12 Must-Try Italian Restaurants in Charleston, SC (2023)

If you’re searching for an Italian menu in Charleston that will please the whole family, going out for fantastic food in this historic city is almost always an outstanding choice.

Italian restaurants in Charleston can find throughout the area — in the downtown historic district, Charleston City Market, and many streets.

You’ll find a beachfront restaurant with seafood-forward fare in these Italian restaurants, a polished, old-school dining room with modern Italian pizza and pasta, and many more. Below, check out further the top restaurants we’ve pointed out to satisfy your taste buds.

Italian Restaurants in Charleston

Le Farfalle

Le Farfalle is like an Italian seaside restaurant on Beaufain Street in Charleston. There’s a charming courtyard perfect for dining in the dim sunlight and a traditional dining room with wooden booths for an intimate conversation in an otherwise spacious room.

So, when it comes to food, you can find anything from linguine pasta with white wine to a very filling warm Chicken Parmigiana or Octopus Carpaccio.

Also, you can enjoy fried mozzarella sticks for happy hour, a small plate(seafood), and a glass of wine or cocktails at the bar or go all out.

This is the place to close that deal on a unique business partnership and bring your parent out for their birthday.

Address: 15 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Le Farfalle

Indaco

Located on Upper King Street of Charleston, Indaco offers rustic Italian food by Chef Mark Bolchoz. That’s your first indication that this restaurant is different from the average Charleston restaurant.

There are rustic details with butcherblock tables, limewashed walls, and white brick.

Wood-fired pizzas, side dishes, pasta, cured sausages, and house-made salami fill the restaurant’s menu.

With an open kitchen, community tables, and a cozy atmosphere, Indaco may accommodate up to 100 visitors for a casual night of delicious food and drink.

The drink menu focuses on inexpensive Italian wine, signature cocktails, and fresh sodas prepared in-house. In addition, while enjoying your dinner, you’ll find vibrant nightlife scenes outside of Indaco.

Address: 526 King Street, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Indaco

Vincent Chicco’s

Vincent Chicco’s offers old-fashioned Italian-American cuisine by boasting cozy surroundings and serving dinner.

They feature authentic ingredients, rich homemade sauces, handmade pasta, delectable desserts, as well as a full-service bar.

They offer a private room that may accommodate up to 100 guests for your receptions, rehearsals, or private dining.

A spiral staircase links the first and second floors of Vincent Chico, and this majestic architectural feature is ideal for a memorable photo of you and your love.

Enjoy a cocktail or wine hour at the restaurant’s main bar. The dark mahogany background of this handsome bar will make your evening one to remember. Vincent Chicco’s is also an excellent place for celebrating your wedding day.

Address: 39G John St, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Vincent Chicco’s

Melfi’s

In downtown Charleston, Melfi’s is a clubby Italian restaurant serving thin-crust pizzas and new types of pasta salads.

Melfi’s welcomes visitors from the streets of Charleston to a cozy and inviting atmosphere filled with plush leather textures, warm tones, and a luxurious atmosphere.

All the tables have table linen which makes the dining room more classy. The restaurant has a long wooden bar and a pizza counter where visitors can watch the action around their two wood-burning ovens.

This restaurant has a fantastic menu; the Tuna Crudo is an incredible appetizer with just the right spice and complex flavors.

Also, you can try other popular dishes like Cacio e Pepe and Mafalda Bolognese for dinner.

Although the prices may be a little high, this is not unusual for the city and suits the culinary experience you are offered.

Address: 721 King St, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Melfi’s

Frannie & The Fox

Frannie & The Fox is located in the Emeline hotel, close to Charleston City Market, and its ambiance is incredible!

The furniture and the way the space flows from the bar to the indoor dining area to the outdoor patio are impressive.

Try decadent pizzas, including taleggio and burnt honey. Many include shareable plates such as fried blue crab and a hearty pork and beef ball platter.

The restaurant’s seating, menus, and proving are adaptable for special events requiring exclusivity with Chef Tim Morton’s fare and Southern hospitality.

There are options for partially “reserved” sections with ten or more guests as well as semi-private events with up to 36 attendees.

Get in touch with the restaurant’s catering team and let them custom-make your event with an Italian background.

Address: 181 Church St, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Frannie & The Fox

Mondo’s Italian Restaurant

Serving fresh pasta to locals in Charleston for over a century, you don’t want to miss Mondo’s.

Their homemade pasta is delicious and authentic, and their seafood is seasoned, fresh, and cooked amazingly!

The rich sauces and mouthwatering flavors of Mondo’s cuisine draw customers back repeatedly.

Try grabbing a patio table to sip a glass of red wine with your meal when you want al fresco dining and a little more casual dining.

Mondo’s location on James Island doesn’t mean it’ll be any less crowded than downtown locations; however, as visitors know, this wonderful spot consistently turns out great food.

Address: 915 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Mondo’s

La Fontana

In this Charleston Italian restaurant, longtime chef Gary Langevin prepares old-fashioned Italian favorites.

Conveniently La Fontana is located at the corner of Savannah Highway, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

The bartenders and wait staff are quick and friendly and have a full bar. We suggest their wine delicious dry red wine.

As for the dishes, the part sizes are good, but it can be considered typical Italian fare. Enjoy their signature pasta range that comes with meatballs, shrimp, and sausages.

If you come here in the evening, you can start with delicious homemade tiramisu and freshly brewed espresso. We recommend you make a reservation as La Fontana is intimate.

Address: 1759 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC
Check Website: La Fontana

Renzo

Renzo is the full-service restaurant venture from Faculty Lounge owners Nayda Hutson and Erik, and it is situated in a historic Charleston storefront.

Architect and contractor Erik designed and updated the space himself. Renzo is different in that they offer delicious food, but unlike other restaurants in the city, they don’t seem to focus on the public connections side of creating shtick to boost their sales.

The kitchen takes a typically represents to seasonal, from-scratch cooking under the direction of Executive Chef Colin Marcelli, with a renewed focus on homemade pasta and beautifully styled Italian-inspired cuisine.

Renzo distinguishes itself from your typical corner shop with naturally leavened wood-fired pizzas, market-driven small plates and snacks, and an in-house ice cream program.

Their wine program concentrates on small producers who make wines that reflect time, place, and character while utilizing minimal intervention techniques.

Address: 384 Huger St, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Renzo

Pizzeria Di Giovanni

If you’re looking for one of the best pizzas in Charleston in an Italian setting, stop by Pizzeria Di Giovanni.

Located adjacent to Charleston City Market, this restaurant is ideally located to serve delicious pizza to hungry late-night diners.

Try a slice of pepperoni pizza or cheese pizza at an affordable price. The inside is small, with a few tables for dining.

The staff is friendly, and they have a cheese and condiment tray at the counter that you can use to self-serve. Order online or by phone to get your late-night pizza on the way home!

Address: 40 N Market St, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Pizzeria Di Giovanni

Muse Restaurant & Wine Bar

Muse truly demonstrates its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine in this trusted local favorite’s carefully planned menu, decor, and atmosphere.

The idea for Muse Restaurant is said to have been first inspired by the ancient Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii, Italy.

Be sure to book in advance – this historic restaurant is a popular spot to dine, sip fine wine and linger over intimate conversation.

Try one of the restaurant’s creative artisan salads, such as Baby Arugula Salad, served with Blood Orange Vinaigrette and Manchego Cheese with Pistachios.

Whatever you choose to order at Muse, your meal will be beautifully presented and full of solid local flavors.

Address: 82 Society St, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Muse Restaurant & Wine Bar

Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar

Carmella’s, a 3-minute walk from Waterfront Park, is an Italian cafe and dessert bar specializing in homemade desserts, gourmet ice creams, and Italian ice.

Brian Solari, the owner of Carmella’s, moved from New Jersey to Charleston, then launched his Italian-American heritage in Charleston (2014) and Greenville (2022), SC.

Additionally, they offer cookies, cakes, cafe pastries, pizza from Sicily for lunch, and baguettes.

You can savor savory foods like their extensive cheese and meat selections and 300-bottle wine wall in a laid-back outdoor setting.

Carmella’s has all you need, whether you want to grab a bite and go or sit down and eat.

Address: 198 E Bay St 100, Charleston, SC
Check Website: Carmella’s

Gale Restaurant

The last one on our list of the best Italian restaurants in Charleston, Gale, is a wonderful addition to the historic city.

Free parking (bonus!), and you can get amazing food and cocktails. Each one was tasty, delicious, fresh, and unique.

Mainly, the menu is separated and small into portions, pizza, pasta, and desserts. You can start with a butter curry with butter yam (sometimes), and cucumber and breadsticks served with sweet and spicy curry.

Don’t forget their Cannoli dessert, which is a perfect combination of Chocolate Ganache and Pistachio Ricotta.

Additionally, we recommend their Pesto and Alla Vodka pasta. Please stop by Gale from start to finish of the meal; it’s perfect!

Address: 601 Meeting St. Suite 140, Charleston, SC

Check Website: Gale

Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.