Avanti Deli & Spaghetteria in Charleston: Italian Sandwiches and Pasta in a Historic Setting

What Avanti Offers

Avanti Deli & Spaghetteria is a Charleston institution that combines a traditional Italian deli counter with a full spaghetteria—meaning you can order a sandwich to go or sit down for a plate of pasta. The restaurant sits in the heart of downtown Charleston and has built its reputation on house-made Italian meats, imported cheeses, and pasta dishes that reflect both Southern Italian and Italian-American traditions.

The deli side stocks cured meats you won't find everywhere: prosciutto di Parma, soppressata, capicola, and mortadella arrive regularly from Italy. The kitchen uses these for sandwiches built to order, layered on fresh bread. On the spaghetteria side, the menu centers on red-sauce classics—lasagna, ravioli, meatballs, chicken parmigiana—alongside daily specials that rotate with the season and what's available.

Avanti operates as both a quick-service counter (order at the deli, eat at a small bar or take it with you) and a sit-down restaurant with table service. This dual setup makes it work whether you have fifteen minutes or an hour, and whether you want a single sandwich or a full meal.

Key Takeaways

• Avanti stocks imported Italian cured meats and cheeses at the deli counter, with sandwiches built fresh to order.
• The spaghetteria serves traditional pasta dishes and Italian-American entrees with table service in the dining room.
• You can order from the deli counter for quick service or sit down for a full meal—both options are available at the same location.
• The restaurant is located downtown and reflects Charleston's long history of Italian immigration and food culture.

The Deli Counter and Sandwich Menu

The deli counter is where Avanti's identity becomes clear. You order by pointing to what you want: which meats, which cheeses, which bread. The staff builds your sandwich in front of you, layering thin slices of prosciutto, soppressata, or capicola with provolone, fresh mozzarella, or aged cheeses. Roasted peppers, olives, and marinated vegetables go in if you ask. The bread changes—sometimes it's a traditional Italian roll, sometimes focaccia.

Prices for sandwiches run moderate for downtown Charleston, typically in the $10 to $15 range depending on the meats and size you choose. The sandwiches are substantial; most people find one sandwich and a side enough for lunch. Avanti also sells prepared items to take home: containers of pasta salad, marinated vegetables, and sometimes whole prepared dishes if you call ahead.

The Spaghetteria and Sit-Down Dining

The dining room is small and intimate, with a handful of tables and a bar. The spaghetteria menu is straightforward: lasagna, baked ziti, ravioli (usually cheese or meat), spaghetti with meatballs, chicken parmigiana, and eggplant parmigiana are constants. Specials rotate—you might find seafood pasta, seasonal vegetables, or house-made gnocchi depending on the week.

Portions are generous, and the kitchen makes most pasta sauces and fillings in-house. The red sauce is the backbone of the menu; if you prefer lighter preparations or cream-based dishes, the options are more limited. Entrees typically run $14 to $22, and the restaurant serves beer and wine.

Service is casual but attentive. Avanti feels like a neighborhood spot where the staff knows regulars by name, but newcomers are welcomed just as warmly. The pace is unhurried—this is not fast-casual dining, even though the deli counter gives that impression.

Charleston's Italian Deli Tradition

Avanti sits within a longer story of Italian immigration to Charleston. Italian families began arriving in significant numbers in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many settling in the neighborhoods near the waterfront. They brought with them the traditions of Southern Italy—the foods, the language, the way of doing business. Delis and spaghetterie became gathering places, and many of those original businesses have closed or moved over the decades.

Avanti represents a continuation of that tradition, though it has adapted to modern Charleston. The imported meats and cheeses reflect both authenticity and the reality that Charleston now has access to specialty suppliers that earlier generations did not. The menu honors the dishes those Italian families cooked, while the location and pricing acknowledge that downtown Charleston is no longer a working-class neighborhood.

When to Go and What to Expect

Lunch is the busiest time, especially weekdays when downtown workers come in for sandwiches. The deli counter moves quickly even when there's a line; expect to wait five to ten minutes at peak hours. If you want to sit and eat, go early (before noon) or later (after 1 p.m.) to find a table without waiting.

Dinner is quieter and more relaxed. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly. If you're coming for a specific item—a particular cheese, a special pasta—calling ahead is smart, especially if you're coming from outside the immediate neighborhood.

Avanti does not take reservations, so dinner is first-come, first-served. The small dining room fills up on Friday and Saturday nights, but turnover is steady and waits are usually short.

Parking and Location

Avanti is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, in the historic district. Street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours. There is a parking garage nearby (the Majestic garage is one block away), and several surface lots within a short walk. If you're coming from outside downtown, the parking garage is your most reliable option.

The restaurant is accessible by foot from most downtown hotels and attractions. If you're walking the historic district, Avanti makes a natural stop for lunch or a casual dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order from the deli counter and eat in the dining room?

Yes. You can order a sandwich at the deli counter and eat it at one of the small tables or at the bar. You can also order from the spaghetteria menu and sit down. The two sides of the restaurant operate together, so you have flexibility in how you want to eat.

Do they make their own pasta?

Most of the pasta sauces and fillings are made in-house, and some pasta shapes are made fresh. Not all pasta is house-made—some comes from suppliers—but the kitchen does significant preparation on-site. If you want to know about a specific dish, the staff can tell you what's made fresh that day.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. The deli counter can build a sandwich with just cheese and vegetables. The spaghetteria menu includes cheese ravioli, eggplant parmigiana, and vegetable-based pasta dishes. Call ahead if you want to confirm what's available on a specific day.

What's the best time to go if I want a quick meal?

The deli counter is fastest—order, wait five to ten minutes, and you're out. If you want to sit down, go early lunch (before 11:30 a.m.) or mid-afternoon (after 1:30 p.m.) to avoid the rush. Dinner is quieter overall, though Friday and Saturday nights do fill up.

Do they take phone orders?

Yes. You can call ahead to order sandwiches or prepared items. For dining room reservations, Avanti does not hold tables, but calling to ask about wait times can help you plan when to come.