What locals are saying
Chez Nous has earned a genuinely devoted local following as one of Charleston's most intentional dining experiences — chef Jill Mathias's daily six-dish menu (two starters, two mains, two desserts) drawing from Southern France, Northern Italy, and Northern Spain is the entire concept, and regulars treat the daily handwritten-menu drop on Instagram as a pre-booking ritual before securing a table in the 36-seat 1835 house tucked down an alley off Wentworth. Across Yelp (349 reviews), TripAdvisor (4.5/5, ranked #64 of 725 Charleston restaurants), and Facebook (96% recommend across 822 reviews), the consistent praise centers on ingredient quality, an unhurried pace, and a wine list matched to the cuisine's regions. The honest caveat locals and critics alike flag: with only six dishes on any given day, diners who don't connect with the day's offerings have no fallback — the format demands trust in the kitchen, and the higher price point ($$$ range) sharpens that stakes.
On socials
Social posts and food-influencer write-ups fixate on two things: the daily Instagram menu ritual — followers scroll @cheznouscharleston each morning to see chef Jill Mathias's handwritten, elegantly photographed menu card — and the intimate 'secret French countryside' feeling of the alley setting. Creators consistently call it Charleston's most romantic dinner and tell people to order whatever fish or handmade pasta appears that day; springtime artichokes with halibut earned a national 'Best Thing I Ate' callout from Saveur. The only recurring gripe is portion size — 'always left hungry after $50' — but most posts frame the tiny 2-starter/2-entrée/2-dessert format as a feature, noting that two diners can simply order everything on the menu.
- American Weekender – Cover Story: Chez Nous
- Airial Travel – Chez Nous TikTok/Instagram/Reddit Guide 2025
- Charleston City Paper – Chez Nous Brilliant Outlier Review
- Charleston City Paper – Top 50 Fall 2025
- Saveur – Best Thing I Ate: Artichokes at Chez Nous
- Jessica Cording Nutrition – Chez Nous Food Blog Visit
- Charleston Magazine – Chez Nous Feature
Who it’s for & what you get
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
- Beer
- Wine
- Dine-in
- Reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Wheelchair accessible
- Restroom
- Free parking
Frequently asked
Is Chez Nous one of the best restaurants in Charleston?
Chez Nous is ranked #108 restaurant in Charleston by community votes.
What is Chez Nous best known for?
Pint-sized neighborhood spot with elevated food & wine from France & around Europe in a cozy space.
Who should go to Chez Nous?
Chez Nous works well for both locals and visitors looking for a quality restaurant in Charleston.
Where is Chez Nous located?
Chez Nous is located at 6 Payne Ct, Charleston, Charleston, SC.
Join the conversation
Have a take?
Sign in to share what you really think.
- No comments yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Similar restaurants in Charleston
Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French Inc.
Bustling bistro offering all-day eats, coffee, beer & French wines, plus sidewalk seating.
Edmund's Oast
Brewery + restaurant on Morrison Drive with a 40-tap list and a serious patio.
Halls Chophouse
Sizable cuts of beef & seafood served in elegant surrounds, also known for its Sunday gospel brunch.
Nearby in Downtown
The Greenery Florist
Spring Street florist handling weddings and events with delivery, rated well by a solid base of Charleston clients.
Bourbon N' Bubbles
Fashionable haunt highlighting elevated sharing plates, champagne & handcrafted cocktails.
Prohibition
Rustic-chic Modern American restaurant with creative cocktails & a Jazz Age theme.
Tracer Waypoint Coffee Bar
Spare, focused coffee bar on Meeting Street pouring single-origin roasts in a no-fuss space.