Charleston, meet the newest seaside conversation starter. Rivayat, which opens on September 18, 2025, will provide a Kerala-inspired, seafood-forward Indian meal at 210 Rutledge Avenue, helmed by Sujith Varghese of Mount Pleasant’s Spice Palette. The goal is simple but ambitious: celebrate South India’s coastline while cooking with Charleston’s seafood.
Here’s how the India-meets-Lowcountry notion manifests up on the plate: tandoori oysters, coconut-silken lobster curry called konju moilee, and a spicy toddy shop beef fry. The team cites supply lines from partners like as Cuda Co., Abundant Seafood, and Tarvin’s Seafood in an effort to anchor robust coastal flavors on Charleston’s own docks.
Early meals extend much beyond surf. Rivayat’s first look revealed pani puri, gunpowder dosa, numerous biryanis, prawn masala, butter chicken, and lamb vindaloo alongside the seafood set, demonstrating his desire to combine South and North Indian traditions. Look for an Aam Panna mojito and a filthy chai espresso martini at the bar, as well as a chai espresso martini during launch week. Desserts lean Indian, with chai tiramisu and honey cardamom gelato.
Rivayat characterizes the renovated Makan space as a coastal-meets-modern space with warm textures, Indian-inspired elements, and contributions from local artists, as well as evenings of cuisine and live music. Vinayak, Vikas, and Midhun, Kerala-born chefs, bring “tradition” to modern presentations.
Practicalities: lunch and dinner are served Tuesday through Sunday; book through Resy (groups of eight or more should contact Rivayat directly). The website includes a link to online ordering. Note: Although the marketing mentions all-day eating and breakfast, the displayed hours only include lunch and dinner. A Promotions page says, “Coming soon.” Early on-site assessment describes the flavors as “rich” and “authentic.” What will you sample first, and will you join us on Rutledge for a chai espresso martini?
