Volpe's — Restaurant in Charleston

Trattoria Lucca was my favorite restaurant until they closed so I was super excited for this place. The food was outstanding and exactly what I was hoping for - felt like Lucca again. Our server once we were seated was very nice. Food came out quickly as did wine. I am a huge supporter of their wine policy of showcasing italian wines with all whites priced at $42 and all reds at $48 to encourage people to try things they otherwise wouldn't.

As much as I want to give 4 or 5 starts based on all that, we had an 8pm reservation for 2 and we were not seated until 9pm. There were at least 2 other parties of 2 who were in the same boat and were seated about the same time as us. The hostess appeared to be the only one responsible for bussing tables and looked overwhelmed and poorly trained - in fact while apologizing for the delay in seating our server called out unprompted that the hostess needed better training. She allowed a two top who had paid their bill to stand around their table chatting with some friends they ran into when she easily could have politely pointed out to them that others were waiting for tables and asked them to move it to the bar. When a group of 6 occupying 3 2 tops pushed together left around 8:45pm, knowing that she had several parties waiting well past their reservation time, she proceeded to buss all 3 tables in phases (placemats for all, then back to the kitchen and glassware for all, etc) and took 15 minutes to get any butts in seats. One of those 3 tables she spent time bussing proceeded to remain unoccupied the rest of the night.

It's a small place and the whole time we were there we didn't see anybody who looked like they were responsible for managing the front of house. Nobody touching tables to ask how the food was or apologize for the delay in seating. Again our server was great and did apologize but the absence of a manager seems bizarre especially on a Friday night. I love the food and concept and want this place to succeed but they have a serious problem they need to figure out with the...

Five Stars for Volpe – A Fourth of July Surprise

When you think of the Fourth of July, your mind usually goes to BBQ and fireworks—not elegant Italian dining. And when you’re lactose intolerant, Italian food is rarely your first thought either. But my friend suggested Volpe, so we decided to give it a go—and I’m so glad we did.

From the moment we stepped through the door, the experience was nothing short of spectacular. Wilder, our server, was an absolute gem. His knowledge of the menu (and how to navigate it for my dietary restrictions) was top-tier. He guided us course by course, making thoughtful substitutions without a single fuss. Not only did the kitchen accommodate my needs—they did so with creativity and grace.

We swapped the Caesar for a crisp Italian-dressed romaine salad. The farro dish came beautifully without the provolone picante. Instead of burrata, I was treated to a delicate mushroom agro dolce—sautéed mushrooms in white wine and olive oil with parsley—that could’ve been a dish in its own right. The cucumber and heirloom tomato salad was bright, refreshing, and just enough parmesan to add flavor without upsetting my system.

For the pasta course, they created a dairy-free fusilli primavera—loaded with zucchini, heirloom tomatoes, mushrooms, and garlic in olive oil—that was perfectly balanced. And for our entrées, they seared the tilefish and served both the fish and pork with a vin cotto-dressed arugula salad. Dessert? A divine coconut sorbet that capped everything off.

Wilder also recommended a phenomenal baby Amarone that paired with everything seamlessly—and shockingly didn’t break the bank. His wine knowledge was incredibly impressive, and his warmth and attention made the whole meal even more enjoyable.

This was easily a five-star experience. Volpe turned what could’ve been a culinary challenge into a delightful, celebratory evening. Highly recommend to anyone—dietary...

Volpe’s is worth a try and a great value for upscale dining! Impact statements: “Vern’s but for Italian” and “theres no way we got all this for $69.” Both of which are huge compliments coming from my wife. It’s only a tasting menu, which could turn some off, but the value, portions, and selections make this an easy pleaser. First course was actually the first 3-4, rapid fire.

ceviche - some of the best I’ve ever had! ham, wax beans, grapes, and cheese - this is truly weird but they made it work. One of my wifes faves fried risotto balls - these are exceptional! Perfect level of crust, light creamy center. Not too heavy. home made, real Cesar salad - egg, anchovies, freshly tossed- very few places provide a REAL, hand made cesar. This one impressed me. side of bread - fantastic, flavorful high quality EVOO with some salt. Next course (no picture) was a “deconstructed” spaghetti and meatballs with rigatoni that ate like a ragu. Delish. Mains were a chicken scallopini that ate like a schnitzel and a flounder. Fantastic but a bit overshadowed by the incredible mains. dessert was a decadent chocolate mousse.

Notable items- all wine on menu is same price “to encourage trying”. Never heard pf this, very cool! VERY loud- normal for tight charleston spots, but like Verns and other “bistro” style spots in town, it wont be pin-drop quiet. Packed, and active space.

All in all - $69 per person plus booze and tip, this is an absolute steal in...