Piatti

Piatti is the kind of restaurant that becomes your go-to the moment you discover it. Located in the Park Plaza area near Sea Pines, it's not in a flashy location, but people find it anyway — and then they come back every trip. The chef is serious about Italian cooking in the way that actually matters: fresh ingredients, seasonal menus, and pasta made in-house.

The Agnolotti Funghi is exceptional — delicate pasta stuffed with mushroom, the kind of dish that reminds you what Italian food is supposed to taste like. The Ravioli di Aragosta (lobster ravioli) is a splurge worth making. The wine list is well-chosen and the service is warm without being over-attentive.

They do a happy hour and the outdoor seating is lovely on a nice evening. Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends. This is the restaurant you bring people to when you want to impress them with your local knowledge.