Post-Round Dining: 7 of the Best Locally-Owned Italian Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
If you prefer to skip the chains, here are seven local favorites you'll be happy you visited for your post-round meal.
Sure, you could pull into a national chain for your Italian food fix in this area. But Myrtle Beach has something more compelling: a genuine roster of family-owned, locally operated Italian restaurants that have been perfecting their recipes for decades, not focus-testing them in a corporate test kitchen. If you prefer to skip the chains after your round, here are the local favorites worth seeking out instead.
Villa Romana
Serving Roman-style dishes since 1985, Villa Romana is one of the most established family-owned Italian spots in the Myrtle Beach area. Located near Family Kingdom, the restaurant leans on genuine family recipes passed down through the generations — and if you're lucky, you might even get serenaded tableside by the house accordion player. Few restaurants in Myrtle Beach can match that kind of old-school, authentic charm.
Ciao Italian Restaurant
A true local favorite for more than 15 years, Ciao has built a loyal following through from-scratch Italian dishes and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. It consistently ranks among the very top restaurants in Myrtle Beach on review sites, and its lesser-known menu items (like spinach and walnut ravioli) show a kitchen willing to go beyond standard red-sauce fare.
Vicini's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
Family-owned and operated since 2015, Vicini's has built a devoted following on North Kings Highway with scratch-made Italian dishes and brick-oven pizzas. Everything from the bread to the mozzarella is made in-house, and the cozy, intimate setting has earned it a reputation as one of the area’s most consistent hidden gems — the kind of place regulars return to year after year.
Luigi's Trattoria
Family-owned Luigi's Trattoria on 61st Avenue North has built a reputation as one of Myrtle Beach's most beloved restaurants, known for its outdoor seating, warm decor, and dishes like Chicken Saltimbocca and Lobster Stuffed Ravioli. With more than 50 wine selections on the list, it's also a serious option for wine lovers looking to pair their meal properly.
Portofino Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Owned and run by Giovanni and Ilma Carapelli, Portofino brings a personal touch that's hard to replicate at a franchise location. The restaurant leans into fresh seafood-forward Italian dishes, with its Zuppa di Pesce and grouper with crabmeat earning particular praise from diners, and it's picked up recognition for its consistency and quality over the years.
Little Italy
A family-owned favorite blending classic Italian cuisine with Southern hospitality, Little Italy features professionally trained chefs crafting dishes from fresh, healthy ingredients. Its New York-style, brick-oven pizza has developed a genuine local cult following, alongside a full menu of traditional Italian dishes.
Lombardo's
For a more upscale, special-occasion Italian dinner, Lombardo's delivers with crisp white tablecloths and dishes like pork osso buco and chicken scarpariello. It's frequently mentioned by locals as a "hidden gem," the kind of restaurant regulars prefer to keep to themselves.
The Bottom Line
Myrtle Beach's Italian food scene runs a lot deeper than the chain restaurants lining the highway. From Villa Romana's 1985 family recipes to Portofino's personally run kitchen, the Myrtle Beach area's locally owned Italian spots offer more character, more history, and often better food than their franchise competitors — all while keeping your dining dollars in the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need reservations at these Myrtle Beach Italian restaurants?
For the most popular spots, it's a smart move — especially during the busy spring and fall golf seasons. Lombardo's is the one to book well ahead, since regulars report that even the bar seats get reserved. Villa Romana also takes reservations, and calling ahead is a good idea anywhere if your group is bigger than a foursome.
- Which of these restaurants are closest to my condo or golf course?
They're spread along Kings Highway, so there's likely one near you. Villa Romana is the southernmost of the bunch, near Family Kingdom on South Kings Highway. Little Italy sits around the 30th Avenue North area, Vicini's and Ciao are clustered in the 50s, Luigi's is on 61st Avenue North, and Lombardo's and Portofino anchor the north end — handy if your group is playing courses up toward North Myrtle Beach.
- Can I go straight to dinner from the golf course?
At most of these spots, a clean golf shirt will fit right in. Lombardo's, with its white tablecloths and special-occasion feel, is the dressiest of the group, so it's worth a quick stop back at the condo before heading over.
- What's the best pick for a golf group?
It depends on the vibe your crew is after. For a laid-back night of brick-oven pizza and cold drinks, Vicini's and Little Italy are easy calls. For a memorable group dinner with a little entertainment, Villa Romana and its tableside accordion are tough to beat. And if your group has a few wine snobs, Luigi's 50-plus bottle list will keep them happy.
- Which restaurant is best for a special occasion?
Lombardo's is the go-to for an upscale, celebratory dinner. Portofino is another strong choice, especially if you'd rather have fresh seafood like the Zuppa di Pesce than a plate of red-sauce pasta.
- Are these restaurants open for lunch?
Most of these spots are dinner-focused and open in the late afternoon, which lines up nicely with a post-round meal. Hours shift seasonally in Myrtle Beach, though, so check each restaurant's current schedule before you go.
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