Zero Restaurant, The Ordinary, Delaney Oyster House, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because this quaint, romantic spot is one of Charleston’s best kept secrets. The comprehensive wine list leaves nothing to be desired, and the seven-course tasting menu ($135) is one of the city’s most creative. Current selections include royal red shrimp with heritage pork and butternut squash, and a riff on Beef Wellington, prepared with foie gras and wild mushrooms.

Because a meal at this seafood mecca, set in a refined former bank building, is sure to make any night extraordinary. Menu selections are sublime, running the gamut from raw beeliner snapper embellished with ponzu, cilantro, and Asian pear to mustard-crusted amberjack served with sunchokes and mushroom polenta.

Because chef Shamil Velázquez is putting out some of Charleston’s most exciting food. The months-old seafood spot from the Neighborhood Dining Group (Minero, Husk, McCrady’s) showcases the best of Lowcountry ingredients in a picturesque, historic downtown home. But what makes it even more special is the way in which Velázquez deftly blends his Puerto Rican heritage into select dishes, like blue crab rice with crab roe and sofrito.

Because this airy eatery takes farm-to-table dining to another level. Enter through the butcher shop — which features heritage beef, pork, and poultry raised by the restaurant’s owner — and grab a table near the open kitchen. The menu highlights a seasonal bounty of grass-fed meat and poultry, as well as other locally sourced products and produce.

Because this chic, relaxed restaurant excels at flavorful, Mediterranean-style dishes. Share a plate of local Mepkin Abbey mushrooms, topped with kale, parmesan, breadcrumbs, and poached egg. Then move to the draft cocktails as you attempt to come to a consensus on one — or several — of the enticing wood-fired pizza options.

Because there’s always room for delicate octopus carpaccio and some whipped ricotta (served with olive oil, honey, and black pepper) at the seasonal Italian restaurant. The daily-changing lunch specials are some of the best deals around, but on colder winter days, don’t miss the beef short rib with pecorino polenta.

Because this snug bistro keeps it simple, preparing just two appetizers, two entrees, and two dessert options every night. Recent offerings include hearty Beef Bourguignon and crisp-skinned snapper with saffron sauce. Intimate in both space and service, Chez Nous makes diners feel like honored guests.

Because this swanky Mt. Pleasant newcomer offers both classic steakhouse and casual beer garden menus, plus options for your four-legged friend. Bring an appetite for the sausage sampler: a super-sized trio of housemade beef, pork, and wild boar links. Wood-fired steaks and flavorful salads — along with a broad array of bourbon and whiskey options — are sure to delight.

Because this modern wine bar focuses on sustainable, small production vino and equally thoughtful shared plate selections. Recent highlights include steamed local littleneck clams with harissa and preserved lemon, and butternut squash ravioli with sage brown butter and cotija cheese.

Because the elegant, lofty space is upstaged by only the artfulness of the food. With a la carte, tasting menu, and chef’s table options, there’s something for every appetite. The menu changes often, but recent selections include a baked quail done in a Peking duck style and an asparagus salad with burrata cheese.