10 Hidden South Carolina Italian Restaurants Locals Call The Real Deal
South Carolina might surprise you with its incredible Italian food scene. Tucked away in charming towns and coastal communities, family-run restaurants serve up pasta, sauces, and dishes that taste like they came straight from Italy.
I’ve rounded up ten spots where locals go when they’re craving the real thing.
1. La Rustica On Magnolia
Family recipes passed down through generations make this Summerville spot feel like stepping into someone’s home kitchen. Every strand of pasta gets rolled by hand, and the marinara sauce simmers for hours until it reaches perfection.
You’ll taste the difference in every bite. The owners treat guests like extended family, creating an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and deliciously authentic.
2. Caffe Piccolo
Pawleys Island hides this tiny treasure where ocean-fresh seafood meets Italian culinary traditions. Chefs combine local catches with techniques learned in Italian kitchens, resulting in dishes that honor both cultures beautifully.
The intimate setting makes every meal feel special and personal. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just craving excellent food, this place delivers an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
3. Il Giorgione
Columbia locals know that seasonal ingredients make all the difference here. The menu changes throughout the year, showcasing whatever’s freshest and most flavorful at that moment.
Attentive servers guide you through each dish with genuine enthusiasm and knowledge. The warm atmosphere invites you to linger over your meal, savoring each course without feeling rushed or hurried at all.
4. Di Vino Rosso
Hidden away from the bustling streets, this Columbia gem crafts pasta fresh every single day. Their osso buco practically melts off the bone, braised until it reaches that perfect tender consistency.
The intimate space seats just a handful of diners, creating an exclusive feel. Reservations fill up quickly because word has spread among those who appreciate truly authentic Italian cooking done right.
5. Trattoria Giorgio
Greenville gets a taste of Tuscany thanks to this beloved trattoria’s dedication to classic recipes. Spaghetti carbonara arrives at your table creamy and perfectly seasoned, while chicken piccata showcases that signature lemony brightness.
The rustic decor transports you straight to an Italian countryside villa. Regulars return weekly because consistency and quality never waver, making every visit reliably excellent and satisfying.
6. Pomodori Italian Eatery
Hilton Head Island visitors often stumble upon this cozy spot and immediately become devoted fans. Bruschetta comes piled high with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil that taste like summer itself.
Portion sizes hit that sweet spot between generous and reasonable. Everything from appetizers to desserts reflects careful attention to authentic preparation methods, ensuring you get genuine Italian flavors in every single dish.
7. Gusto Ristorante
Refined Italian cuisine doesn’t have to feel stuffy or pretentious at all. This Hilton Head establishment proves that point beautifully with its relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Fresh seafood and tender veal take center stage on the menu. Chefs balance flavors expertly, letting quality ingredients shine without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity or fussy presentations that distract from taste.
8. Wild Olive
Johns Island’s culinary scene gets elevated by this innovative spot blending Lowcountry ingredients with Italian techniques. Agnolotti stuffed with local flavors sits alongside perfectly charred octopus that’s both tender and smoky.
The fusion approach respects both traditions equally. Instead of feeling confused or disjointed, dishes tell a story about two rich culinary heritages coming together in delicious harmony.
9. Villa Tronco
Generations of families have celebrated milestones at this legendary establishment. The recipes haven’t changed much over the decades, and that’s exactly how regulars prefer it.
Red sauce dishes showcase old-world techniques passed down through family lines. Walking through the doors feels like traveling back in time to when Italian-American restaurants first started winning hearts across the South.
10. Ristorante Bergamo
Northern Italian specialties rarely get the spotlight they deserve in the South. This restaurant changes that by focusing on dishes from the Bergamo region with meticulous attention to detail.
Flavors lean richer and creamier than typical red sauce joints. Polenta, risotto, and braised meats dominate the menu, offering a different but equally authentic perspective on what Italian food can be.
