The Resy Guide to the Women-Led Restaurants of Charleston

Chef and co-owner Jill Mathias’ rustic-but-elegant dishes have been a hit in Charleston for almost 10 years. For our money, her quaint bistro remains, year over year, one of the top date spots in town. And the ever-changing, hand-written menu makes it all the more serendipitous.

There’s plenty to love within the imaginative seasonal American menu at this handsome neighborhood restaurant from Dano and Bethany Heinze, veterans of Charleston’s acclaimed McCrady’s and L.A. hot spots Animal and Jon & Vinny’s. Remember to check the blackboard menu over the antiqued mantelpiece for daily specials.

The sister restaurant to Chez Nous, Malagón is a little slice of Spain on Spring Street. Iberico hams hang from the ceiling, the bar is the place to sit to watch all the bustling kitchen action, and everything is tight corners, like you’re tucked into a Barcelona alleyway, complete with a mini mercado, boquerones, and enough Spanish wine to while the night away.

Located in the Zero George hotel, Zero Restaurant + Bar is of the fanciest dining experiences in town. The move is to enjoy the tasting menu with expertly curated wine pairings from beverage director Megan Mina. The restaurant is part of the Easton Porter Group, overseen by co-founder and creative director Lynn Easton.

Another restaurant in the Easton Porter Group portfolio, Wild Common features a constantly changing tasting menu ($85/person). Grab a table ASAP — and set that Notify if needed.

You may know this hotspot for its fiery cooking, but partner Tina Schuttenberg is the backbone of the the operation. As a creative director and owner, she handles much of the business side, so you can enjoy those Sichuan noodles and dumplings time and time again.

Owned and operated by Chelsea and Joel Lucas, this upscale casual restaurant on James Island showcases the local produce and seafood available in the Lowcountry.