10 Italian Restaurants In Upstate South Carolina That Locals Would Rather Keep To Themselves
Maryland-style crab cakes at an Italian restaurant in the South Carolina Upstate? That’s real, and I’m completely on board.
It’s only one surprise on this list. Another spot serves gyros right beside its manicotti. One more offers a tortellini dish called Black and Blue, which sounds more like a hockey fight than dinner.
None of these places chase big crowds or flashy ads. They sit on small-town main streets, busy highways, and quiet downtown corners. Some open only for dinner, and a few close on Mondays. Several make their dough from scratch or lean on family recipes.
I can’t think of a better reason for a back-road drive than homemade lasagna waiting at the end. Pack some patience, though, because a few of these kitchens don’t take reservations. The locals already know where to go. Now you will too.
1. Sophia’s, Spartanburg
Downtown Spartanburg hides its date-night secret right on Morgan Square, a short stroll from the city’s famous mural. Sophia’s even sports an outdoor wall mural of its own, so you can’t really miss it.
Inside, the dining room keeps things minimal and snug. The look stays simple so the plates can do the talking.
And those plates talk loudly. Lobster ravioli, lasagna, and steak sit near the top of the must-try list.
Classic fans will spot chicken parmigiana, chicken marsala, and veal piccata. Salmon is on the menu too, if you want something a little lighter.
Vegetarians get real options here, not just a sad side salad. The eggplant parm entree and the bruschetta both skip the meat without skipping flavor.
Now, about dessert. The tiramisu is the kind of finale you’ll still be thinking about on the drive home.
The doors open Monday through Saturday at 5 PM, and the kitchen stays closed on Sundays. Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowd, so plan around that.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, which makes sense for a small, romantic room. Weeknights tend to be calmer if you want a quieter table.
Families are welcome too, with high chairs and a kids’ menu on hand. Outdoor seating gives you a spot to enjoy a mild South Carolina evening.
It’s easy to see why a place like this stays a downtown favorite. Book early and you’ll be in on the secret.
Address: 155 W Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306
2. Paesano’s Italian Restaurant, Seneca
A tortellini dish named Black and Blue sounds more like a bruise than dinner. In Seneca, though, it’s one of the reasons people head for Paesano’s.
The restaurant sits on Blue Ridge Boulevard in Oconee County, right in the foothills. The setting feels relaxed but still a little upscale.
Pasta lovers have plenty to chew on. Lasagna, chicken marsala, and fettuccine Alfredo with crab meat all share the menu.
Seafood fans should eye the Seafood Trio Alfredo. Pan-seared trout is another catch worth casting for.
Chicken saltimbocca brings an old-school Italian touch to the table. Start with garlic knots or a bowl of Zuppa Paesano’s while you decide.
Vegetarian and vegan diners have full menus to explore. Asparagus even shows up as a simple vegan pick.
When the weather turns chilly, a fireplace adds extra charm to the room. On nicer days, the outdoor seating is the move.
Got a pup? Dogs are allowed outside, so your four-legged buddy can tag along for patio dining.
Timing matters here. Paesano’s opens at 4:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday and closes Sunday and Monday.
Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, and there’s usually a wait. Dinner reservations are recommended, so call ahead instead of hovering by the door.
It works for a date night or a group outing, and kids have their own menu. A foothills dinner in this corner of South Carolina doesn’t get much better.
Address: 1727 Blue Ridge Blvd, Seneca, SC 29672
3. Brothers Italian Cuisine, Anderson
Dough is the main character at this Anderson spot. Brothers Italian Cuisine makes its dough from scratch, and it shows up in strombolis, calzones, and pizza.
Calzones get plenty of love here. Think of them as pizza that folded itself up for a nap.
The stromboli is another heavy hitter. You can even order a half Italian stromboli if you’re not ready to commit to a whole one.
Pasta fans won’t feel left out. Lasagna, chicken Alfredo, shrimp Alfredo, and spaghetti and meatballs all appear on the lineup.
A classic pepperoni pizza keeps things simple. Add garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that hits the comfort food button hard.
The vibe stays casual and quiet, which is nice when you just want to eat in peace. Service is known for moving fast, too.
Lunch and dinner both work here, with doors opening at 11 AM. Just remember the restaurant closes on Tuesdays, so don’t plan a Tuesday craving.
Friday and Saturday stay open until 10 PM. Monday evenings also get busy, which is a fun twist for the start of the week.
Bringing the kids? High chairs and a kids’ menu make family dinners easier.
Groups fit in well, and reservations are accepted. That’s handy when the whole crew wants calzones at once.
Parking is usually easy, with a free lot and street spots nearby. It’s a low-stress stop on South Main Street.
Address: 2105 S Main St, Anderson, SC 29624
4. Capri’s Italian Easley, Easley
Homemade onion rings at an Italian restaurant? Capri’s in Easley keeps them on the menu, and that tells you this family-run kitchen does things its own way.
The dining room leans Tuscan in theme. It’s a comfortable spot along Calhoun Memorial Highway that feels a world away from the traffic outside.
The menu covers pasta, specialty pizza, and steaks. Ribeye shares space with chicken parmesan and manicotti, so meat lovers and pasta lovers can both win.
Toasted ravioli is a fun one to try. Order it with Alfredo sauce and blackened chicken for a mashup that just works.
The homemade baked lasagna is another standout. Baked ziti and baked spaghetti keep the oven busy too.
Splitting dinner with someone special? The Italian Spaghetti Dinner for 2 is built for exactly that.
Vegetarians will find a full menu of their own. The Capri’s Entree Salad is a vegan-friendly pick.
Mozzarella sticks make an easy starter for kids and grown-ups alike. There’s also a kids’ menu and high chairs for smaller diners.
Know this before you go: reservations aren’t accepted, and there’s usually a wait. Arriving early on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening is a smart call.
Capri’s opens for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and closes Mondays. Saturday doors open a little earlier at 4 PM.
Planning a party? Catering is available, so you can bring that baked lasagna to the gathering instead.
Address: 5667 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley, SC 29640
5. Pastavino, Greer
Maryland and Italy meet in Greer, and the result is delicious. Pastavino pairs classic pasta with Maryland-style crab cakes, which is not a combo you see daily.
The crab cakes are big, meaty, and seasoned well, with no heavy filler. They come with fresh baked bread and a salad on the side.
Want the best of land and sea? The Filet and Crab Cake plate covers both.
Chicken Chesapeake keeps the Maryland theme rolling. Stuffed flounder is another seafood pick worth a look.
Of course, the Italian side holds its own. Lasagna, chicken parm, and chicken marsala give you the classics you came for.
Starters lean toward the sea too. Calamari and mussels are both on the menu.
Weekends bring extra options. Saturday and Sunday open at 11 AM, and brunch is part of the lineup.
Tuesday through Friday, doors open at 4 PM for dinner. The restaurant closes on Mondays.
Hosting a family dinner or work gathering? A private dining room is available, and catering is offered too.
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Tuesdays tend to be quieter if you’d like a relaxed meal.
Families get high chairs, a kids’ menu, and even changing tables. Upstate South Carolina parents will appreciate that little detail.
The Parkway location offers plenty of free parking, which takes the stress out of arrival. Your only job is deciding between pasta and crab.
Address: 441 The Parkway, Greer, SC 29650
6. Tony’s Restaurant | Italian, Pickens
An Italian restaurant with a drive-through is a rare sight. Tony’s in Pickens has one, which means lasagna cravings can be solved without leaving your car.
The menu keeps things straightforward. Pizzas and pastas lead the way, backed up by salads and subs.
Speaking of subs, the Italian sub earns plenty of attention. The hot subs and meatball sub are strong backups.
Craving something baked and cheesy? Lasagna, chicken parmesan, and veal parmesan bring the old-school comfort.
Chicken Alfredo is on the lineup for the creamy pasta crowd. A Greek salad offers a fresher option, and the salads come out crisp.
The menu even throws in a chili cheeseburger. Add French fries, and nobody at your table goes home hungry.
Portions run large, so bring a friend or plan on leftovers. The family behind the counter is known for being friendly and hardworking.
Thirsty for something besides soda? The tea selection gets high marks here.
Tony’s opens seven days a week at 11 AM. Friday nights run late, until 11 PM.
Sunday afternoons and weekend evenings get the busiest. Reservations aren’t accepted, so just show up and grab a seat.
Planning a team party or family reunion? Catering is available for bigger crowds.
Pickens sits close to the mountains in South Carolina’s Upstate, so this makes a handy stop after a day outdoors. Delivery and takeout are options when you’d rather eat at home.
Address: 704 W Main St, Pickens, SC 29671
7. Roma, Laurens
Gyros and manicotti on the same menu? Roma in Laurens pulls it off, mixing classic Italian with a Mediterranean twist.
The restaurant sits on East Laurens Street in the town’s historic downtown. It’s a lovely little place that’s easy to pair with a stroll around the area.
Classic pasta dishes are the heart of the menu. Lasagna and manicotti lead the charge, and the manicotti is a vegetarian pick.
Pizza shows up here too. So do gyros, which makes Roma a smart choice when your group can’t agree on dinner.
The Mediterranean Platter is another meatless option. Vegetarians actually have a full menu to choose from.
Prices stay friendly, which makes the quality feel like a bonus. You get top-shelf Italian food without stretching your budget.
Pay attention to the schedule, because it’s a little unusual. Lunch runs from 11 AM to 1:45 PM on weekdays, and dinner starts at 4:30 PM.
Saturday is dinner only, while Sunday is lunch only. Friday evening is the busiest time of the week.
Parking can be a bit tricky to find downtown. Give yourself a few extra minutes, especially at dinnertime.
Reservations are accepted, and outdoor seating is available on pleasant days. Catering and delivery are options for gatherings at home.
Small towns in South Carolina tend to guard their favorite lunch spots. Roma feels like one of those places worth guarding.
Address: 105 E Laurens St, Laurens, SC 29360
8. Milano Pizzeria & Restaurant, Simpsonville
Old-fashioned in the best way, this family-owned pizza joint on SE Main Street doesn’t need gimmicks. Milano Pizzeria & Restaurant lets big plates of Greek and Italian food do the work.
The setting is laid back and no-frills. You come here to eat well, not to admire the decor.
Portions are generous across the menu. Sandwiches and dinners both arrive in sizes that may call for a to-go box.
On the Italian side, lasagna and the Italian Combo Plate cover the basics. Seafood pasta and shrimp Alfredo add something from the water.
Greek fans can head straight for the gyro dinner or beef souvlaki. The House Special Salad makes a lighter choice.
Grilled grouper and grilled pork chops round things out nicely. It’s the kind of menu where Grandpa and the grandkids both find a favorite.
Pizza, of course, is the backbone of the place. It’s right there in the name.
Milano is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Mondays are closed, and Friday and Saturday evenings bring the crowds.
In a hurry? Curbside pickup and a drive-through make grabbing dinner simple.
Bigger groups can book the private dining room, and catering is available too. Reservations are accepted for regular dining as well.
Family ownership gives this spot a personal touch. The owners are known for caring about the folks they feed.
Address: 633 SE Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681
9. House of Pizza & Pasta, Gaffney
Nostalgia comes with a side of cheese sticks at this Gaffney favorite. House of Pizza & Pasta has an old-school feel that pairs nicely with a big slice.
The pizza is the star. Expect a crust done right and toppings piled on generously.
Greek dishes share the spotlight with Italian ones. A Greek salad makes a fresh partner for a slice or a plate of pasta.
Ravioli is on the menu for pasta fans, and it’s a vegetarian pick. Cheese sticks make a fun starter for the table.
Portions are large, so showing up hungry pays off. The service moves fast, which helps on a short lunch break.
Speaking of lunch, the lunch specials get plenty of love. They’re a smart way to eat well in the middle of a busy day.
The dining room is clean and friendly. College students and groups fit right in.
Check the hours before you go. The restaurant closes on Mondays and opens at 2 PM on Saturdays.
Tuesday through Thursday runs from 11 AM to 9 PM. Friday stays open until 10 PM, and Friday evening is the busiest stretch.
Reservations aren’t taken, so just walk in. Delivery, including no-contact delivery, is an option on lazy nights.
Tea drinkers have reasons to smile here too. The tea selection is a quiet bonus that fits right in with Southern tradition.
Address: 1640 E Frederick St B, Gaffney, SC 29340
10. Olive Branch – Mediterranean & Italian Grill, Greenwood
A gyro calzone might be the most delicious peace treaty ever signed. Olive Branch in Greenwood brings Mediterranean and Italian cooking together, and the name fits perfectly.
Kabobs and hummus sit on the same menu as pizza and lasagna. It’s a great fit for a table full of different cravings.
The calzones deserve their own spotlight. Pick from the Supreme Royale, the Italian, or that gyro-stuffed creation.
Vegetarians can try the Sicilian eggplant parm or the Italian calzone. Full vegetarian and vegan menus give even more choices.
Want something lighter? The jumbo shrimp salad and Alaskan salmon salad keep things fresh, and organic dishes are offered too.
The chicken souvlaki sandwich makes a handy lunch. Add a kabob with extra pita if you’re extra hungry.
The setting is intimate and relaxing, with music adding to the mood. Service is known for being attentive and quick.
Save room for dessert, since sweets are a highlight here. Reservations are accepted if you want a table locked in.
Hours run from 10 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday. Sundays are closed, and Friday and Saturday evenings stay busiest.
A drive-through makes quick pickups easy. Delivery and catering are both available too.
Need to answer a few emails over lunch? Free Wi-Fi has you covered.
Greenwood sits a little south of the bigger Upstate cities, and this spot gives you a great reason to make the trip. You might start planning your next visit before dessert arrives.
Address: 109 Birchtree Dr, Greenwood, SC 29649