South Carolina, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Delve into the unexplored culinary offerings of South Carolina, featuring ten hidden dining gems that are often overlooked. These restaurants, ranging from Italian to Southern cuisine, provide unique atmospheres and exceptional dishes worth experiencing. From Pomodori Italian Eatery in Hilton Head Island to Fletcher’s Cafe and Catering in Yemassee, this guide invites food enthusiasts to explore the rich and diverse food culture of the state.
Hidden Dining Gems in South Carolina
South Carolina is home to some of the best restaurants that often go unnoticed, nestled in unassuming locations throughout the state. Ten of these hidden dining gems have been highlighted for their excellent cuisine and unique atmosphere, showcasing the diverse food culture within South Carolina.
Pomodori Italian Eatery
Located at 1 New Orleans Rd #1g, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, Pomodori is not your everyday Italian restaurant. It is renowned for its extraordinary dishes, including pasta, parmigiana, and chicken milanese. The eatery operates Monday through Saturday from 4:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. and remains closed on Sundays.
Red Rooster Cafe
This charming café can be found at 2045 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC 29902. Known for its outstanding breakfast options like steak and eggs Benedict, strawberry beignets, fish tacos, and a seafood boil, Red Rooster Cafe welcomes guests Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mario’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
Located at 2349 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732, Mario’s offers a variety that goes beyond just pizza, including mussels, wings, and baked spaghetti. Its hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
Ty’s Roadside Coastal Kitchen
Situated at 713 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, Ty’s Roadside is known for pimento hush puppies, shrimp toast, crab cakes, and fresh grilled fish. The establishment is open Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, it operates from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pita House
Pita House can be found at 495 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607, right next to a Middle Eastern grocery store. This eatery specializes in fresh pitas and falafel plates, serving customers Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is closed on Sundays.
Fire & Smoke
Located at 411 79th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, Fire & Smoke is an upscale restaurant that specializes in American fusion and Southern comfort foods. The hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Menkoi Ramen House
This popular ramen spot is located at 1004 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201 and is known for its delectable ramen and noodle bowls. Menkoi Ramen House welcomes customers every day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Donzelle’s
Found at 1703 Main St, Conway, SC 29526, Donzelle’s is a family-owned establishment that offers traditional southern dishes such as fried catfish, BBQ ribs, and various sides. Business hours are Monday to Friday from 4:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with weekends off.
Gaulart & Maliclet
Located at 98 Broad St. Charleston, SC 29401, Gaulart & Maliclet is a French-inspired restaurant known for its hand-baked bread and fancy open-faced sandwiches. The restaurant is open Sunday to Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday until 9 p.m.
Fletcher’s Cafe and Catering
This unique eatery, situated at 17 Yemassee Hwy, Yemassee, SC 29945, operates in a house turned antique shop. Fletcher’s offers deli items alongside vegetarian and vegan options, with hours from Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed the rest of the week.
Exploring South Carolina’s Hidden Restaurants
The hidden dining gems of South Carolina provide numerous culinary experiences worth discovering. The article encourages readers to explore these unassuming eateries and experience the diverse and rich food culture the state has to offer. Each establishment serves delicious and unique cuisines that set them apart from the typical dining experience.
FAQ
What are some hidden dining gems in South Carolina?
Some of the best restaurants in South Carolina are located in unassuming places. These eateries thrive on word of mouth, despite being hard to find.
Can you name a few unassuming restaurants in South Carolina?
The article highlights 10 such unassuming restaurants across the state, including Pomodori Italian Eatery, Red Rooster Cafe, Mario’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, and others.
What are the opening hours of Pomodori Italian Eatery?
Pomodori Italian Eatery is open Monday through Saturday from 4:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.
Key Features of South Carolina’s Hidden Dining Gems
| Restaurant Name | Location | Cuisine | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomodori Italian Eatery | Hilton Head Island | Italian | Mon-Sat: 4:45 PM – 9 PM |
| Red Rooster Cafe | Beaufort | American Breakfast | Mon-Fri: 7 AM – 3 PM, Sat-Sun: 8 AM – 3 PM |
| Mario’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant | Rock Hill | Italian | Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun: 11 AM – 8:30 PM, Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM |
| Ty’s Roadside Coastal Kitchen | Mount Pleasant | American Seafood | Mon: 11 AM – 3 PM, Tue-Fri: 11 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM, Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM, Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM |
| Pita House | Greenville | Middle Eastern | Mon-Sat: 11 AM – 8 PM |
| Fire & Smoke | Myrtle Beach | American Fusion | Mon-Thu: 5 PM – 9 PM, Fri-Sat: 5 PM – 10 PM |
| Menkoi Ramen House | Columbia | Japanese | Daily: 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Donzelle’s | Conway | Southern | Mon-Fri: 4:30 AM – 2 PM |
| Gaulart & Maliclet | Charleston | French | Sun-Wed: 8 AM – 8 PM, Thu-Sat: 8 AM – 9 PM |
| Fletcher’s Cafe and Catering | Yemassee | Deli | Thu-Sat: 11 AM – 4 PM |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Katt Williams to Bring Laughter and Joy to Savannah on May 2, 2025
Additional Resources
- Southern Living: Charleston Restaurants
- AOL Lifestyle: 10 Unassuming Restaurants in South Carolina
- Resy Blog: Charleston Restaurants
- News Observer: Food and Drink in South Carolina
- Eater: Best New Restaurants in Asheville
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Google Search: South Carolina Restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Google News: South Carolina Food
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Cuisine
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
