XO Brasserie

Located at 1090 Morrison Drive in Charleston, XO Brasserie is a swanky, upscale Chinese restaurant. They are heavily inspired by Cantonese and Sichuan style dishes but bring them to light with a interesting, modern twist. Dinning here was anything but boring— between our waiter and the flavors making this trip memorable.

Potstickers

Chicken, Pork, Chives, Napa, Ginger Soy Tea

Everything on their menu can be shared and enjoyed tapas style; which is always perfect for us since we usually end up sharing everything ordered anyway. But more so with this visit, because we had a guest visiting from out of town and got to order extras off the menu.

It was definitely hard to pick what would ultimately hit the table. There were so many tasty options and we were already planning a trip back while walking out the door. This was our first time in, but since my cousin loves asian food and culture we knew it was a must try while she was in town.

Youtiao Burrata

Chinese cruller, Pickled Serrano, Sichuan Soy, Sesame, Honey Drizzle

Are you kidding me? Burrata served in a Chinese restaurant? Okay, you have my attention… and after that first bite, they have my loyalty.

We were so excited after seeing this on the menu. I might be a little obsessed with burrata, it’s ranked high on the list of things I always end up ordering. But I can honestly say I’ve never seen this presented with these flavors, or in this style restaurant at all. Loved by everyone at the table, I highly recommend trying this when you go— I certainly will be ordering it again.

Build A Bao

Char Siu Pork Belly, Pickles, Chili Peanuts, Peach Hoisin

Build-A-Bao Workshop— a creative shareable for the table. We enjoyed this with their potsickers, two frequently ordered starters on their menu.

Fresh and fun flavor take on this classic bao bun: Peach hoisin. Bright but not in your face with that ripe, sweet peach flavor.

Chinese Awakening

Oolong infused vodka, Ginger Liqueur, Soju, Lychee

Not just their food menu was inspired, their cocktails were equally creative and delicious— something I’m always looking for from a restaurant being in F&B myself.

The presentation was elegant and they had a great variety. Spins on classic drinks, originals and interesting beer options as well as mocktails on their menu. My first drink here was a beer, a jasmine tea infused lager.

Mapo Tofu W/ Rice

Minced Pork, Tomato & Pixian Bean Sauce, Sesame, Sichuan Oil

Bringing the heat…

Both meals featured Sichuan, highlighted in different ways with different heat levels. Neither too over powering, but could fluctuate bite-to-bite depending on the ratio of other toppings. I hadn’t had Tofu in a while; not since I left a restaurant I was working at in Massachusetts. (And I was obsessed with their cajun tofu bites.) But like everything else, It was fresh and flavorful. Ideal for bringing out of town guests or anyone else you may want to impress.

Joyce Farms Mala Chicken

Sichuan Peppers, Onion, Black Garlic Glaze

An incredible meal is waiting for you at XO Brasserie

After not making the reservation we had set beforehand, I’m ashamed we didn’t venture in sooner after enjoying every aspect of the meal and charismatic service. I recommend making one for sure, they were jumping when we went in on a Saturday night: https://www.xobchs.com/