The Italians know that the key to one’s heart is through their stomach. Italian cuisine is perfect for almost every dining occasion, especially romantic dates and family gatherings. From delicious wood-fired pizza to homemade pasta, Charleston has it all. Here are Charleston Guru’s top picks for the best Italian restaurants in Charleston.
THE BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN Charleston
Melfi’s
Melfi’s is a clubby yet classic Italian restaurant situated in the Upper King area of Downtown Charleston. This sophisticated eatery is perfect for a fun adult night out or an intimate dinner for two. Some popular menu items include the Osso Bucco, Caesar Salad, and Paccheri.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
- Must-Try Dish: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Sorelle
Sorelle is a new modern Italian restaurant with a formal dining room for dinner, bar, and daytime Mercato serving market items, coffee, tea, and lunch items. Some popular dinner menu items include the Patates Croccante Pizza and the Tricolore Insalata. Sorelle is perfect for a date night, evening cocktail, or elevated lunch meeting.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | French Quarter
- Must-Try Dish: Patates Croccante Pizza
Indaco
Indaco is a rustic Italian eatery known for its wood-fired pizza, hand-crafted pasta, and house-made salami. Guests can expect community tables, an open kitchen concept, and a comfortable ambiance. Looking to pair your delicious meal with a drink? The Negroni Cocktail is highly recommended.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
- Must-Try Dish: Agnolotti
Le Farfalle
The team at Le Farfalle takes a more modern approach to Italian cuisine. When weather permits, dining on the patio is magical—think Italian seaside. Once you’ve had the Squid Ink Spaghetti and Fusilli Lunghi, we’re pretty sure you’ll dine here often.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Lower King
- Must Try Dish: Fideos
Renzo
In the mood for wood-fired pizza and natural wine? Renzo is the place for you. This restaurant is the first full-service dining destination from the team behind Faculty Lounge. While the menu changes often, you can never go wrong with any of their classic pies.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | North Central
- Must-Try Dish: Margherita Pizza
Coda Del Pesce
Coda Del Pesce is a seaside Italian eatery located on the Isle of Palms. This contemporary restaurant offers diners beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and fresh, sustainable, local food. If you love seafood, we recommend ordering the Swordfish entree.
- Neighborhood: Isle of Palms
- Must Try Dish: Ricotta Gnudi
Wild Olive
Wild Olive has been among the most popular Italian restaurants in Charleston since 2009. This rustic-chic eatery is known for taking popular Lowcountry dishes and turning them into variations of Italian classics. Not only does Wild Olive use a majority of local produce, but also recycles and composts 85% of its waste, making sustainability just as important as the cuisine.
- Neighborhood: Johns Island
- Must-Try Dish: Bavette
Also See:
