Yes. I’m here again!
I’m from New Jersey, and when I moved to South Carolina, I truly thought my Italian food chapter had closed. Sure, I cook at home—Italian American classics, traditional Italian dishes, and everything in between—but when you cook every single night, going out to dinner feels like a luxury.
That changed the night we celebrated our anniversary at Radici Italian Chop House in Bluffton.
From the very first visit, I knew Radici was something special. This restaurant is next-level—elegant without being stuffy, refined without losing soul. It rivals some of the best Italian restaurants I’ve eaten at back home in New Jersey, and that is not something I say lightly.
This time, I returned alone for their four-course tasting menu, including an amuse-bouche. I sat at the bar, which I highly recommend, and watched the kitchen work with calm precision and artistry. Every plate that came out felt intentional and beautifully composed.
The meal began with an amuse-bouche of beef tartare, elevated by a luxurious pecorino cream and a delicate caper dust. It was rich, balanced, and set the tone perfectly.
Next came striped bass with roasted shrimp with a fried polenta square, finished with a deeply concentrated, bouillabaisse-inspired sauce called cacciucco. The flavors were layered and soulful—coastal, comforting, and refined all at once.
Then came the showstopper for me: spaghetti with sausage, beurre blanc ragù, and chili oil. This dish was absolute perfection. The beurre blanc coated the pasta expertly, clinging to every strand, while the sausage added depth and the chili oil delivered just the right amount of heat. This is the kind of pasta you think about days later.
The fourth course featured pork shoulder with ’nduja sauce, corn crema, and roasted pepper. By this point, I was full—but there was no chance I was stopping. The pork was tender and rich, the ’nduja added warmth and spice, and the corn crema balanced everything beautifully.
Dessert sealed the deal: fried panettone with vanilla ice cream. Crispy edges, soft center, and a full-on flavor explosion. It was indulgent, nostalgic, and wildly satisfying. If I thought no one was watching, I would’ve licked the plate.
One thing people often assume about tasting menus is that they’re made up of tiny portions. That was absolutely not the case here. This meal was generous, satisfying, and thoughtfully paced.
Beyond the food, the service at Radici is impeccable—warm, knowledgeable, and perfectly timed. From start to finish, this was one of the best meals I’ve had in my entire life—and I eat well.
If you’re visiting or living in Bluffton, Hilton Head, Hardeeville, or Okatie, Radici Italian Chop House is a must-visit. And if you’re a Jersey or New York transplant longing for a taste of home—don’t walk. Run.
Radici delivers magic, one plate at a time.
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