La Fourchette

432 King St.
Downtown
(843) 722-6261
Serving Dinner, Mon-Sat

La Fourchette is unapologetically French and doesn't care if you like it or not. But, with pomme frites double fried in duck fat, old-school French favorites like cassoulet and coquille St. Jacques, and the best French wine list this side of Paris, you're bound to like it.

More: read about La Fourchette's fries

39 Rue de Jean

39 Rue de Jean:
39 John St., Downtown
(843) 722-8881
http://www.39ruedejean.com/

French-style brasserie. Great atmosphere, great mussels, and really good food. There's such a relaxed, European feel about the place that I just enjoy sitting inside the place, watching all the people and action going on around me. A great bar, too, if you just want to stop in for drinks and appetizers. Over the years, the chefs have come and gone (including Fred Neuville, who's made quite a good thing for himself out at The Fat Hen), but I still have a soft spot in my heart for the stylishness of Rue.

Gaulart & Maliclet (G&M Fast and French)

98 Broad Street, Downtown
(843) 577-9797
http://www.fastandfrench.org

The real name of this little spot is "Gaulart and Maliclet Cafe", but no one in Charleston seems to be able to remember and/or pronounce that name, so most people just call it "Fast French". I've never had lunch or dinner there (and I really should--the menu looks great), but I often stop in for a croissant and coffee on Saturday mornings. They're now celebrating their 25th year in business, which is a pretty damn good milestone for a Charleston restaurant.