Chef John Amato’s Charleston Guide | Find. Eat. Drink.
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John Amato is the executive chef at The Park Cafe in Charleston, SC. Originally from Virginia, John grew up in an Italian-American family and credits his mother’s home-cooked meals as the inspiration to pursue a culinary career.
Amato works long hours, but when he gets a night off to dine around town his philosophy about picking a restaurant is to get good food at a fair price. Here are a few of his favorite local spots that fulfill that need.
John Amato is the executive chef at The Park Cafe in Charleston, SC. Originally from Virginia, John grew up in an Italian-American family and credits his mother’s home-cooked meals as the inspiration to pursue a culinary career. After working in several restaurants in Richmond, VA, he landed in Charleston and became the sous chef at FIG working alongside chef Mike Lata.
In 2011, he took his cooking on the road with a food truck coincidentally named “Foodie Truck.” In 2013, he parked the truck and joined The Park Cafe.
At The Park Cafe, everything but the bread is made in-house. The food is intended to be approachable so that you’ll come for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Amato works long hours, but when he gets a night off to dine around town his philosophy about picking a restaurant is to get good food at a fair price. Here are a few of his favorite local spots that fulfill that need. To get the full Charleston eating and drinking guide, download the Find. Eat. Drink. iPhone app.
September 30, 2014
November 13, 2014
Chef John Amato’s Charleston
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The Park Cafe - Charleston, SC
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Photograph courtesy of The Park Cafe
Santi's Mexican
“Located on the neck of the Charleston peninsula, it's a very causal but pleasant atmosphere. I typically order the shrimp al diabla and a side of flour tortillas.”
1302 Meeting Street Road, Charleston, 29405
T: 843.722.2633
PaPa ZuZu’s
“This is one of a only few Mediterranean restaurants in the Charleston area and has fresh hummus, baba ghanouj and feta with reasonable prices.”
426 West Coleman Boulevard, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
T: 843.881.9848 | www.papazuzus.com
Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen
Photograph courtesy of Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen
Lee Lee's Hot Kitchen
“This is only one of a few ethnic restaurants on the Charleston peninsula. The menu is based on the co-owner's family recipes and two dishes not to be missed are the Singapore Rice Noodles and Ginger Beef.”
218 President Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.822.5337 | www.leeleeshotkitchen.com
DeSano Pizza
“Tucked off busy Meeting Street near the Ravenel Bridge. My favorite pizza is the Diavola, which comes with spicy salame, Calabrian peppers, pepperoni and buffalo mozzarella.”
94 Stuart Street, Charleston SC, 29403
T: 843.637.4225 | www.desanopizza.it/pizza-napoletana.html
Wild Olive
Photograph courtesy of Wild Olive
Wild Olive
“It is worth the 20 minute drive from downtown. I recommend the tagliatella bolognese with ground veal and pork.”
2867 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455
T: 843.737.4177 | www.wildoliverestaurant.com
Royal American
“It opened a few years ago and is a great spot for a drink on the front or back porch or to see a band. The bourbon punch is $7 and one of the best deals in town.”
970 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.817.6925 | www.theroyalamerican.com
