Daniel Island Restaurant Is Rooted In Community & Driven Overall By Genuine Hospitality

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Restaurant Review

Step inside 115 River Landing Drive on Daniel Island proper an totally immerse yourself in an elegant and personal dining experience like no other. The address formerly occupied by Sermet's for 15 years is now home to Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, a warm and welcoming restaurant focusing on European cuisine with a strong emphasis on Italian. 

Owned and operated by Nick and Kelly Ruhotina, who also own Nick's German Kitchen in Mount Pleasant, the couple threw open the doors to Vinea back in September of 2025 with the sole intention to bring a new European-inspired concept to the space. As is depicted so eloquently on their website, Vinea is Latin for vineyard. And while vines symbolize vibrant connections in their own courtyard, Vinea further represents the strong bonds Nick and Kelly enjoy by bringing people together at the dinner table.

Although there are a decent number of eateries on Daniel Island, surprisingly aside from the dining room at the Daniel Island Country Club, Vinea is perhaps the only other upscale restaurant providing four and five star food & drink, paired with exceptional service. But don't just take my word for it. Residents who have been dining at Sermet's for more than a decade agree, Vinea embodies the same ambiance and overall vibe the former occupant did.

Without question, Vinea Courtyard Kitchen check all the right boxes and then some. While I hope to convey how extraordinary Vinea is, perhaps a familiar cellular reference is best to describe just how awesome they really are. Simply put Vinea is every bit 5G. They serve up great food and great drinks combined with great presentation, all with great service surrounded by great atmosphere.

First off, you dine at Vinea for the overall dining experience. The dining room and eight seat bar allow for an intimate and ensconced setting. Much like the Europeans appreciate, Vinea doesn't have big screen TVs situated throughout. Rather Nick and Kelly fully understand food & drink is best savored alongside meaningful conversation. They want patrons to cherish their night out at Vinea.

All that aside, let's talk about the food. With their kitchen being smaller, Vinea's menu is not overly extensive, allowing for a few of the more popular European dishes. Apart from revolving daily specials Vinea's bill of fare consists of a half dozen starters and another half dozen entrees, with a couple of the appetizers eating similar to a light bite. 

One of the two more filling starters is their Tomato Mozzarella Tower (also recognized as a Caprese tower), a visually appealing Italian-inspired appetizer made by vertically layering slices of fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. Originating more than a century ago on the island of Capri, the tower's layered design is meant to mirror the rich heritage of the Italian flag. Visually appealing and palate pleasing.

The Grilled Octopus is an equally ample appetizer. Slightly charred exterior blanketing savory and tender meat, surrounded by a nice portion of seasoned crispy roasted rosemary potatoes. The dish is further enhanced by harissa, a smoky hot chili pepper paste providing just the right amount of zesty fire. A decent stand alone starter, or a nice way to tantalize the taste buds before a main entree. 

The six principal dishes encompass two pleasing to carnivores, including their straight up meat & potatoes Braised Short Rib plate served with heavenly mashed potatoes, complemented with Barolo reduction (a viscous red wine & beef stock sauce) to enrich the flavor of the beef.

I was fortunate and or blessed to dine on Vinea's Pork Tenderloin Stroganoff dish. Savory lean and tender pork combined with cavatelli (smaller shell-shaped pasta) before being blended in warm and creamy Portabello mushroom sauce. If you come into Vinea with a voracious appetite, their signature stroganoff will more than satisfy. 

Vinea are capable of mixing up your favorite adult beverage, however much like the dinner menu the alcohol offerings are concise, focusing on choice brands that complement their food. Fruit of the vine lovers might relish in the Château Gigognan Clos du Roi, a full-bodied red wine from the Rhône Valley of France, or a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from Williams Selyem Winery in Sonoma County California. Just two of a few select wines known for their complex flavors. 

If you're the type who likes to begin your dinner experience with a refreshing yet subtle cocktail, I strongly recommend Vinea's Espresso Martini which they'll gladly craft using vodka or tequila. Whether you opt for regular or decaf variations, get ready to surround your taste buds on one of the richest and smoothest dark coffee cocktails in the Charleston beverage community. Ooh la la!

While whiskey has never gone out of style, there seems to be a resurgence in the so called deluxe sipping bourbons. Vinea carry at least a dozen formidable spirits to appease the bourbon connoisseurs. Among their array include five from Scotland including the very popular Lagavulin 8 Year and a Macallan 12 a slightly sweet and dry single malt Scotch whiskey. Two Elijah Craig's as well as a offering from Heaven Hill complete seven of the bourbons distilled in Kentucky.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Vinea's Marinated Greek Feta presented with a medley of olive oil, garlic, peppers, fresh herbs, and olives, with some of the freshest bread. I can not overstate the following. If Vinea's bread were a movie, it would be an Oscar nominee. Served warm and baked to perfection. A total comfort food item. 

Finished with dinner and still have a sweet tooth. Although their homemade dessert menu is not listed they do offer up several. I can vouch for their Seasalt Caramel Cheesecake. Additionally they offer Black Forest Cake, Tiramisu, Wild Berry Panna Cotta and Nutella Creme Brulee. All great choices especially when paired with dessert cocktails, Italian liquors, or a nice glass of Sandeman Ruby, a fruity port wine known for its brilliant red-ruby color. Simply a pleasant way to cap off an evening at Vinea Courtyard Kitchen.

I mentioned 5G but I'll close with a 6th G. The overall experience is GRAND! The food and drink are amazing and the staff are extremely attentive. Limiting the menu items allows the kitchen to prepare every dish to perfection. It's everything you expect when your expectations are high. And when mother nature allows, you can dine al fresco in their beautifully landscaped open air patio. Even if it's a bit nippy, the ideally placed heaters will provide the much needed warmth. 

Set your food and beverage GPS to 115 River Landing Drive on beautiful Daniel Island, where live oaks meet the water’s edge. Open for dinner only Tuesday thru Saturday 5-9pm. Walk-ins welcome but reservations are suggested through Resy at https://resy.com/cities/charleston-sc/venues/vinea-courtyard-and-kitchen?date=2025-11-20&seats=2  For more on Vinea Courtyard Kitchen visit https://vineakitchen.com/  For more on their sister restaurant featuring modern German fare visit https://nicksgerman.com/