Peninsula Grill 112 N. Market St Located in the historic Planters Inn at Meeting & Market streets. The Peninsula Grill is truly a fine dining experience. This 4-Star DiRoNa member has received accolades from the New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, Wine Spectator and more. Innovative, regional cuisine served in an elegant and comfortably relaxed atmosphere. Reservations coveted. $$$$.

Circa 1886 149 Wentworth St. Located in a restored historic carriage house in the gardens of the Wentworth Mansion. Circa 1886 features an assortment of dishes, including seafood and seasonal creations. Executive Chef Marc Collins offers Southern cuisine with a sophisticated twist. Smoke-free environment. Reservations are suggested. D, R. $$$$. A, MC, V, D.

Charleston Grill 224 King St., downtown Located in the Charleston Place Hotel. This is South Carolina's most acclaimed Mobil Four-Star restaurant and winner of Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence." The Vintner's Room is available for private parties. Dinner Su-Th 6-10pm; F-Sa 6-11pm; jazz nightly; cocktails from 4pm$$-$$$$.

39 Rue De Jean 39 John St., downtown 39 Rue de Jean is a French café and bar offering the best in Brasserie cuisine. Guests can dine indoor or in the outdoor patio seating. Rue de Jean is open for lunch from 11:30am through 5:30pm with dinner service beginning at 5:30pm. The full dinner menu is served until 11pm. Steaks, sushi and salads can be enjoyed until 1am. Bar open until 2am. Open daily. $$$.

Anson Restaurant 12 Anson St. Anson's is an elegant restaurant in the heart of the old city market. Anson specializes in fresh seafood caught daily in Charleston waters. Ansons is ideal for an intimate and romantic evening. Group dining and private rooms available. Open Su-Th 5:30-10pm; F-Sa 5:30pm-11pm. $$$. A, D, MC, V.

Magnolia's - Uptown-Down South 185 E. Bay St. Magnolia's combines old world charm with contemporary excitement. Chefs Donald Barickman and Don Drake are known for utilizing many of the Lowcountry's abundant resources to create unique and exciting dishes. Private dining available in the Upper Level Gallery for groups up to 140 people. L,D. Su-Th 11:30am-10:00pm; F-Sa 11:30am-11:00pm. $$$. A, DC, MC, V.

Blossom Cafe 171 E. Bay St. Blossom features fresh seafood utilizing the finest local and regional produce. Guests can enjoy Blossom's high energy exhibition kitchen, courtyard, or the newly added private dining room that can accommodate up to 22 guests. Su-Th 11:30am-11:00pm; F-Sa 11:30am-12:00am. $$$. L, D. A, MC, V, DC.

Carolina's 10 Exchange St. A true landmark in Charleston's culinary history. Be prepared to taste unique flavors and enjoy sophisticated elegance. Guests can dine in the Perdita's Room, the Sidewalk Room, and the bustling Bar Room. Carolina's is the perfect place for dinner any night of the week. Sun-Th: 5-10pm; F-Sa 5-11pm. $$$. A, MC, V, D.

Fish Restaurant 442 King St. Fish is located downtown in the heart of Upper King Street. Fish is the ideal restaurant for a night out or business lunch. The menu changes seasonally and local favorites are presented in a unique way. Fried green tomatoes, Wreckfish, and Crab Cakes are specialties. Lunch M-F 11:30am - 2pm; Dinner M-S 5:30pm - until. $$$. A, MC, V, D.

Hank's Seafood Restaurant 10 Hayne St., Hank's resembles a decades-old neighborhood fixture reminiscent of a classic 1940s Charleston fish house. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere serves as the backdrop to Chef Frank McMahon's local seafood classics as well as innovative seasonal specials. The old-fashioned saloon-style bar and wildly popular communal table attracts a sociable crowd of locals, nightly. Do not miss the experience of The Seafood Tower or Castle. Dinner: Su-Th 5-10:30pm; F-Sa 5-11:30pm. $$$. A, MC, V, D.

Hominy Grill 16 North Market St., downtown "Everyone in town knows how good the food is and how fair the prices are" writes The New York Times. This is a nationally acclaimed and locally loved restaurant. Hominy Grill's warm atmosphere, friendly service and authentic preparation and presentation of classic regional specialties have made "the Hominy" into a Charleston institution. Outdoor patio dining available. Breakfast M-F 7:30am-11am; Lunch M-F 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner M-Th 5:30pm-9:30pm and F-Sa 5:30pm-10pm; Brunch Sa-Sun 9am-2:30pm. B, BR, L, D. $$-$$$. A, MC, V.

McCrady's Restaurant & WIne Bar 155 East Bay St., downtown Located in the romantic little Unity Alley in historic downtown Charleston, McCrady's offers world-class cuisine with impeccable service. Originally built in 1788, McCrady's interior combines traditional with modern elements. It features soaring skylights, beautiful chandeliers, exposed brick, leather banquettes and a striking honey-hued bar. Bar opens nightly at 5 PM with dinner at 5:30 PM. $$$$.

Slightly North of Broad 192 East Bay St. This downtown restaurant receives rave reviews for Chef Frank Lee's award-winning Maverick Southern cuisine. It is a local favorite. It has been praised by Gourmet, Food & Wine, Southern Living, GQ Magazine, USA Today, NY Times and more. Reservations are accepted for dinner. Open for lunch M-F and dinner nightly. $$-$$$. A, D, MC, V.

High Cotton 199 East Bay Street High Cotton is first class with its Mahogany woodwork, old brick walls, heart of pine floors and high ceilings. It embraces guests in feelings of warmth and Southern hospitality. High Cotton features straightforward hearty foods such as prime steaks, game and fresh fish. Live music at the bar nightly. Voted Charleston's Best Sunday Brunch! Dinner nightly, lunch Saturday, jazz brunch Sunday. Bar opens at 4pm. $$$-$$$$. A, D, MC, V.

Basil 460 King St., downtown Located on upper King Stree, Basil has been around now for three years and it remains a top choice for Thai food. Executive chef Suntorn Cherdchoongarm, a native of Thailand, is a master in combining the unique ingredients of Thai cuisine. Basil boasts a modern, urban-style dining room. Once you have tried the curries and spring rolls you will be hooked. $$1/2. A,D,MC,V.

FIG 232 Meeting St., downtown FIG's executive chef and co-owner Mike Lata is a true master when using fresh and when possible local ingredients. His simple preparations with a unique French twist are superb. The menu changes with the season and availability. The mood is young and urban with a touch of romance in the small, dimly lit dining room. Price: $$$ A,D,MC,V.

Cintra 16 Market St., downtown The restaurant, which has operated under many names, was purchased this year by Jason and Nancy Fuchs. They have created a warm and inviting place. Cintra's executive chef Jacques Larson may be one of the best Charleston has to offer. His exquisite Italian dishes are created freshness, balance and simplicity. Free parking after 6 p.m. is available. The exquisite food and top-notch service are well worth the price. $$$$. A,D,MC,V.

Cypress 167 East Bay St., downtown Cypress's blend of modern, crisp fare makes dining here feel like a true event. Executive chef Craig Deihl has added Asian influences in many of the dishes. Presentations are stellar and the raw bar selections and wood-burning grill infused ingredients are exceptional. The bar is sophisticated and is always a fun place to check out the activity in the open kitchen downstairs or just to see and be seen. $$$$$. A,D,MC,V.

Grill 225 225 East Bay St., downtown Grill 225's executive chef Demetre Castanas likes to keep things simple at this world-class steakhouse. He buys only the best, and only USDA Prime cut beef. Grill 225 also has fabulous seafood, and serves excellent versions of steakhouse classics like oysters Rockefeller and a chilled wedge of iceberg lettuce with Roquefort dressing. The service is nothing short of impeccable. White jacket-clad service staff and sophisticated decor make dining at Grill 225 a true event. $$$$$. A,D,MC,V.

Raval 453 King St., downtown Raval is by far the coolest new place in town. A true tapas place. You will feel like you are in Spain. You'll find an amazing array from the up-and-coming regions - Rias Biaxas, Priorat and Ribero del Duero. Ask, and you can even see the list of sherries - the most neglected of all great Spanish wines. Robert Parker says Spain is the next great "hot" wine-producing country and Raval proves why. $$$. A,D,MC,V.

Fulton Five 5 Fulton St. Located off King Street on quiet and charming Fulton Street. Serving Northern Italian fare with specialty dishes which include osso buco alla Milanese and risotto w/ truffles. The atmosphere is calming, yet hip. Reservations suggested. Patio dining avail. Mon.-Sat. from 5:30 p.m. $$$. A,D,MC,V.

IL Cortile Del Re 193 A King St. Authentic Italian fare. Small and intimate. Dishes include wild boar and hard-to-find cheeses. This restaurant boasts an exclusive Italian wine list. Patio dining avail. Mon.-Sat. 6-10:30 p.m. Reservations strongly suggested. $$$. A,D,MC,V.

Brasserie on Wentworth 68 Wentworth St. A fine example of a true French-style bistro. The jumbo lump crabcakes and European sea bass saute are remarkable. A fun place for breakfast and a wonderful dining experience. B/L, daily, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m., D, daily, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Sun. brunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $$. A,D,MC,V.

The Ocean Room 1 Sanctuary Bch. Drive, Kiawah New American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Ocean views and warm surroundings. This is a true dining experience. Class, sophistication, and elegance, combined with delectable dishes make this a memorable evening. Reservations a must, especially for Sunday brunch. Mon.-Wed., 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Thurs.-Sun., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. $$$$. A,D,MC,V.

The Dining Room at Woodlands 125 Parsons Road, Summerville It was hard to imagine anyone smoothly picking up the reins at The Dining Room at Woodlands after Ken Vedrinski's departure two years ago. Yet impressive executive chef Scott Crawford was able to accomplish this amazing feat. Choose from assorted multi-course menus. Crawford built a garden on the grounds of the resort and uses its produce in his gardenfresh fare. The Post and Courier's Restaurant of the Year in 2004, The Dining Room at Woodlands continues to be about as spectacular as any restaurant can be. The exquisitely lush and calming dining room, combined with a polished and largely European service staff, make for an amazing dining experience. $$$$$. A,D,MC,V.