New on Resy: Citrus Club, Malagón, Eli’s Table

In a city known for its steepled skyline and sea-skimming views, Citrus Club comes off as the crown jewel. Nestled atop the luxurious Dewberry hotel, this whimsical lounge offers light bites for snacking and boasts a beverage menu of citrus-infused  cocktails—spring for the Tropical Itch with passion fruit and the Longtime Listener with lemon juice.

After delving into the culinary traditions of France at their first restaurant, Chez Nous, owners Fanny and Patrick Panella are now giving Charleston a taste of Spain. Blending a mercado and tapería in one, Malagón is a sleek and moody eatery where every bottle, cheese, and piece of charcuterie hails from Spain. Feast on tapas and larger plates—spring for the lenguado a la parrilla, or grilled whole flounder with garlic—and stock up on exceptional Spanish goods on your way out.

Casual by day, upscale by night, Eli’s Table is where Italian and French flavors brush up against homey Lowcountry dishes. The result is a spread of whimsical plates that wink to Southern classics—think eggs benedict with fried oysters, duck and sweet potato waffles, praline French toast—within a charming locale. Also on the menu: the most delectable beignets, dusted with a heavy helping of powdered sugar and berry coulis.

Quietly seducing, Opal Restaurant and Bar is Mt. Pleasant’s answer to a contemporary neighborhood gem. The California-meets-Mediterranean menu is comprised of handcrafted pasta (get the rioja cavatelli with veal meatballs), hearty entrées, and a build-your-own cheese and charcuterie board, alongside a wine list that spans the globe, from New Zealand to South Africa.

Stepping into Vintage Lounge is like stepping in an Old Hollywood film. With its marble bar and black-and-gold furnishings, this stunning wine den offers a curated selection of charcuterie, cheese, and small plates, to accompany an extensive bar program—think local beers, classic cocktails, and small-production wines. Pro-tip: We’re a big fan of the truffle fontina fondue.

An American bistro with a Southern soul, Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar doles out comfort food worth clamoring for. From fish & grits rice to pimento mac & cheese, the kitchen deals in farm-fresh ingredients, alongside classic and contemporary cocktails.

Once known as Charleston’s favorite food truck, Semilla has established roots in the Westside, firing off the same exquisite tacos that made it famous. The colorful Mexican restaurant also features Oaxacan-inspired moles, queso flamaedo (flambéd melted cheese flecked with spicy chorizo), creamy sweet corn farro, and a masa-fried half chicken, on Thursdays only.

At the top of the very lovely Restoration Hotel stands this airy farm-to-table restaurant, which boasts stellar city views. At The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits, you’re in for a taste of the region—the kitchen celebrates local purveyors with a seasonal menu. Order the deviled eggs, spicy fried chicken sandwich, and mussels served in a Chardonnay broth, and pair it all with one of the bar’s tasty libations.

Dine with a side of history at Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Inspired by the recipes of former resident, and renowned Southern chef Edna Lewis, the restaurant champions seasonal Lowcountry fare within a luminous, wood-accented locale. You’re in for grilled quail flavored with white grape jus, she-crab soup, and catfish-and-grits, made with ingredients harvested from the property’s organic gardens.

A neighborhood gem through and through, The Royal Tern is a grand white house tucked in the heart of Johns Island. Inside the sleek and stylish setup, chef David Pell looks to the sea to prepare towering shellfish platters, wood-grilled oysters, spice-rubbed yellowfin tuna, and melt-in-your-mouth yeast rolls, which you should definitely slather in the garlic chive butter.

Bourbon N’ Bubbles emulates a decadent age of times gone by. Outfitted in brass and gold fixtures, this swanky locale is the kind of place where apps arrive on chic two-tiered stands, and the Champagne flows (Moët & Chandon, anyone?). Indulge in their premier selection of Champagne, bourbon, and cocktails, and nab a Resy during happy hour (M-F, 4-7pm) for excellent deals.

Don’t let its humble looks fool you, Sunset Sushi crafts some of the most surprising sushi on the Westside. Here, chef Yoshi helms the sushi bar, preparing artful displays of sashimi, nigiri, and sushi, best enjoyed as part of the set menu. Also on offer: ramen, dumplings, pork belly plates, plus sake and wine to round it off.

Fresh homemade goodness is what Toast does best, doling out Southern favorites for over a decade. This quaint, diner-esque spot is particularly known for its breakfast, where you’ll find French toast stuffed with cinnamon apples (recommended by the New York Times), sweet tea-glazed fried chicken, and delicious “Eggs Meeting Street.”

As the oldest running hibachi restaurant in town, Yamato knows how to put on a show. Gather a group, sit around the large hibachi grill, and watch as the chef lights onion towers on fire, and makes veggies and meat fly like trapeze artists. Playing with your food has never been more entertaining.

Mexican-inspired plates take on a whiff of comedy at Ru Ru’s Tacos & Tequilas, where dishes are named after famous movie one-liners. Start off with some of the restaurant’s fine tequilas and thirst-quenching margaritas before ordering grilled mahi mahi tacos (the “I’ll Have What She’s Having”), chicken burrito (“How Do You Like Dem Apples”), or sesame-seared ahi tuna (“Run Forrest Run”).

Instantly soothing, and with a cozy hideaway vibe, Bistro À Vin looks to the French for a neighborhood wine bar mood. Located in quiet Harleston Village, this casual-chic locale serves modern French plates—think quiche du jour, salade Niçoise, cheese and charcuterie—paired with a curated selection of French wines, available by the glass and bottle.