Conway’s Rivertown Bistro, a cosmopolitan lunch and dinner spot in the heart of its charming historic district, is uptown meets down home. Sleek, modern design complements an interior wall of lovely brick, and the atmosphere is also notably relaxed, from the booth seating and dynamic clientele to the balcony patio’s unexpected and marvelous view.

On the culinary side of things, the bistro’s menu is creative, internationally inspired, Lowcountry leaning, and well executed. Cosmopolite diners may order from a satisfying assortment of sushi, starters, salads, main courses, and wine that will appeal to a wide range of tastes.

We began with a delightful mix of fresh greens, roasted pecans, and raspberry vinaigrette. Our entrées were standouts, yet difficult to choose among the lobster, shrimp, and scallop au gratin or the roasted chicken stuffed with sausage and cranberries. But the filet of beef with a Madeira-portabello butter sauce was perfectly seasoned, and the grilled dolphin in butter and shellfish broth with shrimp dumplings and bok choy, was beautifully presented, tender and flavorful.

Rivertown Bistro’s dessert list brings a sugar rush just by the sight of it. For our grand finale we chose the homemade pound cake with mascarpone sorbet and strawberry confit—an inspired dessert, the buttery cake balanced by the clean sorbet, with a zippy tang from the bright sauce.

Delicious and chic, Rivertown Bistro is—in a word—fresh. A city spot in the heart of town.

Rivertown Bistro
Location: 1111 Third Ave., Conway, (843) 248-3733, www.rivertownbistro.net
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30am-2pm, lunch; 5-10pm, dinner
Average price of entrées: $11, lunch; $22, dinner