Charleston Restaurant Pink Bellies Turns Into a Party Once the Sun Goes Down

Erin Perkins is the editor of Eater Carolinas, covering the food and restaurant scene across North and South Carolina.

Anyone who has picked up takeout from Vietnamese restaurant Pink Bellies has probably gleaned a peek of the closed off dining room, but Eater Carolinas has the full tour here. Chef/owner Thai Phi opened the restaurant for carryout only on Sunday, March 28, and fans have eagerly waited to eat in the the dining at 595 King Street since.

The interiors at Pink Bellies are very groovy, cool, or lit AF (pick a decade and go with it). Phi worked with Thomas & Denzinger Architects to create layer upon layer of undulating surfaces for light to bounce off, which creates an underwater effect once the sun goes down. It will undoubtedly become the most Instagrammed restaurant in Charleston once it opens.

Phi says, “I really love Japanese architecture and James Turrell’s art installations. Momofuku Toronto and Tartine Manufactory SF were huge influences. Both spaces seamlessly showcase the craftsmanship that goes into the food with their open kitchens. And both have really thoughtful usage of lighting throughout their dining rooms. This space feels more representative of the Saigon that I know, where modern architecture lives alongside historical French buildings in a tropical climate.”

While there’s no set date for opening yet (soon), Phi did stop the takeout program to gear up for indoor dining. Scroll through the photos here to see the dining room go from day to night.