My Husband, my parents and I went out for a happy celebratory dinner tonight and were so thrilled with the service and food quality of Cuoco Pazzo, I couldn't stop myself from reviewing right away! We arrived a bit late for dinner (probably an hour, give or take, before closing) but the service was still fantastic! Our server was Karen and she was so perfectly attentive - not too hovery but never too out of touch. And the food was truly a delight! We started off with some oven warm crusty Italian bread served with olive oil and grated Italian cheese. Then our entrees arrived and each was even more impressive than the last! My mom's seafood laden spaghetti was beautiful, Dad's lasagna was to do fire, my husband's veal saltimbucca was amazing, and my sausage plate with spaghetti was fantastic! We're seriously considering the logistics of this place catering our future house warming in Summerville, it was so wonderful! AND... the restroom was well maintained, clean, and nicely decorated... even had an extra chair for your purse! Overall, this is a no-brainer 5 stars. Excellent service, beautifully delicious food, completely affordable, and a clean, well-kept bathroom. We will definitely be visiting again! read more

This place has changed ownership within the past several years. The former Chef, David, owns it now (and has for a few years). I''m good friends with the first owner. He and I had dinner there this evening. The second owner had/has a few restaurants around town. He's a great friend of mine, as well - we were actually partners at Cousin Vinnie's - a restaurant which had a brief existence circa 2001/2002,with a similar menu (but clearly not similar quality). If my food were like Cuoco Pazzo's is now, we'd still be there and David would probably be working for us. But it wasn't close. There's no comparison to the current food "Davidu" serves with either my place, or the Cuoco Pazzo of several years ago. Its in another league. As I said, Joe Meli (the first owner) and I ate there tonight. No special treatment; ;the employees didn't even recognize him. The place was packed (it only seats 42 according to David). Nevertheless, the food was excellent. I don't live in Charleston any more - I've relocated to Tampa about 10 years ago. But I am back in town for business or visiting every few months. This will be a permanent stop. If you live anywhere in Charleston, this is is the place to go for GREAT authentic Italian food; fresh pasta, sauces, veal, chicken, beef and seafood. I had a special, shrimp with large pasta in a red, or as the waiter said, "orange" sauce - nothing to do with oranges ("Cherry tomato and wine). It was Molto Bene. Actually it was Superb. My friend had a pasta dish, Fettuccine Boscaiola, which was terrific also; it is a heavier dish, life fettucine Alfredo. At $16 it could be split two or three ways as an app. Don't know how happy they'll be about me suggesting that. We had a couple of drinks and a couple of apps, including the carpaccio, which was also a special. It was done perfectly, with crostini, capers and onions. The bill was about $65 before tip; probably about the same as chain Italian restaurants, BUT SO MUCH BETTER. I would highly recommend reservations, at least on the weekend. Unfortunately I saw at least a dozen people come in, and decide not to wait. The Negatives: its small, and there's not really a bar area to wait at (We actually occupied the sole two seats at the bar for the whole night, and ate there.) While they serve liquor, the selection is limited. Top shelf brands, but very few choices. The Positives: everything I said above, plus the smallness actually adds to the atmosphere. The owner cooks the food himself every night - its not going to matter when you come - so maybe you should try it out on a week night when they're probably slower., and you can just walk in. Congratulations - you really nailed it - and continued good luck with this, David. -Peter read more

Had wanted to try this place for awhile and glad we did. The food was great, try the Chicken Marsala and the Carbonara. Price was very comparable to other places in the area for the dishes. The only thing negative was they ran out of Tiramisu. read more

Absolutely amazing!!! I am a faithful customer to this awesome restaurant because the staff is so sweet, they treat you like family. On top of feeling so welcome, the food tastes phenomenal. They work with you to make sure you are eating exactly what you want. They ensure that you are satisfied with everything that touches your plate. read more

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The cozy trattoria like atmosphere lended itself well to what came out of the kitchen. It did help that there was some heavy Italian accents emanating from the kitchen. Authentic scents and smells helped as well. And WOW, when the plates came to table, they were on par with some $50+ a dish dining establishments. Really, no joke here. Our server was Karen (a native of Peru) so that SouthAmerican accent was welcome in the place (only the discerned traveler could figure out the difference). She was pleasant, attentive and generally of happy disposition (ie, she liked her job and it was obvious). My wife ordered the Bruschetta as she wanted to eat light. I ordered the Special of the day... Mussels and Scallops over angle hair pasta in a white sauce (Capellini Alla Napoletana). OMG... yes OMG... it was so good and a belly filler. Must return for more of this amazing food at a reasonable price. My dish was $23 and worth every penny. Sharon's Bruschetta was $9 (a bit high for what it was). But we still managed to dine under $36 for 2. On the Saleeby Scale: Will have to give this one a 9/10 for Food alone and a 8/10 for everything else. Bravo! Ciao, JP & Sharon read more

This place is fantastic! The food is some of the best Italian around and the restaurant has a cute and intimate ambience. I came here for a small birthday dinner with family and was very impressed with the service and dressy casual laid back atmosphere. The only thing I would change would be the volume of the music, turn it up. I don't like loud places, but it was as quiet as a church. I will definitely be back and am happy to have found such a great little Italian place. It is completely unassuming in the strip mall and a little hard to find. Amazing fettuccine alfredo with shrimp, perfection! read more

Had occasion to dine here last evening. The only reason I don't give this place the full five stars is because I did not receive the dish I ordered, which was Veal Saltimbocca, however, the dish I did receive, Veal Marsala, was absolutely fantastic. This place was BUSY, especially given it was a Sunday night. Granted, it is a small space, and if you are a party of two and have the "luck" of arriving after all of the tables along the outside walls are seated, you're going to get to know the neighbors you will dine alongside (VERY CLOSELY) in the inside middle aisle very well. But this part of our experience only increased my excitement, for everybody was admiring one another's plates from table to table, while all eyes were fixed on the kitchen doors to see whose was coming out next and how yummy it looked! People were talking across the room from table to table the whole night. I felt like a guest in somebody's personal home kitchen and it was a great added bonus to the night. My friend ordered the Manicotti and said they were delicious, making a point of mentioning the red sauce several times. We started with basic Bruschetta which was a reasonably priced and exceptionally tasty first course - also very filling. We did not leave room for dessert, but next time, absolutely will. I say this now because of the lady at an adjacent table who ordered her dessert (no doubt because she knew they'd run out before she finished her meal) and had it delivered to the table before the wine was even served - Limon cello Cake. I am excited about Cuoco Pazzo. I am excited about having a true to goodness Italian place within minutes of home and in a way, would love to have it kept a secret so we can always get a table! read more

This is consistently authentic, delicious and service is excellent. You will not be disappointed. This is my family's go to Italian restaurant when we vacation at Wild Dunes. We love this place!! read more

Words could never do this place justice. Italian food is my absolute favorite food any time of year and for any occasion. On our last day in Charleston (staying on Daniel Island) I did a quick yelp search for italian restaurants and I have to be honest when I say that Cuoco Pazzo wasn't my first choice, but the others were closed on Monday. Thank God for that otherwise we never would've gotten the chance to try this fantastic food. My husband got the lasagna while I opted for the fettuccine, but we ended up sharing as both were too amazing to have just one bite. The lasagna sheets we're so light they melted in your mouth and the meat sauce was perfect. Alfredo usually sets heavy and I can rarely finish a whole plate, but I would have made room for more had we not cleared our plates. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this food. Don't let the outside or the fact that it's in a strip mall fool you--this is truly a hidden gem. read more

We went there with friends, and felt so uncomfortable in a booth that wasn't made for six adults. The booths are right out in the middle of the restaurant, and we felt crowded, and like others could hear everything we said. The server must have been new. He tried, but needs to polish his ways. The app we ordered was like prefab shrimp, and had an unpleasant breading. Also had lobster ravioli, and it was tasteless. Right off a truck, frozen, and reheated I suspect. Everyone liked their veal dishes and the salads were just okay. We tried hard to be favorably impressed, but this place missed the mark. read more

Absolutely delicious food and exceptional service. Authentic Italian food- served attentively. What a nice surprise on our vacation. Don't let the location fool you. read more

Veal Parmigiana was a B- Veal saltimobocca tasted like barf. Also, cannoli was pretty bad.

Went here while in town visiting family. Ordered the Frittura di Calamari and the Fettuccine Alfredo. My in-laws suggested this place and they love the lasagna. IMO, the food was good but not as great as some people hyped it up to be. Maybe I will try another dish next time I'm in town. The wine was great though! If you're a red wine drinker, I'd suggest Masciarelli Montepulciano from the drinks menu. Oh and service was great! read more

Such an authentic Italian flavor in every bite. From the appetizers all the way to dessert! Their red sauce is on point, robust in flavor! We loved the manicotti most and the tiramisu was the perfect ending that melted in your mouth! read more

Don't really get it. I tried this place for the first time because of the high ratings but was very disappointed with the quality of the food. I ordered Veal Parmigiana with a side of Spaghetti. The Veal is advertised as pan fried which to me, is the best way to prepare however the most time consuming. The dish came out about 11 minutes after I placed my order. The Veal was grizzly and lacked flavor. The spaghetti was way over cooked and had a mushy tasteless consistency. I suspect both items were prepare hours before and simply warmed up In boiling water, microwave or deep fryer. In spite of this I may return to try one of there specials maybe they are made fresh to order. read more

We started with an appetizer of Mussels in a white wine sauce which were awesome. After that, my date and I ordered our entrees. My date's pasta came out with the wrong sauce on it. With no hesitation the waiter made it right and as an apology he took her pasta, the appetizer, and the tiramisu off of the check. The place was busy but very well taken care of. We will be back soon read more

Went there At 5:00 this evening. The service was very prompt. Our server, Casey, was delightful. He was informative, well versed in the menu, and was just the correct amount of attentive. Seven ladies had a variety of entrees and all were described as delicious! Hope to go back soon! read more

Friends turned us onto this place a couple years ago, and finding ourselves back in Mount Pleasant my daughter requested it for dinner. Although there were open tables when we arrived, they all seemed to be reserved for large parties so when offered outside seating it was our only option. Dining alone fresco at a strip mall in South Carolina isn't quite like dining al fresco in Italy but it was a lovely evening and our server Antonio was extremely attentive. I had the manicotti, which was delicious. I typically don't like tomato sauce but this restaurants is so good that I had to stop myself from wiping up the leftovers with my fingers. My daughter had spaghetti, which she pronounced delicious. We walked away sated and happy that we had returned to an old favorite and that it was just as good as we remembered. read more

During our recent visit to IOP, we discovered this amazing place! We loved it so much we ate here twice! Our server was John, who was very knowledgeable about the menu and has great recommendations. We felt very safe dining on the patio, as we have chosen not to dine inside during the pandemic. We enjoyed the Frittura di Calamari, Pollo al Marsala, Manicotti all forno, Veal Scallopini (Special of the night), Limoncello cake. It was all outstanding! We can't wait for a return visit! read more

My wife and I are celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary and did not know what to do during the COVID 19 out break. I told my wife to order take out from her favorite restaurant which is Cuoco Pazzo. They told her they are closed Monday during this time but would come in and make our dinner since it was such a special occasion Chef Davide did an incredible job with veal Parm and veal saltimbocca. They made our special day all that more special, thank you read more

Found this place through Yelp while on vacation in Charelston SC last month. WHAT A FIND!!! This is some of the best italian I have ever had! The food was extraodinary with large portions. I had the lasgana which melted in my mouth. My husband had veal saltimbacco which was A-MAZ-ING!! The chef greeted us after cooking our meals and he was a delight. We plan another trip in December and this is a definite stop! Now....if he'd just relocate to Virginia! read more

This is as close to Italian as you'll get. I highly recommend the chocolate mousse. My family devoured it very quickly. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was perfect. read more

Excellent service from KC, everything was delicious. The fresh baked bread, the Portobello mushroom appetizer over greens with sliced Prosciutto, I had the Mahi with scallops and Shrimp with a lemon butter sauce, Kathy had the veal and she left none! For dessert we shared the Chocolate "egg". I would recommend this to anyone looking to enjoy and excellent meal. read more

Came for dinner on Friday night in the summer. Called ahead and there was no wait. Lace is small but has an intimate feel. Appetizer was a trio of olive miste coarser salad and prosciutto. Wish the olives weren't pitted, but the flavor was very tasty! My wife enjoyed the snapper in aioli sauce and I had veal Marsala in a reduction sauce which was extremely robust. Adding a star for gluten-free spaghetti. read more

One word - outstanding! My wife and I ordered the shrimp Alfredo and it was amazing. Flavorful, hot and presented beautifully. Service was impeccable, looking forward to returning. read more

We found this place based on Yelp reviews and the food was amazing, service was fantastic and the prices were fair. The ambiance is very nice and we will certainly visit again. read more

This was an awesome experience. We were greeted and felt right at home. We sat on one of the patio dining areas. We were greeted by Jefe and he revived the special. The veal parmigiana was awesome. The seafood special (sea bass, salmon and shrimp) in a piccata sauce was also five star. I even got a chance to sample the Marsala and that will defiantly be my next meal. This is a must stop when your in Mount Pleasant. read more

The service was great, to go along with a delicious bottle of wine recommended by our server, as well as the best plate of Penne alla Puttanesca I've ever had! I love to hear about all of their fun specials, and try something new every time I'm in! I love that they have authentic food, and lots of vegetarian options! read more

If you asked me 2 yrs. ago if this was a good Italian Restaurant (which are not many in the area) I would have said a definite yes........the last two times have been disappointing.....I know they try their best, but it's becoming a less and less presenting good dishes. The veal is tough, a lamb rollatini was dry & chewy with the silver skin not trimmed off. Please tell me where in Mt. P. there is a good Italian restaurant? I mean old world, like "My Nana made", good food..great flavors....C/P is just not hitting the mark anymore. read more

Don't let the location in a strip mall turn you off - the food is unbelievably good. I didn't find the portions too small, like one reviewer said. We ordered two appetizers - the bruschetta, which came with 4 slices, and the olives mista, which was a large mound of marinated olives on a bed of lettuce. Dinner was the veal special, which came with penne pasta on the side, and the Shrimp Alfredo, which had 6 large shrimp on it, and so must pasta I couldn't finish it. The food tasted great, and the service was good - disappointed no one sang for us, but the chef did come out to see how everything was. Oh - and the bread is incredible. Hot from the oven, crusty outside, chewy inside, didn't want to eat it, but just couldn't resist. A worthy splurge. read more

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We visited one night in mid-March while on vacation. Seems like a local place. When we walked in they were slammed - every table but one was taken.The staff seemed a bit overwhelmed, and we were a bit skeptical at what we'd get. But despite some service glitches, and waiting a bit longer than we expected, we liked this place. The food was delicious - we both had veal. The veal was cooked perfectly, and was as thin and tasty as I've gotten in New York, (my base line for veal dishes.) The pasta was cooked perfectly - no water in the bottom of the plate - and the sauces were very tasty. My husband had Veal Parm that he thought had a bit too much sauce. I had the Veal Marsala which was fantastic! The Chianti was delicious, as was the bread basket. Prices were moderate for a white-tablecloth Italian place. I would definitely have gone back if we'd stayed longer. read more

The food was awesome but our service was terrible! All the other server guys seemed very nice and attentive but not the lady we had. She only had 2 tables and still never filled up my water. She literally did not check on us for 20 minutes at a time. She sat and talked to the ladies at her other table the entire time. At one point she actually went outside for 15 minutes. I didn't ask for anything extra or special - I just assumed I would at least get my empty cup refilled. If I ever go back - because my food was amazing- I will specifically ask for a different server!!! read more

Always a fine meal well prepared and delicious. Recently Davido did my husband's memorial luncheon for 50. Raves from everyone and the majority were Italian. This tells you how authentic his food is read more

I just love this place. Small intimate setting and food that I'm sure was from their momma's recipes. We love the calamari and I usually order the Veal Marsala. So tender and tasty! My friend gets the spaghetti with meatballs and for a few dollars more they will put it in a meat sauce. Yum! read more

Delicioso! Our waiter, Antonio, was very pleasant and knowledgeable! Food was excellent, very authentic Italian. Coffee and desserts were phenomenal. Definitely recommend. read more

Found a bug in our salad and the waiter said "it's just a Knat. Will not be back. The food was plain and nothing to really write about.

Looks like a hole in the wall from the street, but the food is fantastic, the wait staff are attentive, and the ambience inside is great. Every time I've gone they've been full - which tells you something - but they've managed to fit us in. My wife and I love this place. I highly recommend it. read more

A.MAZE.ING. My boyfriend and I went to Cuoco Pazzo, tonight, on a whim. I was in the mood to enjoy some Italian food and drink some wine. The place that came to mind was closed on Mondays, so the search for a new Italian place commenced. Cuoco Pazzo was well reviewed, here on Yelp, so we gave it a try. LOVED IT! Even though we were the only diners at 9:00 on a Monday night, we received enthusiastic, yet genuinely Italian, service. Each of us ordered one of the nightly specials and were thrilled. Chef Davide came through with a gorgeous meal, and our server, Angelica, made sure to point me in the direction of a wonderful wine from her native Sicilia. You MUST visit Cuoco Pazzo the next time you have a craving for a genuine Italian meal. And Don't skip dessert. We will certainly be returning to my new favorite Mt. Pleasant restaurant. :) read more

The portions could be a tiny bit larger but the flavor and quality more than make up for it. Also, the wait staff are magnificent!! Definitely a place to go for delicious Italian cuisine. Oh and the bread is great too. read more

Received excellent food and service. The carbonara is delicious and very rich. *chefs kiss*