Exciting New Italian Restaurant Legami Set to Open in Charleston
Charleston is buzzing with excitement as a brand new Italian restaurant, Legami, prepares to open its doors at 492 King Street this fall. The team behind Legami is dedicated to crafting not just delicious food, but also a warm atmosphere that connects people, just like the meaning of its name in Italian – ties and connections. We recently had the chance to sit down with Eldredge Ropolo, director of operations for Washington Street Hospitality, to find out more about what this new venue will offer.
A Family Affair
Legami isn’t just any restaurant; it’s part of a family legacy. Eldredge’s father, Gianni Ropolo, originally hails from Turin, Italy, and started the Pasta Beach restaurants in New England back in 2010 with his wife, Susan. As the idea sprouted for Legami, the team realized that creating something unique for the Charleston community was essential. “We fell in love with Charleston,” said Eldredge, “It’s definitely a big foodie city, and we thought this would be a great opportunity for us to expand this way.”
Transforming the Space
Renovating the former space of 492 has been quite the adventure for the Ropolo family. They decided on a design that evokes the feel of an Italian villa, with creative director Tyler Ropolo leading the charge. An artist from Rome was brought in to create lovely plasterwork on the walls of the dining room, showcasing hand-drawn palms, which serve as a delightful nod to Charleston’s beautiful landscape. From fabrics to lighting and furnishings, each element has been thoughtfully imported from overseas to create a vibrant, welcoming space.
The interior promises to be captivating, featuring a large brass bar with leafy lamps that reflect the palm motif. For those looking for a more laid-back environment, an upstairs lounge area awaits, complete with plush seating for friends wanting to unwind over snacks and cocktails. Plus, there’s an outdoor seating arrangement adorned with lush greenery and fine Italian fabrics that will surely charm diners as they sip and savor.
Modern Italian Cuisine
Heading the culinary team is Chef Andrea Congiusta, who comes with an impressive background from Michelin-starred Il Pagliaccio in Rome. Congiusta is excited about crafting a menu that offers a modern take on Italian cuisine, with influences from France, considering that Turin is at the northern tip of Italy. “We took inspiration from the classic fine dining,” he explains. “But we also want to have something fun, something that looks very fancy, and something you can crave.”
As for the menu, it’s brimming with mouthwatering options. Diners can start their meals with tantalizing offerings like charred broccolini with spicy nduja sausage, a “lobster bomb,” or foie gras with South Carolina peaches. The raw bar will feature oysters, crudos, and various caviars, making it the ideal spot for seafood lovers!
Signature Dishes to Look Out For
When it comes to pasta, the standout dish is likely to be the cappelletti stuffed with goat cheese, complemented by a rich butter pecan sauce and sautéed mushrooms. Other options include king crab tagliolini and the classic ravioli pomodoro. As for the main courses, diners can savor a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary, including beef Wellington alongside veal Milanese and black grouper with moscato-marinated grapes. Congiusta reflects on his inspiration from the local produce, calling Charleston’s offerings “amazing.”
Getting Ready to Open
The team at Legami is working diligently to prepare for their highly-anticipated opening, which is forecasted for the first week in October. So, mark your calendars! If you find yourself in Charleston, be sure to keep an eye out for this exciting new chapter in the city’s dynamic dining scene. With a charming atmosphere and a delicious menu, Legami is promising to be a fantastic addition to the Upper King corridor.
