Melfi's — Restaurant in Charleston

Melfi's has a service problem from start to finish. Our experience has been iffy. We were treated poorly on a big date night, where we reserved a table and they pushed us to the bar. And I had a solo experience where the bartender was less than friendly, but this last experience on Friday, June 13, 2025 was really awful.

My date and I talked about how the "walk in" sometimes welcome policy was great, and that both of us had managed to grab a table at the bar a few times over the last year, and this was our first choice on where to eat on a Friday night coming off the water starving.

We had regrouped and were well-dressed and ready to grab something good to eat downtown.

We walked in and were both excited to see a restaurant that was more than half empty. My date went to talk to a bartender, and was so happy! Smiling widely, confident we'd be able to belly up -- given how empty it was.

I stayed back and approached the front of house contact who was a tall-ish man in a baby blue suit.

"Hello, We'd like to grab a quick bite," I started. He did not greet me. He did not engage eye contact and instead rudely dismissed me saying it was "impossible" and nothing he could do to squeeze us in.

He didn't look at the pad with reservations -- he just immediately turned his back. Basically, he kicked us out and did so with such a profound lack of respect and professionalism, I had to write this review.

I rarely take the time to do these things, but this was so incredible -- and not in a good way. I don't know if I'll even be back. I mean, Migliori's makes equally good, homemade pasta -- it's not like there aren't other options.

No one deserves to be treated the way we were. I have no idea why he behaved this way, but it was completely unacceptable and not the first time we have had unpleasant experiences with staff at Melfie's. I have even called and talked with the manager in the past, when they pushed us to the bar despite having table reservations for an anniversary dinner we had marked as "special" on the notes section.

Sure, it's a hot spot. And yes, it's mostly well deserved. But we have had service issues and this last one, was so rough! I'll never forget the crestfallen look on my date's face the way we were treated and pushed away. No room? It's OK but how about saying so respectfully?

This front of house experience was something neither one of us will ever forget and it has impacted us both so negatively -- we both determined had to share the experience.

I hope the man in the baby blue suit sees this and realizes the impact his rude behavior had on two formerly regular clients of Melfie's - - because it will be awhile before we come back.

DO...

If I could rate the service at Melfi’s a zero, I would. When I first arrived I was told that the initial wait time for 1 person was about 10 - 15 minutes which I found acceptable. I was patiently waiting outside of the entrance when 2 separate couples arrived well after me. They were told the same wait time as me and were waiting in the same area I was. This is where the experience differed for me and the other patrons. Every few minutes or so the host / Melfi's employee would come outside to start light conversations and update the 2 other groups but not me. Initially, I figured he was not avoiding me on purpose, however, as time passed and he did this every time, it was starting to feel purposeful. He was valuing the other customer's business higher than mine. Though I arrived before everyone, the couple that arrived after me was seated first and then 15 minutes later the 2nd couple was seated. While this was all happening, a 3rd group arrived, a group of 3 women. While that group of women and I were waiting, he started to chat with that group just like the others. The group of 3 and I were all waiting for another 15 minutes or so. Then he comes out and says he has a table for them ready. I was shocked that they still didn’t have a single seat available for me and asked for an update on my table. Instead of addressing me, he goes back into the restaurant, emerges maybe 2 minutes later, points at me and waves me in. With no words exchanged he leads me to my seat at the bar and walks away. To add to his unprofessional behavior, while I was reviewing the menu, I saw him point at me and talk to my server, almost to check if I had ordered. I felt uncomfortable, unwanted and devalued as a customer. The bartenders and server were attentive and kind.

TL;DR I waited for 45 minutes and was ignored by the host until he silently led me to the bar and monitored what I ordered. This restaurant is not worth the hype. If you want to have your time wasted and get treated subpar, this is the...

Melfi’s presents a unique experience full of bursting flavor and a relaxing environment. I have been to Melfi’s once before today and had an amazing time, and this one was no different. Always met with a warm welcome and more than happy to serve you waiters and waitresses . My meal started with a beautiful glass of Aperol Spritz to set me in the Italian mood followed by Arancini, accompanied by Gnudi (a lighter take on the beloved Gnocchi)…. By now I was on my second round of Aperol Spritz and was too full to continue, the portions were perfect…. I just have a smaller stomach. I did follow up after my meal with a small espresso and gelato. I also did take home the delicious Paccheri a ragù based dish with very tender duck within. As I have asked opinions on management from the staff that has waited on me (although I had no doubt they loved them) everyone adored the management team Drisa, and Curtis…. Always the first to jump anywhere that needs help, and to my amazement and a pat on the back to the management team everyone on the team that I saw was laughing and having a great time while always keeping on top of service. Isabella was my server, originally from Italy herself, brought a much appreciated Italian opinion on the dishes and is well versed on selling you on EVERYTHING on the menu, I hope I get her again. Also was privileged to speak with one of the Chefs since I was lucky enough to sit at the “Chefs Counter” her name was Shannon and was she so knowledgeable but also was so great to talk to and was another addition to my wonderful experience! All in all my bill was a little over 100$ so granted a little pricey BUT well worth the expense. I will definitely be back in the future. Your...