Sorghum & Salt, Fat Hen, Monza Pizza Bar, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because this relaxed, eclectic restaurant offers some of the most warm and welcoming service in town. Rely on your server—or the chef himself—to guide you through the restaurant’s locally sourced, springtime delights, like cucumber dumplings with radish and olive oil, and South Carolina Flounder with fennel, asparagus, bulgur, and turmeric butter.

Because the vegetable-driven menu is upstaged by only the cozy vibe, best described as “hunting cabin chic.” Formerly a 1920’s snow cone shop, there are two floors of seating and a rooftop garden, where most of the vegetables are sourced. Anticipate dishes like herb-poached smashed fries and bison burgers with red onion jam and pickled green tomatoes.

Because this sophisticated Kiawah Island wine bar offers 48 vinos by the glass, as well as 48 local and regional craft beer options. Huzzah! Whatever your preference, pair it with FortyEight’s varied cheese and charcuterie selections, or sample the small bites menu, which currently includes a warm crab dip and beet and arugula salad with goat cheese and candied pecans.

Because this cozy, French-influenced eatery is a Johns Island institution. While its coq au vin and escargot dishes are local legends, the strictly southern fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese is equally notable. If you haven’t had the Sunday brunch-only crème brulee French toast with duck sausage and blackberry jam, you haven’t lived. And if you haven’t made a reservation, be prepared to wait.

Because its local art, roll-up door, laid-back vibe, and sleek, L-shaped bar make this new spot one of the hottest in town. The massive menu showcases the fruits of the sea, with selections ranging from whole snapper to fried platters.

Because this Mount Pleasant treasure is worth the trip over the Cooper River. Don’t let its unassuming strip mall location fool you; Langdon’s is a polished space offering refined food and a vast array of wines. Much like the seared foie gras and chef’s seasonal crudo, the bone-in Berkshire pork chop with cauliflower cheese gratin is not to be missed.

Because you now have an excuse to use every clever movie catchphrase you know, all in the course of a single meal. Ruru’s whimsically-named Mexican offerings include the “We were on a break!” quesadilla with skirt steak and caramelized onions, and the “Vegas baby, Vegas” taco, filled with sesame-seared ahi tuna and topped with wasabi crema. Tequila and mezcal lovers will appreciate Ruru’s extensive agave-based selection.

Because this neighborhood restaurant serves up all the Southern comfort food of your dreams, including what might be the world’s best peanut butter pie. The lunch, dinner, and Saturday brunch menus are ever-changing, but be sure to grab a Keegan Filion braised pork belly lunch plate or a buttermilk-fried Manchester farm quail for dinner should you get lucky.

Because this racetrack-themed pizza joint is back and better than ever. Recently expanded and updated, Monza features a host of exemplary wood-fired, Neopolitan-style pies in a bright, Upper King Street location. Stop in for some classic antipasti, small plates, and self-described “Italian-ish” cocktails, such as on-tap Aperol Spritzes and Negronis.

Walk-ins only.

Because this contemporary spot isn’t just a great place to grab lunch. Open for lunch two days a week, Relish offers guests a regionally themed, three-course meal, while giving  future chefs from the Culinary Institute of Charleston valuable food handling, presentation, and service experience. Note that advance reservations are required.