The Ordinary, Edmund’s Oast, Slightly North of Broad, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because this homage to the ocean has one of the best raw bars anywhere. Set in an elegant, 1920s-era bank building on Upper King, The Ordinary serves sumptuous plates like smoked king mackerel pate, steak tartare with crispy oysters, and swordfish ‘au poivre’ with roasted tomatoes.

Because chef Orlando Pagán is always serving up something unexpected. Opt for the four-course tasting menu, and choose from decadent options, such as diver scallops with sweet corn pudding and chorizo vinaigrette, and a Kurabuta pork tenderloin served with peach relish and bamboo rice.

Because this sleek, modern gastropub showcases superlative cuisine and innovative cocktails, best enjoyed on a dog-friendly, covered patio. You can’t go wrong with the house-made charcuterie or beloved cheeseburger with crisp, hand-cut fries. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to pair it with one of the many uniquely flavored craft beers, brewed on-site.

Because this local treasure is known for its fine-dining twists on cherished Southern classics. While the former 18th-century warehouse space is elegant, it’s far from snobbish, and bills itself as an ‘eclectic, Lowcountry bistro.’ Menu highlights include shrimp and grits with house sausage and country ham, as well as a Heritage Farm pork chop served with grilled okra, Sea Island red peas, and pickled peaches.

Because going to this intimate Spanish-style market and tapas bar—replete with suspended Iberico hams—is the equivalent of teleporting yourself to Barcelona. With a focus on authenticity, chef Juan Cassalett turns out traditional, potato-filled tortilla españolas; crisp, creamy ham and bechamel croquettes; and even a grilled whole flounder finished with garlic. Don’t miss the churros, fried to order.

Because there’s nothing like seasonal produce. Chef-owner Kevin Johnson’s abiding focus on hyper-seasonal, local products results in farm-fresh dishes bursting with flavor. Celebrated area chefs are known to come for the Lowcountry seafood pilau; chockablock with shrimp, clams, and field peas; and heritage Carolina Gold rice.

Because the exquisite Italian cuisine at this Johns Island outpost has made it a bona fide destination. The romantic, old-world eatery lovingly prepares comforting Italian cuisine (think house-made agnolotti pasta with oysters, pancetta, and an herbal sambuca crema). Those in-the-know go on Monday and Tuesday nights, when the pork saltimbocca can be paired with a selection from the $19 wine list.

Because Renzo is a hip neighborhood trattoria with one of the area’s largest selections of natty wine. Along with tempting starters like roasted rapini and wood-fired eggplant, the menu features an array of creative Neapolitan-style pizzas. Note that happy hour (Tuesday-Saturday, from 4 to 6 p.m.) is your one and only chance to snag a slice of the legendary Detroit-style square pie.

Because this quaint French bistro was inspired by the chef-owner’s time in Paris, and it shows. Open in the evenings, Tuesday through Saturday, Purlieu has seasonally influenced cuisine that includes Parisian standards like escargot ensconced in puff pastry, artichoke au gratin, and a classic French dip sandwich. Wash it all down with a local craft beer or a glass from the thoughtfully curated wine list.

Because the owners of this sophisticated, clubby space spent a year feasting throughout Italy to ensure a flawless menu. Their labors resulted in such standout selections as airy, delicate zucchini fritti; rich, red wine-glazed osso bucco veal shank; and fresh, spicy tuna crudo served with pine nuts, crispy rosemary, and Calabrian chile vinaigrette.