An acclaimed Filipino restaurant is preparing to move into a larger space in downtown Charleston this fall.
Kultura, owned by James Beard Award-nominated chef Nikko Cagalanan and his wife and business partner, Paula Kramer, will relocate to 267 Rutledge Ave., just a few blocks from its original location at 73 Spring St., according to a news release.
The team currently operates out of a 760-square-foot space with limited kitchen equipment. Despite the constraints, Kultura has garnered national attention. The restaurant earned a nomination for the James Beard Emerging Chef Award, a spot on Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America list and recognition in The New York Times’ “Best Dishes We Ate Across America” roundup.
The move will mark Kultura’s two-year anniversary and reflects both the restaurant’s growing popularity and the team’s continued commitment to the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, where their journey began.
The new location will feature a fully equipped kitchen, an expanded dining room and a full bar. Kultura also plans to launch a cocktail program led by beverage director Jessica Ford, who will unveil craft cocktails and N/A options.
“This move into a bigger space is something I never imagined possible, and I’m deeply grateful to our community who believed in us,” Cagalanan said. “I can’t wait to welcome even more people to our table and keep telling the story of the Philippines through every dish.”
Cagalanan first introduced his culinary vision to Charleston through his pop-up, Mansueta’s Filipino Food. Its success paved the way for Kultura’s opening in 2023.
The original Spring Street location will remain open until the transition is complete. Kultura plans to debut its new space this fall, with an official opening date to be announced later this summer.
“Kultura has always been about more than just food–it’s about heart, about creating a space where people feel seen, where stories are shared and where every dish carries meaning,” Cagalanan said. “Watching this little dream grow into something bigger than we ever imagined has been the most humbling experience. We are so excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to keep welcoming guests to our soon-to-be bigger home just around the corner, still in our favorite neighborhood.”
