Getting the guys on your trip to commit to nightly dinners is a battle not worth fighting, but most groups get together for at least one nice meal. Satisfying everyone can be difficult, but who doesn’t enjoy Italian food?
Whether you want pizza, pasta, cannoli or a calzone, there is something for everyone. Here are five of the Myrtle Beach area’s best Italian restaurants, if you are looking for a quality group dinner.
● Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Ciao is at the top of any list of the area’s best Italian restaurants. The veal calabrese – sauteed with mild Italian sausage, long hot peppers and caramelized onions in a veal demi-marinara sauce over penne pasta – is outstanding, as is the calamari appetizer. You won’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but make sure you call ahead for reservations.
● If your group stays and plays along the North Strand, Chianti South in Little River is the place to go. Since 1997, Chianti has paired outstanding food with a wine list that is the envy of any in the area. The banana peppers stuffed with homemade sausage baked in tomato sauce is the perfect way to start any meal and Zuppa Di Pesce, featuring lobster, shrimp, scallops, squid, mussel and clams over linguini, is the entree recommendation.
● Pawleys Island is renowned for the quality of its restaurants, and Gio’s, a family-owned Italian eatery, is in the conversation with the area’s best. The motto at Gio’s is “Eat Fresh, Eat Local, Eat Well,” and it delivers. There are no bad choices on this menu but here is a vote for “Mama’s Lasagna,” featuring layered pasta, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, ground beef, veal & pork, marinara.
● Crave in Myrtle Beach features an open floor plan, a festive environment, and an outstanding menu. Daily happy hour and live music make Crave a landing spot as soon as your round ends, and
the chicken parm is a treat no matter when you are there.
● Toffino’s in Market Common is by far the most casual of our entries but the pizza is the Myrtle Beach area’s best. Throw in a bakery chock-full of pastries and classic Italian desserts and Toffino’s should be on your list, especially if you want to order take out.
If you enjoy Italian food, Myrtle Beach has a surplus of outstanding options and these five head the list.
Top photo from Gio’s in Pawleys Island Facebook Page
