10 Best Italian Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach

10 restaurants
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Updated December 28, 2025

The ten best Italian restaurants in North Myrtle Beach are Martini, Villa Tuscanna, Umberto’s, Rapone Brick Oven Pizza and Italian Kitchen, Benny’s Trattoria, Benito’s Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta, King’s Famous Pizza and Pasta, Olive Garden, Georgio’s Famous Pizza, and Carrabba’s Italian Grill. The Italian food culture in North Myrtle Beach is characterized by its casual, family-friendly establishments and a focus on classic Italian-American fare. Fine dining is represented by the old-world elegance of Villa Tuscanna, while long-standing pizzerias like King's Famous Pizza provide a taste of tradition that dates back decades.

Italian restaurants are found up and down the Grand Strand, from Main Street to Barefoot Landing. The Italian restaurants North Myrtle Beach showcases include family-owned trattorias, classic pizzerias, and polished upscale-casual dining rooms. These restaurants offer a range of atmospheres, from the cozy owner-operated feel of Benny’s Trattoria to the all-inclusive family-style dinners at Umberto’s. The area's love for this food is on full display each fall during the popular Jazz Festival, which features many local Italian eateries.

North Myrtle Beach’s Italian restaurants are recognized for their hospitality and consistency. Martini stands out as the definitive overall experience, celebrated for its lively piano bar, excellent classic cocktails, and a menu that successfully blends Italian-American staples with local seafood. The distinction of being among the best Italian restaurants North Myrtle Beach for a formal, fine-dining experience goes to Villa Tuscanna, which offers a sophisticated meal in a quiet romantic setting. For a great slice of Italian North Myrtle Beach pizza, Rapone is a top choice, known for its traditional brick-oven pies. Restaurants like Martini and Carrabba's offer menu choices for both vegan and Gluten-Free diets.

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1. The Martini

Martini is an upscale-casual restaurant serving classic and contemporary Italian dishes. The restaurant features a sophisticated atmosphere with a prominent bar, a main dining room, and an outdoor patio. The menu includes a range of pastas, steaks, and fresh seafood.

Item Prices

58

Average Item Price

$11.86

More about The Martini

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Italian

Signature Dishes:

Veal MartiniGrouper FrancaisePenne alla Vodka

Location:

98 US-17, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Special Feature:

The restaurant has a popular, lively piano bar that features live music nightly, creating an energetic social atmosphere.

What Makes It Special:

Martini is known for its vibrant bar scene and its menu that blends classic Italian-American fare with local seafood preparations.

What Sets It Apart:

Its specific combination of a full-service Italian restaurant with a dedicated and popular live music piano bar makes it a distinct destination for both dinner and entertainment.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PMSunday: Closed

Price:

$30 to $60 per person

The Martini Menu Prices
2

2. Umberto's Italian Restaurant

Umberto's is a family-style Italian restaurant located at Barefoot Landing. The restaurant serves a fixed-price, multi-course dinner that begins with appetizers and ends with a choice of entree. The atmosphere is rustic and lively, designed to feel like a traditional Pittsburgh-Italian family dinner.

Item Prices

112

Average Item Price

$12.31

More about Umberto's Italian Restaurant

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Italian-American

Signature Dishes:

The fixed-price menu includes a choice of entrees like:Veal ParmesanChicken CacciatoreShrimp Scampi

Location:

4886 S Kings Hwy, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Special Feature:

The restaurant's menu is structured as a single-price, multi-course meal, providing a complete and abundant dining experience.

What Makes It Special:

Umberto's is known for its unique, all-inclusive family-style dinner and its energetic, welcoming atmosphere inspired by the owner's Pittsburgh roots.

What Sets It Apart:

Its specific, fixed-price family-style dining format is a unique concept in the area, setting it apart from standard a la carte restaurants.

Operating Hours:

Daily: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Price:

$30 to $50 per person

Umberto's Italian Restaurant Menu Prices
3

3. Carrabba's Italian Grill

4.4 (8 Reviews)

Chicken Salads Sandwiches American Italian Burgers Lunch Seafood Comfort Food Dessert Vegetarian Steak Healthy Chicken Sandwiches Sandwich Family Meals Hot and Cold Sandwiches Alcohol Family Friendly Box Lunch Group Friendly

Carrabba's Italian Grill, simply known as Carrabba's, is an American restaurant chain popular for wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, and grilled meats. The popular items at Carrabba's Italian Grill are the...

Item Prices

191

Average Item Price

$17.84

Carrabba's Italian Grill Chicken Bryan Price Carrabba's Italian Grill Shrimp and Scallop Linguine Alla Vodka Price Carrabba's Italian Grill Tuscan-Grilled Chicken Price Carrabba's Italian Grill Pollo Rosa Maria Price Carrabba's Italian Grill Salmon Capperi Price Carrabba's Italian Grill Fettuccine Weesie Price

“Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s Shrimp and Scallop Linguine Alla Vodka is a seafood lover’s dream! The linguine is perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, creamy...”

“Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s Chicken Bryan is an absolute standout! The perfectly grilled chicken breast is juicy and full of flavor, topped with creamy, tangy goat...”

More about Carrabba's Italian Grill

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Italian-American

Signature Dishes:

Chicken BryanSpaghetti with MeatballsLasagne

Location:

1015 US-17, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Special Feature:

The restaurant's open kitchen and prominent wood-burning grill are key features, allowing diners to see and smell their food being prepared.

What Makes It Special:

Carrabba's is known for its grilled specialties and its consistent, approachable menu of Italian-American classics that appeal to a wide audience.

What Sets It Apart:

Its specific emphasis on wood-grilled cooking, a central part of its brand identity, distinguishes its menu from the more pasta- and sauce-focused offerings of other Italian chains.

Operating Hours:

Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price:

$20 to $30 per person

Carrabba's Italian Grill Menu Prices
4

4. Villa Tuscanna

Villa Tuscanna is a fine-dining restaurant that serves classic Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant, old-world setting. The restaurant features white tablecloths, formal service, and a quiet, romantic atmosphere. The menu consists of traditional pasta, veal, and seafood dishes.

More about Villa Tuscanna

Type of Restaurant:

Fine Dining

Type of Food:

Northern Italian

Signature Dishes:

Veal ChopOsso BucoLinguine with Clam Sauce

Location:

97 US-17, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Special Feature:

The restaurant offers a classic, formal dining experience, a style that is less common in the casual beach-town environment of North Myrtle Beach.

What Makes It Special:

Villa Tuscanna is celebrated for its traditional, high-end Italian food and its sophisticated, special-occasion ambiance.

What Sets It Apart:

Its unwavering commitment to a formal, old-school fine-dining model, from the decor to the service and the classic menu, distinguishes it from the area's more casual eateries.

Operating Hours:

Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PMMonday: Closed

Price:

$20 to $30 per person
5

5. Rapone Brick Oven Pizza and Italian Kitchen

Rapone is a casual Italian restaurant and pizzeria that specializes in brick-oven pizza and classic dishes from the Basilicata region of Italy. The restaurant has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with an open kitchen that showcases its large brick oven.

More about Rapone Brick Oven Pizza and Italian Kitchen

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Italian, Pizza

Signature Dishes:

Margherita PizzaChicken ParmigianaLasagna

Location:

3303 US-17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Special Feature:

The restaurant uses a traditional brick oven for all its pizzas, which cooks them at high temperatures to create a distinctively crisp crust.

What Makes It Special:

Rapone is known for its high-quality, brick-oven pizza and its menu of recipes sourced directly from the owner's family in Southern Italy.

What Sets It Apart:

Its specific focus on the cuisine of the Basilicata region and its dedication to the brick-oven cooking method give it a more specialized identity than a typical pizzeria.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PMSunday: Closed

Price:

$10 to $20 per person
6

6. Benny’s Trattoria

Benny’s Trattoria is a small, intimate Italian restaurant run by chef and owner Benny Rappa. The restaurant serves a menu of classic dishes inspired by the cuisine of the Amalfi Coast. The atmosphere is cozy and personal, with the feel of a neighborhood eatery in Italy.

More about Benny’s Trattoria

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Italian

Signature Dishes:

Benny's Famous MeatballsVeal SaltimboccaLinguine Pescatore

Location:

1453 US-17, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Special Feature:

The restaurant is chef-owned and operated, with Chef Benny Rappa often personally interacting with guests, creating a highly personal dining experience.

What Makes It Special:

Benny's is celebrated for its intimate, owner-operated feel and its menu of carefully prepared dishes that reflect a personal culinary passion.

What Sets It Apart:

The small scale of the restaurant and the direct involvement of the chef-owner in every aspect of the dining experience make it a uniquely personal and cherished local spot.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: Closed

Price:

$30 to $50 per person
7

7. Benito’s Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta

Benito’s is a long-standing, casual Italian restaurant and pizzeria. The menu features a wide range of options, from wood-fired pizzas to classic pastas and entrees. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, catering to both locals and tourists.

More about Benito’s Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Italian, Pizza

Signature Dishes:

The Godfather PizzaVeal ParmigianaManicotti

Location:

1598 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Special Feature:

The restaurant uses a wood-fired brick oven, which is a central feature of its kitchen and its pizza preparations.

What Makes It Special:

Benito's is known for its consistent, reliable execution of classic Italian-American favorites and for being a dependable, family-friendly institution for over 30 years.

What Sets It Apart:

Its long history in the community and its broad menu that successfully covers both high-quality pizza and a full range of traditional entrees make it a versatile and enduring choice.

Operating Hours:

Daily: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Price:

$10 to $20 per person
8

8. King’s Famous Pizza and Pasta

King’s Famous Pizza is a casual, family-owned restaurant that has been serving pizza and Italian-American dishes in the area since 1981. The menu is straightforward and traditional, featuring a variety of pizzas, pastas, and subs. The atmosphere is simple, unpretentious, and family-oriented.

More about King’s Famous Pizza and Pasta

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Pizza, Italian-American

Signature Dishes:

King's Special PizzaBaked SpaghettiSteak and Cheese Sub

Location:

3511 US-17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Special Feature:

The restaurant has a long-standing reputation as a go-to spot for classic, New York-style pizza among locals.

What Makes It Special:

King's is known for its four-decade history and its role as a reliable, no-frills neighborhood pizzeria for generations of families.

What Sets It Apart:

Its long and continuous history as a family-run pizzeria gives it a deep-rooted community connection that newer or larger restaurants do not possess.

Operating Hours:

Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Price:

$10 to $20 per person
9

9. Olive Garden Italian Kitchen

Olive Garden is a national chain restaurant that serves a broad menu of American-Italian dishes. The restaurant is known for its unlimited breadsticks, salad, and pasta promotions. The atmosphere is casual, consistent, and designed to accommodate large groups and families.

More about Olive Garden Italian Kitchen

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

American-Italian

Signature Dishes:

Tour of ItalyFettuccine AlfredoLasagna Classico

Location:

4701 S Kings Hwy, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Special Feature:

The restaurant is famous for its unlimited breadsticks and garden salad, which are included with the purchase of an entree.

What Makes It Special:

Olive Garden is known for its value-driven promotions, its consistent and familiar menu, and its ability to serve large volumes of customers efficiently.

What Sets It Apart:

Its status as a well-known national brand with a highly standardized menu and service model distinguishes it from the area's independent, locally-owned Italian restaurants.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Price:

$10 to $20 per person
10

10. Georgio’s Famous Pizza

Georgio’s Famous Pizza is a casual pizzeria and Italian restaurant that serves a menu of New York-style pizza, pastas, and subs. The restaurant has a simple, counter-service setup for takeout and a small dining area for dine-in customers. The atmosphere is that of a classic, no-frills pizza parlor.

More about Georgio’s Famous Pizza

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Pizza, Italian-American

Signature Dishes:

Georgio's Special PizzaWhite PizzaBaked Ziti

Location:

211 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Special Feature:

The restaurant is located on Main Street, making it a convenient and popular spot for beachgoers and visitors exploring the central North Myrtle Beach area.

What Makes It Special:

Georgio's is known for its classic, foldable New York-style pizza slices and its straightforward, reliable execution of pizzeria favorites.

What Sets It Apart:

Its specific focus on the classic New York-style pizza experience, from the style of the pies to the casual parlor atmosphere, makes it a go-to for that particular pizza craving.

Operating Hours:

Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price:

$10 to $20 per person

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Italian Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach Famous?

Italian restaurants in North Myrtle Beach are famous for their family-friendly atmosphere and menus that blend classic Italian-American comfort food with fresh, local seafood. The dining scene is defined by long-standing, independently owned establishments that have served generations of both locals and tourists. The Italian food North Myrtle Beach offers is characterized by hearty, approachable dishes like Veal Parmesan and Grouper Francaise, served in a relaxed, beach-town setting. The North Myrtle Italian restaurants are known for consistency and hospitality, with many, like Benny's Trattoria and Martini, being owner-operated, which adds a personal touch to the dining experience.

What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in North Myrtle Beach?

North Myrtle Beach is home to a large number of casual, family-owned restaurants, classic pizzerias, and a few upscale-casual dining rooms. This selection caters to the area's relaxed, vacation-oriented environment. The list below details the common types.

Casual Family Restaurants & Trattorias: This is the most common type. These are independently owned establishments serving classic Italian-American fare in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Benny’s Trattoria, Umberto’s, and Laico's are prime examples.
Pizzerias & Brick-Oven Kitchens: These are casual spots that specialize in pizza, often from a brick or wood-fired oven, alongside a menu of pastas and subs. Rapone, Benito’s, and King’s Famous Pizza fit this category.
Upscale-Casual & Fine Dining: These are more sophisticated restaurants that offer a more refined menu and atmosphere, often with live music or a more formal service style. Martini and Villa Tuscanna represent this style.
National Chain Restaurants: These are well-known, reliable brands that offer a consistent and familiar dining experience. Olive Garden and Carrabba’s Italian Grill are the leading examples in the area.

Does North Myrtle Beach Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?

Yes, North Myrtle Beach has restaurants that serve food true to Italian traditions with establishments like Benny’s Trattoria and Rapone Brick Oven Pizza dedicated to serving dishes based on specific family recipes and regional cooking styles from Italy. Benny’s Trattoria, run by Chef Benny Rappa, offers a menu inspired by the cuisine of the Amalfi Coast, focusing on preparations that are personal to the chef. Rapone is dedicated to the food of the Basilicata region, using family recipes and a traditional brick oven to create its dishes, which provides a direct connection to the cooking of Southern Italy.

What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach?

The best Italian restaurants in North Myrtle Beach are known for signature dishes like Veal Martini, Grouper Francaise, and classic brick-oven pizza. These dishes reflect the area's blend of traditional Italian-American flavors with coastal influences. The most notable signature dishes are listed below.

Veal Martini: The signature dish from Martini, this entree features veal scaloppine encrusted with parmesan, sautéed, and served in a lemon-butter white wine sauce.
Grouper Francaise: Also a specialty at Martini, this dish showcases a local favorite, grouper, prepared in a classic Italian-American style with an egg batter and a lemon-butter sauce.
Benny's Famous Meatballs: A classic, homestyle appetizer from Benny’s Trattoria, these meatballs are known for their traditional flavor and preparation.
Brick-Oven Pizza: A staple of restaurants like Rapone and Benito’s, these pizzas are known for their crisp crust, a result of being cooked at high temperatures in a brick oven.
Veal Chop: A high-end, classic entree from Villa Tuscanna, this dish features a thick-cut veal chop, prepared in a traditional Northern Italian style.

Does North Myrtle Beach Enjoy Italian Food?

Yes, North Myrtle Beach enjoys Italian food, demonstrated by the large number and long-term success of independently owned Italian restaurants that cater to the area's mix of local residents and vacationing families. The cuisine's popularity is evident in the staying power of establishments like King's Famous Pizza and Benito's, which have been community staples for over 30 and 40 years, respectively. The presence of a full spectrum of dining options, from casual pizzerias to upscale fine-dining rooms like Villa Tuscanna, confirms that Italian food is a well-loved and essential part of the Grand Strand's dining landscape.

Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach?

Yes, several Italian restaurants in North Myrtle Beach have vegan options, such as Rapone Brick Oven Pizza, Martini, and the national chains Olive Garden and Carrabba's. These establishments accommodate plant-based diets. Pizzerias like Rapone can prepare pizzas with vegetable toppings and no cheese. Martini offers a selection of vegetable-based appetizers and salads, and the kitchen can create custom vegan pasta dishes. The large chains, Olive Garden and Carrabba's, have specific menu items that are vegan or can be easily modified, such as pasta with marinara sauce.

Do Italian Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, Italian restaurants in North Myrtle Beach offer Gluten-Free options, including Martini, Villa Tuscanna, and Carrabba's Italian Grill. These restaurants provide choices for diners with gluten sensitivities. Upscale restaurants like Martini and Villa Tuscanna offer Gluten-Free pasta substitutes for their pasta dishes and feature menus with numerous naturally Gluten-Free entrees, such as grilled fish, steaks, and veal chops. National chains like Carrabba's also have dedicated Gluten-Free menus to safely accommodate guests.

What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach?

Italian restaurants in North Myrtle Beach begin at $15 for a casual dinner and can exceed $70 for a fine-dining meal. A person will pay between $15 and $30 at a budget-friendly pizzeria like King's Famous Pizza or Georgio's. Mid-range restaurants such as Benito's, Umberto's, or the national chains generally fall in the $25 to $50 range per person for a main course and a beverage. A high-end dinner at an establishment like Martini or Villa Tuscanna will start around $40, with multi-course meals often surpassing $70 per person.