Fabulous meatballs! Love the sauce Large dining room and outdoor seating! Servers are friendly and efficient. Lunch and dinner -- doesn't close in between! read more

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We have been to Fratellos in Park Circle, so we were excited to try the new James Island location. The outside has some nice seating and a fire pit for evenings. When you step inside you instantly forget you are in a strip mall. The interior is classy with a relaxed vibe and a huge bar area. We started with a couple of cocktails. I ordered the Godfather which is scotch and amaretto which to me tastes a lot like a cherry cordial. My wife ordered the smoked old fashioned which arrived with smoke swirling inside the glass. I was pleased that complimentary bread arrived and we had bottles of oil and balsamic for dipping. We then had a life changing event! The absolute best mussels we have ever had in our lives! They were perfect! The server said they are brought in from Boston and they blew us away. They were all plump with no chewiness whatsoever, no grit at all, swimming in a delicious garlic wine sauce. You need these in your life! My entree was the manicotti which was a perfect al dente, loaded with ricotta and other cheeses, and topped with a fresh tomato sauce. My wife ordered the lasagna with seasoned meat sauce, sweet Italian sausage & a blend of imported cheeses. If you are a fan of meaty lasagna this has your name on it. The meat sauce was seasoned beautifully, and the sausage was slices not ground up. She had two meals out it. Service was excellent as well. I really appreciate it when they box up your leftovers for you. If you want life changing mussels that will rock your world, definitely come here! read more

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We finally tried Fratellos! I like to give new restaurants or in this situation, new location, a little while to work the kinks out. I've heard very mixed reviews. At first it was, service is slow, then I heard food was amazing! I think my overall first impression was they did a nice job converting the space from a sports pub to an Italian restaurant. The gentleman who sat us was very pleasant as was our waitress. I started with a dirty martini. It was pretty good. Being that it was our first visit I wanted to try a few different things. We started with the stuffed mushrooms. I wouldn't get again. The filling was very mushy. For our meals, I had the penne with vodka sauce and added hot Italian sausage for my protein. I quite liked mine and there was a lot of it! We also had the spaghetti and meatballs as the waitress raved about them. The meal came out super quick. I would've waited a little while in between apps and the meal had I know it would come out so quick. Not complaining there, just my bad for ordering so quickly. The meatballs unfortunately were what landed this review at a 3 star. They were horrible. It tasted like ground meat soaked in water and then placed in tomato sauce. It was not good at all. These are definitely sinkers when it comes to meatballs. Doubt I'll come back anytime soon but hope they make it and there are adjustments made. read more

Fratello’s Italian Tavern - Leftover penne with prosciutto with hot Italian sausage - Italian Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Lunch, Very nice place. All new, in a very good place. Plenty of parking. We usually go to their sister restaurant up in park circle. Here, Spaghetti fantastic, linguine with clams great. Tea, tasty. Calamari very small. Prices high for what you get. However may be one of the best places in the area. Frank G read more

Struggled a bit with this one -- as to whether to give it 3 or 4 stars. The food was good...not great. We got the mussels and they were yummy. The wine and garlic sauce that it came with was good, but a bit bland. The mussels themselves were meaty and delicious. Then, we got the cavatelli (tasty, but not outstanding) and the chicken Marsala (again, good but really lacking with respect to a Marsala flavor...think chicken with a brown gravy). Girlfriend got a pino Grigio and it was mediocre. So, all in all the food was definitely 3 stars. The service was very good. The waitress came by frequently enough and the food was served relatively quickly. The atmosphere is nice. Love the decor and the pianist was a nice touch. It was a bit loud, however. Finally, given what we ordered, the bill ended up being $97 before tip. A bit pricey for what we got, imho...and I don't mind paying for a good meal. In summary, we prefer Mondo's and Wild Olive on Johns Island. read more

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The food was outstanding, as always. We got there on a Saturday at about 5:30. There were only a few tables that were occupied. We were taken to the table closest to the kitchen. The table location is the only reason I did not give five stars. Why, when there were many open tables, were we seated at the worst table in the restaurant. The entire time I heard, and saw, the kitchen door opening and closing. I was also treated to a view of the door leading outside where the employees were taking frequent smoke breaks. Please put a curtain up. In hindsight, we should have requested a different table, but we were already seated. The food was delicious, and we will be back, but the location was really disappointing. read more

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I have been looking forward to getting to Fratello's and it was worth it! I absolutely love what they have done with the space. They turned an old bar into an upscale restaurant and bar. We had a late dinner on a Tuesday evening, and they were out of lasagna. (It was late so understandable) We started with Limoncello Spritz and the Antipasto. The Antipasto offered a generous portion of meat, cheese, olives etc. I was disappointed that the mozzarella was tough and not very flavorful. For dinner, I had the ravioli special and my friend had the Chicken Piccata. The ravioli was absolutely delicious and the portions size was just right. My friend said the Piccata was heavy on lemon, but he enjoyed it. Our server was attentive and helpful, and my water was never empty:) I was very impressed with Fratello's but one thing took this review from 5 to 4 stars. They had a table set up with silverware and napkins and 2-3 employees were wrapping silverware most of the time that we were there. I know it was late and we were 1 of about 6 tables left dining so they may have thought it was okay to do this. However, I don't think this is appropriate for an upscale restaurant. I tried to think of the last time that I experienced this and I feel like it was in a much more casual restaurant-reminded me of my Pizza Hut days. When an entrée costs about $30, there should be a place away from customers where employees can collaborate and wrap silverware. This wouldn't stop me from going again, but I do think it downgrades the experience. read more

Fratello’s Italian Tavern - Antipasto - Italian Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Interesting addition to James Island. The space is bright and inviting - tables nicely spaced for private conversations. We were greeted warmly and promptly seated. Our server, Meghan was wonderful, bright and helpful. Started with the Calamari, 3 out of 5. Caesar salad was good - plenty large enough for 2. Tasty - 4 out of 5. I had the Chicken Marsala (Meghan's suggestion), she had the salmon. Marsala was a 3. Portion was small-ish. Flavor were good, but not great. Her salmon was very good - let's say a 4. The kitchen needs some more polish - they were slow on a Sunday night with a half full restaurant. Think I need to give them another month or so to practice and we will be back!! read more

Originally from NY, I know good Italian. While I've never had my own Nona, many of my friend did and I've eaten good Italian. Fratello's is one of the closest I can find to authentic . There are only a few in Charleston. Service was amazing. Our server was spot on taking care of us with a smile. Unfortunately I don't remember her name but she's originally from Kings Park, NY. The new decor is inviting with live piano music in the background. Nice touch. Many at my table had the chicken parm. Absolutely delicious. Only one other place in Charleston is as good. Perfectly cooked. I would have given a 5 star but my fra diavolo was a bit chinsy for the price. Only 2 small muscles, 2 small clams, and 2 shrimp. I'm used to a plate full of seafood with a bit of pasta. This was a plate full of pasta with a couple pieces of seafood. Taste was very good, perfect spice level but not worth the $30 price. Next time I'll have the chicken parm too. Overall a very good experience. We will be back. read more

Wow! This restaurant really made my day. Since they just opened we were lucky to have 2 wonderful servers. Allison & Meagan who was training, Allison explained all the menu items and told us some interesting facts about the beautiful carpentry work in the restaurant. Everything was clean and comfortable. We had delicious calamari with hot onions and sweet onions. I loved the hot ones, it added depth to the dish. The muscles were plump and tasty. Great sauce to dip bread in. The tomato pesto soup was delicious! But my favorite was the Eggplant rollitini with angel hair pasta. We were so stuffed we couldn't even fit dessert but the choices sounded great. Next time! We will be back! read more

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ALERT! Brand new place on James island that everyone needs to check out! Fratello's is incredible and I was blown away by the careful and considerate service I received here. Allison was a delightful server who was sharp as a tack, and Meghan who she was training was also amazing. The mussels were the highlight of our order, and the eggplant was some of the best I've had in the Charleston area. My favorite part of Fratello's has to be the ambience and the beautiful woodworking on the inside of this newly renovated restaurant. It's just gorgeous to look at, inside and out. Very clean space, clean dishes, beautiful aesthetics, and great vibe. This place is going to do well. read more

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Smaller restaurant nestled between a Publix and another small Mexican one. This place is only a few months old. The receptionist was most delightful and seated us immediately. It's an open styled dinning room with a bar on one side. Choice of tables throughout. A very calm and enticing vibe for a good conversation and meal. Quick service with a couple of excellent brown ales. The menu is not elaborate nor too many, but some excellent choices. I had lamb pops and fresh asparagus over sliced lemons, and some potatoes. My spouse had chicken piccata with pasta. All was properly cooked and seasoned; She said more lemon would be better (never too much lemon in piccata ;). This was our second visit and after a shake start, I unequivocally recommend this new tavern. read more

I am giving this 4 stars because the ambiance was exceptional (even in comparison to downtown Charleston spots) but the food taste could be worked on. Drinks: We went on a Saturday night and sat at the bar. My drink, Gin Gimlet, was PHENOMENAL. It was the best drink I've had in a long time. I'd go again just for that and the great ambience. Food: We ordered the calamari, soup of the day (clam chowder) and Fratello salad. The calamari was cooked well and large serving size but was missing seasoning - it was bland tasting. Came with a good helping peppers which we enjoyed. The clam chowder was okay. My salad was a big serving size and the dressing was SO GOOD. I would definitely order the salad again! (My friend came here for dinner recently and didn't enjoy her main also - she said it was bland too.) Dessert: we got the tiramisu and it was delicious! All in all, I think the restaurant is still working out the kinks with it being new. Like the dishes themselves don't seem to be that great BUT I think once they work that out, this place can be a 5/5. Service was exceptional. There was also a pianist playing in the corner Saturday night and it was classy. I'm so glad a place like this exists on James Island, I just think they need to improve on food taste. I'd like to see this place succeed as they clearly put a lot into making it an exceptionally chic decor. I'll be back!! read more

Fratello’s Italian Tavern - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The ambience inside Fratellos newly renovated restaurant is on point, with a pianist in the corner. Beautiful and cozy. We started with Complimentary bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We also had the Shrimp scampi and calamari as appetizers, which were both delicious. The chicken piccata was tasty as well. The bar service was a bit slow and off, but always like to give a new place some slack to work out the kinks. I look forward to returning and trying the stuffed mushrooms and other menu items. read more

Considering they just opened, everything was just okay. I had the Caesar salad with calamari. The lettuce could have been in smaller pieces and the calamari was tender but no flavor. Friend had the mussels and said they were good. Another friend enjoyed the lasagna and said it was tasty. No photo but another friend had the chicken catchatorie (I can't spell). The dish was huge with two large pieces of chicken. Overall, like everything else today, place too pricey. She had two glasses of wine at $14 each. The soup special was mushroom artichoke in a creamy sauce. I would have tried a cup of that but all they offer is a big bowl. We arrived at 4:00 and the place was full when we left. Good luck to the new biz on James Island. read more

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Good people...good food...good vibe...doing a good thing on JI. You will not leave without feeling like you aren't family, Thats what it is all about. Much needed spot on JI. Smoked old fashioned....on point. Yes please Mussels, fresh and cooked perfectly, broth was buttery, balanced, and just lemony() enough to set the dish off... Stuffed mushrooms are a game changer, nothing else like them around. If you like good food, and good peeps, this needs to become your local JI spot. read more

Good Italian place! Friendly atmosphere with good food. The drink menu is excellent. I look forward to my next visit!

The veal was very tender as it should be. I did not like the fact that there was onion in the veal marsala. Had never seen that before. This has been a favorite of mine and I have ordered in NJ, NY, and little Italy in many other cities including Baltimore. The pasta was cooked just right. I enjoyed the salad but wished for more garlic on the Caesar ! read more

DELISH! The food was amazing, the vibe inside was so great. They did such a great job decorating, you would never think you were next to a Publix from the inside. To top it all off, the service was fabulous! read more

Fratello’s Italian Tavern - Salmon - Italian Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Our favorite local spot for dinner! Never had a bad meal there. Scallop risotto special was a stand out.

Great Place, Shrimp Gamberi, Insalata Del Fratello, Lasagna and Chicken Cacciatore. Will be back. James Island. read more

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Lasagna was delicious. Service was top notch and outside seating super convenient without a reservation. Overall a great experience.

Went there on day 4 of opening, met the owner. I had a good Gin and Tonic with my meal.

Delicious! Visited Fratellos, James Island, today for a late 2 pm lunch. Friendly staff greeted my party. Service was excellent as was the clams with cavatelli, mussels, eggplant, and drinks. We will be back! read more

Wonderful Italian restaurant. Can't wait for it to open a place on James Island. The menu has so many good entrees not usually served.

What a disappointment! Upon entering for our first time there, very impressed on the decor! From right there it went downhill. We waited six minutes for anyone to even greet us as we sat at our table watching four different servers walk past us multiple times. We sat near the bar and neither the bartender or the woman that he was excessively talking to paid the slightest bit of attention to us. I then told my table that in one minute, we would be walking out and then the server came up. I believe she said her name was Becky. She was incomplete and total La La Land and in the weeds with apparently just four tables. She had walked past us multiple times! So she brought us water and extremely stale ciabatta muffins. No butter was offered. With no label on the bottle of olive oil. We really had no idea what it was actually in there! I ordered the Caesar salad with the dressing on the side because I have found that the Caesar salad in particular anywhere is overdressed. And we decided that we would order a starter with the wrapped meatballs and peppers. For some reason, the table was having a hard time, deciding on their entrée, so she went to put those orders in... That should've been my first red flag. After five minutes, she did come back and took an order of the chicken marsala. The first thing that came out almost immediately was my salad with the dressing on it completely soaked. I took a couple bites and I thought the salad dressing was remarkably tasting like Ken's!? I was informed later that the chef made it homemade, I would say that's debatable. we waited a reasonable amount of time and then the chicken marsala came out and I have never seen such a horrific sloppy plate! It looked like it was a return from another customer. Slapped on the plate the spaghetti just thrown on. Not curled up like they even I do at home! I have included a picture. There was no garnish and it tasted like a quarter of a bottle of marsala was poured on it. I actually started laughing at that point. Now we have not gotten our starter yet! So I returned my Caesar salad and the chicken marsala was half eaten, but we were ready to go so I asked for the check. Now the starter comes out. Really? That went back. We were ready to go. The server did approach us to find out what was going on. I explained to her exactly what went on, and when she begged me to come back, I told her unfortunately absolutely not. I have lived on James Island for 30 years and seen many many restaurants come and go. If you don't open up with a much talked about killer, menu and restaurant and service right at the beginning, you will die. I am really sorry to post this, but as a yelp reviewer, I felt that I had to pass this information on. Also, I wanted to say that we all did talk about the fact that everyone seemed absolutely miserable and the music was playing Stevie Wonder! I mean, wow read more

Our server was high and we could not understand her or communicate effectively. I added chicken to my alfredo and it was burnt on both sides. I want this restaurant to make it, but they need to staff better to compete with restaurants in the area like Mondo's. read more

Truthfully- the other Italian restaurant on JI is better. The pasta didn't seem homemade, my dish was cold, the service was trying their best but seemed slow and overwhelmed and the restaurant wasn't even full. I will say- the remodel and decor is beautiful. But food was subpar and for the price you're paying, I'd expect better. read more

Beautiful spacious restaurant. One of the best things is that they take reservations. Food was very good. Great addition to the area.

Visiting from PA and came across this restaurant. FABULOUS. Staff was wonderful, food delicious, great ambiance. wish we lived around the corner. read more