"What is so beautiful about this restaurant is that it is Italian and Charleston at the same time, a bit like a rambling Italian seaside restaurant tucked just a block off King Street. There is a charming courtyard perfect for brunch in dappled sunlight, a formal dining room with high-backed wooden booths, but for most people (just like the kitchen at a good house party), the bar is the heart of the restaurant. Although firmly in the "tourist district," it is still firmly a neighborhood spot. You can pop in for a plate of rigatoni verde and a glass of wine at the bar, or go all out with courses and spend the evening there. Standouts include the fideos with toasted angel hair pasta and local crab, a filling warm rosemary focaccia served with whipped ricotta, anything from the excellent vegetable selections, and octopus carpaccio, a fan favorite." - Stephanie Burt
