3. Il Cortile Del Re

Staff was freidnly and attentive. Food was very authentic. Honestly, the best Italian restuarant in Charleston. Will be back, very impressed

Gasp! You mean the experience at Cortile del Re can be a bit...uneven? You mean, it's not a cookie-cutter chain restaurant? You mean you can practically get kicked out of the place one night when your appearance strikes the hostess (co-owner) wrong, and then have a transcendent experience another night dining on the patio to acoustic jazz? Yep, that about sums it up. This place has personality, even "attitude," but if you hit it on a good night, it can be the best evening you'll spend in a restaurant in a decade. Memorable every time! I love that!

This was our first visit and first knowledge of this place. Meeting there with a group of friends for 7:30 reservations seemed promising. Quaint, hidden gem, sure but the service was horrible. Our server was only half there. We waited so long just to get any kind of order. Our wine glasses were all filled at different levels, as was other tables around us, we noticed their expressions too. My food order was not even taken, I had to stop the server from leaving to get an order. Even then he was short and cut me off at the salad, the Goat Cheese was good by the way. He then did'nt get my temp. for the salmon. The rest of the table had the same experience. This definately overshadowed the food and was definately not worth the price or twenty percent gratuity for the server. You would have to convince me of better service to go back. I love Italian food. I know this is a special place, but you can't mix good food with bad service.

My initial visit several years ago was superb. On return after Thanksgiving, and with a 5:30 reservation, my female companion, (two ole ladies from Beverly Hills) were offered a table hidden in the back near the kitchen. Restaurant was emtpy at this hour, so we politely requested a table nearer the front. We were treated extremely rudely by the hostess and decided to leave. Great disappointment since I had raved about it to my friend. We were staying 2 hours North and had to drive there. Never again. No matter how good the food, it starts at the front. PS. I also have a home in Tuscany and my son is a noted Chef in LA.

Yes, yes, YES! This place is unapologetically Northern Italian in its cuisine! They really mean it when they say that, if you're looking for the patent "spaghetti and meatballs" meal, keep looking. Honestly, when was the last time you saw a wild boar stew on any restaurant menu? Ever? This place boasts a very impressive menu with an all-Italian wine list. We highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who craves uniqueness in their meals.

I discovered It Cortile Del Re by accident two years ago by stumbling down a brick enclosed alley way. To my surprise I found myself in a delightful courtyard reminiscent of my visits to Italy. My party dined that evening and since I have held a wedding party dinner and continue to take guest after guest. What a find.

The food is excellent! Authentic Italian cuisine at it's finest. Service was top-notch, and the staff was more than happy to provide plenty of help choosing entrees and wines. The setting of the restaurant is very quaint. However, they do not currently serve liquor... only beer and wine.