The Charles

One of the Design District's most recent additions is The Charles, a renaissance-chic eatery featuring a lineup of housemade pastas and wood-fire-grilled fish and steak. Owners Chas Martin and Chef J Chastain use classic Italian fare as inspiration for the menu, but the dishes stray from the traditional. Expect to see the likes of risotto made with ancient grains (farro, quinoa, and kamut), fennel crusted pork chops and olive oil poached halibut with broccolini pesto. Must-haves include the wood-fired oysters, any of the grilled vegetables, and the ricotta gnudi with brown butter honey. Wine lovers take note: this is the only place in town where you can order Billecart-Salmon Champagne by the glass.