Charleston has a fine dining destination where Appalachian New Americana cuisine meets James Beard Award-winning excellence. 🍽️
1010 Bridge Restaurant opened in July 2020 as the vision of Chef Paul Smith, who would go on to become West Virginia’s first James Beard Award winner.
This hidden gem in Charleston’s South Hills neighborhood transformed the local dining scene by bringing world-class cuisine to the Mountain State.
Chef Smith partnered with owner Aaron Clark to design a menu filled with Appalachian foods and flavors, utilizing local farmers and businesses like Buzz Food Service to showcase West Virginia’s finest ingredients.
How 1010 Bridge Restaurant won Charleston’s hearts
1010 Bridge captured Charleston’s attention by proving that Appalachian cuisine could compete on a national stage with sophisticated techniques and premium ingredients.
The restaurant’s 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast put Charleston on the national culinary map, proving that world-class dining exists beyond major metropolitan areas.
Their philosophy that “a rising tide lifts all boats” created a collaborative rather than competitive approach that strengthened the entire regional dining scene.
The modern flair on Appalachian cuisine with lowcountry influences and international touches gave familiar flavors sophisticated presentations that impressed both locals and food critics.
Their carefully selected wine and beer list, featuring specialty craft cocktails, demonstrated serious attention to beverage pairings that complemented the cuisine. 🍷
The restaurant’s cozy yet trendy atmosphere in a vibrant South Hills location made fine dining feel accessible rather than intimidating.
Chef Paul personally visiting tables during service created connections with guests and showed genuine hospitality that made diners feel valued.
The restaurant’s evolution from a brand-new concept in 2020 to a nationally recognized dining destination within just a few years proved Charleston was hungry for elevated cuisine rooted in regional traditions.
Food Highlights
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Cast Iron Seared “1010 Cut”: The signature dish featuring premium steak with lobster mac & cheese, candied onion brussels sprouts, cabernet demi-glace, and foie gras-truffle butter. 🥩
- 1010 Burger: Available in the snacks section with whipped Boursin, candied red onion, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and house chips.
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Fried ‘Nashville Hot’ Oysters: A creative appetizer showcasing toasted brioche, bread & butter pickles, and ramp-buttermilk that transforms Southern flavors into an innovative starter.
- Seared Sea Scallops: An elegant option featuring middlins risotto, cauliflower curry silk, and summer ratatouille.
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Braised Beef Bolognese: A comfort-forward entrée with bucatini pasta and herb gremolata that showcases slow-cooked perfection.
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Pork Belly: An indulgent appetizer showcasing house-cured pork belly, sweet corn succotash, soy-cured egg yolk, and maple BBQ.
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Fried Chicken: A Southern classic reimagined with white cheddar cavatappi, collard greens, and spicy pan jus.
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Filet Mignon: A premium choice featuring Stilton gratin, baby carrots, and port-glace that showcases exceptional beef quality with sophisticated accompaniments. 🍖
Atmosphere
The vibe at 1010 Bridge creates a sophisticated yet approachable fine dining experience perfect for Charleston celebrations. ✨
The cozy and trendy interior with a big city feel brings metropolitan sophistication to West Virginia’s capital while maintaining genuine hospitality.
The South Hills location at 1010 Bridge Road in a vibrant neighborhood makes it easily accessible while maintaining an exclusive dinner-only atmosphere that elevates every occasion.
Bottom Line
Visit 1010 Bridge for James Beard Award-winning Appalachian cuisine from West Virginia’s first winner, locally-sourced ingredients from regional farmers creating farm-to-table excellence, signature dishes like the 1010 Cut steak with lobster mac & cheese, sophisticated craft cocktails and wine pairings, and Chef Paul Smith’s personal hospitality that makes every guest feel special. 🌟
Address:
1010 Bridge Rd, Charleston, WV 25314
📞 (681) 265-0599
🕐 Open Mon-Thu, 4 PM–10 PM | Fri-Sat, 4 PM–11 PM | Closed Sun