La Fontana Authentic Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
1759 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC, 29407
La Fontana Authentic Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria Menu
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Antipasto
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Zuppe E Insalate
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Sandwiches
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Vitello E Pollo
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Pasta Di Pesce
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Pizza
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Signature Pastas
Healthy Meal suggestions for La Fontana Authentic Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
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Antipasto
-
Zuppe E Insalate
-
Sandwiches
-
Vitello E Pollo
-
Pasta Di Pesce
-
Pizza
-
Signature Pastas
Visit below restaurant in Charleston for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1759 Savannah Hwy
Charleston, SC, 29407 - Phone (843) 556-1111
- Website https://lafontanacharleston.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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Mike M.
my wife and i had a great meal here tonight! i had the sausage with Alfredo sauce, out standing! my wife had the chicken, procutto on spaghetti noodles! she raved about it and to make the evening better our server PJ was the best! ive said this before i like good service almost as much as good food. we will be back
(5)Margaret J.
absolutely loved this place. My boyfriend and I went here the beginning of the year for a late date. The server was great started up good conversation I have a seafood dish which was fantastic and there Italian Margarita hit the spot!!
(4)AWiley B.
My wife and I keep coming back here for a lot of reasons. The biggest though is that it is the only place we have found in the states so far that offers a close approximation to the Roman street food known as suppli. La Fontana calls it something different but its still a delicious fried rice meat and cheese ball.
(4)James D.
Charleston has many fine-dining establishments where menus are filled with elegant entrees made from sophisticated ingredients. La Fontana is not one of those restaurants. Instead, it's like going to your buddy Guido's mama's house up in Jersey, where you're going to be fed fresh, delicious, hearty, and filling Italian fare. You will leave with a happily full belly! I have had the eggplant Parmesan and the veal saltimbocca and both were outstanding. Their respective sauces were thick and rich, seasoned to perfection. The eggplant slices were thin, nicely breaded, and cooked until tender. The veal had been tenderized into submission and melted in my mouth, commingling with the saltiness of the prosciutto. The accompanying pasta was cooked to the definition of al dente. Each entree was served with a choice of a leafy green salad or soup of the day (which was a hearty sausage lentil on the day of my visit). A warm, fresh-baked loafette of bread was part of the meal and was equally memorable. Baked to a lightly crispy crust that surrounded a soft inside, it tasted like perfection without butter or the olive oil provided. Even though I was full from the large portion size, I ordered a cannoli because...well, why wouldn't I? My first taste and I felt like Meg Ryan in the diner scene from the movie When Harry Met Sally. They don't skimp on the filling. With each bite I closed my eyes and savored every molecule of the creamy goodness that is made from a ricotta cheese base. When I finally finished I felt like I needed a cigarette. And I don't even smoke. It was that good. La Fontana lives in what used to be a Pizza Hut along West Ashley's motor mile on Savannah Highway. But be prepared to be transported to another world once inside and eating!
(5)Gabby W.
Went here after coming from the airport. We wanted pizza and it was very good. I got the caprese pizza (buffalo mozzarella, basil, tomatoes) simply, yet delicious! I also got a Mojito after our waiter recommended it and that was also good. The only thing I have to say is the menu was a little on the small side and limited however, I'm assuming that means the food is good and fresh. They give you bread with olive oil and herbs and that was really nice. There's a cute patio outside to eat on to but it was raining.
(4)Keli T.
I had heard good things so I thought I'd try it for restaurant week. The bread was yummy, crusty on the outside, soft on the inside. I decided the zucchini fritte to start, it was breaded deep fried (I think). They were really good especially with the dipping sauce but kind of greasy. The portions were huge, I could've only eat the appetizer and been done. I ordered the braised pork for my entree, it was served over mashed potatoes and wasn't hot when it got to the table, which was disappointing. It tasted good, but I was already full. Took most of my meal home to go. Had cheesecake for dessert... Ate that as soon as I got home. I've heard so many good things about this place, maybe the pasta is better. The service was great, the people were all very nice. The place was packed, it was a happy friendly local atmosphere which I love.
(1)Deb B.
What a disappointment. So it's 900 degrees outside and it's still cooler than inside the restaurant. The server said "yeah... It gets hot in here with the ovens going." WTF? We were dying. My hair fell. The back of my neck was sweaty. I felt like I was doing a PSA for people left in hot cars! And no happy hour... So about the food. First off, it's WAY over-priced. $18 and up for most entrees including chicken dishes. I ordered an over-priced seafood dish. A big bowl came out. Now let me paint this picture. Big bowl with less than a cup of pasta sits in the center. On top was a salty Ragu sauce with 3 clams, 3 mussels and maybe 4 shrimp. I should remember how many shrimp because they were buried beneath this sauce and still had the tails on. Who does that? I could've choked to death. Everybody but the one who ordered the pizza complained about the salt and the commercial taste of their sauce. (i.e. Ragu, Classico, Prego...) To sum it all up... Go with the pizza, but know that I warned you about the piercing shrimp tails! Do folks really return a second time??
(2)Lisa S.
I went here on a Friday evening with my parents after a day of moving. We had Angelo as our server and he has personality by the bucket full! This place is very tiny, but the food was very good - we split the crab cake appetizer, I had the eggplant appetizer as my meal, mother had the lobster ravioli and father had the clam and mussels marinara pasta. All food came out very hot and tasty. I will definitely eat here again.
(4)Kristen R.
Came here to eat lunch during a break from work. We were seated immediately and given menus. There aren't a lot of options on the menu but the prices aren't bad.I wanted to customize my food order and they had no problem doing it. I give 4 stars because the menu is limited but the atmosphere is cool (they have Christmas lights throughout) food came out fast and portion sizes were decent. Definitely more authentic Italian than Olive Garden or Carrabbas.
(4)Jon T.
I would like to tell you how the food was but I wouldn't know. After standing at the hostess station for 5 minutes, being looked at by several employees sitting at the bar jaw jacking, I walked out. I won't be back to tell you how the food is, but from looking at the interior, I don't think I want to eat there anyway.
(1)David G.
My fiancé and I were in the mood for Italian, and having driven by it just about every day, we decided to give La Fontana a try. Upon walking in, the decorum immediately struck me as old school, romantic, and authentic. The lighting was just right, and the fountain by the hostess stand rippled with a soothing trickle. Our server came right over after we were seated and got our drink orders and rattled off the specials. The one that caught my attention was the Ossobucco lamb shank. I ordered that and a house salad with the vinegrette. My better half went with the classic spaghetti and meatballs. Salads were good, and the complimentary bread was outstanding, fresh,and homemade. When our entrees came out, I was blown away by the portions. I really feel that I got my money's worth. The lamb shank was falling off the bone, the sauce was rich and plentiful, and the side of pasta with tomato sauce was a delightful compliment. I only wish I would have ordered wine so that i could truly experience the food to the highest degree. Oh well, next time! Truly A gem of an Italian place in west Ashley!
(5)Hannah H.
I can't even comprehend what just happened. Me and my boyfriend (not from the area) were about to go eat at some Japanese place when we saw the sign for La Fontana. We both looked at each other and knew immediately that we had changed our minds about the Japanese and we went inside La Fontana because it just sounded good. The environment was very soothing and fancy. Beautiful. Our waiter explained the wines and specials in detail and he knew what he was talking about and seemed very educated about the food. We both got the soup of the day which was basil tomato. We couldn't stop talking about it, it was AMAZING. I ordered the Eggplant Parmesan and my boyfriend ordered the Chicken Florentine. There aren't any words for how delicious this meal was. My eggplant was tender and perfectly cooked. And wow so much delicious cheese and pasta! My boyfriend's Florentine was also delicious. Very creamy sauce with tender chicken. We are definitely going back one day! It was pricey but just amazing and worth the cost.
(5)Frida G.
First off, the server was very polite and the ambiance was kinda nice. There was one other table besides ours and service was slow to begin with. They seemed to be overstaffed that night too, so I'm not quite sure what the delay was. Anyway, the quality of the food... blah. I think I could've made the dishes better myself. I was hoping to be impressed... I LOVE italian food and was so disappointed. I think the noodles in the shrimp scampi and spaghetti were overcooked. I thought noodles were supposed to be served al dente at Italian restaurants? Anyway, for the price I paid... not worth it. I guess I should have read the reviews beforehand, but we were in the area and starving!
(3)Tom P.
Solid old-school Italian family-style restaurant that has some really good lunch specials and it does have some cool outdoor seating and it's good to have a decent normal restaurant in this part of West Ashley and I've always had a good experience here and they do have a decent little bar two and the owner is a very nice and approachable person
(4)Alberto R.
Went to charleston VA and didn't know the area asked a random person and they said try this place well I gave it 5 stars we ordered calamari it was so great we got two more orders to go also got a bowl of baked potatoe soup was very good good size bowl we got panzerotti was very good fresh baked bread all fresh ingredients will be going back everyone we goto the VA hospital
(5)Captain F.
I have a shop that is close to there. I have been avoiding the place because I tried to order a pizza from there a year ago. At the time, they only had 3 pizzas on their online menu. I tried to order one of them. Person that answers the phone said didn't know if they had that kind. Put me on with second person, they had to check with chef? There is only 3 pizzas on the menu. Finally gets back on, said they can do it, it would be $18.95. Online had medium listed for $10.95. I only needed it for one person. I asked about the medium and she said they don't make that one in medium even though it was listed under that section. At this point told then to forget it. Flash forward a year later. I have seen they are running a $5 lunch special. I understand it's $5, but the dish was Italian sausage, caramelized onions and sauce. Not one piece of sausage or onion. Not one. I understand they have to cut corners but don't put it on your menu if doesn't have it in there. I guess it's two strikes and they are out. Service was OK. I am a very easy going customer so I don't complain, and still tipped about 30%, but this is the last time I'll go.
(2)Rebecca D.
No. Just no. This place is horrible. So old and dirty. The food was disgusting and extremely overpriced. The owner seemed friendly, but that was about it. We will never make the mistake of going there again.
(1)Peter P.
We found this place by accident we when to another Italian restaurant they only serve pizza we wanted a lite lunch so they recommended La Fontana we went and were totally satisfied I had a great panini sausage my wife wanted a meatball sandwich but was not on the menu she ask if they could make one and they did which was also great and the side salads we got were so fresh and good
(4)Stephanie S.
This restaurant is really hit or miss. The lunch menu is really awesome and has a lot of great options, especially if you are looking for something out of the norm from sandwiches or packed lunches. It is also very affordable during the lunch hour. During dinner service, however, the food because increasingly more expensive, by more than $15 for the same items that you get on the lunch menu. There is a big disconnect, too, because the food always tastes better during the lunch hour where people slowly trickle in, versus the dinner hour when they are busy and the servers are keeping up with more tables. The food is really hit or miss ass well. We are creatures of habit and order some of the same items, and one night it can be delicious, and other nights it can be flavorless and bland, specifically speaking the Chicken Parmesan. The staff is also very friendly, but the seating in the restaurant is really closed in, and the booths make it very difficult for people with disabilities. We only go for lunch there now.
(3)Andie C.
Service was great. Food was decent. I am picky about my Italian, but the flavors were great. I had the gnocci and it was okay. My husband had the special (chicken cacciatori) and he really loved his. I felt it was quite pricey for the food we received. Will go back once a year or so, per my husband's request. The waiter hovered a lot. He was nice, but very interruptive.
(3)Jeanna M.
Awesome authentic Italian food. -consistently. Eggplant Parmesan is thin and so delicious. Great pasta sauce and service is professional and attentive. Go.
(5)Bill K.
The service was absolutely terrible and the food was overpriced for what we got and the service offered. Dinner took three and a half laborious hours with the worst service I've had in the area for a while. Yes apologies were offered and excuses given and their resolution was a free desert that we did not want instead of perhaps comping two of our four meals. We were not the only ones experiencing this service. As long as as they are going to charge what they are for Italian food go to Umbra or Michael Anthony's and get great service and better food!
(2)Amber A.
In the foodie nirvana that is Charleston, I can only in good conscious rate La Fontana 3 stars. Good ambiance, decent food, amazing homemade bread, amazing tiramisu. It's true... I've had better Italian. The flavors are there, but to compete with the big boys in Chucktown you've gotta bring your A-game. Some reworking of recipes could be beneficial....but leave the bread and tiramisu alone :)
(3)Alex P.
Our food (Gnocchi and caprese ravioli) was DELICIOUS and our server, Maria, was the best waitress that I have ever had! She was so sweet and accomodated any request. My boyfriend and I will definitely be coming back!
(4)Michael S.
Took my daughter and grand daughter last evening. My daughter, who is also a trained chef had heard good things about this place. We arrived at 5:30 and were the first one there. The owner met us and welcomed us since we didn't know if it was open. The server, who looked like she wanted to be anyplace but working took our order but never informed us of any specials. We did hear other hosts review specials with other patrons. We order an antipasto and brucetti. When it was served we needed to request dishes for the food from another server. My daughter ordered a wine but had to wait since the server, was too young to serve it! After we finished our appetizers another server came over to our table to remove the dishes, saying this should have been done by our waitress. We ordered basic ravioli and found the sauce to be canned sauce and the ravolis was not fresh as had been informed on the menu. My daughter orders a 2nd glass of wine and we heard the waitress tell other servers she had already brought the wine but had not. Finally we were finished the meal and my daugher was fuming. Who I believe to be the manager came over with the 2nd glass of wine but my daughter refused saying, "I wanted it with my meal, not after my dinner was finished"! The manager told us the hostess was inexperienced and needed further training but to not even she any interest in the customers in NOT training, just not caring. I was told upon leaving the hostess is the owners daugher so that may explain it. For someone who is a foodie this was extremely disappointing. Stay far away from this place. Poor service and not very good Italian food.
(2)Michelle K.
This place was a pleasant surprise. The atmosphere is relaxing and beautiful. I had the pizza and it was honestly one of THE best pizzas I ever had ! Light and full of flavor. There is also a porch outside that I will be visiting soon with a group of girls and a bottle of wine!
(5)John T.
Have dined in and taken food to go several times. LaFontana is a gem for excellent Italian food. Attentive service from Maria at our last visit equaled the consistently enjoyable meals
(5)Angelica D.
I had a wonderful time here. The good was delicious and I really enjoyed the homemade sangria! Cheers!
(5)Rene N.
I really enjoyed my experience this evening. The staff was friendly, the waiter was well knowledged of the wine, the pizza was beautiful & delicious. I am in the food & beverage industry as well so I happened to notice the diligence, communication, & teamwork of the staff. Welcoming atmosphere & they even do an Italian birthday song! I highly recommend this restaurant to my friends, family, & associates. (=
(5)Heather G.
I visited for the first time with my girlfriend and at first thought it was a very quaint friendly place. The food was adequate, simple Italian, definitely not authentic. Our server offered fresh parmesan and came over with a spoonful of grated cheese. We asked for boxes before we were finished eating and our plates were immediately taken by the server to box up in the back. Shorty after the manager on duty I assume, came and took our small plates of oil and basket of bread without asking if we had finished. The to-go bag of our unfinished meals were brought out and we were immediately asked to pay. I still had well over a half a drink and was planning to stay for another and finish my meal. I guess not. Our server Maria seemed too interested in taking pictures with a customer at the bar than attending to her table as a server should. I will not be returning, and a special thanks to the management for taking so much concern to this visit.
(1)Liz M.
Overpriced for what it was, definitely had better. The atmosphere feels claustrophobic and cheap.
(2)Richard G.
Had better lasagna, not layered like I would expect in an Italian restaurant...sauce had no distinct flavor.....My wife's spaghetti and white lam sauce was tasty, clams were small as was the portion. Found it pricy for what you get.....it's not Downtown....
(3)Jaime H.
AMAZING! Don't listen to the so-so reviews on here, the food is fabulous! The lobster ravioli a are incredible! Must eat here.
(5)Patrick S.
Visited Charleston for a few days and found this gem. We ate at the restaurant one night and enjoyed all our meals (chicken parm, veal, spaghetti and meatballs) but we were blown away by the delicious thin crust authentic pizza. The next day we ordered pizza to go and had dinner by the pool. We'll be back next time we visit Charleston.
(5)Jonathan W.
My wife and her mother went here not long after they opened, and told me it was only OK, but that they still seemed to be finding their footing. We decided to give her another try as we has heard they had changed their menu from when she was here last. I first have to start out this review about the outside. La Fontana has only been open for a bit over a year, and they at one time had flags over the rooftop, and now they are shredded, and an outside eating porch that looks out of place being almost right on the sidewalk on the major thoroughfare of West Ashley. Also parking here is only going to work if you have a very small car, be prepared to have to do a good deal of manipulation to get into a spot. Once going inside it has a relaxed environment, but you are greeted by a small fountain right by the door that you can hear EVERYWHERE in the restaurant. We were seated in the booth right by the door and that fountain. It sounds like someone is continuously urinating into a bucket. Since I have fairly bad Tinnitus, that noise was what my ears would focus on. The dining area is small, and looks to be furnished with tables and booths reclaimed from an older restaurant, but it's comfortable. I would not come here with a group of more than six people, they could put a couple of tables together for six, but anymore and it would be crowded. The server was an older gentleman, of whom he and the rest of the staff I saw were dressed well. I do like that he immediately came, introduced himself, gave us their specials menu along with the regular menu, then he asked our drink order. That is something I like, the immediate recognition from the server is something many places lack. Upon bringing our drinks he took our appetizer order and was off again. His service was like that for our time there, he would pop by and either get our requests or refill drinks, then quickly slip away to leave us to our meal. He, and the other staff I saw, seemed to operate in that manner, attentive, but not "hanging around". Onto the food. We started out with Bruschetta, and it was only so-so. While the tomatoes and basil were fresh, and I could taste the garlic in the bread, the bread itself seemed like it had been sitting around a bit. The tomatoes, as in all the dishes with tomatoes, were not traditional plum or other Italian family of tomatoes, they looked to be Early Girl or Beefsteak, or some other type of sandwich tomatoes. A bit disconcerting, but not bad. I am not sure what was with the topping of the bruschetta, but it seemed to be just tomatoes, basil, and what appeared to be feta or some other crumbly cheese. We drizzled the herb infused table oil on and it made it better. I also had their Caprese which was good, again with exception to the tomatoes. Our Entree's came in good time, and hot. My wife had a Picatta Di Pollo a chicken and pasta dish that had artichokes and capers, and lemon sauce. The chicken was tender, moist, and well put together. and a much larger portion then she expected. I had Veal Parmigiana, only I asked if they could make it with Alfredo sauce instead of marinara, and they were very accommodating. The veal was not overly pounded out as happens in most places, and the breading was not too thick, but didn't seem to stick very well to the veal. The Alfredo Sauce was creamy and had good flavors, but was a bit on the salty side for me. The pasta in both our dishes was not fresh made, but I think it was pre made in batches, and kept in water. The outside of the pasta seemed a bit overcooked. Overall I think that there are much better places for Italian. I think for the prices they charge they could do much better. If you don't mind being charged downtown Charleston prices for chain restaurant food, then this is your place. Otherwise, for the same price you can go to the Wild Olive on Maybank Hwy.
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