Grazie: Pelato – Charleston: Italian Tapas with Family Heart is a home run that would make Joe DiMaggio proud
By Mark A. Leon
Pelato – Charleston, located at 1085 Morrison Drive in Charleston, SC brings a lively, Brooklyn-inspired twist to Charleston’s dining scene with a menu built for sharing and savoring. The tapas-style format encourages guests to gather, taste, and enjoy a variety of flavors—making every meal feel like a celebration.
This is a wakeup call to all those raised on traditional Italian dining. We all remember the big meal that could feed 2-3. That same meal became leftovers for the next day, or we took it all in like a champion and felt it later that night because it was so good. Times have changed. Dining is more intimate and meant to be shared and spaced with careful consideration. Thus the birth of tapas style Italian. Charleston has Pelato to thank for this. Grazie!
Let us guide you through some insights and recommendations
Let us be clear, you will not make a poor selection. The menu is small, and each recipe has been created and refined to almost absolute perfection. Though only open 2 months, Pelato deservedly is one of the best dining experiences you will have in this sought after foodie city.
Casual Deliciousness
Start with the broccolini, charred to perfection and tossed with garlic and lemon for a bright, addictive bite. The eggplant stuffed bread is another standout, offering a crispy, chewy exterior and a rich, cheesy interior—perfect for tearing and sharing among friends. Don’t miss the meatballs al forno, tender and steeped in a robust, homemade red sauce that’s a true tribute to Italian American comfort. These meatballs are a must for any table, embodying the Scotto family’s dedication to classic flavors.
Confession: The broccolini is one of the best tasting items I have eaten in Charleston.
For the main attractions, the chicken parm is a nostalgic favorite—juicy, breaded, and layered with melted cheese and tangy tomato sauce. The radiatori vodka pasta is another crowd-pleaser, with its al dente, ridged noodles coated in a creamy, tangy vodka sauce—ideal for passing around the table. We tried it under the pretense it is the number one seller. We know why. A beautiful dish that offers layers of flavor on your palate.
Sometimes I love to break from tradition and Pelato realizes there are many like me, so they offer two robust saucy tapas-style dishes for the Italian food risk takers: Fusilli Pesto, a dish of homemade fusilli pasta, basil pesto, sugar snap peas and Parmigiano Reggiano or Campanelle Shrimp Limone, an appetizing dish made with creamy lemon and Parmigiano Reggiano both will satisfy the non-traditional Italian food lovers.
The libations have been designed to complement the variety of tapas style dishes as well as the weather patterns of the Lowcountry with 19 white, red, rose and sparkling wine options, 9 signature cocktails, a few choice beers and mocktails.
Leave room for homemade, hand-crafted desserts with the same care as the savory dishes. Options like Mama Theresa’s potato croquettes or the warm San Genaro zeppoles (served in a paper bag for a fun, authentic touch) provide a sweet and sometimes savory finish to your meal.
It’s all about family
At the heart of Pelato is its family origins. The restaurant is a true labor of love, with recipes and stories rooted in the Scotto family’s Brooklyn heritage. Every detail, from the family photos on the walls to the warm, welcoming service, makes you feel like you’re dining at a friend’s home.
As overwhelming as the positive public response, the gratitude from the family and staff has been equality reciprocated.
“The reaction from the Charleston community has been nothing short of amazing. Everyone has been so welcoming, and we’ve had nonstop bookings since the opening – a lot of them being repeat guests! Our Brooklyn-Italian dishes are really resonating with folks, and we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on the overall atmosphere. We’ll be rolling out brunch service on the weekends, so we’re excited to continue the momentum and give Charleston another taste of Pelato, soon!”, adds Theresa Scotto, co-owner when asked about how much this restaurant has meant early on to the Charleston community.
Overall, Pelato is a winning formula of tapas-style sharing, Italian American classics, and Charleston charm coming together for a memorable, communal dining experience.
It truly is an exalting delight and one we fully intend to repeat.
Photo Credit: Luke Higgs
Charleston Daily
Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.