At The Cooper’s signature waterfront restaurant, The Crossing, Eastern Mediterranean cuisine meets fresh Lowcountry ingredients, creating a fusion of flavors from the menu curated by Chef Nick Dugan, whose work at Sorelle has earned a Michelin nomination.
Starters, including mezze selections such as hummus, muhammara and baba ganoush served with house-made wood-fired sourdough pita, alongside salads with freekeh, squash blossom, pomegranate molasses and fresh herbs, are meant to be shared communal family-style.
Main course options range from a blend of land and sea, such as dry-aged beef tenderloin with Aleppo butter to Colorado lamb chops with chermoula and seafood options such as whole-fish prepared over an open flame or broiled in grape leaves, a rotating crudo selection and an extensive shellfish program. Throughout the dining room, servers present the variety of fish tableside, describing its origin and preparation before guests make their selection. Once cooked, the fish returns to the table whole and is filleted and plated in front of guests, creating an unforgettable dining ritual.
The Crossing is also open for breakfast and lunch. Start the day off right with offerings such as shakshouka, a Mediterranean-style Benedict, house-baked pastries, cured and smoked fish and a house-made bagel program. For lunch, options include abundant salads, shareable mezzes and handhelds such as a lamb burger and turmeric chicken gyro.
As Chef Dugan explained, “Our cuisine is inspired by Mediterranean culinary traditions: simple and honest cooking that respects ingredients, seasonality and technique.” He added, “There is nothing more inspiring than having a front row seat to the waters you source from.”
With a focus on Mediterranean producers and seafood-driven pairings. beverage director Cameron Nadler, formerly of the Polo Bar in New York City, brings a world-class wine list to The Crossing. Additionally, the cocktails are blended with citrus, herbs and coastal botanicals, designed to feel bright yet complex. Signature drinks include the Battery Rose Margarita, made with reposado, hibiscus, rose and citrus. The King George III Old Fashioned is concocted with earl grey-infused bourbon and aromatic bitters, while the Aegean Spritz is handcrafted with cappelletti, Italicus bergamot, club soda and prosecco.
Off the menu, the interiors, designed by Meyer Davis, further enhance the experience. Set against sweeping views of Charleston Harbor, the concept for the dining space centers on a maritime aesthetic with teak wood floors, polished nickel accents and lacquered blue ceilings that reflect the city’s seafaring heritage and the views of the water. The Captain’s Lounge overlooks the harbor, while the Chef’s Table sits directly before the open kitchen where the glow of the wood fire becomes part of the experience. Two outdoor terraces extend the dining room for open-air seating.
To view the menu and make a reservation, visit www.thecooper.com/dining three -to-four weeks in advance and follow @thecrossingchs on Instagram.
For a less formal, more playful vibe in an equally fabulous establishment that doesn’t require booking, visit the bar and lounge adjacent to The Crossing. With several of the same fantastic cocktails and martini-forward bar menu, the lounge offers fare such as chicken nuggets with caviar, Turkish flatbread, oven-baked clams and a Loukaniko ‘hot dog’ with Greek relish, whipped feta and toasted split-top. According to Chef Dugan, the space is a hidden gem for those in the know.