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Cannoli Connection: Italian Bakeries in South Carolina
Libby Wiersema
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
Italian bakeries across South Carolina honor the traditions of the old country.
What’s almost as decadent as visiting a bakery in Italy? Visiting an Italian bakery right here in South Carolina.
When that inner cannoli monster awakens, you don’t have to book an international flight to soothe your savage sweet tooth. Cannoli, pignoli, zeppole, biscotti and other decadent Italian treats are just a drive away.
Don’t worry if you can’t pronounce the pastry names or narrow your order down to one item. Just point out everything that makes your mouth water and get it boxed up.
Vivi la dolce vita—live the sweet life—at one of these amazing South Carolina Italian-owned and -operated bakeries.
Talucci’s Bakery
Sfogliatelle (aka lobster tail) is a flaky, shell-shaped pastry filled with cream and fan favorite at Talucci's.
145 Central Avenue, Summerville (207) 205-8740
Explore the rich traditions of Italian baking at Talucci’s. Pastries, cookies, cakes and breads—and all their awesome aromas—are part of this Summerville bakery. Pick your favorite and pair it with an expertly brewed cup of Ditta Artigianale coffee—Italy’s first specialty coffee company.
Pause to admire the many beautiful Italian pastries in the case at Toffino's.
550 Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach (843) 477-1598
You will want to spend some time just admiring the artful pastry case at Toffino’s. Not only is it brimming with a kaleidoscope of pastries, cakes and cookies, but everything you see is house-made using family recipes from the 1800s. Plan to grab lunch at their adjoining pizzeria/deli then order from the dessert case for a finish that is delicioso.
Dolce Italy has cuccidati (fig) and other traditional Italian cookies for holidays and decadent snacking.
115 Pelham Rd, Greenville (585) 448-5731
The desserts of Sicily and Italy are both represented at Dolce Italy. The authenticity is on point here from the Italian breakfast croissant (cornetto) to the Italian cream puff (bignè) to the tangy-sweet limoncello cake.
The warm aroma of freshly bake Italian loaves is part of the experience at Gio's.
218 S Main Street, Fountain Inn (864) 724-2058
The Upstate really struck gold when Gio’s opened in the small town of Fountain Inn. Folks drive from across the region to take home bags of cookies, pastries and bread as well as house-made and imported savory cheeses, meats and pastas.
Sweet suggestions: Espresso cannoli, rainbow cookies (tricolore), tiramisu
Roma Ray Italian Bakery & Food Market
Symbolic colored eggs are nestled in this sweet Italian Easter bread from Roma Ray.
1856 Highway 17 Business N, Surfside Beach (843) 894-0006
Grand Strand transplants from the Northeast flock to Roma Ray to get a taste of home. There’s a definite New York City vibe going on here and that means great Italian American eating. Think semolina breads, salamis, olives, cheeses and, of course, a daily array of Italian desserts.
Sweet suggestions: Chocolate chunk biscotti, pine nut cookies (pignoli), custard pies (pasticciotto), Italian wedding cookies (anginetti)
Landolfi’s
For St. Joseph’s Day, Landolfi’s churns out zeppole, a fried pastry filled with cream and a symbol of abundance.
9305 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island (843) 237-7900
While plenty of folks come to Landolfi’s for the brick oven pizza, the Italian pastries lay claim to a pretty solid following, too. Holidays are especially sweet here with seasonal Italian traditions like zeppole for St. Joseph’s Day in March and pastiere di grano, a citrusy Easter pie.
Luscious cannoli cake is always on the menu at both locations of Carmella’s.
198 E Bay Street, Charleston (843) 722-5893 355 S Main Street, Greenville (864) 214-1283
Part cafe, part coffee house, part cocktail bar, part bakery—Carmella’s is a one-stop Italian food and drink haven. One peek in the dessert case at either location will have you declaring “Mangiamo!” (Let’s eat!) There are espresso drinks, cocktails, pizza and savory sandwiches, but the main draw is always the array of beautifully presented Italian sweets.
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
