Pink Tomato Pizza in South Carolina: Where to Find It and What Makes It Special

What Pink Tomato Pizza Is and Where to Order It

Pink Tomato is a pizza restaurant with locations across South Carolina that serves Neapolitan-style pizza alongside Italian appetizers, salads, and desserts. The name refers to the restaurant's signature approach to tomato sauce—a lighter, creamier blend that sits between traditional red sauce and white sauce, often made with San Marzano tomatoes, cream, and garlic. Pink Tomato locations operate in Charleston, Columbia, and the Lowcountry, each with its own dining room and bar program.

The restaurant focuses on wood-fired ovens and imported ingredients. Pizzas are built to order and cooked at high heat, typically ready in minutes. Beyond pizza, the menu includes burrata salads, cured meats, fresh pasta, and Italian wines selected to pair with the food. Most locations offer dine-in seating, takeout, and in some cases, delivery through third-party apps.

Key Takeaways

• Pink Tomato serves Neapolitan pizza with a signature pink sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and garlic rather than traditional red or white sauce alone.
• The restaurant operates multiple locations in Charleston and Columbia, each with a full bar and Italian wine selection.
• Pizzas are wood-fired and cooked quickly; the menu also includes salads, cured meats, fresh pasta, and Italian desserts.
• You can order for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, depending on the location and current hours.

Pink Tomato Locations in Charleston

The original Pink Tomato opened in downtown Charleston on King Street, in the heart of the restaurant district. This location has a full dining room with wood-fired pizza ovens visible from the dining area, a bar with Italian wines and cocktails, and street-level seating during warmer months. The space reflects the restaurant's focus on casual-elegant Italian dining—exposed brick, warm lighting, and an open kitchen.

A second Charleston location operates in the Lowcountry, serving the Mount Pleasant and surrounding communities. Both locations maintain the same menu and wood-fired cooking method, though hours and reservation policies may differ. During peak season (spring and fall), both locations can fill quickly, especially on weekends.

Pink Tomato in Columbia

Pink Tomato's Columbia location brings the same Neapolitan pizza and Italian menu to the state capital. The restaurant sits in a central location with parking and a full bar. Like the Charleston locations, it features wood-fired ovens and a focus on imported ingredients and fresh preparation.

The Columbia location operates year-round and serves both the downtown dining crowd and families from surrounding neighborhoods. Hours typically run from late afternoon through evening, with extended hours on weekends. Reservations are recommended for groups or peak dining times.

The Pink Sauce: What Sets It Apart

Pink Tomato's signature sauce is neither red nor white—it blends crushed San Marzano tomatoes with heavy cream, garlic, and sometimes a touch of butter or olive oil. The result is a sauce that tastes lighter and richer than traditional marinara, with a subtle sweetness from the tomatoes and a silky texture from the cream. This sauce works well with both vegetable toppings and cured meats, and it does not overpower delicate cheeses like fresh mozzarella or burrata.

The pink sauce appears on many of Pink Tomato's signature pizzas, though the menu also offers traditional red sauce options and white (cream-based) pizzas. Customers can request the pink sauce on custom pizzas as well. The sauce is made fresh in-house and reflects the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients over shortcuts.

Menu Beyond Pizza

While pizza is the main draw, Pink Tomato's menu includes several Italian dishes worth ordering. Burrata salads feature creamy burrata cheese with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Cured meat and cheese boards showcase prosciutto, salami, and imported cheeses paired with bread and olives. Fresh pasta dishes rotate seasonally and often include options like cacio e pepe, carbonara, or seafood preparations.

Appetizers include fried calamari, meatballs, and roasted vegetables. For dessert, the restaurant offers Italian classics like tiramisu and panna cotta. The wine list focuses on Italian regions and includes options by the glass and bottle. The bar also serves cocktails built around Italian spirits like Aperol and Campari.

Hours, Reservations, and What to Expect

Pink Tomato locations typically open in late afternoon (around 4 or 5 p.m.) and stay open through dinner service. Hours vary by location and season, so checking the restaurant's website or calling ahead is important, especially in winter when some locations may have reduced hours. Most locations close between lunch and dinner service.

Reservations are accepted and recommended, particularly for groups larger than four or for weekend dining. Walk-ins are welcome when space is available, but wait times can run 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. The restaurant does not take reservations through third-party apps; call the location directly or use the reservation system on their website.

Parking and Accessibility

The downtown Charleston location on King Street has limited street parking and nearby paid lots. The Mount Pleasant location and Columbia location both have dedicated parking areas. All locations are designed to accommodate diners with mobility needs, though the downtown Charleston space has multiple levels connected by stairs—call ahead if you need to confirm accessibility options.

Takeout orders can be placed by phone or through the restaurant's website. Pickup times are typically 15 to 30 minutes after ordering. Some locations offer delivery through third-party apps, though ordering directly from the restaurant often results in faster service and better pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get pink sauce on any pizza?

Yes. While pink sauce appears on several signature pizzas, you can request it on custom pizzas as well. The kitchen can substitute pink sauce for red or white sauce on most combinations. Ask your server or mention it when ordering.

Do I need a reservation to eat at Pink Tomato?

Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended, especially for groups or weekend dining. Walk-ins are seated when tables are available, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times. Call the location directly to reserve a table.

Are there vegetarian or vegan pizza options?

Yes. Pink Tomato offers several vegetable-based pizzas and can build custom pizzas with vegetables, olive oil, and garlic. The pink sauce contains cream, so it is not vegan, but the kitchen can prepare pizzas with red sauce or olive oil instead. Mention dietary preferences when ordering.

What is the price range for a pizza?

Prices vary by size and toppings, but most pizzas fall in the mid-range for Neapolitan-style restaurants in South Carolina. Expect to pay more for specialty toppings like cured meats or burrata. Appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes are priced separately.

Can I order Pink Tomato pizza for delivery?

Delivery availability depends on the location. Some locations offer delivery through third-party apps; others offer takeout only. Call the location nearest you to confirm delivery options, or check the restaurant's website for current service areas.