
Legami Serving Up Epic Italian Food & Drink
Authenticity is 'Numero Uno' at Newest Ristorante Located at 492 King Street
Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer / Food & Beverage Review
Throughout the low country, aside from Kiawah and a few distinct eateries, most of the upscale restaurants in greater Charleston reside on the peninsula of Charleston. Among those more than two dozen plus select establishments, several fall into three specific categories, with that being American (including steakhouses), seafood, and traditional southern fare.
While there are a few Italian restaurants in the fine dining mix, with diners strong appreciation for Mediterranean cuisine apparently they have made room for one additional. Located at 492 King Street and the corner of Mary Street, Legami is the latest authentic Italian restaurant to open its doors in the ever evolving food and beverage community in downtown Charleston.
Legami, the brainchild of brothers Eldredge and Tyler Ropolo, who both grew up in Turin, Italy is a sister restaurant to 'Pasta Beach', one their parents Gianni and Susie opened more than 20 years ago in Newport, Rhode Island, expanding to Boston in 2010 and Providence in 2016. While the New England locations offer traditional pasta as well pizza, Legami is inspired by the team’s collective cultures having been exposed to old country cuisine in Torin and Rome, thus allowing Legami a more high-end menu, including an incredible array of cocktails.
Italian-born and raised chef Andrea Congiusta oversees the kitchen and created the overall menu at Legami. Congiusta brings with him more than 10 years experience working in several Michelin starred restaurants in Rome and in Milan. According to Eldredge, 'you can train to be a five star Italian chef, but if you're born in Italy and trained under the best of the best, than you've taken your cuisine skills to the highest level'. Shall we dive into Congiusta's menu.
Apart from to two flavorful Insalates (Field Greens & Snow Peas Salad), Legami's classic Italian bill of fare is comprised of a sophisticated lineup of four well-defined menu options, providing a variety of dining possibilities. You can begin your meal with one of two selections under the Crudo (seasoned raw seafood) listing, choosing either fresh oysters (Charleston favorite) or their zestier Italian cousin Oysters Granita, draped in a bed of basil oil and apple champagne granita (textured fruity ice confection), surrounded by salmon caviar. For the discerning palate.
A half dozen appetizers fill the Piattini (small plate) list. Cured meat lovers will savor the Gnocco Fritto. Named for the Emilia Romagna region in Italy, this fried dough delight is topped with prosciutto di parma (aged thinly sliced ham). Those who savor seafood will find the Lobster Tartin pleasing. An ample serving of fried lobster claws swirled in a medley of sun-dried tomato and spicy honey folded in a focaccio rosemarino (lightly savory flatbread). Delicioso!
Vegans have a few options including the Confit Potatoes, slow cooked baby potatoes in a bearnaise sauce, presented on a saucer in a swirl of red wine reduction, easily described as a dressing made by cooking down red wine until it's syrupy and flavorful. Think of it as a merlot sauce. Simply, pop in your mouth petite tuber delectables. Just three of a dozen smaller plates that include Beet Roots, Braised Octopus, Country Squab, and George Bank Scallops (succulent fresh scallops in roasted corn sauce & truffle butter).
Craving something more sumptuous, than the Paste (pasta) or the Piatti (main dish) portion of the menu lists 11 satisfying entrees. The Ravioli is as traditional as you can get. Tortellin shells stuffed with ricotta and 24 month parmigiano reggiano (aged Italian cheese) before being seasoned in basil and coated in pomodoro sauce, typically made from fresh tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, basil and seasonings. However the recipe, the dish is freakin' awesome!
While not typically an Italian entree, the Filet Mignon Alla Wellington has a decidedly Mediterranean panache. An ample and tender portion of steak swaddled in prosciutto di parma and mushrooms before being wrapped in a baked short-crust pastry, served at your table with a side of confit potatoes. Beef lovers not in a pasta mood, this is your preferred entree. Magnifico!
Poultry epicureans could opt for the Chicken Quattro Limoni (velvety breasted chicken in a candied lemon glaze) or the Duck Breast marinated in an eggplant pesto. Tempting!
Rounding out the robust bigger plates are the bone-in Veal Milanese steeped in a bearnaise red wine reduction, and fresh Grouper in vicentina (rich white wine & butter sauce) with marinated grapes, asparagus and salmon caviar. A diverse menu for sure. Want more? The saffron infused roasted Scallop Risotto and the Mediterranean Lamb presented in mustard sauce sound appetizing.
Speaking of caviar, Legami's menu carries a Caviar Service, offering three prominent selections with international appeal, including an Italian White Sturgeon, French Osetra, and the ever popular Organic Royal Beluga (hybrid caviar). Ideally partnered with a sipping cocktail or a scintillating glass of white wine, champagne or vodka on the rocks. Cheers!
At Legami they welcome sharing plates. The upside, that allows diners an assortment of flavors, as well as it leaves room for Dolce aka 'something sweet'. Among the dessert menu are four distinctive confections including their namesake Torta Legami (Susie's favorite), a puff pastry filled with Italian creme. Legami's Raspberry Tiramisu puts a unique spin on a Charleston standard, with their Roasted Pineapple surrounded by candied cashews and a dollop of anise ice cream setting Legami apart. Maybe pair your dolce with a hearty cup of espresso.
If you're going full tilt, maybe celebrating something special, than why not couple good food with good drink. Legami believe there is a perfect beverage for every occasion. Utilizing the skilled expertise of seasoned beverage manager James Ruggiero, Legami's drink menu is just as eclectic as their food offerings. Their list of premium and vintage wines (red, white, dessert, & bubbly) is so extensive it's best to provide a link for you the reader. https://legamichs.com/menus/
Of course they carry Peroni, Italy's preferred lager, alongside several beers on draft and by bottle from local breweries such as Revelry, Westbrook, Munkle, Fatty's and Edmund's Oast. And if you have a favorite potent potable, than their bartenders are skilled mixologists.
Aside from a healthy wine cellar, what may become Legami's adult beverage calling card is their signature cocktails. Their namesake martini is laced with Calabrian chili olive oil washed vodka, Castelvetrano olive brine, micro-planed parmesan, and burrata-stuffed olives. Their Amuse Me concoction is a tongue & cheek spin on a classic Bloody Mary and pays tribute to their New England roots, complete with a splash of prosecco and a fresh oyster. Want something light and effervescent, than I strongly recommend the Draft Venetian Spritz, bursting with valencia orange and rosemary zest.
The Charleston Water is soon to be among the most talked about holy water in the holy city. A consummate blend of Rittenhouse rye and Elephant Amaro (syrupy Italian herbal liqueur) washed in a medley of brown sugar, peach tea, and San Pelligrino for added effervescence. A lively spirit worthy of its legendary name.
While the menu is unique and amazing, the overall ambiance at Legami is equally inviting. Comfortably seating 180 diners, the two story eatery was designed by Tyler, evoking Italian style and culture while embracing the charm of historic Charleston. Pastel green upholstered benches surround white speckled Carrara marble tables leading to an open kitchen. Hand painted plaster walls are beautifully detailed with lifelike palms by artist Flavio Bragaloni known for his work in frescos, and decorative painting.
The second floor comes complete with marble tables, green velvet seating, and floor to ceiling windows providing a more open atmosphere in a rustic Italian setting. Furthermore, both floors host social lounges for late night drinks and occasional live music. An outdoor patio adorned with jasmine vines and brick flooring sits adjacent to the main floor, with an upstairs terrace overlooking Mary Street. In short, Legami is aesthetically pleasing.
Although true Italians celebrate many things in life, however there are two they hold dear to their hearts. First and foremost family tops the list, with food coming in a close second. Whether it's a neighborhood pizzeria, an espresso cafe, grandmas kitchen, or an upscale ristorante much like Legami, Italians enjoy breaking bread with family and friends, with a extra measure of faith to season the gathering.
Legami is truly a family affair. The literal definition of Legami in Italian means 'family ties' as well as 'bonds of friendship'. Having met Eldredge and his parents I recognize their passion, not only for serving up exceptional food and drink, but for building relationships with patrons. The low country family connection extends to Don and Joanne Migliori, who are not only relatives, but owners of Migliori's Pizzeria in Mount Pleasant and investors in Legami as well. 'Ti amo alla famiglia.'
In just over a month (Oct 9th) since throwing open their doors, Legami has seen several instances of repeat business, mainly because they provide authentic Italian food combined with top-notch customer service. Eldredge said to me, he was encouraged by all he's witnessed since their debut, adding he wasn't surprised because the Pasta Beach restaurants up north experience the same customer loyalty.
Looking for an intimate place to host a family gathering, a holiday party, or company social, than consider Legami. Perhaps you're just wanting to enjoy a special night out with that certain someone, Legami makes for an ideal choice.
If you find yourself visiting or vacationing in New England anywhere near Boston, or in Providence and Newport, Rhode Island, than maybe put either of the Pasta Beach locations on your lunch or dinner radar.
Some photos compliments of Legami
For more incredible culinary experiences in Charleston, check out our guide to the city's best dining destinations. From fresh seafood to Southern classics, there’s something for every palate! View more Charleston dining options here.