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RAW LAB by Empire Oyster, Charleston, SC

RAW LAB by Empire Oyster

4.9
4.9
56 Reviews
$50 and over
Seafood
Top tags:
Welcome to the world's ONLY OMAKASE STYLE RAW BAR Experience! This is an extensive and immersive service, not simply an oyster bar. We feature innovative, colorful and unusual presentations of caviar, shrimp, oysters, uni, crab, mussels, lobster, fin fish, pickled vegetables & more, served raw or chilled. Our culinary ethic is whole, live, raw & bio available. We pair 9 interesting wines (included) with rare, exotic & luxury "MARINE CUISINE & DelicaSEAS", all prepared in front of you. It is a world class chef’s table, test kitchen & pairing experience. In our intimate private room we delight interesting & interested foodies, gourmands & epicureans at a custom built, 12 seat, U-shaped Raw Bar where everyone is front "front row". We're here to #MakeUglyFishesDelicious in a fun, smart & sexy way. Here we #RaiseTheRawBar so you can #SeasTheBay. ||| $199 ++ per seat ||| INFO: www.EmpireOyster.com/rawlab ||| NO SHOW & CANCELLATION POLICY: https://www.empireoyster.com/rawlabpolicies

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Shellfish, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sat 6:30 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 580-7729
  • Website
    https://www.empireoyster.com/rawlab
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    We offer our Marine Cuisine Menu ANYWHERE there is a budget for it.
  • Private party facilities
    This space is available for private events of 12 or less. www.EmpireOyster.com/rawlab
  • Location
    99 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401-3152
  • Area
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross Street
    On S Market 100 yards East of Meeting St. Between Meeting St & Church S
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Private Room

What 56 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.9
4.9 based on all time ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

56 Reviews

  1. LyndsZ

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 30 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was the most amazing girls night we have ever had. The seafood is delectable and all the courses come with a fabulous explanation and description. The wine pairings were perfectly on on point. If you love great seafood and wine you would be amiss not to go.

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  2. HaleyE

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 24 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great unique experience! Definitely would recommend!

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  3. JennieS

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 24 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    EXCELLENT!!!

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing I can't wait to go back!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kateka

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 9 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We all throughly enjoyed our dinner at Raw Lab Charleston! All of the food was delicious & flavorful. My favorite was the ceviche on the rice crackers, but everything was amazing. I now know why people love caviar; the “bumps” were delicious and buttery. The chef/host Kevin is a master at his craft! He made it fun and quite the unique experience. Uber if you can; wine parings with each course contribute to the fun.

    1 person found this helpful

  6. JenJ

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was recommended to us by friends and I'm so glad I booked this for my sister's birthday! I've lived in Charleston for 20 years and this was one of the most unique dining experiences I've ever had. The food is fantastic and you will not leave hungry but the experience is what really sets Raw Lab apart. Kevin is awesome, fun, entertaining, and so knowledgeable! Hands down the best oysters I've ever had!

    1 person found this helpful

  7. kt316

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    RAW LAB truly is an experience vs just a meal. Kevin is not just a fantastic chef but a great host. I've done a lot of omakase experiences but never had one like this. Whether you're local or visiting I recommend making this an experience of a lifetime!

    1 person found this helpful

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 4 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is a five star event AND dinner all in one! It was informative, yet fun. An adventure in new tastes, yet comfortable. Healthy and sustainable, yet delicious. We did not leave hungry, yet did not feel over-full. The portion size, sequencing and pairing was perfect. Three and a half hours flew by. A memorable meal and a memorable evening.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. AnsleyF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve been to raw experiences in DC, NYC, San Francisco and Key West and never had anything close to what was done on this level. The very best “food experience” I’ve had in Charleston since moving here in 2002. What a night!

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Seafooddiner

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 2 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent event to try new dishes from the marine cuisine expert Kevin. Highly recommend!!

    1 person found this helpful

  11. liasw21

    Atlanta Metro

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 30 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience and amazing food! Ambience is definitely romantic but easily could be good for a group seating. Throughly enjoyed the music and of course Chef Kevin rocks! Will be back 10/10

    1 person found this helpful

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Little Rock

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding one of a kind experience. This is much more than just a meal. Do this now! You will not regret it!

    1 person found this helpful

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on 27 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience

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  14. GinnM

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an amazing dining experience. The moment you walk in, you are greeted with champagne and small appetizer. Kevin then precedes to wow you with every culinary creation and story. Great music to accompany each creative dish paired with the perfect wine. Can’t wait to go back.

    1 person found this helpful

  15. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 19 May 2022

    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.

    1 person found this helpful

  16. AHatch

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    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!

    1 person found this helpful

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 5 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great night ! Enjoyed our experience!

    1 person found this helpful

  18. 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.

    1 person found this helpful

  19. CHShrimp

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great energy, passion and creativity at each stop of this culinary journey. Incredible service. A MUST-DO on your Charleston visit. Far more than just a meal - this is a seafood experience.

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  20. LyndsZ

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 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.

    1 person found this helpful

  21. NikkiL

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 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.

    1 person found this helpful

  22. 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

    1 person found this helpful

  23. AdrienneP

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 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

    4 people found this helpful

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 9 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An Exquisite, once in a life time, kind of experience! Kevin went out of his ways to make sure our needs are catered to. Highly recommended!

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  25. ChristineIsPink

    New York Area

    78 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    78 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.

    3 people found this helpful

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 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!

    1 person found this helpful

  27. 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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  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing experience and exquisite food!

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  29. Wasabi1211

    Charleston

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 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 !!

    1 person found this helpful

  30. 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.

    1 person found this helpful

  31. LoriH

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 25 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unique and delicious

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  32. 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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  33. 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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  34. 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.

    1 person found this helpful

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 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!

    1 person found this helpful

  36. 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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  37. 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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  38. 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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  39. 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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  40. 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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FAQs

RAW LAB by Empire Oyster is rated 4.9 stars by 56 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for RAW LAB by Empire Oyster

99 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401-3152

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    On S Market 100 yards East of Meeting St. Between Meeting St & Church S
  • Area
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sat 6:30 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Shellfish, Oyster Bar
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Private Room
  • Website
    https://www.empireoyster.com/rawlab
  • Phone number
    (843) 580-7729
  • Catering
    We offer our Marine Cuisine Menu ANYWHERE there is a budget for it.
  • Private party facilities
    This space is available for private events of 12 or less. www.EmpireOyster.com/rawlab
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