7 Best Italian Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of South Carolina, North Myrtle Beach offers more than just pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife—it's a hidden gem for Italian cuisine aficionados.

Beach Cove Resort, known for its awe-inspiring oceanfront views and sprawling list of luxe amenities, is the ideal accommodation for anyone looking to taste some of the best of coastal North Myrtle Beach dining.

Craving a never-ending flow of appetizers like fried calamari and bruschetta? A wine bar with Tuscan pinots or an entree of rich, cheese-filled ravioli? You’ll get to indulge in all the Italian dishes you desire during your stay at Beach Cove.

We've curated a list of the finest Italian restaurants in and near North Myrtle Beach.

1. Villa Tuscanna

Photo Credit: stockcreations

• Price: $$


• Address: 97 Highway 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: villatuscanna.com


• What to order: Lasagna Bolognese

Located in the center of North Myrtle Beach, Villa Tuscanna has solidified itself as a local favorite thanks to its tireless commitment to serving authentic Italian cuisine.

The Lasagna Bolognese, a house specialty, is a testament to the restaurant's passion for supplying traditional Italian cooking, emphasizing rich flavors and homemade pasta! The cozy atmosphere, complemented by its seemingly never-ending wine list, makes Villa Tuscanna a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable Italian dining experience.

You might've guessed by now that Villa Tuscanna is a family-owned and run restaurant. But we guarantee you'll be surprised by the level of commitment each team member shows.

Established in 2003, the family's Matriarch, known simply as "Momma," still works in the establishment to this day, preparing everything from scratch; this simple act on top of their commitment to using local produce and providing the freshest fish on the market have all gone towards landmarking Villa Tuscana as one of the top Italian restaurants in North Myrtle Beach.

 

2. Benny Rappa's Trattoria

Photo Credit: from my point of view

• Price: $$


• Address: 1453 Highway 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: bennyrappas.com


• What to order: Chicken Marsala

Small and adorably quaint, Benny's Trattoria is another North Myrtle Beach spot known for delivering impeccable Italian food.

While dining at Benny's, you'll feel like you're part of a bustling Italian family thanks, in no small part, to its warm atmosphere that buzzes you with lively conversation. It's a vibe, perfect for any occasion, from casual lunch to a special dinner with friends.

Their highlight dish? The Chicken Marsala, perfectly pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, mushroom-infused Marsala wine sauce. It's simply too good to resist.

On top of supplying its community with unbeatable flavors and ambiance, it also proudly supports local charitable organizations, reflecting its dedication to gastronomy and the welfare of the North Myrtle Beach community.

 

3. Umberto's

Photo Credit: HK.Studio

• Price: $$$


• Address: 4886 Highway 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: umbertos.com


• What to order: Pittsburgh-Style Steak

This family-owned gem in North Myrtle Beach effortlessly transports the Italian-American flavors of Pittsburgh to the South Carolina Coast.

First opening its doors in 1988, this lovingly run joint has served authentic Italian-American cuisine with a personal touch for nearly 30 years.

The Pittsburgh heritage of the restaurant's founding family pours out of every aspect of the dining experience, from the hearty Italian beans and greens that kick off each meal to the angel hair pasta served with homemade marinara sauce. It's a combo so excellent you'll start speaking in an accent you didn't even know you could do.

The star of Umberto's menu is undoubtedly their Pittsburgh-Style Steak, a 12 oz. boneless strip steak topped with jumbo shrimp in a butter garlic sauce. The dish is so good that it even won over the hearts of several discerning New York diners who visited our resort this past winter.

 

4. Benito's Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta

Photo Credit: V. Matthiesen

• Price: $


• Address: 1596 Highway 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: benitosnmb.com


• What to order: Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza

A cornerstone pizzeria of North Myrtle Beach since 1989, Benito's Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta stands out as a distinctive Italian trattoria, celebrated by locals for its Old World recipes and succulent New York-style pizza.

The backbone of the restaurant's reputation lies in its palate-pleasing pizzas, handcrafted and brought to perfection by the flames of a wood-fired brick oven. The result? Irresistible creations, like their menu’s highlight: the Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza.

Pasta lovers will also feel right at home at Benito's, thanks to its array of delicious noodle dishes. Care to try the Shrimp and Chicken Alla Benito, elegantly served with pesto and marinara over linguini? Or perhaps the Sausage Contadina, a robust affair of sausage sautéed with onions, mushrooms, and peppers over rigatoni.

 

5. Portofino's Italian Restaurant

Photo Credit: nblx

• Price: $$


• Address: 9734 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: portofinositalianrestaurant.com


• What to order: Seafood Linguine

Always wanted to visit the traditional northern Italian regions of Portofino and Tuscany? Dive mouth-first with the region’s cuisine at Portofino's Italian Restaurant, found on Restaurant Row in Myrtle Beach.

Locals and tourists alike hail Portofino’s for its Seafood Linguine, a masterful blend of fresh seafood and a delicate, garlic-infused olive oil sauce. Portofino’s prides itself on culinary experiences that transcend the ordinary.

Its menu is a testament to Italy's finest culinary creations, featuring all the classics, like lasagna, carbonara, eggplant parmesan, cacio e pepe, and rigatoni bolognese. Pass the Parmesan, per favore.

Every plate served reflects Portofino's passion and pride, from its always fresh ingredients to its meticulous presentation of its homemade focaccia bread, baked daily.

 

6. Luigi's Trattoria

Photo Credit: TonyGl

• Price: $$


• Address: 503 61st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: luigistrattoria.com


• What to order: Eggplant Parmigiana

What really sets Luigi's Trattoria apart from other favorite Italian restaurants of its caliber in North Myrtle Beach is its early bird menu, which is available from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. It features standout dishes like freshly baked lasagna and their renowned grouper francese, sautéed in a light white wine and lemon-butter sauce. It's a can't miss!

The restaurant’s acclaimed Happy Hour, which follows shortly after its early bird special, only amplifies its alluring appeal, offering house wines at great prices. Don’t worry about overindulging — you can always burn it off with a game of golf tomorrow!

Wine connoisseurs will also surely appreciate Luigi's extensive selection from a historic Verona vineyard, offering over 51 bottles and 27 wines by the glass. The knowledgeable staff will certainly find you the perfect pairing for every meal.

 

7. Ciao!

Photo Credit: AS Foodstudio

• Price: $$


• Address: 5223 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC


• Website: ciaomyrtlebeach.com


• What to order: Veal Saltimbocca

Ciao!'s commitment to freshness is genuinely admirable. Everything is made in-house, from scratch daily, from the soft, tender meatballs and creamy fresh mozzarella to the lasagna and never-frozen seafood, is made in-house from scratch daily.

Did we mention that their wine selection is stored in a custom-built cellar that guarantees every bottle is served at its optimal temperature? We’ll have your finest Valpolicella Ripasso, grazie.

Ciao! has an untenable knack for taking simple, fresh ingredients and turning them into something spectacular. Just try the Shrimp and Sausage Palermo if you wanna see for yourself. The mild Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes, and rich lemon cream sauce over angel hair is a symphony for your taste buds.

 

Stay in North Myrtle Beach with Beach Cove Resort!

Now that you’ve got a taste of the best Italian restaurants North Myrtle Beach has to offer, it’s time to taste that delectable pasta in real life. We’d love to have you stay with us at Beach Cove Resort.

You’ll be steps away from many of these Italian eateries, and once you’ve eaten all the pizza your heart desires? Retreat back to your luxurious suite and watch the sunset from your balcony with a glass of pinot.

Book your Beach Cove Resort stay today!