This nice little sushi joint turns out fresh, high-quality Japanese dishes at reasonably low prices. The interior style is decidedly Japanese, decorated sleek and comfortably, complete with sliding screens. Chef Hiro is a native of Japan, and the attention he brings to the food will leave you wanting more. You can even call ahead for takeout. Whether you're looking for sushi, tempura, sashimi, udon noodles, or any other kind of Japanese food, this is the place in Charleston to get it.

Located in the old Seaman's Church with beautiful stained glass windows across from Old City Market, this high-energy pub with an eclectic American menu features 13 flat screen TVs and four projection screens for avid sports fans. Open for lunch, dinner and late night snacking, popular items include the half-pound burger, sandwiches, wraps and soups. A few house favorites are the Crab Cake Imperial, Calypso Mako Shark and Blackened Chicken Pasta. The restaurant also offers private party packages with a variety of menus. Popular with the locals is the jazz brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10a to 2p.

An inexpensive American-style café open for lunch and dinner, it features a full bar, spicy hot toddies, and live evening entertainment. The unpretentious store front hides a gem of a dining establishment by the Old City Market. It's a great place to relax with specialty coffees and some of Charleston's most delectable desserts such as Tollhouse Cookie Pie or Turtle Cheesecake. A huge slice of the Heath Bar Cake is plenty for two people. Popular with the late-night crowd when it gets really busy, this is a " "must" for both locals and visitors exploring the city. -Natasha Lawrence

Housed in a building that dates back to 1788, McCrady's Restaurant in Charleston stands at a quiet corner in the Historic Downtown neighborhood. This sophisticated eatery serves up excellent Progressive American cuisine in inimitable style. The interior is a fusion of both traditional and contemporary essentials, boasting of skylights, leather chairs, bluestone tiles and a bar. The food is prepared from the finest fresh ingredients, and the service is efficient. So what are you waiting for? Plan your visit today!

Hank's Seafood Restaurant is located in a refurbished warehouse which is nearly 100 years old! It overlooks the Historic Downtown area of Charleston and serves seafood delights. It also has an old saloon-style bar, and an exhibition raw bar where you can taste shellfish. Hank's is only open for dinner and is quite popular. The attire is business-casual.

The pet project of hotelier Hank Holliday and his business associates Steve and Kat Vam, this upper-class restaurant is in the downtown neighborhood of Charleston. Sitting adjacent to Planters Inn, it serves mouth-watering Italian treats. Mercato has two levels decorated in Venetian plaster, Italian leather chairs, banquettes and suitable lighting. It also has a bar where you can catch up with buddies for a quick bite.

Visit one of the most comfortable and affordable restaurants in Charleston-FIG, which is an abbreviation for their slogan, "Food is Good"! This eatery has simplistic interiors, community tables and a bar serving up fresh farm dishes and excellent sea-food. The menu changes often, but the quality and quantity are consistent. Try the Hakurei turnips, pork shank, and cauliflower with pancetta. Everything tastes heavenly! You'll be blessing the chef when you leave!

Feel important and wanted when you take a seat in the methodically-arranged, elegant tables at High Cotton. The menu, which elaborates on Low Country Crab and Butterbean Soup, Homemade Italian Sausage, Fennel Rubbed Tuna au Poivre, and Grilled Chicken Muffaletta, is executed with finesse. Wines from Napa, Pfalz, Sonoma, Piedmonte, and Alsace are featured regularly. The bar/lounge also offers beer. The Jazz Brunch on Sunday adds the icing to the cake.

When Fish opened its doors to the city in 2000, it was voted as one of the best new restaurants in town. Years later, it still sets the standard with its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere. The menu with its myriad of innovative dishes including seasonal fish. Many dishes include Asian and French influences.  There is also a bar that serves delicious cocktails.

Sometimes you come across a restaurant that leads rather than follows - this is one of them. Cypress Serves what's known as Lowcountry food - the regional food of Lowcountry with a sprinkling of different flavors from Asia. The grill, which is the main component here is used to make many sumptuous dishes; from meats to vegetables. Orders like Steak Diane, Reconstruction Lamb T-Bone, and Steak Au Poivre are a few selections. There is also a raw menu that serves Sashimi Tuna and Kumomoto Oysters, Steamboats and Beef Tartare with capers, frisee and olive oil. Top it all of with the mother of all chocolate desserts, the Warm Chocolate Molten Cake - enough to make you melt.