Basic Kitchen promotes locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable food and gives guests delightful, nutritious flavor profiles to indulge in a relaxed, bright and airy environment. More like eating at a loved one’s home than dining out, Basic Kitchen has enthralled us each time we’ve visited. The colorful, invigorating menu options open Basic Kitchen to anyone who loves good food (food allergy sufferers like me included!), making it a fantastic place to dine in beautiful, historic Charleston, SC.
Basic Kitchen
Location: Charleston, SC
Address: 82 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Food Type: Seasonal, Local
Meal Duration: 30 Minutes +
Dining Experience: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: $40+ per Person
Dress Code: None
Reservations: Recommended on Weekends
Special Diets: Pescatarian or Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ambience of Basic Kitchen
This fun, bright, and inviting space is filled with colorful, eclectic decor and instantly made us feel energized as we entered. The front of the restaurant is a traditional restaurant and bar setting, while the back of the house, through the working kitchen, is a covered outdoor patio space bedecked in cheery yellows, lush live plants, and herbs used by the kitchen. It’s the perfect place to kick back, spend time with friends and family, and eat delicious food.
Our Meals
Every time I’ve visited Charleston, I’ve eaten at Basic Kitchen because it’s so easy to find great, gluten-free food here. Though it isn’t a gluten-free dedicated space, they are great about preventing cross-contamination and take food allergies very seriously. Naturally, this means I don’t have to worry about getting sick after eating here, so as someone with a severe gluten allergy, Basic Kitchen is always at the top of my list of places to eat in the Holy City.
Above: Meals from our last visit
This time, we ordered some of our old favorites and new dishes, all better than anticipated. That’s saying something! I started with the Wellness Flight, a trio of fresh-pressed juices. It included ‘Immunity,’ which is pomegranate, ginger, and echinacea; ‘Happy Liver‘ with turmeric, beet, orange juice, and milk thistle; and ‘Brain Booster‘ with pineapple, ginger, and lion’s mane. These were delicious and so refreshing.
Robin had one of their mocktails called Creamsicle, with lemon, lavender, aquafaba, pineapple, and bitters. This was so tasty and bright – we both enjoyed it!
For our appetizers, he ordered the Cauli Wings, alongside arguably their most famous dish, Corn Ribs. We enjoyed both (although the cauliflower wings are not gluten-free). Everyone around us ordered the corn ribs, too – they’re so delicious and unique.
Robin ordered the Rainbow Bowl, which consists of chilled sesame udon noodles, crunchy seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and a house pineapple peanut sauce. Served cold, he said this dish was creamy, crunchy, and delightfully smooth, with a rich, bold flavor. It smelled incredible, but unfortunately, I couldn’t eat it as it wasn’t gluten-free. They may be able to make this gluten-free like many items on their menu, though I didn’t ask about this one.
My main course was the Yellow Coconut Curry bowl, which was so vibrant and delectable. It was made with seasonally available vegetables like zucchini and broccoli, tofu, Carolina gold rice, and toasted coconut flakes. I love Asian food in all its glorious forms, and this Charleston take on a traditional Southeast Asian dish was splendidly well done. I couldn’t finish it all (their servings are tremendous!), but I wish I could have. It was easily one of the best yellow curries I’ve ever had.
Final Thoughts
This is still one of my favorite lunch spots in Charleston. In a city with so much great food, it’s important to consider sustainability, seasonality, and the passion for great food behind those making each dish. Basic Kitchen has each in spades, so if you’re hungry in Charleston, pop into Basic Kitchen for fresh, flavorful, wholesome food. You won’t regret it!
Explore my adventures in Charleston and the United States.
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