IS IT FOR YOU?
OVERVIEW IS IT FOR YOU A-TYPICAL POLICIES VALUE PROPOSITION PRICING DISCOVERY MISSION
A detailed description of those who enjoy RAW LAB has proven helpful to prospective guests. Those who read this and think, “that sounds like me” are the kinds of people who appreciate our offering the most.
The guests who appreciate and enjoy RAW LAB the most are…
interesting & interested EPICUREANS & GOURMANDS who are often more extroverted than introverted.
THOSE WHO understand (or seek to explore) the delta between EATING & DINING…DISCOVERY! THEY value discovery in culinary experiences.
PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO ASK QUESTIONS, SPEAK WITH OTHERS AND HEAR THE ANSWERS TO OTHER PEOPLES QUESTIONS.
THOSE WHO MIGHT PERCEIVE VALUE IN LeaRning things about oysters, caviar, wine pairings with both and a host of seafoods which might serve them when ordering at restaurants in the future or sourcing seafood to make at home.
PEOPLE SEEKING TO experience / discover something unprecedented with a group of otherS.
INDIVIDUALS OR COUPLES WHO ARE CURIOUS TO SEE AND LEARN ABOUT VANGUARD best practices in fishing, aquaculture and sourcing THAT IS AT THE BLEEDING EDGE OF SAFE, HEALTHY, RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE. WE CALL THIS SMART SEAFOOD oR MARINE CUISINE!
CONSUMERS WHO HAVE dined at THE HIGHEST LEVELS, IN MANY COUNTRIES around the world. not because we are comparable to those experiences, rather, because we are so different from thEm; THESE classic, HERALDED & RESPECTECTED“fine dining” experiences that hold michelin STARS & OTHER SUCH awards.
Is that you? If so, you are going to love RAW LAB.
WHAT RAW LAB IS & ISNT
RAW LAB is often misunderstood as a restaurant (it is not) or an oyster bar (it is not) or some kind of an appetizer course (it is not). It is a new kind of elite RAW BAR experience serving a MEAL that includes oysters but MUCH MORE and almost all of the food is NOT “RAW”. Find a breakdown of the dishes below as well.
RAW / COLD / CHILLED - Oysters, Caviar, Salmon Dishes (in part)
CURED / COOKED / COLD - Shrimp Ceviche
COOKED / SERVED CHILLED or ROOM TEMP - Lobster Caesar, Crab
WARM HOT - Lobster Bisque
OVERVIEW IS IT FOR YOU A-TYPICAL POLICIES VALUE PROPOSITION PRICING DISCOVERY MISSION
MORE COLOR ON WHAT IT IS AND WHO IT SUITS BEST…
Our strongest advocates have always been those who easily spot and navigate around gimmicks. Our guests know that the opposite of gimmick is authenticity. Understanding how rare that is, they are keen to express their appreciation of the purpose and passion of the Owner, Founder, Creator & Master Mermmelier, Kevin Joseph. In the end our guests can see that descriptive terms like world-class and top-shelf can be applied to much more than just food, service and atmosphere. In the end flip the "RAW BAR" model we've all seen forever, everywhere we’ve ever had “raw bar” fare.
Those who will appreciate RAW LAB the most may also be more "adventurous" in their culinary explorations, looking for something unique or unusual (in both food, bev and experience) but not "challenging" or "weird". They tend to love that we turn many "fine dining" principles upside down, apply the Omakase style of service to something other than sushi and eliminate the strict formalities typical in Omakase sushi offerings.These guests enjoy what is often a surprise at our price point: It is as much FUN dining as it is FINE dining. With that being said, the quality of the product is ALWAYS the best of the best so those who understand and appreciate top-quality are always impressed. It is exciting to watch our guests be engaged and enchanted with the quality of the product, the presentation of it and the realization that, in the end, they've enjoyed a very filling, satisfying, fun, colorful and nutritious meal, not just an elaborate appetizer.
Education & Entertainment are cornerstones of the value proposition. We call it Edu-Tainment. Guests benefit from hearing answers to the many questions posed to the chef who is present throughout. This Edu-Tainment commonly surpasses the value proposition of traditional dining experiences as our guests learn much about oysters, caviar and other seafoods. They'll garner a greater appreciation of the metrics of quality for each and be more able to understand and order them to suit their preferences as they dine elsewhere or source product for enjoyment at home. Through our intimate, detailed and meticulous model we are able to #RaiseTheRawBar which allows our guests to #SeasTheBay.
Often our guests are as interested in WHY we are serving what we do as what we are serving. They notice, ask about and are interested in our unique set of culinary ethics. There are two lanes we operate in and they are different from the typical "Farm to Table" or "local" or "French". Our structure is built around new culinary ethics that curious consumers are interested to learn more about. The first is Marine Cuisine. The second is Whole, Live, Raw & Bioavailable. Marine Cuisine limits us to using species / product that exhibit vanguard best practices in aquaculture or fishing which results in the safest, healthiest, most sustainable and most responsible ("Smartest") choices.
OVERVIEW IS IT FOR YOU A-TYPICAL POLICIES VALUE PROPOSITION PRICING DISCOVERY MISSION
NOT A FIT? NO PROBLEM!
RAW LAB truly isnt for everyone or every occasion. Wasnt designed to be. So, if this is NOT you, well, we are glad you’ve saved yourself the time and money. It takes quite a bit of both to dine and learn at the highest end of “seafood”.
“The most innovative culinary experience I have ever had…”
-Klara Glowczewska, Executive Travel Editor, Town & Country Magazine & former Editor in Chief, Conde Nast Publishing
EARTH’S ONLY OMAKASE-STYLE RAW BAR EXPERIENCE
Featuring MARINE CUISINE by Master Mermmelier Kevin Joseph
READ REVIEWS HERE || RESERVATIONS ONLY @ RESY
LARGE GROUPS (5 OR MORE) - CALL TO RESERVE SEATS @ 843 580 7729
NEW PRICING & POLICIES HERE || MEMBERSHIPS
843 580 7729
RAW LAB is not a typical dining experience or culinary offering. RAW LAB is NOT a “traditional restaurant”, it is a next generation “Raw Bar”. It is not always a good fit for every circumsance, idividiual or group. BEFORE YOU BOOK: Please make sure it is a fit for you, your group and your circumstances
New guidelines & policies in effect as of June 17, 2023
WHAT RAW LAB IS & ISNT || OUR A-TYPICAL POLICIES & GUIDELINES
4.9 - 5 STAR RATED ACROSS ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS
THE 10-12 course EXPERIENCE STARTS WITH a 90 minute ExPLORATION OF oysters, caviar & 5-6 wine pairingS. THIS IS followed by aNOTHER 7 - 9 COURSES and 7-8 MORE WINE PAIRINGS. ITS A FULL MEAL, NOT AN APPETIZER.
ADDITIONALLY, THERE ARE AT LEAST “20 POINTS OF DISCOVERY” IN THE EXPERIENCE WHERE THE INTERESTING & INTERESTED EPICUREAN OR GOURMAND WILL SEE, TOUCH or EAT SOMETHING THEY’VE NEVER HAD BEFORE. THIS IS WHY VERY WELL FED, VERY WELL TRAVELED CONSUMERS LOVE RAW LAB. FROM THEIR EXTENSIVE EXPErIENCE WITH FINE DINING THEY KNOW RAW LAB IS WORLD-CLASS.
WINNER OF OPEN TABLE’S 2022 DINER’S CHOICE AWARD
A Singular Semi-Private or Private Dining, Test Kitchen, Chef’s Table Experience for up to 12 guests
ONE OF THE TOP RATED CULINARY OPPORTUNITIES IN CHARESTON. SEE THE LIST OF TOP RATED RESTAURANTS HERE
RAW LAB MENU
@ 99 S. MARKET STREET, CHS, SC (843) 580 7729
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
RECENT PRESS BELOW
FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE || TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE || PASTE MAGAZINE || SC LIVING MAGAZINE
FOX 24 CHS || CITY PAPER CHS || CHARLESTON LIVING MAGAZINE || THE LOCAL PALATE || LUX LIVING MAGAZINE
WE #RaiseTheRaw Bar. YOU #SeasTheBay!
$250 per person ++ (PLUS tax & tip)
INCLUDED: 9-12 Rounds oF Marine Cuisine & DelicaSEAS + 12 - 14 PREMIUM Wine Pairings
SERVICE WED - SAT || ONE SEATING || 6:30pm - 10PM
RESERVATIONS ONLY - RESERVE SEATS HERE
21+
843 580 7729
READ REVIEWS ON YELP & OPEN TABLE
BROWSE RECENT PRESS HERE
15 GREAT REASONS WHY THIS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY VALUE & EXPERIENCE
#RaiseTheRawBar
Empire Oyster created this concept in 2017 and have been perfecting it ever since. This is a vanguard Chef’s Table / Test Kitchen experience for up to 12 seated guests at a time, where the focus is on rare, exotic and luxury seafood from the bottom of the seafood chain. Part of our offering is an exploration of the most sustainable, responsible and healthy seafood choices. We call it MARINE CUISINE and describe it as Seafood v. 3.0. Here we #MakeUglyFishesDelicious in a smart, fun and sexy way.
Our model is the magic. Instead of being ANOTHER seafood restaurant that ALSO offers a raw bar, we have removed the raw bar from the restaurant and eliminated the restaurant. We are focused on being the finest raw bar in the history of the world because we are ONLY a Raw Bar! We #RaiseTheRawBar so you can #SeasTheBay. This is not an appetizer or tasting menu, its a meal…a food & wine experience and, for many, an epiphany in both seafood and fine dining.
We feature a host of marine species and dishes informed by an elegant culinary ethic which is designed around eating “Whole, Live, Raw & BioAvailabe”. These days, we guarantee our guests at least 15 “Points of Discovery”. These are things we deliver in our service that even the most sophisticated foodie, gourmand or epicurean is likely to have never seen before. It delights and enchants, while, at times confusing and challenging your senses in an exciting way. The entire time, you are only inches away from the chef who prepares everything in front of the guests. Every dish is enjoyed by all of the guests at the same time. The process and the chef de-mystify seafood and seafood wine pairings in an un-pretentious presentation that empowers our guests to experiment at home or to feel more comfortable ordering seafood and pairing wine to it elsewhere. Its also FUN! This is not a formal or “stuffy” omakase experience.
Raw Lab also delivers an elevated wine experience. Each course is paired with a great seafood wine and any of the wines could be paired with any of the dishes. Guest’s commonly discover new varieties and styles of wines they love. The focus is on obscure or lesser known varieties of dry white, rose and orange wines. A luxury back bar offers a very high end collection of sake & spirits and some nice red wines, by the bottle.
Enjoy private dining in a salon like atmosphere with other interesting & Interested guests who have the opportunity to ask dozens of questions about oysters, seafood and the wine pairings. No other oyster or seafood experience is designed around a 12 seat u-shaped bar where all of the dishes are presented to the world’s only “Ice Moat”, at the same time. Everyone in the room is on the same page and in proximity to everyone else. It creates a unique opportunity for Edu-Tainment and connecting to others which rewards much more than your palate.
Also, the space itself is designed and managed to deliver a strong sense of ESCAPE! If you are visiting, you won’t feel like you are a tourist, you’ll feel like a traveler. If you are local, you’ll feel transported to another time, place and dimension. You wont feel like you are in a restaurant, because, well, YOU ARE NOT! The decor, the music, the light…it all transports our guests and time flies.
Finally, this room is very private. You can’t see anyone walking by and nobody walking by can see you! Our guests enjoy total discretion, always. This very discreet room is also available for private events.
MARINE CUISINE & DelicaSEAS
Learn more about this culinary ethic HERE and check out some pictures at that link or in the gallery below.
HOW IT WORKS
Enjoy 9 - 12 rounds of WHOLE, LIVE, RAW AND/OR BIO-AVAIALBE DISHES & UP TO 14 WINE PAIRINGS
It’s all VERY VERY VERY different @Raw.Lab.CHS. On many levels, this is an entirely new value proposition and Food & Wine experience, It is impossible to explain in writing or in words but it will make perfect sense once you’ve experienced it personally.
Omakase is an ancient Japanese service style typically applied to sushi service. The word means “to entrust” or “I leave it to you”. In this style of service guests do not order anything, they simply “entrust” the chef to deliver his or her best product, service and experience based on seasonal access to the finest and freshest product. We’ve applied it to oysters & MARINE CUISINE & DelicaSEAS, a collection of dishes created by Master Mermmelier Kevin Joseph. Our OMAKASE STYLE service is not a SUSHI Omakase which many gourmands, foodies and epicureans are familiar with. No, this is an RAW BAR OMAKASE, something different, entirely.
For starters, our oyster service launches the experience and features our Accoutrmement Premier, which is a proprietary collection of toppings, dressings and treatments for oysters available absolutely nowhere else on earth. All of the dishes are constructed right in front of you, and just for you. This is “seafood porn” and “food theater”, presented, in your lap, almost literally. But you’re not just watching it, you are a part of it as you interact with the chef and other guests. Also, this is not a little “tasting menu”. You will leave FULL. View the MENU HERE but dont expect exactly that menu as it is evolving fast and changes every night. LEARN MORE HERE
READ REVIEWS ON YELP & OPEN TABLE
RESERVATIONS VIA RESY || LOCATION & DIRECTIONS || CANCELLATION & NO SHOW POLICY
843 580 7729
THIS IS A FIT FOR THOSE WHO…
…seek the unprecedented, unique and original.
…have been to all the great CHS restaurants 10 times each and seek something completely different.
…value elite food & wine experiences and have 3-4 hours available to do enjoy our service.
…are NOT allergic to shellfish, mollusks or crustaceans. Fin fish allergies can be worked around by skipping a course or two.
…are comfortable with or seek a community table type of setting and a salon like atmosphere.
…appreciate elite food, wine and service without any pretension.
PRIVATE DINING
Book the room privately and we’ll serve you anything we can make.
When you book the room privately for your group it is yours, privately. We’ll play whatever music you would like and even allow you to bring in your own DJ. Bring your favorite wines or spirits from your private collection. The room is your oyster and your guests are the pearls!
2 - 12 guests for $4,500 ++ (Food, Beverage & Service Included, Taxes & 20% Gratuity NOT included)
13 - 14 guests for $5,500 ++ (Food, Beverage & Service Included, Taxes & 20% Gratuity NOT included)
RESERVATIONS VIA RESY || LOCATION & DIRECTIONS || CANCELLATION & NO SHOW POLICY
843 580 7729
COMING SOON - MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Own a reservation for 4 every night of the year. Pay only when you use it. Share it with anyone.
Preferences on reservations, private room bookings and more.
OPERATING HOURS 2022
Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat
ONE, 6:30pm Seating for up to 12 guests. Service begins at 6:30pm, SHARP.
RESERVATIONS VIA RESY
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
LOCATION OF RAW LAB
99 South Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Between Chruch Street & Meeting Street
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
