There are dozens of great restaurants in Charleston, this is NOT one of them. The service is beyond rude......don't get me started...... tables are jammed together, parking is hard to find, and the expensive food itself could do nothing to save an otherwise underwhelming experience. Our fried green tomatoes, the worst rendition of the dozen or so we have tried in Charleston, came encrusted in some kind of cement-like breading, imparting to the tomato a distinctly cardboard-like taste. My wife's ham salad had so much mayo on it that she could not hope to see much less taste the ham. Her cole slaw was so sweet she could not eat

So the verdict for the Cru Cafe: Nothing that new management and new chef could not fix.

Save your money and your pallet.

I work across the street at the Veterinary Clinic and eat lunch at Cru occasionally and the food is awesome. The owner is so freindly and helpful. They are very busy at lunch, so call ahead. Thanks again for the awesome aromas eminating from your resturaunt. Vickie

My wife and I had lunch at Cru on Friday 3/9/07. The worst part was getting the attention of anyone to seat us, even though the place was almost empty (pre-noon time). But, after interrupting two employees who were more interested in themselves, we sat kitchen bar and had a decent meal. Me: a chowder; my wife, a hot ham and brie sandwich plate. It was fine. Lunch with one glass of wine was something just under a twenty dollar bill. Okay price. Okay food. Somewhat youngish and inept staff but that's not a big deal when you're in a tourist/beach community. It's not Manhattan. We'll go back. I don't think I'd spend a lot of dinner dollar here but lunch or a light dinner is probably okay.

Cru Cafe: We were there last july and walked from our hotel a few blocks away, because parking
is kind of tight at the cafe.Had a short wait to be seated at lunch time but it was surely worth it.Got such
personal treatment from the owner on down.For the cost, the food was excellent,fresh and tasty.We were very pleased.

Unfortunately I only know about the quality of the food served at Cru Catering's new (only 4 months old) restaurant, Cru Cafe on Pinckney Street right up from The Andrew Pinckney Inn. It has an extremely humble appearance, but let me assure you, the food is quite another matter all together! I had the pleasure of visiting their fine new restaurant last week, only four days after dining at the famous New Orleans restaurant, Commander's Palace, and they were able to conjure up dish after dish that was superior in every way to the 5 star cuisine served at Commander's. Not an easy feat! Everything was fresh, inventive & delicious. All dishes were outstanding. The prices were very reasonable. If you are in the historic district of Charleston I and my friends highly recommend this new gem!