Volpe's
161 Rutledge Ave c, Charleston
(843) 718-1390
Recent Reviews
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I dine out essentially for a living and am rarely impressed anymore. Volpe's is just....on another level. The staff is lovely and kind, the ambience is great, the wine list carefully selected - but the food? My heavens. I literally ordered a second main course because I couldn't believe how good the steak was, and then the flounder equally blew my mind.
I'll be dining here every single time I visit Charleston. Every. Single. Time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flounder
Wonderful experience! Anna, our server was the best and we had Amazing pasta, Caesar, fish and chocolate dessert!
Will definitely go back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and service were amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a reservation for 7:30- walked in at 7:35. There is no host stand so once you walk in you’re right there amongst the tables. I was not looked at or spoken to until 7:47 when I caught the attention of the host and asked to check in. I would be getting the next table. As I looked around, no one had drinks or food. I left before I was seated- I could not have felt less welcomed.
Volpe’s is worth a try and a great value for upscale dining! Impact statements: “Vern’s but for Italian” and “theres no way we got all this for $69.” Both of which are huge compliments coming from my wife. It’s only a tasting menu, which could turn some off, but the value, portions, and selections make this an easy pleaser. First course was actually the first 3-4, rapid fire.
- ceviche - some of the best I’ve ever had!
- ham, wax beans, grapes, and cheese - this is truly weird but they made it work. One of my wifes faves
- fried risotto balls - these are exceptional! Perfect level of crust, light creamy center. Not too heavy.
- home made, real Cesar salad - egg, anchovies, freshly tossed- very few places provide a REAL, hand made cesar. This one impressed me.
- side of bread - fantastic, flavorful high quality EVOO with some salt.
- Next course (no picture) was a “deconstructed” spaghetti and meatballs with rigatoni that ate like a ragu. Delish.
- Mains were a chicken scallopini that ate like a schnitzel and a flounder. Fantastic but a bit overshadowed by the incredible mains.
- dessert was a decadent chocolate mousse.
Notable items- all wine on menu is same price “to encourage trying”. Never heard pf this, very cool!
VERY loud- normal for tight charleston spots, but like Verns and other “bistro” style spots in town, it wont be pin-drop quiet. Packed, and active space.
All in all - $69 per person plus booze and tip, this is an absolute steal in charleston. Must go.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cesar Salad, Mousse Au Chocolat
It was a great first experience there. The wine selection was good and reasonable. My wife and I would have enjoyed a menu of cocktails. That is one suggestion that would improve the experience. The food on the other hand was all terrific and delicious. We especially enjoyed the family style fixed menu. We will definitely be back. Great start.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
This place was a mixed bag for me. We arrived to the restaurant at 7:58 for reservations at 8 and did not get seated until 8:25. There were no seats at the bar so we just stood around. This experience was frustrating and I was tempted to leave. But, the food was fantastic, everything we got was thoughtfully crafted, flavourful, and delicious. The menu is small and each dish is a banger. The atmosphere feels cozy but lively. The service however was inattentive and frankly with one of the servers, rude. Overall, it’s a must try for the food but I won’t be a regular.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
This is the best restaurant in Charleston. The multi-course family style menu changes often and every course is delicious. We went last night. The paccheri pasta with sauce and meatballs were the best I’ve ever eaten. Trust me…just go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
$70 for four courses was not a bad deal at all, and the wine being $48 was very reasonable. My party loved everything we tried, and it was one of my favorite meals ive had this year downtown. Parking was also easy since it was after 6 pm on rutledge.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've dined at Volpe's twice with groups. Family style food, service and vibe were nothing less than perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cesar Salad
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food. Great service. We are all stuffed! The only negative is that the restaurant was very noisy and it was difficult to hold a conversation. Clearly the sound deadening material was not working well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you're a foodie, Volpe is an absolute must-visit! I enjoyed an unforgettable four-course, family-style dinner that showcased a symphony of unique and delightful flavors. From the vibrant antipasti to the exquisite secondi and divine dolci, each course was a masterpiece of creativity and taste. The Heritage Pork Scallopine with Marsala was hands-down the best I’ve ever had, and the shrimp with lemon and Thai basil was a refreshing, innovative dish—locally sourced with an incredible depth of flavor. For dessert, the chocolate mousse, lightly sprinkled with coconut flakes and a touch of salt, was pure perfection—airy, melt-in-your-mouth bliss, possibly the best chocolate dessert I’ve ever tasted. Our server Mark was polished, and attentive with great background on the dishes. For the ultimate experience, I highly recommend opting for the four-course family-style dinner. You won’t be disappointed!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really cool spot. Our server Wilder was fantastic. He had incredible wine recommendations, started us off with wine comparable with what we like to drink before a bottle for dinner that was expertly paired. The tasting menu was unbelievable in all four courses. Perfectly coursed out and great portions. I’d trust this kitchen blindly for any menu they produce. Never felt rushed out or like we were on a clock to turn the table.
The space is cool. Very light and airy with high ceilings. They have sound foam on the ceiling (well done with the decor) so I am sure that helps with the volume, but it is an incredibly loud space with just normal conversation. Many times through the dinner I couldn’t hear my wife at all. I don’t think there is anything to be done about this and the food far surpasses the volume issues. Just something to consider if you’re coming for a big conversation over an amazing dinner.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Just get the family style.
Seriously...
What you get for what you pay is well worth it: 4 appetizers, a paste, 2 main courses and dessert.
All EXCEPTIONAL!
Great wine list and bar drinks.
Awesome waitstaff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you love Coda Del Pesche in Isle of Palms, then you absolutely have to experience Volpe’s in Charleston. Ken, the owner, chef, and operator, is truly one of the most kindhearted and genuine gentlemen you will ever meet. Your palate will be more than satisfied because his secret sauces are nothing short of spectacular. This was our very first visit to his new location, and it is already clear that this will be our new date night favorite.
A huge thank you to our wonderful waitress, our talented bartender, and of course to Ken for providing the utmost hospitality. This is truly one of the best hidden gems in Charleston, South Carolina. Coming from an Italian family, I can tell you with full confidence that this is a must try. I love the fact that the menu changes daily, keeping every visit fresh and exciting. We did not even need a menu because the family style dishes just kept arriving one after another, each perfectly timed so we could enjoy every single bite.
The desserts are absolutely to die for, and every part of this experience left us completely impressed. Thank you so much for such warm and welcoming hospitality. This place deserves more than five stars, and we cannot wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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