While Charleston is world-famous for its unique Lowcountry cuisine, you can find any type of food that you like. The fact is, there are quite a few Italian restaurants in Charleston, SC, as well as French, Barbecue, and Soul food restaurants.
Not surprisingly, savory New York-style pizza is an all-time favorite in the Antebellum city of Charleston. With its hand-tossed crust and traditional toppings, New York-style pizza has, in fact, become an all-American favorite.
Italian immigrants began arriving in the state of South Carolina as early as the 1870s. In fact, by 1871 the St. Joseph’s Latin Society for Italians came into being. By 1911, Charleston was home to a community of 300 Italian-Americans.
Italian restaurants first began to spring up around New York City during the early 20th Century. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s when the first Italian restaurant reached South Carolina. It’s been a love affair with marinara, mozzarella, and crusty Italian bread ever since.
Today, there are dozens of Italian restaurants in Charleston, SC, each serving up its unique style of Italian cuisine. From exclusive, regional osterias to homey, neighborhood pizza joints, Charleston has it all. You have your choice of hand-tossed New York-style pizza, creamy fettuccine Alfredo or a classic plate of spaghetti and meatballs, and much more.
Whether you are in Charleston or nearby Mount Pleasant, fine, down-home Italian cooking is never far away.
