V Modern Italian, located at 465 Meeting St. in the Greystar Building, is now open.
The restaurant says it blends “authentic Italian flavors, bold cocktails, vibrant art and an energetic ambiance.” It also said the Roman numeral “V” reflects the restaurant’s commitment to engaging all five senses, with every detail — “from the flavors of Italy and aromas of the Italian stone oven to plush interiors, inventive cocktails and a DJ-curated soundtrack” — designed to “Feed Your Senses.”
Michelin-starred Chef Stefano Ciotti’s menu blends seasonal ingredients with contemporary techniques, delivering his interpretations of Italian classics.
Guests can expect a menu featuring antipasti, house-made pastas, entrees and wood-fired sourdough pizzas. Standouts include the char-grilled oysters — topped with butter, lemon, toasted panko and herbs — and the lobster ravioli al limone, featuring lobster-filled ravioli in a lemon cream sauce finished with brown butter, candied tomatoes and basil oil.
Signature dishes include the Tutti Antipasti Tower, a three-tier presentation of chef-curated antipasti. Another standout is the Black Truffle Creste, roasted portobello mushrooms in a truffle sauce finished tableside in a pecorino wheel. The Vodka Rosa features pipette pasta in a vodka tomato cream sauce, finished with stracciatella, Piccadilly peppers, bacon, chives and chili oil.
“My goal was to take everything I love about classic Italian cuisine and make it feel fresh and exciting again,” Ciotti said. “Charleston is a city that truly appreciates great food, tradition and craftsmanship, which makes it the perfect place to share our approach to modern Italian cuisine. Each dish honors the soul of Italy while bringing something new and vibrant to the table.”
Complementing the menu is a cocktail program curated by the V bar team, featuring drinks such as the Velvet Espresso with Tito’s vodka, Borghetti espresso liqueur, salted caramel and cold brew coffee, and the Mammarita with Lunazul Blanco tequila, amaretto, burnt orange, lime and orange bitters. The beverage program is paired with a selection of European wines, inviting guests to stay for after-dinner drinks and DJ sessions on weekends.
Designed by international hospitality firm LIVIT, V’s 6,305-square-foot open plan accommodates up to 265 guests indoors. The space also offers reserved sections, making it suitable for events and larger parties.
At its center, an illuminated marble bar features more than 2,000 liquor bottles, while the open kitchen offers diners a view of the culinary process. The dining room is anchored by a sculptural olive tree installation surrounded by circular banquettes, creating a semi-private gathering space.
Several large-scale murals by urban artists PichiAvo are on display throughout the restaurant.
“Charleston has such a rich sense of place and history, and we wanted the design of V to feel just as memorable,” said Benjamin Calleja, a European restaurant designer and partner at V. “The space blends Italian warmth with contemporary energy, creating an atmosphere that feels both elevated and welcoming. Our hope is that guests come in, settle in and enjoy an experience that engages all the senses.”
Reservations can be made online.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Wednesday — 4 to 10 p.m.
- Thursday — 4 to 11 p.m.
- Friday — 4 p.m. to midnight
- Saturday — 3 p.m. to midnight
- Sunday — 3 to 10 p.m.
Learn more here.
