Melfi’s, Tradd’s, Papi’s Taqueria, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because this chic, clubby space puts a new spin on Italian comfort food. While deciding between carbonara-style pasta prepared with handmade bucatini, pancetta and egg yolks, and traditional chicken cacciatore with saffron rice, be sure to order a crisp, thin crust white pie to share. Negroni aficionados will appreciate the choice of seven innovative variations.

Because this elegant, modern American upstart has hit the ground running. Expect refined, traditional starters — like escargot with tarragon compound butter and beef tartare served on a delicate potato gaufrette — and dinner entrees — like pan-seared Pacific halibut served with carrot flan. Fancy a little champagne and caviar? They do that, too.

Because there’s at least a tiny bit of food SNOB in everyone. Lowcountry classics get the royal treatment at this polished Charleston favorite. While renowned for its classic shrimp and grits, as well as the Charleston cream of crab soup, SNOB also offers a standout gargantuan Heritage Farm pork chop, served with charred broccoli and herbed goat cheese.

Because this tiny, beachy newcomer has reinvented the wheel (or rueda, as Papi might say). Expect imaginative tacos, including the “sucio Italiano,” a chorizo, queso, and chile tomato sauce riff on the meatball sub, and Soeul Searcher, made with Korean fried chicken and kimchi. Served on the cob, the maiz callejero (street corn) is also top-notch.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (843) 926-7274.

Because this upscale Italian osteria turns out flawless classics in a warm, sophisticated space. Start with a comforting bowl of ragu Bolognese served with rigatoni verde, or get a little more adventurous with the punchy squid ink spaghetti, tossed with jalapeno pesto and Calabrese salami. The wraparound marble bar is the perfect spot to escape the winter chill while nursing a glass of vino from an extensive wine list.

Because there’s no need to wait for the weekend when you can brunch every day. Favorites include pulled pork Benedict with BBQ hollandaise and classic French toast for the kids. Dinner highlights include pimento cheese fritters with green tomato jam, Chef Isaac’s she-crab soup, and braised short rib served with charred broccoli.

Because there’s always room for barbecue. This casual joint in West Ashley addresses the first half of its name with a wide array of beer, whiskey, and scotch options. Along with pulled pork, ribs, and smoked pork belly, menu choices extend beyond the pig to include smoked turkey, chicken, and beef brisket.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (843) 225-3805.

Because it’s not every day one is served an entire rotisserie chicken. Celebrated for its pommes frites, double-fried in duck fat and served with homemade mayonnaise, Goulette also has other notable selections, including tomato rosemary soup — available hot or cold — and classic profiteroles.

Because the namesake offering at this airy, industrial restaurant is served raw, grilled, smoked, Buffalo’ed and Rockefeller’ed, to name a few. Other crowd pleasers include the succulent lobster roll, tempura cod-filled Baja tacos, and the craveable Charleston crab cakes, served with remoulade, garlic spinach, and grits.

Because dinner and a show is easy peasy when dinner is the show. Hibachi chefs know how to bring some sizzle — and impressive knife skills — to the experience, There’s also an extensive sushi menu with temptations ranging from simple sashimi to complex, creative rolls.