Reviews of Fratello's Italian Tavern (Restaurant)

Sydney Bailey

My experience tonight was rather poor. It was hot in the restaurant when we arrived but we blamed it on the fact that we had quite a long walk but it continued to get hotter the more people they jammed in the restaurant. My food came out with my servers hair in it, so I brought it to her attention. She came back with her hair in a pony after that, thankfully. Never got an apology for the hair in my food, just “oops I’ll get you a new one” my entire party ate their entire meals before my food came out and even then there was no acknowledgement for the fact that I watched everyone eat and now I have to box my food to go as to not inconvenience our other guests. I assumed they would at least discount my meal or something for the inconvenience, nope. I also asked for dessert To go, mentioned that I needed it to go twice and then she brought it out in a dish. Had to tell her again it was supposed to be to go so she dumped that into a to go container and brought it out. Never once was our waters refilled the entire time we were there. Our server disappeared after we ordered our food until the food came out. It wasn’t an awful experience but after the hair with no apology or compensation and how unbearably hot it became in that restaurant, we won’t be returning.

Kenny PVT

Was recommended by some friends. Decided to fly in and surprise my entire family and take them to this restaurant. Mind you that my family is Italian. The restaurant was very hot and humid and there were fans in the corner. Wouldn’t care if the food was good but it just went down hill from there. The bread was spongy and dry... quality was terrible. Antipasti was very mediocre and the main courses were so bad. Out of seven dishes all seven were awful and everyone agreed. Service was great though:)

Irene Melvin

Great food and willing to customize with me being a vegetarian. Staff was super friendly. Would recommend. Quaint and nice local area.

Rasheeda Wright

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and the food was delicious. We had a great time and the hostess & waitress was super friendly. We got our food in a timely manner as well, which is always a plus. I would recommend this restaurant as a date night venue and even as a venue for friends/family grabbing something to eat on a weeknight.

David A

One of the best meatball subs I've had in a long time... And I'm Italian too! Was recommended as a "local" favorite and I agree. Food and service was very good. Park Circle is also a very nice, up and coming location. Added to my favorites for when I visit again.

Jason Shughart

The Shrimp Pomodoro was good, but not $23 good. Service was decent, but at those prices, it's not surprising that the Mexican place down the street had a wait and this place was empty.

Bethann Rohaly

Fantastic food!! Our waiter was Joseph and he did a wonderful job! The fettuccine alfredo was to die for and the veal marsala melted in my mouth.

Katrina Jackson

Great food and wonderful service!!!

Donald Oneil

Food and service was awesome. Preston was excellent both prompt and efficient. It was a party of 8 for Mother's day and we could not have asked for a better service and food. This place is a "Must Go" restaurant!

Venus Kiesel

The food is great but no ac so sit out side . I went in to eat but it's to hot for hot food the temp was at minimum 82. If that cool to you then great if not eat outside when wind is blowing. Asked owner about it they reply was it's just an old building. Not the greatest excuse in my eyes .

Thomas Bennett

Great service and ok food

Erika Alaisa

Heard great things about this place through word of mouth... went there yesterday with a friend and chose to sit outside during some Halloween Event happening. Once we were sat outside.... we were forgotten about. After 15 mins, we asked the hostess what happened to our server and we were questioned if we had menus and suggested we would have a server shortly. We waited for another 5 minutes and left. :( Mainly upset because I just really wanted to try the food.

George Owens

Best original Italian food I have ever eaten!! Had spaghetti & meatballs. Wife had lasagna and a friend had manicotti! Tasted all of them and will go back for more!!

Marcia Nolen

Authentic great food

Gary Hocking

Great italian food! Great service and decent prices. Large portions. Based on recipes brought over from Italy, and daily specials based on what's available on the market that day. Over all great food! Also they have a patio with a outdoor seating, great people watching.

Scott Hughston

My wife and I had lunch here with my in-laws to celebrate my father-in-law's 91st birthday. Wonderful food with attentive and fast service. Thank You!

Thom Watson

My wife and I came here for a lunch date the other day to celebrate our 9 year anniversary, and we were not disappointed. The service was excellent and courteous. Our order came out quickly, but most importantly, it tasted exquisite. I'm pretty sure they make their own pasta, because it was better than anything I've bought from a store. The eggplant was delicious with marinara on Angel hair. And the ciabatta bread was tender and flavorful. If you're looking for a local place with a romantic atmosphere and delicious flavor, I highly recommend you visit Fratello's!

Shannon First

FOOD POISONING ALERT! Ordered the shellfish pasta on 3/29/19 and picked up the norovirus. I have been suffering with Gastroenteritis for the last 3 days. It is total hell.

xxGypsyxx

Fantastic Italian restaurant w/the cozy, romantic ambience of old authentic Italian/Mediterranean restaurant/tavern. Fantastic find in Park Circle! The food is delicious, well-prepared, w/nice presentation & the desserts are decadent! Don't leave w/o dessert, even if you have to get it to-go! My Husband enjoyed the chocolate cake, which looked very rich, but I doubt that my lemon bruleé could've been topped.

Mark VanHaelst

Food was delicious. I have a suspicion that someone with a more refined palette might find it a tad bit oily. Charming date night atmosphere. Server was friendly. The only real downside was the temperature. It was unpleasantly warm.

Banky Wafford

Walk into the restaurant and our table was already prepared for us. They give free focaccia bread and oil and vinegar to dip it in. It was a great start so far. One of the people in our party can't have alcohol of any kind but he really wanted to try the mussels and shrimp appetizer. The chef came out and guaranteed us he could make it just the same without alcohol.

Eric Sposato

Love, love, love this place! Both times I have been here now the food has been superb. Best bet to get a reservation because they fill up! We got to see the New York Red Bull soccor team who also fine there, evidently everytime they come to town. Very cool!

Jennifer Golden

Great, friendly service, fabulous food.

Dennis Costa

Great Italian food! Chicken Picata was Outstanding! Everyone enjoyed the evening we had here. Service was great and prices are reasonable.

j wink

Service was slow but nice. Food was average for Italian. Nice ambience

Sarah Perlitz

I had such a wonderful experience at this restaurant, I am not sure where to begin. My husband and I happened upon this place per chance, and we were extremely pleased. The atmosphere and staff were warm and welcoming from the start. We ordered the mushroom appetizer and the chef brought it to the table himself. It was delicious. Our server was very knowledgeable about the wines and found the perfect ones to pair with our meals. I ordered the shrimp pasta, everything in it was so fresh and tasty, the portion size was also amazing. My husband got the cavatelli special, which was very good too. We were so thrilled with our experience, I definitely recommend this place to any and everyone. The amount of care put forth is apparent and shows. I have a lot of dietary restrictions and they were more than accommodating. One of my new favorite Italian spots in all of Charleston. I've already gone back for the pasta twice! Tastes like home in your mouth. It is that good.

Maria Quiles

Food was delish and worth every penny!

Amanda Hudson

We've been here a few times and we keep coming back! The food is always great (they usually have a special ravioli that changes up often) and we've never had a long wait. The desserts - oh my gosh - they have a special chocolate layered dessert that is INCREDIBLE. Their coffee drinks are well made and every item from the menu I've had is very fresh tasting - I'm a huge fan of the alfredo, but recently tried out the Penne alla Vodka and it too was yummy! My only complaint is that service is very hit or miss. Sometimes it's incredible and sometimes (like my most recent visit), it's not so great. Still, the food is worth it!

Cynthia Swenson

Wow and wow. I have eaten at Fratellos twice. Each time the food was stellar and the service amazing. I love the local ambiance. Give it a try. You will be happy you did. Ask for Sophie. Amazing service.

Orlando Smith

Nice place, friendly staff, energetic environment, and overall great food.

Lending Bliss

Authentic Italian with great flavor! Get the frled soft shell crab, mussels, shrimp, and linguini special if they have it. The lasagna is excellent too!

Nick Dyslin

Food was better than you would expect for italian in a southern state. The service however was really good. The wine list is pretty good, which is always a great bonus. The dessert list isn't extensive but they have the essentials like cheesecake and cannolis. My only complaint was that for a group of six we sat at a weird table that was too big by the door and everyone felt awkwardly divided from each other...

Angie Weatherford

Tiny portions for more money. Bread is not the best. Service was good however.

Joshua Keller

Very nice staff. Great food. This is a very cool little spot. The sausage bread was amazing and the I loved the lasagna.

Abreil Miller

The grill chicken Alfredo with spinach was very good.

Joyce Greer

Wonderful food and excellent service. I will dine there again.

Bob Mendel

We were truly treated to an evening of delicious food and Fun! Preston our waiter was knowledgeable and recommended the OssoBuca, so delicious!!! We all enjoyed very very much!!!

Nathan Weidner

Great staff, atmosphere and food. I think they were even planning a mob hit.

Jamie, Bloodworth

Excellent service!!!! Food was delicious!!!! Will definitely return...amazing salmon

Paul Mattaliano

We very Mich enjoyed our meal at Fratello's. I started with the Italian vegetable soup which was delicious and then shared the Fratello said with me wife that was also very good. My main course of lasagna was good although I should have preferred the sausage be ground instead of sliced. Mt wife's chicken caciatory was excellent. The best was the tiramisu along with a good cup of coffee for me and a cappuccino for my wife. Our server did a great job. All told with a glass of wine and a cocktail it came to a reasonable $120.

Keith Lambert

Well, let’s see.....I’ll start by saying that we were looking forward to trying this place. My in-laws had been there and really enjoyed it. So, we decided to take them there and treat everyone to a great dinner with lots of wine and cocktails. We all had an early lunch so we would ensure big appetites for dinner. I went to their website early Saturday morning and was happy to see we could get a reservation for 5 people at 6:30pm. Made the reservation on their website (via their vendor, Open Table). Received both a text and email confirmation saying they looked forward to seeing us at 6:30. We made the 30 minute drive from Wild Dunes on IOP, and arrived at 6:23pm. We were excited. We walked in, and everything changed instantly. The “hostess,” instead of greeting us with a welcome smile, seemed oddly hostile from the get go. She asked our name and whether or not we had a reservation. I gave her the name and time of the reservation and she said “I don’t see it.” I said, “oh, that’s odd, let me pull up the confirmation email and double check.” So, I did. Sure enough, it was correct and accurate - and written as clear as day in the confirmation. She refused to look at it and instead flipped her iPad around and tapped her screen and said, “it’s not on MY screen!” It was the rudest, most confrontational exchange I’ve had in memory when walking into a dining establishment. I have a lot of family and friends in the food and beverage community in NYC, Richmond, Va, Washington DC, and Charleston - so I understand being in the weeds, or having a bad night, etc....However, the place was less than half full and here she was not only turning away a confirmed reservation of 5 people, but doing so in the rudest manner imaginable. I was taken aback. Literally, stopped in my tracks completely flummoxed (rare for me)! She didn’t say, “oh, I’m sorry, there must have been a mix up with Open Table, let me see what I can figure out.” Or something along those lines. She took the opposite approach - like “how dare you come to this restaurant with your stupid email confirmation!” Needless to say, there was no way I was going in at that point. If that’s the first interaction, I can imagine how the rest of the night would have unfolded. When you’re going to drop $500-$700, that’s not the experience you want. I gathered the group to leave and we went down the street to another establishment - not what we had in mind, but at least they seemed happy to have us. In fairness, I will say that another lady came from the back as we were leaving - I got the sense she was either the owner or GM. She was nice and seemed to really want to figure out a solution. The problem was that the “hostess” had already thoroughly poisoned the experience, and there was no way I was spending my money there at that point. I felt a little bad because the other lady seemed to want to do the right thing. It’s just that the ship had already sailed. Scratched off my list, and mental note to never return. There are way too many great places out there, with hard-working people making great food and experiences, and trying to do good things in their community. It’s an incredibly tough business and it takes a lot of hard work - but you have to get the basic blocking and tackling right, too. Greet people with a smile. Solve problems. Be humble. Be grateful. In summary, I can’t speak to the food as it never got that far. And it never will. But, I would recommend that they immediately move their “hostess” to the back of the house - far away from customers, and put someone less jaded up front to welcome their customers. Seems like a simple place to start. - Thoroughly Disappointed

Tykog McNuggett

Good salad, good pasta, good creme brulee

Bob Kilpatrick

Overall we were pleased. Sangria was properly fruity, the warm bread was highly complemented by the infused oil. I've never had calamari with sweet peppers before...quite good. My Penne alla Vodka was just right. The only off note came with my wife's eggplant dish. Not nearly enough marinara. Otherwise, a good place to go back to...

Sophie's World

The restaurant is very very hot on the inside. It smells very old. It is extremely small and claustrophobic as well. The portions are way off. There was more sauce and tomato juice in my spaghetti than actual pasta. The tables are dirty and so are the floors. Very disappointed, I had high hopes for this place.

Lonnie Ard

The chicken parmesan sandwich is the best I have ever had. The waiters/waitresses are attentive. Never had to ask for a refill on my drink.

Ken Mercer

Amazingly Authendic. Wonderful staff and service! This my family's new favorite restaurant, try it out and it will most definitely be your family's too. Great staff, wine list and atmosphere.

Deb Thom

We had a group of friends with us to celebrate my husband's birthday and everyone raved about their choice of meal. It was excellent all around between the server's attentiveness, the quality of our food and the overall atmosphere. We will definitely go back!

Zoë

Overpriced for quality of the food. Lasagna tasted like it was frozen and alfredo sauce tasted store bought.

Alvaro Morales

Unfortunately the place has no A/C running but couple of fans. Food was OK and fast but the atmosphere was a bit inconsistent and uncomfortable. Definitely not "gluten free" friendly.

Michelle Allen

YUUUUUUUUUUUUUM!!!!!! I went here for my birthday with my parents, and I was pleasantly surprised. I don't really venture out to Park Circle often just because it's about 15-20 minutes from my house. I definitely want to explore it more often though because Fratello's was so delicious. I tried the Penne alla Vodka and loved it so much.

Steve Grappo

Everything we had tasted great. We had a stuffed mushroom appetizer and sausage baked in bread, like a mini calzone, very yummy (salcicce pane). Their Fratello salad was excellent as was the Cavatelli. Great flavour all around, some draft beers, lots of wine and drinks available. There is a bar area and appealing dark stained wood all around.

Erin Schauder

Eggplant was amazing—highly, highly recommend. Mushroom appetizer was delicious. Bread was so warm and tasty. Caprese salad was not good—the mozzarella was not fresh. Our reservation was for 7, but it took 20 minutes to get us seated. Took away a star because they didn’t compensate us for having to wait.

Adriana Quintero

Super good food and the waitress was wonderful...friendly and helpful. Great experience...

Jason Kirkpatrick

Very good food & service.

Randall Anthony

One of the best Italian restaurant in the area. Gluten free options, and allergy friendly. Honestly can't go wrong here.

Judith Siegling

First time here! Wonderful food! Great service! Delightful place! We'll be going back!

Stacy Green

Get the Ravioli of the day! Fresh hand rolled pasta. The Lobster Ravioli in a brown butter sauce with spinach, tomatoes, and onions was to die for. We have found a new favorite. I can't wait to try everything!

Fiona Martin

Food is GOOD!

Bruce Reirden

Small but homey and comfortable. It was quite warm, but tolerable in the dining area. Not sure how comfortable it will be in July. Service was very good being quite friendly and attentive. The mushroom appetizer was excellent as was the veal piccata. My partner had the salmon milainnaise which was very good. Overall, a great dining experience. I will go back again.

Larry Barnes

OMG! First time here AMAZING!!! The food was thee best Italian I've tasted here in Charleston! Absolutely the most flavorful and just plain ol delicious! Excellent service, excellent experience!

B. Bey

By no stretch of the imagination, Fratello's is one of the premier attractions in Park Circle. The ambiance, food quality and flavors, exceptional staff, bartending, and chefs make such a unique family friendly environment and extraordinary experience. I'm rarely moved to write reviews, but I kniw when I'm in Charleston, SC, I'm making Fratello's the #1 family feature for me and mine. Comoliments again to the staff, bartender, manager and chef.

Justin Harvey

The food is amazing!!!! Probably the best Italian in North Charleston. Great location and they have done a good job of spacing out the tables so you aren’t right on top of the people next to you. The limoncello was great. We will be dinning here again soon.

Ms. Clarke

I enjoyed my pasta I had the seafood fettuccine Alfredo. Awesome dish with a glass of White Zinfindale. The area we sat in was so cute and comfy. A table for 2 in a little hide away.

Shirley Turnbull

First time visitor. Excellent food and atmosphere.

Jeffrey Jarrett

Great atmosphere, great food, and great service!

Sabrina Jenkins

Excellent food and great service. Definitely going back!

Katrina Harris

First time tonight! We live on Daniel Island so just a hop and a skip, and not even a jump away. Perfect date night atmosphere, the food and service matched. Thanks to Richard for your knowledge and professional service. And when he asks if you want dessert, just say yes!!

Gregory ?

Loved the food,,loved Christina, she deserves big tips, they sang haooy,birthday to,my son! Food wasnt pricey! Food was not to pricey! Food was great!!

Kenneth Mercer

Wonderful Italian restaurant. Everything is wonderful, the staff, the food, the wine, the atmosphere. This is my family's new favorite restaurant. If you try it, I'm sure it will be your family's too.

David Gatlin

This is a solid Italian restaurant, not cheap but not so fancy that you get one little bite a food in the center of a sauce painted plate

Bee Ortalano

Got the fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, has little to no flavor. The pasta was also very overdone. My order came with bread and some oil to dip in, the bread was good. I was excited to try this restaurant since it has a 4.4 rating but I don't think I'll be back.

Leviene Faber

Food and atmosphere are nice, still, they can make more of it...

Michael Yost

Salad was excellent and the best chicken parmesan ever!

Sheila W

Great restaurant! The food was delicious! My first time there but I will definitely be back!!

Cynthia Willis

The tomato sauce and polenta was ohhh so good....

Mike P

Had our Anniversary dinner here recently. Waitress Jennifer was fantastic and the food tasted great. The only thing keeping me from giving 5 stars was the Anti pasta appetizer was kind of boring.

Thomas Glaab

Great food and great service.

Trisha Cooper

Great food and friendly staff. I brought a training group there for a social gathering and everyone loved it. Planning to go again soon.

Alicia Bradley

Cute little Italian place you wouldn't think was there. We walked in without a reservation, but got a table anyway. The ravioli of the day was wonderful and full of flavor and the staff was very hospitable.

Durval Souza

Wonderful place, specially the staff, great pastas, great wines and smiles a lot. Outside tables you can stay in with your pet.

Tara Collazo

The service was as amazing as the food. Richard was very polite and professional! We definitely will be visiting again!

P. Bell

The first few times I ate here were very good with exceptional service. My most recent visit was extremely different. My Caesar salad was very salty and very fishy, and what the rest of my party had was fairly good but a little pricey for the quality. The reason for the two stars was the service. One person in my party ordered a glass of wine, and when it arrived to the table she tasted it and it was bad. She said the wine tasted like it had been open too long and even the smell of it was a little off (I tasted it myself). The waitress took the glass back after we told her it was off and ordered her a different cocktail. When the bill arrived, the glass of wine was still on there, and we told the waitress. She responded, "We don't normally take drinks off the check if you don't like it, and the manager and I tried it in the back and said it was fine. But if you really want me to go get my manager I will," and we proceeded to explain that it wasn't a matter of taste, but that the wine tasted and smelled like it had been open for more than 24 hours and was old. I'm disappointed with this place. For a party of nine, with most of them being first-time diners at Fratellos, this was an experience that guaranteed we will not return. It was not a matter of disliking the taste, the wine itself had gone bad, and the waitress made us feel like if we didn't enjoy the one glass of wine (that went bad!) then we are more than welcome to walk out and never come back. Needless to say, that's exactly what we're doing. With a place that's so overpriced already, a $9 glass of bad wine should be taken off the check.

Adam Croft Broxton

Great meal, really enjoyed the Pinot Grigio-Garlic cream sauce on my salmon. Good prices for portions and quality. Very nice music selection and atmosphere.

Michael Gahagan

The best cannoli I've ever had. Everything I've had here was delicious.

Carole Earhart

I went to Fratello's for my birthday dinner with the family. The service was excellent, food was delicious and ample portions. The meal was priced accordingly, and the bread was so good.

Paige Bistromowitz

Food, service, and wine was amazing. I'm definitely coming back when I'm back in Charleston.

Gayle Burns

Found this gem through a friend's recommendation. Almost afraid to say how wonderful it is because we'll never be able to get in! Joe the waiter made it an extra-special experience. We shared the lasagne and there was easily enough left over for 2 more meals. Spaghetti and meatballs were the best I've ever had. (And I'm from New Jersey so I know what REAL Italian food tastes like!) Tiramisu was creamy and not frozen like from most places. The creme brulee turned my husband into a fan! Amazing prices. Amazing food. Who could ask for more?

Amanda B

My boss took me here for lunch on my birthday and what a treat! It's such a quaint little spot in Park Circle. Perfect atmosphere for business casual or dates.

Sean Marks

Great meal and great service.

Tammy Reese

Amazing little Italian restaurant! Incredible food, great service, with an intimate family atmosphere!

jared evans

Amaizing service but the high point was the food. Best lasagna I've had in Charleston this far, decent portion of amaizing cheezy flavor. It was a bit hot inside at first but the food and conversation took my mind away from that one negative. Would definitely go back

Dennis Urell

Hard to find great eggplant parmigiano

Alex Radin

My wife and I went here for our anniversary and the food and service was amazing!! I ordered the Chicken Marsala and I wanted to pick up my plate and lick it seriously it was that good. My wife ordered the Eggplant Parmesan and it was crispy and delicious. We loved it and will be back!

Brian Roberson

Decent old school Italian eatery which is a rarity in the Lowcountry. Good execution of the expected offerings, cozy atmosphere, decent prices and plenty of nearby parking. Gets busy and full even on weeknights and does well for large groups so reservations are suggested. Service can get stretched thin at busiest times but overall very attentive.

angela whitman

awesome atmoshere and food! Great date night rest for us!

Will Forni

I've had a lot of Italian food around the Mount Pleasant area, but this place has got to be one of my favorites. It's in an up and coming area with lot's of equally good restaurants nearby as well. The food was delicious too; I loved my spaghetti and meatballs, and the dessert of Tiramisu was fantastic. The staff were equally great, very funny and down to earth. I absolutely will be returning.

Kim Chapman

Excellent food!!! The service was spotty but maybe because we went after 0830 PM.

Scott Julian

It was our first time there and we didn't know we needed a reservation but we were able to sit at the bar and eat. Everyone was friendly and the food was good. Four stars because they couldn't make a bloody Mary due to being out of drink mix. A good bar is always prepared!