Aspen Grille is a prime example of what makes southern dining so enjoyable. The menu features a wide variety of tried-and-tested favorites and new twists on traditional southern dishes by chef and owner Curry Martin. The restaurant is famous for its French onion soup and fresh seafood options. The food is complemented by original art on the walls, and regular live music nights create a nice ambience.

Not far from Myrtle Beach, Bistro 90 is the perfect end to a day spent exploring the beautiful South Carolina coastline. The restaurant offers a range of satisfying dishes inspired by Italian and American classics: juicy, aged steaks, seafood pasta dishes, and crispy, flavorful brick oven pizzas. The variety of daily specials, and flavors of homemade ice cream ensure no two dining experiences are the same.

A charming Victorian family home from 1910, Brentwood has been serving quality food for the past 50 years. French chef Eric Masson trained at the prestigious Ferrandi cooking school in Paris, and infuses locally sourced and seasonal ingredients with traditional French flair. Highlights from the menu include the pan-seared foie gras with caramelized apple, and the shrimp and scallops chardonnay.

The Carolina Roadhouse makes food fun with its generous portion sizes, comfort food dishes, and creative drinks menu. Its speciality dish is the ‘Killer Dog,’ a grilled foot-long hotdog piled high with French fries, homemade chili and cheese. The decor is similarly exuberant, and the open kitchen allows diners a peek behind the scenes. The main feature is the wraparound bar, and numerous tables clustered around a towering palm tree. Enjoy!

Myrtle Beach’s picturesque spot, the Collector’s Café is a cross between elegant restaurant, European cafe, and art gallery. Its numerous nooks include several private dining rooms, and the restaurant encourages visitors to relax in wingback armchairs, or at sophisticated tables with white tablecloths. Enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and consider the art-covered walls. 25+ artists are exhibited at any one time, with special opening nights every few months to celebrate new talent.

Another historic Myrtle Beach gem, Frank’s Restaurant originally opened in 1930 as a local supermarket, and transformed into its current state in 1988. It’s a local favorite, and widely considered the best spot for a sophisticated but relaxing evening. The dining room is lit by candles, and the antique mahogany bar dates back to the late 1800s. The menu’s filled with modern twists on southern specialities, and they’re all artfully presented.

The Library prides itself on being one of the best high-end traditional dining options in Myrtle Beach, with tuxedoed waiters serving quality European cuisine since 1974. Highlights from the menu include filet mignon cooked to perfection and served with a Parisian mushroom sauce; oysters accompanied by spinach and bacon, and an extensive wine list. Add a bit of drama to your dinner with dishes such as the Caesar salad and steak Diane ‘flamed’ at the table.

A hugely popular choice among locals, Mr Fish is a family-run establishment that blends the talents of fisherman and seafood connoisseur Ted Hammerman with his daughter Sheina’s cooking expertise and knowledge of the restaurant industry. The result is a casual venue that uses fresh produce to create tasty, varied dishes. It’s had to expand numerous times to accommodate eager crowds. The present Mr Fish is a large venue with separate rooms for a sushi station and full-fledged bar.

Rockefellers Raw Bar has tapped into the culture of casual but delicious dining prevalent in Myrtle Beach. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients, Rockefellers encourages guests to relax with an ice-cold beer and watch the bartender prepare seafood on the spot in a steam kettle. The restaurant has an excellent happy hour offer on bargain drinks and oysters. Minutes from the beach, Rockefellers’s location adds to its fresh and authentic feel.

Another great seafood option, SeaBlue Restaurant sets itself apart with its contemporary twist on cuisine and decor. Chef Kenneth Norcutt prides himself on his creative interpretations of classic dishes, and highlights from the menu include crab cakes with chipotle and lime aioli, and duck’s breast with a dusting of chili chocolate. The atmosphere matches the innovative cuisine: fancy restaurant meets trendy cosmopolitan bar, with modern lighting and a color-shifting bar.