Where wood-fired artistry meets natural wine devotion, Renzo Charleston transforms a historic single house into the city's most intimate Italian-influenced dining destination, crafted entirely by hand through owners Erik and Nayda Hutson's year-long architectural labor of love.

The Story & Heritage

Opened in March 2018, Renzo represents the ambitious first full-scale restaurant venture from Faculty Lounge veterans Erik and Nayda Hutson. Erik's architectural expertise transformed this historically preserved Charleston storefront—once home to Edward McSweeney's ice cream shop and various neighborhood grocers through the Great Depression—into a uniquely handcrafted dining space. Every element, from the brass-wrapped bar to the marble tables and denim-lined booths, bears Erik's personal touch after a year of meticulous renovation. Under Executive Chef Colin Marcelli's leadership, Renzo has quickly earned local acclaim for its originality and neighborhood charm, establishing itself as Charleston's premier destination for inventive Italian cuisine.

The Cuisine & Menu

Renzo's kitchen centers around a wood-fired oven housed in the original 1940 cinderblock addition, producing inventive pizzas that define the restaurant's creative spirit. Signature offerings include the lamb pizza with zhug and Calabrian chilies, and the honey-topped Federer pizza, alongside seasonal handmade pastas like rigatoni with basil-tomato sugo and Roman sausage. The frequently changing menu emphasizes scratch-made preparations and unexpected flavor combinations through small plates such as roasted radishes with kefir ranch and octopus tentacles with romesco and shishito peppers. This fine dining approach to casual Italian cuisine showcases seasonal ingredients and artisanal techniques, with approximately half the menu dedicated to wood-fired pizzas and the remainder featuring rotating pasta dishes and inventive small plates.

Experience & Atmosphere

The intimate space encourages communal dining around small marble tables and raised booths, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere. Nayda Hutson's carefully curated natural wine program highlights small, family-run estates and low-intervention winemaking from underrated European regions, displayed prominently around the brass-wrapped bar. The beverage selection includes terroir-driven wines by the glass, thoughtful beer choices, and artisanal amaro liqueurs. Service reflects the owners' hospitality background, with knowledgeable staff providing detailed menu guidance while maintaining an unobtrusive, friendly approach that enhances the cozy, stylish gathering atmosphere.

Closing & Call-to-Action

Renzo offers Charleston's most authentic neighborhood fine dining experience, where architectural craftsmanship meets culinary creativity in an intimate setting. Reservations are recommended for this small space that fills quickly with locals and discerning visitors seeking inventive Italian cuisine paired with exceptional natural wines. The restaurant's size and popularity make advance booking essential, particularly for weekend dining when the handcrafted space showcases its full charm.