Unexpected Italian Excellence at Radici Italian Chophouse – Bluffton, SC

Tucked quietly into a strip mall in Bluffton, SC, Radici Italian Chophouse is the kind of hidden gem you almost don’t want to tell people about—just so you can keep it to yourself a little longer. From the outside, it’s modest and unassuming. But step inside, and you’re immediately welcomed into a sleek, modern space anchored by a stunning open kitchen and a long, elegant bar that stretches nearly the entire length of the restaurant. It’s the kind of place where you know the food is about to get serious.

Let’s talk about the service—because it was impeccable. Our server was attentive without hovering, and impressively knowledgeable about the menu. As someone who appreciates proper pronunciation of Italian dishes (yes, I notice!), she absolutely nailed it, adding that extra layer of authenticity to the evening.

A Menu That Moves With the Seasons

Radici offers a rotating chef’s tasting menu that sounds like a culinary adventure worth exploring—choices that change daily and are inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients. The night we visited, there was a pork special and a duck special, both tempting. But we opted for à la carte, and narrowing it down was not easy… everything sounded amazing.

Antipasti That Set the Tone

We started with:

Grilled Octopus with tomato risotto cream, escarole sauce, and goat cheese. I skipped the chèvre (not my thing), but it was still beautifully balanced, tender, and flavorful.
Caponét – a savory sausage and cheese combination with a silky potato foam and crispy fried leeks. This was next-level comfort food with an elevated twist.

Each dish was plated like a piece of art, but more importantly, each bite delivered on flavor.

Handmade Pasta That Speaks Italian

For the mains:

The Nerano Tajarin – delicate ribbons of housemade pasta with a parmesan cream, fried zucchini, and basil. It was light yet rich, perfectly summery and simple in that beautiful Italian way.
Cacio e Pepe Tuffoli served with a golden tilefish tartare (we think!). The tartare changes depending on what’s fresh, and that’s part of the magic. This dish was an absolute standout—fresh, balanced, with layers of complexity that didn’t try too hard. It just worked.

Sweet Endings

For dessert, we tried:

Panna Cotta with a strawberry-jalapeño coulis – creamy, delicate, with just enough heat to keep it interesting.
A yogurt rose dessert with ganache that was as romantic and nuanced as it sounds. Delicate florals, creamy textures, rich chocolate. A perfect finale.

Final Thoughts

Every bite at Radici was thoughtful, fresh, and bursting with authenticity. This is not your average Italian-American fare—this is the real deal. This is food from Italy. From the housemade pasta to the beautifully curated menu that evolves with the day’s freshest ingredients, Radici is proof that true Italian cuisine has a home in Bluffton, SC. Open for lunch and dinner, this is a must try.

If you’re a fan of real Italian food—crafted with skill, plated with beauty, and served with genuine hospitality—make your way to Radici Italian Chophouse. You won’t be disappointed.

Check out my Instagram HERE and HERE for a look inside and see all the great food we enjoyed!

YouTube: Jacq From Jersey

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