Daniello's Pizzeria and Pub: Wood-Fired Pizza and Local Craft Beer in Downtown Charleston

What to expect at Daniello's

Daniello's Pizzeria and Pub sits on King Street in downtown Charleston and serves wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza alongside a rotating selection of South Carolina craft beers. The restaurant's brick oven, imported from Italy, reaches temperatures that cook pizzas in under three minutes. The menu balances traditional Italian pies—margherita, quattro formaggi, prosciutto e rucola—with Charleston-inspired variations that use local produce and proteins when available.

The space itself is casual and lively, with exposed brick walls, a full bar, and large windows that open onto King Street. You'll find families eating early, groups of friends lingering over beer, and solo diners at the bar. The noise level runs high during dinner service, especially on weekends, so it's not the place for a quiet conversation, but it's exactly the kind of place where that energy feels right.

Daniello's also serves appetizers, salads, and a small selection of Italian entrées beyond pizza. The wine list focuses on Italian bottles, and the beer selection emphasizes breweries from across South Carolina—places like Westbrook Brewing, Palmetto Brewing, and Holy City Brewing rotate through the taps.

Key Takeaways

• Daniello's uses a wood-fired brick oven imported from Italy to cook Neapolitan-style pizzas in under three minutes.
• The restaurant features a rotating selection of South Carolina craft beers on tap, with an emphasis on local breweries.
• The menu includes both traditional Italian pizzas and Charleston-inspired variations made with local ingredients.
• The downtown King Street location has a casual, high-energy atmosphere that fills up quickly during dinner service and weekends.

Hours and location

Daniello's is located at 440 King Street in downtown Charleston's historic district, within walking distance of the Market Hall and the City Market. Street parking on King Street fills quickly during dinner hours, but there are several paid lots nearby—the Saks Parking Garage and the King Street Parking Garage are both within a block.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Hours typically run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, though it's worth calling ahead during holidays or special events, as hours can shift. The bar stays open slightly later than the kitchen.

What the pizza tastes like

The crust at Daniello's has the characteristic leopard-spotted char of a wood-fired oven—dark, blistered patches against a lighter base. The dough is chewy rather than crispy, with a slight char on the bottom and a softer, airier crumb inside. The high heat means the toppings cook quickly, so cheese stays creamy and vegetables retain some texture rather than wilting into the sauce.

The margherita is the baseline: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. It's simple enough that the quality of each ingredient shows. The quattro formaggi layers mozzarella, ricotta, gorgonzola, and pecorino, which creates a richer, more complex bite. The prosciutto e rucola arrives with the prosciutto draped on top after the pizza comes out of the oven, so it stays tender and doesn't crisp up.

Charleston-specific pizzas change with the seasons and what's available locally. Past versions have included shrimp with local corn and roasted peppers, or pulled pork with collard greens and a drizzle of hot sauce. These aren't gimmicks—they work because the wood-fired oven's heat keeps the cooking time short enough that fresh ingredients don't overcook.

Pairing pizza with South Carolina beer

Daniello's beer list rotates, but you'll typically find IPAs, pale ales, lagers, and stouts from breweries across the state. Westbrook Brewing's Gose, a salty wheat beer, pairs well with the margherita or any pizza with seafood. Holy City Brewing's Pluff Mud Porter, a dark beer with chocolate and coffee notes, complements the richer cheese pizzas. Palmetto Brewing's Palmetto Amber, a lighter option, works as a neutral pairing that won't overpower any pizza on the menu.

The bartenders at Daniello's know the beer list and can suggest pairings if you ask. The beer prices are standard for downtown Charleston—expect to pay $6 to $9 for a pint, depending on the brewery and style. The wine list skews Italian, with bottles in the $35 to $70 range, though there are a few options under $30 by the glass.

When to go and what to know

Lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is quieter than dinner and a good time to go if you want to sit and eat without shouting. The wait is usually short, and you can get a table without a reservation. Dinner service starts around 5 p.m., and the restaurant fills up by 6:30 p.m., especially Thursday through Saturday. If you're planning to eat between 6 and 8 p.m. on a weekend, call ahead or arrive early—Daniello's does not take reservations, so seating is first-come, first-served.

The restaurant is cash and card. Parking on King Street itself is metered and limited; the nearby parking garages charge by the hour. If you're coming from outside downtown, the CARTA bus system serves King Street, and the restaurant is walkable from most downtown hotels.

Daniello's is a casual spot, so there's no dress code. The noise level and the bar-forward atmosphere make it better suited for groups or solo diners than for very young children, though families do eat there during earlier hours.

Other things to eat besides pizza

The appetizer menu typically includes burrata with heirloom tomatoes, fried calamari, and bruschetta. The salads are straightforward—arugula with shaved parmesan, a caprese salad—and meant as starters rather than full meals. Daniello's also serves a few pasta dishes and Italian entrées like chicken piccata or branzino, though the pizza is what the kitchen is built around and what most people order.

Dessert is limited—usually panna cotta or tiramisu—and the focus is on getting you fed and moving, which fits the casual, high-turnover vibe of the place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a reservation at Daniello's?

No, Daniello's operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're planning to go during peak dinner hours (6 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday), arriving early or calling ahead to ask about the current wait is a good idea, but you cannot hold a table in advance.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking on King Street is metered and fills quickly. The Saks Parking Garage and King Street Parking Garage are both within one block and charge by the hour. If you're staying downtown, the restaurant is walkable from most hotels.

What's the best pizza to order if I'm new to Daniello's?

Start with the margherita to taste the quality of the dough and the basic ingredients. If you like it, try one of the Charleston-inspired pizzas to see how the kitchen adapts local ingredients to the wood-fired oven. The prosciutto e rucola is also a reliable choice if you want something beyond the classic.

Does Daniello's have vegetarian pizza options?

Yes. The margherita is vegetarian, and the menu usually includes at least one or two other vegetarian pizzas that rotate with the seasons. Ask your server what's available that night.

What's the noise level like?

Daniello's is loud, especially during dinner service. The brick walls and bar atmosphere mean sound carries, and the restaurant fills with conversation and the sounds of the kitchen. It's a lively, social space, not a quiet one.