Spanish, Portuguese Fare Now Found on at Laurel Restaurant in Charleston

The building at 161 Rutledge Avenue has gone from space-themed pizzeria Nimbo’s to sleek new pintxo spot Laurel. The new eatery offers a menu of Spanish and Portuguese fare, like lamb meatballs, grilled octupus, and marinated mussels. Plates range from a few bites to full entrees. The wine list is heavy with bottles from Spain and Portugal, and the restaurant has a full bar.

Laurel is the work of chef Trae Wilson and restaurateur Joe Thomas. Wilson has been in the Charleston food and beverage world since the ‘90s when he ran Granville’s Cafe & Catering. WIlson told the Charleston City Paper that the inspiration for the menu was his travels in Spain.

Wilson also renovated the space himself. Take a look around here at the sleek lines of the bar, the fun lighting fixtures, and all the fun art. Laurel just opened on Thursday, March 4, so not many people have seen the inside yet.