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Melfi'sB+Worth Trying
721 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
· Italian restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (690 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Polished Italian spot with standout pastas, cracker-thin pizzas, and strong cocktails; excellent for dates and celebrations, but pricey and service can be inconsistent.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Melfi's delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional handmade pastas and cracker-thin pizzas paired with attentive service and a polished, warm setting. However, inconsistent execution—undercooked pasta, overly salty pizza, occasional off nights—and isolated food safety reports prevent grade A territory. Premium pricing compounds these concerns when quality lapses occur, making it a worthwhile destination when the kitchen performs but not reliably exceptional.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling without tipping into chaos, with a polished bar, chef counter views, and a patio that regulars request on breezy nights. Service often shines with celebration touches like prosecco toasts, though a few guests noted host stand lapses. One diner summed it up: "The pasta was silky and the martinis spot on." In the kitchen, the approach is elevated Italian that favors execution over theatrics—cracker-thin pizzas like the Bianco, bright, peppery bucatini, and a crisp-skinned branzino. Portions lean refined, cocktails and amaros get real attention, and the spicy Caesar is a local favorite. Pricing is premium, but when the kitchen is on, the quality matches the spend. For families, it is more adult-oriented. Pizza could work for some kids, but there is no explicit kids menu and a noted no-substitutions stance; reviews mention stroller challenges and a limited kid appeal. If you need flexible options or simple pastas on request, consider a more casual spot nearby.
At a Glance
- Consistently praised handmade pastas and cracker-thin pizzas
- Strong cocktail and amaro program with bar and chef-counter seating
- Service inconsistency at host stand and occasional slow pacing
- Premium pricing; portions and minimal sides may feel lean
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- cracker_thin_pizza_style
- amaro_tasting_program
- chef_counter_view
What People Love
- That spicy Caesar that people dream about later
- Silky, well-seasoned pastas that feel handcrafted
- Cracker-thin pizzas with great chew and char
- Thoughtful touches like celebration toasts and amaro tastings
Points of Concern
- Service can feel curt at the host stand or bar; a minority report rude interactions
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($31-37 pastas, $54+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Strict no-substitutions policy; limited vegan flexibility and mixed allergy communication
- Parking is tough on Upper King—plan for rideshare or extra time
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (high five-star share, some marketing language) which may not reflect every diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$70-95 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Bianco pizza with a bitter-leaning amaro flight
- Share a salad and pizza, then split one pasta to balance cost and portions
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails and pasta
- Celebrating birthdays or anniversaries
- Bar seating for solo or duo dining with kitchen views
- Visitors seeking a polished Upper King Italian dinner
Location Insights
Area: Upper King corridor with lively bars and restaurants, draws date-nighters, groups, and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe with active foot traffic; typical urban nightlife cautions late night.
Nearby: Near popular spots like Leon's; dense dining and cocktail scene; limited street parking.
WestsideThe Westside neighborhood in Charleston is a dynamic area undergoing revitalization, with a growing number of trendy restaurants, bars, and art spaces. It offers a more relaxed and eclectic dining scene compared to the historic core, attracting a diverse crowd interested in innovative cuisine and casual socializing.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–16:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–16:00, 17:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–16:00, 17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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