Renzo, Xiao Bao Biscuit, The Grocery, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because this small, stylish neighborhood trattoria is as cool as it is welcoming. Stop by for happy hour, when the exquisite Detroit-style pizza is on offer, or enjoy a more leisurely dinner paired with a selection of natural wines. Unexpected highlights include roasted radishes and little gem-and-kohlrabi Caesar salad. 

Because this venerable steakhouse is a Charleston institution. Along with perfectly cooked wet- and dry-aged steak selections, expect seared scallops, braised duck, and even a rack of lamb. Reservations book up weeks in advance for the Gospel Sunday brunch, so be sure to plan ahead (read: set a Notify!) or get there before noon for a seat at the bar, if you’re lucky.

Because the vibe here—a breezy rooftop, creative cocktails, and sunset view—is unrivaled. Set above and only accessible within Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill, this hidden seafood restaurant offers raw oysters and a daily ceviche, as well a tempting list of seasonal offerings. 

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (843) 737-8703.

Because brunch doesn’t get much better than this. Chef-owner Kevin Johnson’s warm, airy restaurant focuses on local ingredients and seasonal small plates. At brunch, try the knife and fork biscuit with crispy pork and onion gravy, then return for a summery salad of roasted peaches, shishito peppers and goat cheese at dinnertime.

Because enjoy a taste of Paris in the Lowcountry. This sophisticated, welcoming wine bar offers a number of classic and creative cocktails, while food focuses on downsized French offerings, like a three-ounce portion of seasonal fish served with saffron broth or chicken liver mousse served with Provençal butter and a baguette.

Because this French Quarter staple is a classic and for good reason. Set in an 18th century warehouse, SNOB, as the locals call it, is celebrated for its expertly-crafted Lowcountry staples (think a Heritage Farm pork chop with caramelized onions and shrimp and grits made with house sausage and country ham).

Because once you’ve had okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage pancake), you never pass up a chance for more. Occupying a former gas station, this fun, funky eatery offers an evolving mix of dishes from all over Asia, all meant to be shared family-style. 

Walk-ins only.

Because mezcal is the main attraction here. This colorful cantina offers almost 50 varieties of the smoky spirit, plus extensive tequila and sotol options. Dishes focus on authentic preparations, with standouts such as the grilled lengua tacos, queso fresco-coated street corn, and pork rellenos.

Because this charming bistro, tucked inside the elegant Dewberry hotel, serves breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. Seasonal highlights include the gold tomato gazpacho and wood-fired Sunburst Farms trout, but don’t pass up any opportunity to sample the croissants.

Because this West Ashley outpost has the Southern comfort food goods—hot boiled peanuts, cornmeal-fried Carolina catfish, Cajun boudin, and buttermilk fried quail, to name a few.