#1
Wild Olive
$$-$$$
Johns Island
Why #1 Johns Island institution with exquisite handmade pasta and a 98% local clientele
The benchmark for Lowcountry Italian — 15 years of consistency under Chef Brad Grozis, with handmade pasta as the soul of the menu and local farms and waters as the anchor.
#1 restaurant on Johns Island (TripAdvisor)Consistently cited by Eater Carolinas as one of Charleston's best Italian restaurants15+ years of unbroken operation and community loyalty
#2
Sorelle
$$$-$$$$
South of Broad / Broad Street
Why #2 Broad Street buzzy upstairs dining — Michelin-listed, Michael Mina backed
Grand, swanky Southern Italian ristorante opened 2023 by Beemok Hospitality (the Peninsula Grill group) and chef Michael Mina's Mina Group — a tasting menu destination with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and Lowcountry Italian fusion.
Michelin Guide Recommended (2025 American South debut)Beemok Hospitality (Peninsula Grill pedigree) + Michael Mina's Mina Group partnershipChef Nick Dugan helming the kitchen
#3
Indaco
$$-$$$
Cannonborough / Upper King
Why #3 Handmade pasta in a King Street industrial space — the original modern Italian
Rustic Italian institution from Indigo Road Hospitality (James Beard SF Steve Palmer) — wood-fired oven for pizzas and seasonal pastas; the beloved tagliatelle with Storey Farms egg is iconic.
Opened 2013 — a Charleston institution with proven longevityPart of Indigo Road Hospitality (Steve Palmer, James Beard SF multiple times)Confirmed OPEN as of March 2026 (Yelp, website, OpenTable)
#4
Le Farfalle
$$$
Modern regional Italian in a quaint Harleston V…
Eater Carolinas Best Italian map staple for multiple…
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#5
Costa
$$$-$$$$
Sleek coastal Italian from Easton Porter Group …
2024 Eater Carolinas 'Best New South Carolina Restau…
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#6
Coda del Pesce
$$$-$$$$
Ken Vedrinski's all-Italian seafood restaurant …
Zagat-ranked among Charleston's Best Restaurants
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#7
The Obstinate Daughter
$$-$$$
Sullivan's Island institution helmed by two-tim…
2025 Michelin Recommended (American South debut)
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#8
Melfi's
$$-$$$
Grown-up, clubby Italian with a long wooden bar…
Eater Carolinas Best Italian map
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#9
Renzo
$$
Wood-fired pizza and natural wine bar in a hand…
Eater Carolinas Best Italian map
New
#10
Volpe
$$$
Ken Vedrinski's 2025 Charleston peninsula return
Opened March 21, 2025 — Charleston Magazine August 2…
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#11
Laura
$$-$$$
Rustic Italian by Chef Nico Romo, inspired by h…
Best of Charleston 'Best Chef' (Nico Romo) and Best …
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#12
Frannie & the Fox
$$-$$$
Wood-fired hotel restaurant with Italian sensib…
USA Today 10Best 'Best Hotel Restaurant' 2024
↓ 2
#13
The Italian Boy After Dark at The Pass
$$$$
Chef Anthony Marini's intimate prix-fixe Italia…
Charleston Magazine 'New & Notable' feature June 2025
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#14
Cuoco Pazzo Trattoria
$$-$$$
Old-school Northern Italian trattoria serving c…
#29 of 246 restaurants in Mount Pleasant (TripAdvisor)
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#15
Cane Pazzo
$$-$$$
New neighborhood osteria (opened June 2025) fro…
Eater Carolinas coverage — 'First Look at Cane Pazzo…
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