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$9.99 (as of November 20, 2024 15:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)In Chef John Amato’s Charleston Guide, he shares his favorite local spots in Charleston, SC for finding good food at a fair price. Amato is the executive chef at The Park Cafe and grew up in an Italian-American family, which inspired him to pursue a culinary career. He believes in making approachable food and everything at The Park Cafe, except for the bread, is made in-house. When Amato gets a night off, he likes to explore the Charleston dining scene and enjoy good food without breaking the bank. He recommends a few local spots that fulfill this need, such as Santi’s Mexican for the shrimp al diabla and flour tortillas, PaPa ZuZu’s for Mediterranean dishes, Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen for ethnic cuisine, DeSano Pizza for their delicious Diavola pizza, Wild Olive for their tagliatella bolognese, and Royal American for great drinks and live music. To get a full guide to eating and drinking in Charleston, download the Find. Eat. Drink. iPhone app.
The Park Cafe
Located at 730 Rutledge Avenue in Charleston, SC, The Park Cafe is a popular dining destination for locals and visitors alike. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, this cafe offers a diverse menu that is sure to satisfy any craving. Everything on the menu is made in-house, ensuring the highest quality and freshness in every bite.
Chef John Amato, the executive chef at The Park Cafe, considers this establishment his favorite spot for good food at a fair price. Born and raised in an Italian-American family, Chef Amato’s culinary career was inspired by his mother’s home-cooked meals. He values the importance of approachable food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
The Park Cafe’s menu reflects this philosophy, offering a wide range of options that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic American breakfast, a hearty sandwich for lunch, or a delicious dinner entree, The Park Cafe has something for everyone.
Santi’s Mexican
If you’re in the mood for some Mexican cuisine, look no further than Santi’s Mexican. Located at 1302 Meeting Street Road in Charleston, SC, this restaurant offers a casual and pleasant atmosphere where you can indulge in some authentic Mexican flavors.
When dining at Santi’s Mexican, Chef John Amato highly recommends trying the shrimp al diabla with flour tortillas. This dish perfectly combines the heat of the diabla sauce with the succulent shrimp, creating a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
PaPa ZuZu’s
For those craving Mediterranean flavors, PaPa ZuZu’s is the place to go. Located at 426 West Coleman Boulevard in Mt Pleasant, SC, this restaurant is one of the few Mediterranean options in Charleston.
At PaPa ZuZu’s, you can enjoy fresh hummus, baba ghanouj, and feta, all made with the finest ingredients. The menu is reasonably priced, allowing you to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine without breaking the bank.
Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen
If you’re looking to explore the diverse flavors of ethnic cuisine, make sure to visit Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen. Located at 218 President Street in Charleston, SC, this restaurant is one of the few ethnic options on the Charleston peninsula.
The menu at Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen is based on the family recipes of its co-owner, ensuring an authentic and delicious dining experience. Chef John Amato recommends trying the Singapore Rice Noodles and Ginger Beef, both of which showcase the bold and vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine.
DeSano Pizza
Tucked off busy Meeting Street near the Ravenel Bridge, DeSano Pizza is a hidden gem for pizza lovers. Chef John Amato’s favorite pizza at DeSano Pizza is the Diavola, which features spicy salame, Calabrian peppers, pepperoni, and buffalo mozzarella.
Located at 94 Stuart Street in Charleston, SC, this pizzeria offers a wide selection of artisanal pizzas that are made using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of classic margherita or looking to try something more adventurous, DeSano Pizza has a pizza for everyone’s taste.
Wild Olive
While it may be a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston, Wild Olive is well worth the journey. Located at 2867 Maybank Highway in Johns Island, SC, this restaurant offers a serene and cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Chef John Amato recommends trying the tagliatella bolognese with ground veal and pork at Wild Olive. This dish perfectly showcases the rich flavors of the bolognese sauce, complemented by the tender veal and pork. Each bite is a burst of indulgent flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Royal American
For a night out with great drinks and live music, head over to Royal American. Located at 970 Morrison Drive in Charleston, SC, this bar and music venue is a popular spot amongst the locals.
The front or back porch of Royal American is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink. Chef John Amato highly recommends trying the bourbon punch, which is not only delicious but also one of the best deals in town at just $7.
In conclusion, Charleston, SC is home to a wide range of culinary delights. From The Park Cafe to Royal American, there is something for everyone’s taste and preference. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to explore new flavors, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings. So, next time you’re in Charleston, make sure to check out these local spots recommended by Chef John Amato.
