Its been a long timesince Charlestonwas just a she-crab soup and shrimp and grits town.

Savory goat and spinach stew is thickened with ground egusi (melon seeds).

Crab rice is studded with onions and peppers and accented by dried conch and spicy shito paste.

Charleston’s Rainbow Row Homes

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

One day might bring roasted duck breast with flageolet beans alongside poached shrimp and salmon roe.

Its simple, elegant, and always surprising.

Its an essential Charleston dining experience.

Bintu Atiler Food platter

Credit:Bintu Atiler

Theres even a dim sum brunch on Sundays.

Meaty pork ribs are lacquered with red char siu glaze.

Five-spice duck legs deliver silky, luxurious dark meat beneath a crisp skin that prickles with floral flavors.

Chez Nous

Credit:Andrew Cebulka

Frozen gin & tonics and rose slushies will make you want to linger awhile.

Three decades later, SNOB remains as relevant as ever.

Theyre joined by a rotating selection of newer plates like local flounder with couscous salad.

Chubby Fish

Credit:Andrew Thomas Lee

The housemade charcuterie plate is consistently one of the best in town, too.

A deep list of natural wines is joined by classic cocktails and beers from around the world.

Daniel is the chef, and his deceptively simple preparations belie an inventiveness and depth of flavor.

FIG

Credit:Lindsey Harris Shorter

289 E Bay St.;167sushibar.com

Hannibal’s Kitchen

Credit:Peter Frank Edwards

Jackrabbit Filly

Credit:Ruta Smith

Jackrabbit Filly

Credit:Sully Sullivan

Kultura

Credit:Ryan Belk

Leon’s Oyster Bar

Credit:Jacob Dye

The Obstinate Daughter (Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina)

Palmira Barbeque

Credit:Erin O’Connor

Rancho Lewis

Credit:Gately Williams

Rodney Scott BBQ

Credit:Andrew Cabulka

North of Broad

Credit:Marie Rodriguez Photography

stems & skins

Credit:Justin Croxall

Charleston Grill

Credit:Courtesy of The Charleston Place

The Grocery

Credit:Courtesy of The Grocery

Vern’s

Credit:Lizzy Rollins

Zero George

Credit:Zero George

167 Sushi Bar

Credit:Mike Ledford