The third entry in Brooks Reitz's geographically constrained restaurant empire (you can stand on Upper King Street and see all three venues at once), Melfi's is as evocative as the chophouse and oyster garage that preceded it. Styled after a quintessential Italian-American dining room, Melfi's mischievous streak darts through the shaken Negronis and ends with the restaurant's excellent Roman-style pies.

Named for the family who once ran a pharmacy in the same space, Melfi’s menu offers updated takes on Italian staples. The polished, old-school dining room is warm and buzzy, providing a welcome backdrop to get your carbs on. Slip into a leather booth and proceed to feast on house-made linguine tossed with pancetta or littleneck clams, or “Roman-ish” pizza, like the Mr. Wally, made with vodka sauce, Fresno peppers, sliced salami and meaty hen-of-the-woods mushrooms.

Melfi’s is one of three restaurants that Brooks Reitz and Tim Mink own on a short stretch of Upper King Street bookmarked by Congress and Sumter streets. I once wrote that the dimly lit, self-proclaimed “clubby” restaurant and its crunchy Roman-style pizzas were fit for a tuxedo. Complemented by an upscale setting and nuanced cocktail program — four equally enticing negroni selections — Melfi’s topping combinations are what make these pies so snazzy.

From the moment you step through the doors, an ambiance that exudes elegance and sophistication greets you. The menu at Melfi’s is a culinary journey through Italy, showcasing the finest ingredients and traditional recipes prepared with skill and precision. Every morsel at Melfi's is a symphony of flavor, whether you choose a handmade pasta dish, a wood-fired pizza, or a seafood option.

Stay ahead of the Foodies and reserve your next meal at Charleston’s newest Italian restaurant Melfi’s. It’s all the rage to the Charleston locals with its sophisticated interior. Its long wooden bar, a variety of linen-draped dining tables, and an intimate pizza counter where guests can watch the action surrounding two wood burning ovens, makes it the perfect night out on the town.

Downtown, there’s Indaco and Melfi’s on Upper King, and Vincent Chicco’s and Le Farfelle in the historic district. Off the peninsula, diners have Al di La, Fabio’s and La Fontana for a casual, family style Italian in West Ashley, the Wild Olive on Johns Island, Bacco for Italian-Southern fusion in Mount Pleasant, and Fratello’s Italian Tavern in North Charleston.

This rich, frothy cocktail is the perfect finale to an amazing Italian meal at Melfi’s. We prefer to have our espresso martinis with ACTUAL espresso (some places use espresso-flavored liquor or creamy liqueurs that can be too sweet) – and Melfi’s quality espresso helps make this martini one of the best in town. Ingredients: Espresso, Vodka, + Chocolate Liqueur

For a cozy-chic date night or girl’s night out, check out Melfi’s small buzzing Italian bistro, owned by the same owners as Leon’s Oyster Shop!. I looove their stratiatella toast appetizer (seriously, I order 2 every time). I will note that the service here could definitely be admittedly better, but I still go for that toast.

Brooks Reitz, founder of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. (and co-owner of Leon’s Oyster Shop, Little Jack’s Tavern, and Melfi’s), was already established in the beverage industry when he had his elderflower epiphany. “I loved St. Germain,” he says of the French elderflower liqueur. “When it came out, it was the bartender’s ketchup.

Anyone who has been to Rome will love this pizza joint as thin and perfectly crispy Roman-style pizzas are what they do best. This classy, clubby and intimate Italian eatery is perfect for date nights, dining alone or with friends. You can’t go wrong with any of their items that offer stracciatella.

I recently tried Melfi’s pasta and brick-oven pizza and they did NOT disappoint. Melfi’s is a higher-end Italian restaurant on Upper King, so it’s not the most affordable option (prepare to pay around $30 for a pasta dish), but it’s delicious and they have a great wine menu too.

Melfi’s is a clubby yet classic Italian restaurant situated in the Upper King area of Downtown Charleston. This sophisticated eatery is perfect for a fun adult night out or an intimate dinner for two. Some popular menu items include the Osso Bucco, Caesar Salad, and Paccheri.

Melfi's offers a unique blend of Italian cuisine and Southern hospitality. Known for its Roman-style pizza and classic pasta dishes, this restaurant delivers on flavor, atmosphere, and service. The elegant interior and thoughtfully crafted menu make for a memorable dinner.

There are so many other iconic spots to hit up in Charleston, including Husk and John Lewis BBQ (both have won James Beard awards), S.N.O.B., Paige Okra Grill, the very French Felix’s Cocktails et Cuisine, Magnolia for upscale Southern, and Melfi’s for Italian and more.

We’d been on a previous visit for cocktails (Dr. Melfi’s, a shaken Negroni sour, is one of our favorite drinks in town), and this time we also shared prosciutto and burrata with vin cotto, creamy crab and artichoke-stuffed cannelloni, and pizza with salami and veggies.

If I were going on a date night, I’d probably choose Melfi’s over Indaco since they are both Italian, but for a group… definitely Indaco!. The ambiance is wonderful—it feels lively yet cozy at the same time. Definitely check out their pizzas to start.

At Melfi’s we invite you to enjoy a formal dining experience in sophisticated surroundings with housemade pasta, pizzas from our wood burning ovens, fresh salads and small plates. Melfi’s dining room and patio make the perfect setting for

One of Charleston’s favorite Italian eateries is Melfi's, which has garnered a reputation for serving up some of the finest gnocchi in the city. This classic dish is a true celebration of the city's love for authentic, handcrafted fare.

Their upscale, club-like atmosphere that is perfect for small groups or date night!. The cocktails are the star of the show here, but don’t miss out on their pizzas or the cacio e pepe bucatini. View this post on Instagram

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (84 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian, Pizza- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 721 King St, Charleston, SC 29403-4708- Read more on Tripadvisor

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (82 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Italian, Pizza– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 721 King St, Charleston, SC 29403-4708– Read more on Tripadvisor

Clubby, classic Italian restaurant in downtown with fresh pasta, salads, larger plates, and Roman-ish thin crust pizza. Intimate for 2 or a proper adults evening on the town.