Located in the emerging Charleston neighbourhood of Hanahan, Cane Pazzo is a neighbourhood osteria blending the soul of Italian cooking with the heart of the American South. The latest project from chef Mark Bolchoz, the restaurant draws on his Charleston roots and lifelong reverence for Italian cuisine, pairing Lowcountry ingredients with traditional techniques to create something both familiar and unexpected.
The menu tells a personal story. Handmade pastas are a highlight, from She Crab Raviolo with blue crab and tarragon, to Corn and Pepper Risotto made with local corn and confit peppers. Small plates like crispy mozzarella or fennel sausage cooked in the wood oven offer comforting familiarity, while larger dishes such as Chicken alla Romana or a 16 oz. Ribeye echo the rustic simplicity of Italian home cooking. Seasonal vegetables and local seafood are at the centre of each plate, presented on pottery made by North Carolina’s Matt Hallyburton.
The wine list has been curated by co-owner Ariana Bolchoz, and is exclusively Italian. Focusing on small-production estates, it champions expressive varietals and elegant pairings, from alpine whites to brooding reds. The small but smart cocktail selection is playful, with drinks named after song titles in tribute to the building’s former life as a music shop. Highlights include Roman Holiday, a light mix of Irish whiskey and Italicus, and Against the Wind, a bittersweet take on a Paloma.
Designed by Bolchoz himself, the interiors are warm and lived-in. Exposed beams, olive-green walls, and dark wood tones set the tone in the bar, where a bright red La Marzocco espresso machine takes pride of place. Through a brick archway, the dining room centres on an open kitchen and wood-fired oven, surrounded by chandeliers, family photos, and banquette seating in soft brown leather. Terrazzo floors and tiled ceilings add texture, while an outdoor patio offers a more casual setting for drinks and events.
Rooted in tradition and driven by personal memory, Cane Pazzo brings a distinctly Southern rhythm to this up-and-coming Charleston neighbourhood.
Cane Pazzo Charleston Photography, Andrew Cebulka.
