18 Seaboard

News & Observer food critic Greg Cox says: After working in some of the most celebrated restaurants on the East Coast, Raleigh native Jason Smith has returned home to open 18 Seaboard, his first restaurant. Smith's Southern-accented contemporary bistro fare is both memorable and affordable, with stellar options including fried green tomatoes, sautéed clams, hardwood-grilled steaks and seafood, and moist, crisp-skinned roast chicken. Save room for dessert. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner nightly.

Official site: http://www.18seaboard.com