That's Amore in Charleston: Homemade Italian Cooking in a Historic Neighborhood

A family-run trattoria in the heart of Charleston's Italian community

That's Amore is a neighborhood Italian restaurant on King Street in Charleston, run by the same family for decades. The kitchen makes pasta and sauces from scratch, and the dining room feels like walking into someone's home—checkered tablecloths, framed photographs on the walls, and servers who know regulars by name. The menu centers on Southern Italian dishes: lasagna, chicken parmigiana, seafood over linguine, and veal prepared several ways. Most entrées come with salad and bread, and the wine list leans toward Italian bottles at moderate prices.

The restaurant sits in a part of Charleston where Italian families settled in the early 1900s, and That's Amore carries that history forward. You'll find the same recipes the owners' grandparents brought from Italy, adapted slightly for what grows well in the Lowcountry. The space is small—about a dozen tables—so reservations are necessary on weekends and often on weeknights too.

Key Takeaways

• That's Amore makes fresh pasta and red sauce daily, and the kitchen does not rush orders—expect 30 to 45 minutes for entrées.
• The restaurant takes reservations by phone and fills up most nights, especially Thursday through Saturday.
• Parking on King Street is street parking only; a municipal lot sits one block west on Society Street.
• The wine list features Italian reds and whites under $50, and the restaurant does not charge a corkage fee if you bring your own bottle.
• That's Amore is closed Sundays and Mondays, and lunch service runs Tuesday through Friday only.

What to order and what to expect

The lasagna is the dish regulars order first—layers of fresh pasta, meat ragù, and béchamel, baked until the edges crisp. The chicken parmigiana comes breaded and fried, then topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, served over spaghetti. Both are large enough to share or to take home half. The seafood dishes change based on what's available; shrimp and scallops over linguine with white wine sauce is a standard, and the kitchen will prepare whole fish if you call ahead.

Appetizers include fried calamari, meatballs in marinara, and a simple burrata salad. The kitchen does not serve breadsticks—instead, you get warm Italian bread with olive oil for dipping. Dessert is limited: tiramisu, panna cotta, and spumoni ice cream. Coffee comes strong and hot, and the restaurant does not rush you out after the meal.

Service is unhurried. The kitchen makes everything to order, so a 30- to 45-minute wait for your entrée is normal and intentional. If you are on a tight schedule, call ahead and tell the host how much time you have; they will do their best to time the kitchen accordingly, but they won't may provide it.

Hours, location, and how to reserve

That's Amore is located at 440 King Street, in the block between Calhoun and Huger Streets. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday. Lunch service runs Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reservations are taken by phone at (843) 534-6500. The restaurant does not take reservations online or through third-party apps. Call at least a day ahead for Friday or Saturday dinner; weeknight reservations can often be made the same day. Walk-ins are seated if space is available, but expect a wait of 30 minutes to an hour on busy nights.

Street parking on King Street is metered and limited. The city-run parking lot at 50 Society Street (one block west) has hourly rates and is usually less crowded than street spots. Valet parking is not offered.

Price range and what to bring

Entrées run from $16 to $28, with most falling in the $18 to $24 range. Appetizers are $8 to $14. A bottle of wine averages $28 to $45. A meal for two with one bottle of wine and tip typically costs $70 to $100.

The restaurant has a full bar and serves beer, wine, and cocktails. If you have a bottle of wine you want to drink, call ahead and ask; the owner often waives the corkage fee for customers who bring their own Italian bottles. The restaurant does not have a separate bar seating area—all drinks are served at the table.

The neighborhood and what's nearby

That's Amore sits on King Street in the Ansonborough neighborhood, where Italian immigrants built homes and businesses in the early 1900s. The street today is a mix of restaurants, shops, and galleries. Within a few blocks you'll find other Italian spots, a French bakery, a seafood market, and several antique stores. The neighborhood is walkable, and many visitors park once and explore on foot.

The Aiken-Rhett House, a Civil War–era mansion, is two blocks south. The Old City Market is three blocks east. If you're planning an evening out, you might walk around the neighborhood before or after dinner to get a sense of how this part of Charleston developed.

When to go and what to know before you arrive

Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, and tables turn slowly because the kitchen does not rush. If you want a quieter meal, go Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Lunch is less crowded than dinner and a good option if you want to linger without feeling rushed.

The dining room can be loud when full—it's a small space with high ceilings and hard surfaces, so sound carries. If you prefer a quieter table, mention it when you call to reserve; the host will do what they can, but no table is truly quiet on a busy night.

The restaurant is cash-friendly but takes all major credit cards. There is no separate children's menu, but the kitchen will prepare smaller portions or simpler dishes for young diners if you ask when you arrive. The restaurant is not wheelchair accessible; there is one step at the entrance and the dining room is tight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are seated if a table is open, but expect a 30-minute to one-hour wait on most nights. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially Thursday through Saturday. Call (843) 534-6500 at least a day ahead for weekend dining.

How long does a meal usually take?

Plan for two to two and a half hours from arrival to departure. The kitchen makes everything fresh, so entrées take 30 to 45 minutes. The restaurant does not rush you out, so if you linger over wine or dessert, add another 30 minutes.

Can I bring my own wine?

Yes. Call ahead and ask about corkage; the owner often waives the fee for Italian bottles. The restaurant has a full bar if you prefer to order wine there instead.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking on King Street is metered and limited. The city lot at 50 Society Street (one block west) has hourly rates and is usually easier to find a spot. Valet is not offered.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Call ahead and tell the host about allergies or dietary needs. The kitchen can modify dishes—for example, preparing pasta without cream sauce or omitting certain ingredients. They are accommodating but need advance notice to plan.