DANIEL ISLAND — A new dining establishment has taken over the restaurant space previously occupied by Sermet’s Courtyard.
Vinea Courtyard Kitchen opened at 115 River Landing Drive on Sept. 18. The new eatery is owned by Nick and Kelly Ruhotina, the couple behind Nick’s German Kitchen in Mount Pleasant.
Kathy Knight reaches for her Campari Spritz at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
The Ruhotinas added a fresh coat of paint and new decor, but the layout remains largely the same as it was under Sermet Aslan’s leadership. They even kept some of the longtime chef’s artwork — an ode to their friend who recently retired after decades in the restaurant business.
As for the menu, patrons can expect a range of Mediterranean-inspired options, including housemade pasta; fresh fish from local purveyors; and dishes produced with lamb, beef and veal. Long-braised short ribs; scallops with spinach and mascarpone risotto; and North Carolina shrimp with olive oil, garlic and serrano peppers have emerged as early signature items, as well as the restaurant’s nightly specials.
The wine list spans Italy, Spain, France, Greece and the U.S., Nick Ruhotina said.
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The courtyard outdoor seating area at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Bartender Amy Goodnight talks with Mark and Kathy Knight at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Kathy Knight reaches for her Campari Spritz at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
The courtyard outdoor seating area at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Willow Payer (center) checks in with Pamela Palmer and Tim Palmer at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Bartender Amy Goodnight serves a cocktail at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Bartender Amy Goodnight serves a cocktail at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
From left, Lezlee Kirby, Sheree Hall and Leighton Fravel talk with bartender Amy Goodnight at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Bottles of wine are seen at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
People dine at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
The now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
The courtyard outdoor seating area at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Bartender Amy Goodnight talks with Mark and Kathy Knight at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Kathy Knight reaches for her Campari Spritz at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
The courtyard outdoor seating area at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Willow Payer (center) checks in with Pamela Palmer and Tim Palmer at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Bartender Amy Goodnight serves a cocktail at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Bartender Amy Goodnight serves a cocktail at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
From left, Lezlee Kirby, Sheree Hall and Leighton Fravel talk with bartender Amy Goodnight at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
Bottles of wine are seen at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
People dine at the now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
The now open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, on Daniel Island.
“We’re trying to make everyone happy,” he said. “We’re trying to change every couple weeks and trying to make the restaurant interesting for the people.”
Vinea Courtyard Kitchen is open from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit vineakitchen.com.
Dining and Cooking