Best Local Cuisine in Charleston

As part of the culinary and hospitality program of Trident Technical College, two attractive and formal dining rooms are open to the public. The 181 Palmer Dining Room at the Downtown Campus offers an attractive 50-seat dining room lab next to the student-run kitchen. Diners can enjoy a three-course prix-fixe meal (appetizer, entree and dessert) for USD15 per person. The dining room opens for lunch at 12p. The Mikasa Dining Room Mikasa Dining Room at the Main Campus at 7000 Rivers Avenue in North Charleston opens for lunch at 12:15p and dinner at 6p. Prix-fixe price for either lunch or dinner is USD12 per person. Reservations are required, and parking is avaliable on-site. Visit the website for more information, rules of attendance and menu postings. - Natasha Lawrence

Slightly North of Broad is a restaurant that is popular with just about everyone in Charleston, including the locals. Celebrities, politicians, tourists and residents come in every day to feast together on a modern twist on Southern cooking that has become known as maverick Southern cuisine. Menu offerings include Corn Cakes and Caviar, Pad Thai with Dixie Clams, Maverick Shrimp and more. Reservations are suggested for six or more.

Offering one of the most comfortable ambiances in Charleston, FIG is a friendly restaurant on Meeting Street, whose name is an abbreviation for their slogan, 'Food is Good' This eatery has simplistic interiors, community tables, and a bar that serves up a variety of local pours. Famous for their farm-fresh dishes and excellent sea-food, FIG is also known for its rotating menu that often changes to reflect delicious seasonal flavors. Specialties include Lamb Tartare, Lowcountry Bourride, and Sautéed B-Liner Snapper. Staying true to its name, FIG offers decadent dessert options like Lime Cream Puffs and Chocolate Budino.

Located in the historic Planters Inn, across from the Old City Market, this four-star restaurant prides itself on elegant cuisine, traditional Charleston charm and ambiance, and attentive service. House specialties include wild mushroom grits with Lowcountry stew and bourbon grilled jumbo shrimp. Chef Robert Carter is well known for his creative menus, and diners will find it difficult to choose from numerous options. And who can forget their amazing wine list, which boasts over 300 selections. A popular dining establishment with locals and visitors, Peninsula Grill was named one of America's Top 50 Hotel Restaurants by Food & Wine. Reservations are highly recommended.

Cru Cafe is located in a classic 18th century Charleston single-style home and offers traditional, American comfort food for lunch and dinner. The chef and owner John Zucker also does catering for parties, so your next event can feature his delicious food. Their seating arrangement is comfortable, and you can opt to sit indoors, on the patio or on the terrace, enjoying the cool breeze while eating. The food is not expensive—with good options even for the vegetarians—and they have an extensive wine list. If you are in a hurry, you can also order take out.

This sophisticated restaurant on Queen Street offers elegant indoor and patio dining. With a menu that features gourmet Lowcountry cuisine, 82 Queen draws loyal patrons who swear by its signature delicacies. While the lunch menu serves the award-winning She Crab Soup, Shrimp and Grits, and other delectable entrees, the dinner menu presents classics like Fried Calamari, Caesar Salad, and Lowcountry Seafood Gumbo. An elaborate wine and cocktail menu completes the scrumptious dining experience. Head over to this chic address for a leisurely weekend brunch to enjoy Southern fare like never before.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week and brunches on Saturdays and Sundays, Virginia's offers changing menus using fresh, local ingredients. An example of a lunch special includes Candied Pecans and Apples over grilled Chicken and Mixed Greens with an Apple Citrus Vinaigrette. For dinner try the Seared Jerk Flounder with Pineapple Relish and Red Onion Marmalade served with Carolina Gold Rice and Steamed Broccoli. Monday through Thursday from 4p to 7p, bottled wine is half price. Evening valet parking is available from 6p. There is metered street parking or garage parking within short walking distance. -Natasha Lawrence