Pelato, a "Brooklyn-Italian restaurant" from restaurateur Anthony Scotto, Jr., is set to open in Charleston in Spring 2025. A family venture, the Scottos are longtime restaurateurs who opened restaurants, Pelato and Luogo, in Nashville after relocating from New York to pursue new Southern roots.
Led by Theresa and Anthony Scotto, Jr., along with their son Anthony Scotto III, Pelato will occupy the former Butcher & Bee space on Morrison Drive.
The restaurant’s name, Pelato, derives from the Italian term for a “peeled tomato,” and is also slang for a bald head – a playful nod to Anthony Scotto, Jr. Paying homage to the Scotto family’s Brooklyn upbringing, guests can expect a small plate-style dinner service featuring an array of house-made, Brooklyn-Italian dishes and recipes that have been passed down for generations.
The menu will mirror that of the Nashville location, including dishes that have been in the Scotto family for decades such as their famed Potato Croquettes, Brooklyn-style Calamari and Chicken Parmigiana, along with fresh house-made pasta like Radiatori Vodka, Bucatini Cacio E Pepe and “Little Ear” Orecchiette & Italian Sausage. Pelato Charleston will also introduce exclusive regional specialties that ties Brooklyn to Charleston’s local produce and seafood. The dining experience will be complemented with classic desserts like three-layer house-made Rainbow Cookies, Peach Melba, and Dark Chocolate Budino along with a drinks program featuring signature cocktails such as the Frozen Espresso Martini, Limoncello Margarita, Sangria, and various refreshing spritzes.
Sundays are significant at Pelato as the Scottos have a longstanding family tradition of preparing “Sunday Sauce,” a heaping portion of assorted meats cooked overnight and served with Fusilli pasta tossed in the meaty tomato sauce. Served exclusively on Sundays, Pelato prepares a limited quantity of Sunday Sauces for dinner service only.
The Scotto family is personally curating every detail of the space, with daughter Gabriella, teaming up with local David Thompson Architect for the overall design and décor. Pelato will accommodate over 180 patrons between the main dining room, bar seating, private dining room, and an outdoor patio with an expansive four-season pergola for alfresco dining.
“We’ve been making our way south for years now and are proud to call it our home,” said Theresa Scotto. “The people here feel like family, and we’re excited to bring a real taste of Brooklyn to one of our favorite cities.”
Pelato will operate within the Scotto family’s new restaurant group, Avenue T Hospitality.
The restaurant will offer dinner service seven days a week, with brunch service on the weekends following the initial opening.
