Josephine Wine Bar, Little Jack’s Tavern, Nico Oysters + Seafood, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because the only thing more sophisticated than the menu is the space itself. Enjoy a glass of wine with a plate of buffalo milk burrata, pickled cherries, a chunk of honeycomb, and sliced baguette; or grab a table and dig into a meal of chimichurri-drizzled hanger steak with duck fat roasted fingerling potatoes.

Because stay local and satiate all of your raw bar fantasies with a daily selection of up to 15 fresh oyster varieties, hailing from the North, Mid- and South Atlantic Ocean. At this Mount Pleasant seafood outpost, helmed by chef-owner Nico Romo, French heritage heavily influences the wood-fired portion of the menu.

Because Chef Tres Jackson’s locally-sourced, perpetually fanciful small plates never fail to delight. The seven-course tasting menu offers an opportunity to taste the rainbow. And be sure to save room for Jackson’s trademark dessert: beet crémeux.

Because few things are more satisfying than a Little Jack’s Tavern cheeseburger (best enjoyed with one of the many creative cocktails on the menu). Vegetarians will appreciate the flavorful chopped salad, and meat eaters will enjoy the six-ounce bar steak—it’s one of the better deals around.

Because cheese, glorious cheese. This chic space functions as both cheese shop and eatery, with a handful of tables, an expansive marble bar, and outdoor seating when weather permits. While fromage is the main attraction, diners can also look forward to charcuterie, delightful wines by the glass, and the pizza of the day.

Because there’s no better place to enjoy some fresh guacamole or dry-aged ribeye than in Semilla’s idyllic pink and green, plant-festooned dining room. Note that Thursday nights provide the one and only chance to get your mitts (and mouth) on the masa-coated Mexican fried half-chicken—it’s large enough to share.

Because this fun, fly eatery—set in a former gas station—serves a range of Asian-based ‘soul food’ sure to satisfy even the most adventurous palates. Although the menu is in constant, seasonal evolution, shareplate-sized classics—including Japanese Okonomiyaki cabbage pancake (add a farm egg!) and Chinese Bo Bo Ji (Sichuan-style chicken with peanut sauce)—are steadfast.

Walk-ins only.

Because the jambalaya rivals anything found in New Orleans. Made with shrimp, crawfish and tasso ham, then served over Charleston red rice, this local take on the Cajun classic is a standout. Locally-inspired favorites include the she crab soup, the barbecue shrimp and grits, and the Carolina crab cakes (served with an okra, sweet corn, and black-eyed pea succotash).

Because the checkered black-and-white floors and bistro chairs give a decidedly French flair to this upscale, Southern-influenced brasserie. Located on the first floor of the luxe Dewberry Hotel, Henrietta’s features thoughtful cocktails and refined dishes. You can’t go wrong with the pimento bacon croissant or the wood-grilled whole trout. 

Because this airy, charming restaurant never met a Lowcountry classic it didn’t embellish upon. Try a Rockefeller Benedict—made with fried oysters and garlic spinach—for brunch or one of 10 creative shrimp and grits offerings for dinner. Four types of Bloody Marys are on offer, and the beer list is extensive.