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Samosa Chaat with cocktails. - Ma'am Saab, Charleston, SC
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Ma'am Saab

$50 and over
Pakistani

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Innovative
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighbourhood gem
Nestled in the historic district of downtown Charleston, experience an elevated take on Pakistani cuisine by Chef Maryam Ghaznavi. Be prepared to embark on a journey into Pakistan- featuring a focused menu with dishes originating back to the mughal era. Expect crowd favorites like Butter Chicken, Biryanis, Bihari Kabab and more, along with extensive craft cocktail, mocktail and Delta 9 THC infused libations inspired by the flavors and spices from the subcontinent. With architectural details that pay homage to the history and culture of the subcontinent while looking into the future thanks to Artificial Intelligence based artistry, Ma’am Saab (which means “Boss Lady” in the Urdu language) is unique to any other restaurant in Charleston.

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Maryam Ghaznavi

From the OpenTable editors: Ma’am Saab translates to “boss lady” in Urdu, and that’s the correct way to describe chef Maryam Ghaznavi, who kicked off with a pop-up in 2020 before opening this restaurant in 2023. She’s all about upscale Pakistani cuisine with a shot of Southern charm, which means a tasting menu of flavorful butter chicken and biryanis, plus happy hour smash burgers and craft cocktails. Exposed brick, floral wallpaper, and ultraviolet lighting help set the party scene.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Pakistani, Indian, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 259-2660
  • Website
    http://www.maamsaabchs.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Now offering catering for small to large events - From office get-togethers, birthdays, anniversaries to welcome dinners and wedding receptions. We're here to take your guests on a culinary journey that they'll remember for a long time. Please get in touch with us to design the perfect catering package.
  • Private party facilities
    Choose Ma'am Saab's unique dining room to host your next event. Whether you're looking to host a small party or large party, expect an experience and menu like no other. Please get in touch with us and allow us to create the perfect evening for you and your guests.
  • Location
    251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-1602
  • Neighbourhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross Street
    Meeting Street and Wentworth Street.
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Ma'am Saab Tasting Menu Experience

    US$65.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Transport your palate to the vibrant streets of Pakistan and immerse yourself in the rich and diverse flavors of the region, where every bite tells a story of tradition and technique. Multi-course dinner. Minimum party of 4 is required to participate. A la carte beverage menu available separately.
    Ma'am Saab Tasting Menu Experience photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 256 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Charleston

    Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ma'am Saab offers an exceptional dining experience with "incredible food" and "outstanding service." Renowned for its flavorful dishes, including the "superb butter chicken," this Pakistani-Indian fusion restaurant boasts a beautifully designed atmosphere and attentive staff. Guests highly recommend the chef's tasting menu and creative cocktails, making it a must-visit in Charleston.

256 Reviews

  1. Lawson

    Charleston

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    We made reservations for a table for two. I have eaten at the restaurant when it first opened and the food and service were great! On this visit however, the service was not even close to being average so we told the manager to cancel our order and we left without eating. And we will not return. It all started when the host, which we later found out was the manager, keep us waiting for a long period of time, then seated us at a dirty table. When I asked if he could wipe our table down, he said, Yeah, I can wipe it down AGAIN! The table was a small table for two which still had the water cup rings on the table along with rice and other food! The table had clearly, not been wiped. Then we server greeted us and we had to ask for menus, he seems to be upset with us, that we did not receive menus when we were seated. The server seemed to have attitude and we decided to leave. I know from my previous visit that the service and food were good, but I’m not sure what has happened! The server said he has been there for two weeks and has never met the owners. So maybe, there are some management issues or something. This visit was Thanksgiving weekend which seemed to be slower for them! We saw many empty tables and it is usually full!

    1 person found this helpful

  2. Carl

    Greater Boston

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Food is typically great here. Unfortunately they took one of the signature dishes off the menu - Lamb Biryani but offered a shrimp one which was average. Mine came out cold and had to be sent back. The service was quite poor - very unusual for this place. They all seemed to be new and don’t know much about the menu. Further, the bartender didn’t come to work and thus no mixed drinks were available. We really like this place but may hold off for a few months and see if they can get the staffing situation sorted out.

    Is this helpful?

  3. kristen

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    We were expecting something more Pakistani and less Indian. The food was only okay.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Nancy

    Montana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the atmosphere of the restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Erin

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Food was ok, chutneys and raita so watery / not traditional. Cocktails too sweet, not as refined. Ambiance felt cheap, I remember when it first opened it felt cooler- darker, more intimate with cool music and bustling scene. Now even on Saturday night it just felt kind of empty and tacky. Not sure what’s going on and why it changed. Server was nice, but didn’t inform us gratuity was already included on the bill, not appreciated for only a 6 person party. Again, just felt tacky overall.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Marjorie

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely delicious food. New twist on Pakistani food. Great atmosphere and service. Highly recommend!!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Johnny

    Atlanta Metro

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best meals we’ve had in Charleston! Drinks were super good and all their original cocktails are great. We shared a couple appetizers and then for our main we had the biryani which was absolutely delicious. 10/10 would recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Lauren

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding service! So welcoming and friendly to us. The staff went above and beyond to make my birthday celebration really special. The food was *perfect*! We can’t wait to go back! You must try!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Richard

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was incredible - highly recommend the chef’s tasting menu - and service was exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

  10. ARTHUR

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Much the menu unavailable , including tea and signature cocktail!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Ma'am Saab offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 259-2660.

Ma'am Saab is rated 4.5 stars by 256 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ma'am Saab

251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-1602

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Meeting Street and Wentworth Street.
  • Neighbourhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Pakistani, Indian, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.maamsaabchs.com/
  • Phone number
    (843) 259-2660
  • Catering
    Now offering catering for small to large events - From office get-togethers, birthdays, anniversaries to welcome dinners and wedding receptions. We're here to take your guests on a culinary journey that they'll remember for a long time. Please get in touch with us to design the perfect catering package.
  • Private party facilities
    Choose Ma'am Saab's unique dining room to host your next event. Whether you're looking to host a small party or large party, expect an experience and menu like no other. Please get in touch with us and allow us to create the perfect evening for you and your guests.

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