RAW LAB by Empire Oyster

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   A Charleston MUST DO. So much more than a night out or a special dinner. This is a true dining experience, completely unique and unforgettable. From oysters to a caviar tasting to plenty of other MARINE CUISINE items that will leave you fully satisfied. I enjoyed every bite and every minute.

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2. AH

   AHatch

   Washington DC

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on 12 May 2022

   overall4food4service4ambience5

   This was a unique experience and we really liked the small group setting. The oysters were delicious and were our favorite part of the dinner!

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Raleigh

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 5 May 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great night ! Enjoyed our experience!

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Richmond

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 29 April 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Absolutely stunning. Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. This is a must try and an experience of a lifetime. The food is fresh, delicious and exquisite. Service is excellent, ambiance is amazing. I have nothing bad to say at all.

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5. LZ

   LyndsZ

   Charleston

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 28 April 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This was an amazing experience . All the courses were amazing and paired perfectly. The intimate setting was great for the meal and overall fabulous experience.

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6. NL

   NikkiL

   Las Vegas

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 23 April 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This is like nothing you have ever experienced. From the moment you enter this clandestine, Japanese style speakeasy environment, you will forget the world outside. Kevin’s warm and open personality will invite you to enjoy yourself without worry or inhibition and his creations will astound you. You will find champagne in your glass within 5 seconds of being seated and as you look around you will notice that every detail has been attended to with surgical precision. Then it begins. Oysters, salmon, ceviche, uni, lobster, caviar and on and on - each prepared in a way that is unrecognizable in the best way possible. This is neither a sushi bar nor a typical fine dining experience. It is a journey through the masterful interplay of taste, smell, spice, smoke, and spirits as they transform the freshest elements of the underwater world into unforgettable sensations. Throughout the night, Kevin’s creations will deliberately delight and confuse your tastebuds until you are left speechless and sitting in bliss. He is a master of a craft you never knew existed.

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7. JD

   JudD

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 21 April 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   It was our 10 year wedding anniversary. Being foodies in this incredible culinary town, it's sometimes hard to be impressed. But this experience was on a whole other level beyond the usual 'fancy' restaurants downtown. The wine. The food. The intimate atmosphere (we were friends with the other couple by the end of the night). Watching Kevin at work in front of us while sharing his vast knowledge of the marine animals we were consuming. It was truly a perfect night and a dining experience unlike any other. ps. Sometimes I leave places like this hungry. That was NOT the case. You definitely get filled up of both wine and maritime cuisine. 10000% recommended

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8. AP

   AdrienneP

   New York Area

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 16 April 2022

   overall4food3service4ambience4

   Was very overpriced for what it was. We spent $800 for three people. It was a fun experience but not worth that price tag

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9. CI

   ChristineIsPink

   New York Area

   77 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   77 reviews

   Dined on 9 April 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Unique totally one of a kind experience. Chef said it was the first night with all 12 seats full. Very communal and fun atmosphere. Everyone was best friends by the end of the night. Definitely a long meal though - 3.5-4 hours almost. The price includes the alcohol pairing FYI.

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 2 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our second time going and it was just as amazing if not even more so! It is truly one of the most unique and delicious dinning experiences in town!

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Literally best dinner experience in Charleston. Kevin Is an absolute rockstar

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing experience and exquisite food!

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13. W

    Wasabi1211

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 31 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had such an awesome experience.. living in Charleston, we have a variety of food options and I can honestly say I have NEVER had an experience like this !!! Exciting, fun and just a great time! Flavor combinations that will BLOW your mind!! Kevin is super talented !! Definitely going back soon !!

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My husband and I went there for his birthday and it was a fantastic experience. Could not recommend it more! The food and entire evening was beyond words. Literally left thinking we were glad we booked and got to try it now because it’s going to be one of those spots you have to book months in advance.

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15. LH

    LoriH

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 25 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Unique and delicious

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 25 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kevin shared his knowledge of the sea world delicacies with 9 eager customers. We all enjoyed each course and explanation/description prior to indulging. The wine pairings were exquisite. The atmosphere divine. Kevin and his assistant Roshan welcomed each guest as if we were entering their home for a dinner party. This dining experience will be one for the books. A must when visiting Charleston. Book early, limited seating is a positive for this type of night out.

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 11 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was an incredible experience! The food was delicious and only 10 seats there was plenty of attention given to each guest. Very expensive but well worth the experience once. Even our nine year old loved it, keep in mind she is an adventurous eater.

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18. A

    Astack

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 11 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is a one of a kind immersive Omakase experience. Absolutely exceptional. If you want to be blown away by Chef Kevin's knowledge and preparation of some of the best oysters and raw seafood in the country, this is a must do! Plus the 9-12 wine pairings are perfection. The ultimate date night for any local or visiting foodie.

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 9 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This place is amazing! Nothing to this quality in Charleston. You must stop here and try this spot!

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20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a wonderful experience for my wife’s Birthday. From reserving the table and receiving a nice text. To coordinating and having a cake made. This was truly a culinary adventure with some of the best cuisine Charleston has to offer. The quality of food was outstanding. The service was unmatched. Thank you Thank you, Thank you, for helping make my wife’s Birthday an experience she will remember for a life time. These folks have it figured out. Can’t say enough good things! Kudos!

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Kevin shared his passion for “marine cuisine” and the intimate group all had a great time. We celebrated two birthdays in style. The food was paired with perfect wines too. I can’t say enough about this once in a lifetime experience.

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Raw Lab by Empire Oyster is an amazingly fabulous culinary experience. Chef Kevin Joseph is extremely talented - creative, knowledgeable, and personable - he serves as your personal chef and host throughout the meal. Conversation flows naturally among guests seated at his custom-designed raw bar. Check out the website to view some videos he produced as they bring to life what it takes to source the evening’s delicacies. Consider yourself lucky if you’re fortunate enough to get a reservation!

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 3 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kevin served one of the best meals on earth! He educated us on sustainable fishing and fed us a delicious and healthy meal. Don’t tell tourists. He has created a top notch spot!!! Three thumbs up endorsement.

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wow wow wow. what a great dining experience !!! If you are looking for unique dining this is the place. Kevin the owner does it all and is very Knowledgeable about the fishing industry and sustainability. The restaurant only holds 12 seats which makes it very easy to engage all the people at the restaurant. It can run 3 to 4 hours and it’s definitely worth the price of admission. Many of us tried foods that we had never tried before and found them quite enjoyable. It definitely was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in my life. I recommended highly this place will be very hard to get into in the near future. plan ahead cheers

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25. PR

    PeteR

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on 3 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    An amazing evening in a gorgeous space, purpose built for the experience everything drips with preparation and passion. I knew I was in for an outstanding meal but had a slice of pizza in the back of my mind but left FED and satisfied. Dont skip the paring, everything played off of everything with the bites progressing through one another.

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26. TF

    TFez

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 25 February 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience3

    For adventurous diners looking for an interactive, unorthodox experience!

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had an amazing dinner experience at RAW LAB. Kevin provided a fresh and delicious menu paired with excellent wine selections. This is a “can’t miss” spot for foodies. The food and experience was well worth the price, we would 100% go again the next time we are in Charleston!

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28. T

    Trev

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kevin was a great host. You can really tell that he loves what he does. Amazing attention to detail, and a lot of thought put into a very creative 8 course omakase menu. Wine/champagne pairings were spot on. Everything was super fresh and also very rare for East Coast dining. Kevin appreciates the inquisitive, and is happy to explain his craft throughout the night. Our favorite part was gaining a higher appreciation and understanding on an often overlooked seafood dish: Oysters. This experience is a seafood adventure, and you won't be disappointed. Kevin accommodated our group of 10, and we had the private room entirely for ourselves. You will not leave hungry. Price was worth every penny. Thanks Kevin and good luck!

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing experience! Food is insanely delicious. You will be happy you went and you will talk about it for months. Can’t recommend it more!

    RAW LAB by Empire OysterResponded on 17 February 2022

    Thank You So Much !

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30. V

    Vinotabler

    Charleston

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and amazing host. Intimate setting and instructive and interactive experience. Chef is tremendous fun and the food is the bomb!

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kevin Joseph's vision and approach to dining is something this market hasn't seen yet. I can honestly say that this was the first time I actually felt something more than just taste from a meal. I thought I knew what a culinary experience was before but I didn't - and this was the best I've had in Charleston or elsewhere. The oysters, caviar, lobster, ceviche were all so memorable and we can't wait to go back! Can't wait to see what Kevin will do here next.

    RAW LAB by Empire OysterResponded on 15 February 2022

    Wow. Thank You!

    Report
32. JS

    JoshuaS

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 12 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A wonderful experience!

    RAW LAB by Empire OysterResponded on 21 February 2022

    Thanks a million Joshua! So fun serving yall, TWICE!

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33. f

    finedine23

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 11 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was amazing! Really one of a kind and a unique experience. Can’t wait to go again!

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34. CD

    CaseyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of the most unique and exceptional dining experiences of my life. This is not 'going to dinner', this is a food experience like none other. You learn and taste foods that surprise you and Kevin's energy make it a fun and memorable. You will be talking about this experience the rest of your life.

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 5 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was the most unique dining experience we have ever had. Do yourself a favor and try it. You will not be disappointed. All the food was outstanding and Kevin is very knowledge. Will definitely be back soon.

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36. JN

    JoshuaN

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 January 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We booked this place on a whim to ring in the new year and we were beyond impressed. For starters, the place itself is so unique and designed perfectly for an intimate dining experience. We walked in and were warmly greeted by Kevin who had the lighting perfectly set with mood music only to enhance the ambiance. This meal was not like anything I’ve ever had. The food was fresh and different but what made the evening most memorable was the attention to detail and entertainment we received all evening from Kevin himself. The place has only been open a month and he’s a one man show. We were blown away and cannot wait to come back! This is a must try!

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 31 December 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of the more amazing dinning experiences I have ever had. I think this is going to become the kind of place that books up months in advance. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an incredible and uniquely curated menu. Amazing!!

    RAW LAB by Empire OysterResponded on 15 February 2022

    So Honored by 5 Stars! Thank You!

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 December 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    EPICurean!

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 28 December 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This experience was very special in every way. The world-class menu, excellent wine pairings, and Kevin’s knowledgeable guidance about each course made my husband’s Christmas present an evening he’ll never forget. The room is intimate but not fussy, and it was easy to relax and enjoy because Kevin keeps the group small. Highly recommended for foodies and oyster lovers.

    RAW LAB by Empire OysterResponded on 15 February 2022

    Our pleasure. THANK YOU!

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40. KH

    KatieH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 24 December 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kevin's doing something special here. I've been to world-renowned omakase and oyster restaurants -- Masa, Rappahannock, Noda, Le Bernardin, etc. -- and Empire Oyster's raw bar is one of the best. Have you ever tried mezcal pearls or had oysters smoked right in front of you? Kevin's creations are genius, and the whole evening is a special experience. Two tips: 1) book your reservation at least one week in advance so Empire Oyster has time to source the rare ingredients, and 2) the entrance is the first exterior door on the right -- if you've reached the brew hall doors, you've gone too far. Enjoy!

    RAW LAB by Empire OysterResponded on 15 February 2022

    Wonderful! Thank You!

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