10 Best Italian Restaurants in Myrtle Beach

Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach are famous for providing a comforting and satisfying dining option that appeals to the wide range of visitors the city receives, from vacationing families to couples seeking a romantic dinner. The area is known for its high concentration of traditional Italian-American "red-sauce" restaurants, many of which have been serving the community and tourists for decades. These establishments are celebrated for their classic dishes, consistent quality, and warm hospitality. The presence of both long-standing, family-friendly spots and more upscale, fine dining establishments makes the Italian food scene a staple of the Grand Strand.

The Italian restaurant landscape in Myrtle Beach is robust, offering a range of establishment types that cater to different dining preferences, from casual family dinners to upscale special occasions. This variety reflects the city's status as a major tourist destination that needs to appeal to many tastes. The types of Italian restaurants commonly found in Myrtle Beach are listed below.

• Trattorias and Ristorantes: These are the most common types, ranging from casual to fine dining. Establishments like Luigi’s Trattoria offer a classic, family-friendly experience, while places like Lombardo’s and Toscana Italian Kitchen provide a more upscale, white-tablecloth atmosphere.
• Pizzerias: Many Italian spots in Myrtle Beach are pizzerias at heart, serving New York-style or brick-oven pizzas alongside their main menus. Ducatis Pizzeria and Trattoria is a prime example of a restaurant with a strong focus on pizza.
• Italian-American Restaurants: Most of the Italian restaurants in the area specialize in classic Italian-American comfort food. Places like Gios Italian Kitchen and Little Italy are beloved for their familiar, hearty meals like Lasagna and Chicken Parmesan.
• Modern Italian Kitchens and Bars: A growing category, these restaurants like Crave Italian Oven and Bar offer a more contemporary take on Italian food with a focus on creative cocktails and a lively, modern bar scene.

Yes, Myrtle Beach has restaurants that serve authentic Italian food, proven by their focus on specific regional recipes, from-scratch cooking, and high-quality ingredients. Ciao is a clear proof point, offering a menu of authentic Southern Italian dishes made to order in an intimate setting. Gios Italian Kitchen also demonstrates authenticity with its commitment to house-made sauces and pastas based on family recipes. These restaurants prioritize traditional preparations over Americanized shortcuts, providing a genuine Italian dining experience.

The signature dishes at the best Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach often highlight classic Italian-American comfort food, fresh seafood, and traditional preparations of veal and chicken. From hearty plates of lasagna to elegant seafood pastas, these dishes represent the satisfying and familiar flavors of Italian cooking popular in the area. The most notable signature dishes are listed below.

• Veal Saltimbocca: A classic Northern Italian dish of veal with prosciutto and sage, this is a signature item at upscale restaurants like Ciao and Toscana Italian Kitchen.
• Lasagna: A beloved comfort food, this multi-layered pasta dish is a signature at many family-style spots, with well-known versions like "Nonna's Lasagna" at Crave and "Mama's Lasagna" at Gios.
• Chicken or Veal Parmesan: This Italian-American staple is a signature offering at many restaurants, including Luigi's Trattoria and Portofino.
• Lobster Ravioli: An indulgent pasta dish, this is a signature offering at sophisticated restaurants like Lombardo's and Crave.
• Shrimp Scampi: A classic garlic and white wine shrimp pasta dish, this is a popular signature item at restaurants like Hot Tomato and Portofino.
• Wood-Fired or Brick-Oven Pizza: Many restaurants, including Crave, Hot Tomato, and Portofino, are known for their specialty pizzas cooked in high-temperature ovens.
• Eggplant Rollatini/Rollantine: A classic appetizer or main course of breaded eggplant filled with ricotta, this is a signature at Luigi's Trattoria and Crave.

Yes, Myrtle Beach enjoys Italian food immensely; it is one of the most popular and prevalent food styles available in the area. This is proven by the sheer density of Italian restaurants located up and down the Grand Strand, catering to the millions of tourists who visit each year seeking familiar and satisfying dining options. The presence of numerous long-standing, family-owned establishments like Luigi's Trattoria and Little Italy, which have thrived for decades, demonstrates a consistent and strong demand for Italian-American food from both locals and visitors.

Yes, some Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach offer vegan options, though they may require modification. While traditional Italian-American food is heavy on cheese, meat, and egg-based pasta, many kitchens can accommodate vegan diners. A common vegan option is to request a pasta dish with marinara or a vegetable-based sauce, ensuring the pasta itself is made without eggs. For a more dedicated experience, diners might seek out health-focused restaurants that offer Italian-inspired vegan dishes. For example, a restaurant with a modern approach like Crave Italian Oven and Bar may be more adept at creating a custom vegan dish upon request than a more traditional establishment.

Yes, many Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach offer gluten-free options, most commonly in the form of gluten-free pasta. The high volume of tourist traffic has made most establishments aware of the need to cater to various dietary restrictions. Restaurants from casual spots like Ducatis Pizzeria and Trattoria to more upscale places like Lombardo's often keep gluten-free pasta on hand, which can be substituted in many of their classic dishes. Some pizzerias may also offer gluten-free crusts. For naturally gluten-free entrees, diners can often choose grilled fish or steak, which are available at many of the finer Italian restaurants.

The average meal price for Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach can range from $20 to over $100 per person. At a casual, family-style pizzeria or trattoria like Ducatis or Portofino, a person can expect to spend between $20 and $45 for a full meal. For a mid-range, upscale-casual restaurant like Crave or Hot Tomato, the price is often between $40 and $75 per person. At high-end, fine dining Italian establishments such as Toscana Italian Kitchen or Lombardo's, the cost for a meal will start at $60 and can easily exceed $100 per person with appetizers, entrees, and wine.