village, opened by chef Michael Zentner and his wife Courtney in March 2025.

4.6
TasteSignal Crowd ScoreFrom 1 platform · how this is calculated
Google★ 4.685 reviews

Diner ratings checked Oct 2026. Platforms with fewer than 50 reviews are not counted.

Address28 Pitt St, Charleston, SC 29401
Open inGoogle MapsApple MapsWaze
Websitemercicharleston.com
HoursWednesday–Saturday, 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
ReservationsReservations open on Resy seven days in advance at 9:30 a.m.; the restaurant is bookable on Resy.
Walk-inWalk-ins are difficult, but a 4:00 PM walk-in seat is sometimes possible; emailing in advance may help for special occasions.

Hours, prices and booking details are from our 2026 checks. Confirm with the restaurant before you go.

Why Merci ranks where it does

#1

Best New Restaurants in Charleston, SC

No change
  • Critic recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, James Beard Foundation and 4 other outlets in the last five years.
  • Opened Mar 2025.
  • Fresh critic coverage in the last six months (Post and Courier, Oct 2026).
  • Diner ratings: 4.6 on Google (85 reviews).
#3

Best Date Night Restaurants in Charleston, SC

▲ from #7
  • Date-night recognition: Post and Courier (Oct 2026), Post and Courier (2026).
  • Critic recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, James Beard Foundation and 4 other outlets in the last five years.
  • Fresh critic coverage in the last six months (Post and Courier, Oct 2026).
  • Diner ratings: 4.6 on Google (85 reviews).

What critics and guides say

Condé Nast Traveler: The Best Restaurants in Charleston (2026) (Jul 2026)James Beard Foundation: 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award Nominees (finalists) - Charleston area (Mar 2026)Post and Courier: Where should I celebrate a birthday dinner in Charleston? Our food editor has some suggestions. (Oct 2026)Charleston City Paper: CP Hot List: Summer 2026 (DISH Dining Guide) (Aug 2026)Charleston Magazine: New & Notable (Jun 2025)Garden & Gun: Seven Cozy Charleston Restaurants to Try Now (May 2025)

Also top-ranked for Best New

Cane Pazzo, Tutti, La Cave, The Crossing. See the full ranking →

Frequently asked

Is Merci good?

Merci ranks #1 for Best New in Charleston on TasteSignal for October 2026. Critic recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, James Beard Foundation and 4 other outlets in the last five years.

What is Merci's TasteSignal Crowd Score?

4.6 out of 5, the average of its ratings on Google (platforms with 50+ reviews), checked Oct 2026.

Where is Merci?

Merci is at 28 Pitt St, Charleston, SC 29401 (Downtown).