Charleston’s Best of 2019, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because the grass-fed beef served here comes from heritage Ancient White Park cattle raised on the owner’s Virginia farm. Open for lunch and dinner, this airy eatery includes a butcher shop that also sells pork and poultry from the same farm. On the menu are two of the best burgers anywhere — the classic White Park and the veggie option of mushroom, black beans and quinoa.

Because the only thing more elegant than the artistic space is the food itself. Impeccable small bites mingle with a changing assortment of thoughtful entrees. Having a hard time deciding? The four-course tasting menu features unexpected delights ranging from diver scallops accompanied by crab rice and furikake to dry-aged ribeye with sunchoke and shallots.

Because it’s the next best thing to a flight to Barcelona. This cozy gourmet market and taperia features an array of Spanish delights. Pair some regional wine or a glass of custom-brewed blonde ale with langosta a la parrilla (grilled half lobster with parsley), almond-stuffed dates wrapped in ham, or a tortilla espanola, the classic potato omelet.

Because this vibrant pop-up-turned-permanent Sichuan outpost hit the scene in late 2018 and nothing’s been quite the same since. Opened by chef-owner David Schuttenberg to satisfy his own spicy cravings, this casual Sichuan joint on James Island is the go-to destination for drool-worthy lamb dumplings and fiery noodle dishes set to a boisterous rock-n-roll soundtrack.

Walk-ins only.

Because this sleek and modern newcomer has quickly become a can’t-miss John’s Island destination. Take in the bright, lofty space with a classic Hemingway daiquiri, made with white rum, Maraschino liqueur and grapefruit. Along with freshly shucked half-shell temptations from the oyster bar, expect fresh salads, fried seafood and wood-fired steaks.

Because this quirky Indian fusion restaurant has recently converted to a mostly vegetarian menu. Here, the vibrant cuisine of the subcontinent is explored and reinvented with in the form of unforgettable “chaats and snacks.” Most dishes feature locally sourced produce, while chicken and fish curries provide heartier options.

Walk-ins only.

Because the clubby, old school dining room is a welcome backdrop to get your Italian on. Slip into a leather booth and proceed to feast on delicate tuna crudo, hearty handmade pastas and “Roman-ish” pizza, like the Mr. Wally, made with vodka sauce, Fresno peppers, sliced salami and meaty hen-of-the-woods mushrooms.

Because this bouncing baby — the love child of North Charleston local haunts Holy City Brewing and EVO Pizzeria — showcases the best of both parents in one spot. The large, casual restaurant, bar and bakery features a wide range of craft beer choices, robust sandwiches, and pizzas fresh from a wood-fired oven. 

Because chef Vandy Vanderwarker’s bright, breezy bistro brings next-level French cuisine to the Holy City. The one-page menu ranges from a terrine of foie gras topped with pickled cherries to dry-aged duck for two. Along with creative cocktails and an expansive wine list, must-tries include the bright, flavorful English pea tart and the bone-in monkfish.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (843) 990-9165.

Because 2019 saw the beloved local steakhouse expand with new locations in both Columbia and Nexton/Summerville. There’s a reason the family-run empire, established in 2009, now offers four locations in South Carolina. One bite of the she crab soup, oysters Rockefeller or dry-aged beef, and you may be compelled to visit them all.