Pizzeria 90 in Charleston: Neapolitan Pizza and Italian Classics

What Pizzeria 90 offers

Pizzeria 90 is a Neapolitan-style pizzeria in downtown Charleston that makes pizza in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy. The restaurant focuses on traditional Italian techniques—long fermentation of dough, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella—rather than the thicker, breadier styles common in American pizza chains. The menu includes about a dozen pizzas, plus appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes, with an Italian wine list and beer selection.

The dining room has an open kitchen where you can watch the pizza makers work. The space is casual but polished, with exposed brick and warm lighting. Pizzeria 90 draws both locals and visitors, and the restaurant takes reservations, which is useful on weekends when the small space fills quickly.

Key Takeaways

• Pizzeria 90 specializes in Neapolitan pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven, with a menu that changes seasonally but always includes several signature pies.
• The restaurant is located in downtown Charleston and accepts reservations, which are recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings.
• Beyond pizza, the menu includes Italian appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes, plus wine and beer chosen to pair with the food.
• The open kitchen lets you see the pizza makers at work, and the casual-but-refined atmosphere suits both a quick dinner and a longer meal.

The pizza menu and how it works

Pizzeria 90 rotates its pizza offerings seasonally, so the exact lineup changes throughout the year. The restaurant typically offers both classic Neapolitan styles—Margherita, Marinara—and house creations that might feature local or seasonal ingredients. Pizzas are individual-sized, cooked at high heat in the wood-fired oven, and arrive at your table with a slightly charred crust and toppings that stay distinct rather than melting into a uniform layer.

If you are unfamiliar with Neapolitan pizza, expect a thinner, airier crust than American pizza, with less cheese and sauce than you might be used to. The flavors of individual ingredients—the tomato, the basil, the olive oil—come through more clearly. Pizzeria 90's menu descriptions are straightforward, so you can see what goes on each pie before you order. The high-heat cooking happens fast, so pizzas typically arrive within 10 to 15 minutes of ordering.

Other food and drinks

The appetizer list typically includes items like burrata, cured meats, and fried items—the kinds of things meant to share or eat while you wait for pizza. Salads are simple, often built around seasonal greens and a few high-quality toppings. The pasta menu is smaller than the pizza menu but includes dishes like cacio e pepe and other Italian classics made fresh in-house.

The wine list leans Italian, with selections from regions like Campania and Piedmont that pair well with Neapolitan pizza and the restaurant's other dishes. Beer options include both Italian imports and local craft selections. Soft drinks and Italian sodas are also available. The staff can suggest pairings if you ask.

Location, hours, and reservations

Pizzeria 90 is located in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of the historic district and other restaurants and shops. The restaurant is open for dinner most days of the week, though hours vary by season. Reservations can be made through the restaurant's website or by phone, and they are strongly recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings, when the small dining room reaches capacity.

If you arrive without a reservation on a busy night, you may be put on a waitlist. The restaurant does not take walk-in reservations for large groups, so calling ahead is the best approach if you are planning to come with six or more people. Expect a wait of 30 minutes to an hour during peak times without a reservation.

What to expect when you visit

Pizzeria 90 is a casual restaurant, but not a grab-and-go spot. Meals typically last an hour or more, especially if you order appetizers and wine. The open kitchen means the space can be warm and a bit loud, particularly during busy service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and wine list and can answer questions about ingredients or preparation.

Parking in downtown Charleston can be tight, so plan accordingly. Street parking is available but may require walking a few blocks. Several paid lots are nearby if you prefer may provide parking. The restaurant is accessible by car, and valet parking is not offered, so you will need to find your own spot.

Price range and payment

Pizzeria 90 is moderately priced for Charleston's restaurant scene. Individual pizzas typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on toppings. Appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes fall in a similar range. Wine by the glass runs from about $8 to $16, and bottles are priced accordingly. The restaurant accepts credit cards and cash.

There is no cover charge or mandatory gratuity, though tipping is customary. The total cost for two people—two pizzas, a salad, and wine—typically runs $50 to $80 before tax and tip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at Pizzeria 90?

Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you arrive without one during a busy time, you may wait 30 minutes or longer. Calling ahead takes a few minutes and guarantees a table.

Is Pizzeria 90 good for groups?

Yes, though large groups should call ahead. The restaurant does not hold walk-in reservations for parties of six or more. The pizzas are individual-sized, so everyone orders their own, and the casual atmosphere works well for group dining.

Can I get pizza to go?

Pizzeria 90 primarily operates as a dine-in restaurant. Takeout may be available depending on the day and time, so it is worth calling to ask, but the restaurant is designed around the experience of eating in the dining room.

What is the difference between Neapolitan pizza and regular pizza?

Neapolitan pizza has a thinner, airier crust, less cheese and sauce, and toppings that stay distinct rather than melting together. The flavors of individual ingredients come through more clearly. It is cooked at very high heat in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a slightly charred crust and a different texture than American-style pizza.

Does Pizzeria 90 have vegetarian options?

Yes. The menu includes vegetarian pizzas and salads, and the kitchen can modify pizzas to suit dietary preferences. Calling ahead or asking your server about options ensures you get what you want.