Finding the right Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach SC can make your trip even more enjoyable, whether you are craving fresh pasta, classic Italian dishes, wood-fired pizza, or a relaxed dinner by the coast. Myrtle Beach has plenty of Italian dining options, but each restaurant offers a different experience, from traditional Roman recipes and homemade pasta to casual pizza, wine, and date-night dining.
To make your choice easier, this guide highlights 5 must-try Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach in 2026 and what makes each one worth considering. You’ll find options for classic Italian food, romantic dinners, family meals, pizza, pasta, and different budgets, so you can choose a restaurant that fits your plans.
Quick Comparison of the Five Spots
| Restaurant | Best for | Atmosphere |
| Villa Romana | Classic Roman dishes, special dinners | Traditional, old-school |
| Toscana Italian Kitchen | Homemade pasta, a relaxed dinner | Cozy, family-owned |
| Crave Italian Oven & Bar | Pizza, cocktails, groups | Lively, modern |
| Portofino Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar | Date night, anniversaries | Upscale, romantic |
| Vicini’s | A quiet meal away from downtown | Quaint, low-key |
1. Villa Romana: The Old-School Roman Classic
Villa Romana is the best pick if you want Italian cooking in the style of Rome. Rinaldo and Fran Montrosse opened it in 1985, and the family has run it ever since. The restaurant draws on the cooking of Rinaldo’s mother, who raised him in Rome. You’ll find it at 707 S Kings Hwy, and you can call (843) 448-4990.
The menu includes saltimbocca alla Romana, potato gnocchi, and ricotta lasagna. A strolling accordionist has long played traditional Italian tunes for guests. A local news report on the restaurant’s Italian dining honors explains how it built its reputation.
It works well for birthdays and anniversaries. It does not suit a fast, casual meal. Yelp tags it as gluten-free friendly, but ask the staff about your specific needs.
2. Toscana Italian Kitchen: Homemade Pasta in a Cozy Setting
Toscana Italian Kitchen is a good choice when you want a dependable pasta dinner. It is family-owned, and it sits at 2703 N Kings Hwy. Reviewers often praise the warm bread with peppered oil, the fried calamari, chicken parmigiana, and linguini with clams. The phone number is (843) 712-2699.
Check the address carefully. Older articles place a restaurant of a similar name at 4209 N Kings Hwy, while current listings show the restaurant at 2703 N Kings Hwy. Use your map app and the current listing, not an old blog post.
The restaurant serves dinner from 4:00 to 10:00 PM. That makes it handy for a late meal after a day at the beach. Guests also mention its happy hour.
3. Crave Italian Oven & Bar: Brick-Oven Pizza and Cocktails
Crave suits groups that want variety. One person can order pizza while another orders a full entrée. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and it offers patio dining and a happy hour. You’ll find it at 7401 N Kings Hwy, and the phone number is (843) 213-0500.
The menu includes brick-oven pizzas, classic pastas, Stuffed Chicken Eleanor, Seafood Pompeii, fried calamari, and arancini. Inspectors noted that gluten-free pasta and spaghetti squash are available as substitutes. The bar is also a draw. The restaurant lists more than 75 whiskeys and bourbons and nearly 100 bottles of wine.
Reservations are suggested, and the restaurant has on-site parking. The official tourism listing has more detail. If you’re staying farther south, note that the owners plan a third Crave at SayeBrook Town Center in spring 2027.
4. Portofino Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: The Date-Night Pick
Portofino is the most polished option on this list. Guests mention live piano music, house-made focaccia, lobster ravioli, and meatballs. An owner and chef from Italy runs the kitchen. The restaurant earned an OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award in 2024. That award is a couple of years old, so treat it as a sign of quality, not a 2026 ranking.
Portofino is at 9734 N Kings Hwy, and you can call (843) 712-1029. One listing shows it opening at 5:00 PM. A local TV feature shows the kitchen and dining room if you want a preview.
It fits couples and small celebrations best. Larger groups with young kids may prefer a livelier room like Crave.
5. Vicini’s: A Quiet Meal Away From Downtown
Vicini’s is the calmer choice. It sits at 5001 N Kings Hwy, Suite 105, and the phone number is (843) 449-0123. Reviewers describe the prices as reasonable, the portions as generous, and the setting as a quiet change from downtown Myrtle Beach.
Guests praise its veal marsala, chicken Alfredo, wood-fired pizzas, gnocchi, and cannoli. Reviewers also say the restaurant is rarely overcrowded and that guests get seated quickly. One listing shows it opening at 4:00 PM.
This is a good place for a relaxed family dinner when you don’t want a long wait.
How to Choose the Right Italian Restaurant for Your Trip
Match the restaurant to the night you want:
- Anniversary or special dinner: Villa Romana or Portofino
- Group with mixed tastes: Crave
- Quiet family dinner: Vicini’s
- Late dinner after the beach: Toscana, which serves until 10 PM
These are editorial recommendations, not official rankings. Your taste and budget matter more than any list.
Practical Tips Before You Go
These small steps can save you time:
- Call ahead for dinner. Several of these spots open in the late afternoon, and Crave suggests reservations.
- Confirm hours and menus. Hours and menus change, especially between seasons.
- Ask about dietary needs. Gluten-free options exist at some of these restaurants, but each kitchen handles them differently.
- Check the address. Kings Highway runs for miles, and several restaurants share similar street numbers.
- If you are planning more meals in Myrtle Beach, you can also compare some of the best Chinese restaurants in Myrtle Beach for noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best Italian food in Myrtle Beach?
The best Italian food depends on your taste. Villa Romana is a strong choice for traditional Italian dishes, while Portofino offers a more refined dining experience.
What is the nicest restaurant in Myrtle Beach?
For an upscale Italian meal, Portofino Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is a strong choice. Villa Romana is another option for classic food and a long-standing dining experience.
Where do the locals go to eat in Myrtle Beach?
Locals enjoy many restaurants across Myrtle Beach, but Villa Romana and Vicini’s are good options for Italian food in a comfortable setting.
What is the most popular Italian restaurant?
Villa Romana is one of the long-established Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Crave and Portofino are also popular choices for different dining styles.
Do Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach take reservations?
Yes, many Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach accept reservations, especially for dinner and busy weekends. It is best to check with the restaurant before visiting.
Final thoughts
If you only have one night, book Villa Romana for a classic Roman meal or Portofino for a more upscale evening. Choose Crave when your group wants pizza, cocktails, and a lively room. Pick Toscana or Vicini’s when you want a comfortable dinner without the crowds.
Whichever you choose, call ahead and confirm the address, hours, and menu. That small step helps you get the most from the Italian Restaurants that make Myrtle Beach worth a dinner reservation.
