The February Hit List: Revival, Renzo, Obstinate Daughter, Jackrabbit Filly

Because the husband-and-wife team behind the popular Short Grain food truck recently opened this modern Chinese American restaurant, and it’s even more better. Expect a boisterous vibe and raucous flavors, like spicy, Sichuan-inspired fried chicken. Don’t miss the pork and cabbage dumplings — generously topped with chile oil and peanuts — or the unexpectedly verdant ricotta gnocchi and tomatillo-filled mapo tofu verde.

Walk-ins only.

Because this polished restaurant provides thoughtful, modernized tributes to traditional Lowcountry recipes. Get a taste of local history through dishes like rich, decadent she-crab soup and pirlou filled with butter-poached lobster, crab and shrimp. For a modern riff on another Southern classic, try the forbidden shrimp and grits: black forbidden rice is crushed and prepared as grits, and then topped with local Shem Creek shrimp and cherry tomato pan gravy.

Because this nautically themed establishment is the perfect accompaniment to a day at the beach. Offering service throughout the day, Obstinate Daughter satisfies during both morning (try the refreshing blueberry acai bowl) and evening hours (dig into the hearty gnocchi alla Romana, made with marinara and brie). Whether for lunch or dinner, don’t miss the Lowcountry shrimp roll with a stack of ingenious Geechie grits “fries.”

Because you know about the pizzas, but the Sunday bagel brunch cannot be topped — well, except by a schmear and some lox. Along with chewy bagels, Renzo’s wood-fired oven turns out expertly roasted dishes like a charred cauliflower with mushroom XO sauce and an entire spread of specialty pies.

Because this airy John’s Island joint serves up oysters, oysters, and more oysters. Sit at the raw bar and choose from a wide variety on the half-shell, or enjoy one of three cooked preparations, such as a riff on a Rockefeller, topped with spinach, cream, bacon, and tomatoes. Pro tip: Sit near the open kitchen and watch as the cooks grill shrimp, blacken swordfish, and fire up ribeyes. 

Because this celebrated restaurant — affectionately known as SNOB — excels at upscale versions of Lowcountry classics paired with seamless service. Equally fitting for a birthday celebration and a late-night nosh, SNOB specializes in dishes like fried chicken livers with caramelized onion jus and grilled Carolina quail with sorghum glaze and dirty rice stuffing.

Because this cozy brasserie highlights locally sourced, regional French cuisine, with a focus on seasonal availability. Expect classic starters like steak tartare and escargot Bourgogne. The cassoulet, chef-owner Matthew Schulz’s signature dish, is a comfort-food feast of slow-cooked white beans, duck confit, sausages, and pork.

Because a portion of the proceeds of each Harold and Lillian Platter — a perfect pairing of smoked fish, beet cream and jammy eggs — benefits charity. Weekend brunch options range from shareable plates of fried shrimp and deviled eggs to avocado toast. The menu draws from the rooftop garden and changes often, so get yourself some chicken and dumplings with fresh butter beans while you still can.

Because this classic fish house, set in a renovated turn-of-the-century warehouse, has been serving up seafood towers since 1999. Along with familiar raw bar options like lump crab cocktail and peel-and-eat shrimp, Hank’s also offers five fried seafood platter variations. Not into the fruits of the sea? The Southern-style buttermilk fried chicken is certain to hit the spot.

Because sometimes you just want traditional Spanish tapas (and maybe some wine by the glass) at 11 in the morning. Also a specialty market, this snug space is filled with jars of olives and hanging Iberico hams. On the menu, you’ll find everything from tortilla (the classic Spanish omelet made with potatoes and onions and served with aioli) to txistorra en hojaldre (Basque-style pork sausage encased in puff pastry).