Italian Restaurants in Charleston SC

Chef Michael Toscano’s modern trattoria channels regional Italy with house-made pastas, spritzes, and a lively courtyard. Frequently recommended by Eater Carolinas and Charleston Magazine, it’s a reliable downtown staple tied closely to local farms and producers.

A clubby Italian spot from local restaurateurs known for Roman-style pizzas and precise pastas. Lauded by the Post and Courier and Eater Carolinas for consistency and atmosphere, it remains a peninsular go-to for an adult night out.

Natural-wine darling with a wood-fired oven, spirited small plates, and inventive pies. A frequent Eater Carolinas pick, Renzo’s team engages deeply with local purveyors, making it a neighborhood hangout that feels uniquely Charleston.

Since 2009, this Johns Island institution has showcased house-made pasta and Lowcountry produce with a sustainability ethos. Celebrated by Southern Living and Charleston City Paper, it’s a community-minded cornerstone with real staying power.

A beach-adjacent favorite blending Italian techniques with coastal ingredients—think ricotta gnocchi, wood-fired pizzas, and a raw bar. Regularly featured by Eater Carolinas and local critics, it reflects island life with serious culinary chops.

Chef Ken Vedrinski’s oceanfront Italian seafood temple pairs handmade pastas with just-landed fish. Consistently praised by Charleston City Paper and Thrillist, it’s a special-occasion stunner with panoramic Atlantic views.

A Park Circle landmark where wood-fired pies meet Lowcountry sourcing. Frequently recognized by Charleston City Paper and Eater Carolinas, EVO’s pork trifecta and market salads show how a neighborhood pizzeria can define a community.

A coastal Italian dining room from chef Vinson Petrillo, spotlighted by Eater Carolinas and Yelp’s regional best-of lists. Expect pristine crudo, handmade pastas, and a polished service style rooted in Charleston hospitality.

Vedrinski’s 2025 return to the peninsula channels Italian American comfort via a convivial, family-style menu. Charleston City Paper highlights its nightly-changing antipasti and pastas—an intimate counterpoint to his beachside flagship.

A James Island standby since the late ’90s serving red-sauce classics and generous portions. Praised by Charleston Magazine and local writers, Mondo’s embodies neighborhood hospitality with recipes locals return to again and again.

From the Le Farfalle team, this daytime spot celebrates Tuscan-style sandwiches on house-baked focaccia. Covered by Eater Carolinas and the Post and Courier, it’s perfect for espresso, porchetta, and market-driven fillings until early evening.

Opened June 2025 by Charleston-born chef Mark Bolchoz, this osteria turns Lowcountry produce into handmade pastas and wood-fired plates. Charleston City Paper and Resy praise its seasonal menu, relaxed mood, and Italian-focused wine list.