Restaurant at 465 Meeting St. Excites the Senses, Evolves Into Lively Late Night Lounge, Offering Unique Tuesday Promotion

Jeff Walker, Business & Restaurant Review

History and southern hospitality are among the top reasons Charleston is often listed as number one by travel and tourism magazines. Those two factors aside, Charleston's ever evolving food and beverage community alone bring countless numbers to the holy city, an aspect locals have long understood. While still considered a small city steeped in genteel antiquity, surprisingly Charleston provides a diverse culinary scene.

Apart from coffee shops and take-out only counters, Charleston proper (downtown peninsula) offers up over 140 sit down restaurants, covering nearly every classification of food. Whether you prefer American (steaks, burgers), seafood, Asian, Hispanic, French, Mediterranean, Italian, or straight up southern cuisine including BBQ, Charleston serves up something for varied tastes.

Not counting pizzerias, the holy city has roughly a dozen so called upscale Italian eateries. While each are located in varying parts of the peninsula, and several are decent, most focus on old school Italian menus including a number of pasta dishes. That aside, it's hard to separate yourself from the pack. However, the holy city has a new Italian eatery that is quickly becoming downtown Charleston's go-to spot. 

Located at 465 Meeting Street, V Modern Italian is a multi-sensory contemporary restaurant serving up perennial Italian favorites alongside trendier dishes and cocktails, with the V reflecting their sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch approach to cuisine and nightlife. In simple terms, V Modern is bridging the gap between old school Italian menus and present day appetites. Before we take a deep dive into their menu, let's explore the overall quintet of sensory perceptions surrounding the letter V in V Modern.

The first V might be the most obvious, and that is the Visual. The moment you walk in you'll detect something visionary (a bonus V). From the artwork to the floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed wine display, and from the over-sized amber-colored tiered chandeliers to the abundant indoor greenery and hanging botanical accents, V Modern stimulates your eyes.

The second V is Vocal. There's a certain sound in the place, a welcoming buzz from the the moment they greet you at the door to the clinking of cocktail glasses, and from the celebrations enjoyed at dinner tables to the elevated live DJ music emerging as the evening erupts into upbeat nightlife scene on weekends.

The third V is a Vibrant redolence wafting through the air, a subtle yet alluring aroma of the carefully curated dishes being prepared by skilled artisans in the kitchen. This intoxicating smell preps the fourth V, the Velum (soft palate), inviting the voracious (an extra V) flavors that tantalize the taste buds. I could easily add the vinous characteristics of the select fruits of the vine to overdose you on V Modern's culinary love affair with all things V. 

That brings me to the fifth V, which is the overall Vibe at V Modern, bringing all the aforementioned senses to together, to provide patrons with an awesome time at dinner, or during their livelier music filled evening soirees. Coming full circle V Modern is all about integrating food, aroma, design, cocktails, and music all under the same roof. Culinary vitality abound at V Modern.

Mangia, mangia (Eat & eat up):

Mainstay entrees include hand-crafted wood-fired pizzas, Lobster Ravioli, mouth watering Barolo Braised Short Rib served with oven-roasted rosemary potatoes, and a succulent 8oz pork chop glistening in caramelized roasted peaches. Seven signature pasta dishes made by the D’Alelio family for that unmistakable 'al dente' (tender yet firm) bite. 

Kickstart your culinary experience with their beef, pork & veal infused Marinara Meatballs or a savory serving of garlic enhanced Bruschetta Classica top with creamy burrata (buttery Italian cheese) surrounded by heirloom tomatoes, basil oil, tomato powder & arugula. Delizioso! The entire menu ideally complemented by a vast array of specialty cocktails and European wines, as well smooth sipping bourbons. 

Although not listed under the Anti-pasta menu, V Modern's four atypical  pizzas could easily serve as a shared appetizer or light bite for couple. Each skillfully crafted using a 200-year-old sourdough starter, a living culture of wild yeast that has been continuously maintained through a generational lineage since the 1800s.

All out meat eaters might find the Quattro Carni to their liking, layered with crumbled beef, veal, soppressata (Italian dry-cured salami) and pancetta (salt-cured pork). All ideally embedded in their signature rustic tomato sauce. A unique heirloom touch to an already unrivaled menu.

V Modern's Primi and Secondi menu items consist of a dozen main courses ranging from simply satisfying to heartier entrees. Although it's pasta, the Cacio E Pepe eats like lighter yet filling fare. An ample serving of cavatappi (double spiral pasta) coated in a blanket of pecorino Romano (salty Italian cheese), further enhanced with black pepper. Delizioso! 

Carnivore connoisseurs have no less than four red meat selections to choose from. To quench a ravenous appetite consider the 72H Short Ribs, a fork-tender mouthful that begins its culinary presentation three days before you feast upon it. The process retains a pink, medium-rare color, drawing similarities between a ribeye and pot roast. Surrounded in a bordelaise (slightly seasoned rich demi-glace), and aged parmesan, this dish will whole-heartedly satisfy. For you diehards, there's always the 8oz USDA prime filet or a the 14oz New York strip steak. Either go well with risotto, roasted potatoes, or seasonal veggies.

The recently introduced On The Bone Lamb Shank is equally as filling. A robust serving of lamb immersed in a bold and savory red wine mushroom tomato sauce. The acidity of the tomatoes combined with the complexity in a red wine bring about a distinct flavor, further heightened in a swath of truffle risotto, a rich and musky Italian rice dish. A freakin' amazing pairing! 

Are you a seafood lover, seeking a bit more off the wall variety? Perhaps cast your order (pun intended) for their Mediterranean Octopus covered in a fire roasted pepper sauce, complete with roasted potatoes. Not willing to throw your line that deep, maybe opt for the Salmone In Crosta, savory salmon in a Mediterranean inspired herb coating in a parmesan pepper crema, adorned nicely with a colorful array of seasonal veggies.

Does V Modern finish off your meal with killer desserts? Is the Pope Catholic? Certamente! Not only do they have a cannoli concierge, they offer up nice twist on an Italian favorite. How about Bailey's infused tiramisu, smooth mascarpone cream layered with Baileys-soaked chocolate cake and dusted with cocoa powder. Maybe opt for the melt in your mouth zesty Almond Cake with a hint of citrus and drizzled in amaretto glaze. 

Listed as the perfect pick me up, the Affogato is a double shot of Italian espresso poured over Stracchiatella gelato. An ideal coffee and chocolate after dinner liquid dessert. Maybe kick it up a notch by adding St Brendan Irish cream, because every Italian meal deserves a sweet ending.

While most Italian ristorantes follow the same round shape in a round hole method, V Modern's approach is more of a square peg in a round hole. How many full-service Italian dining establishments offer two steaks on the menu as well as lamb, octopus, and caviar enhancements?

V Modern isn't interested in the 'same old same old' concepts. Everything they do reflects forward thinking. Case in point. Every Tuesday is marketed as 'Girls Dinner' night where they say 'ciao bella' (hello beautiful in Italian) to southern belles of all ages. Included in the pre-fixed $45 for two people array is their Caesar Martini (festive salad in an oversized martini glass), Limoncella Burrata, Marinara Meatballs, Rosemary Focaccia, and Alfredo Dipping Sauce. 

Additional options involve purchases of the Crown Jewel, a bottle of Don Luchi Prosecco, a savory Italian sparkling wine crafted from 100% Glera grapes, presented in a signature hand crafted crown, designed to allow a regal experience for a celebratory occasion. Of course the Blush Rush is a subtle alternative, a smooth yet distinctive blend of High Ground vodka mingled with fruity liqueurs, offered up in their signature high-heel carafe surrounded by shimmering edible glitter. Let's call this a 'shared stiletto social'.

With the early part of the week usually the slowest nights in the food & beverage industry Girls Dinner is genius. And although the promotion might be geared towards the ladies, make no mistake the boys aka the men are welcome. Guys, take a hint. If you want to see some of the loveliest ladies glammed up on a Tuesday night then pop into V Modern.

Are you familiar with the old expression 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'. Since V Modern is wrapped in Italian ambiance, nearly all their fruits of the vine hail from Italy, tailored to their contemporary Italiano menu. From moderate glasses of wine to higher-end price points, V Modern offer a vintage that easily pairs with whatever you're having. Saluto!

Had a trying day, maybe want to enjoy a little liquid sophistication before heading home. Pop in V Modern and sip a refreshing martini while savoring Focaccia Tartufata, or maybe go full tilt and order your preferred cocktail and sip it while savoring a fresh char-grilled oyster appetizer enhanced with a caviar bump. Yes indeed, V Modern serve up a few select servings of caviar, including their 24k gold Ossetra caviar, a luxury gourmet product that combines high-grade Ossetra sturgeon roe with genuine, edible 24-karat gold flakes. How metropolitan of them! 

Facciamo Festa (Let's party!):

Late evenings this 6K sq.ft. space transitions from a sophisticated dinner spot into a vibrant lounge offering up DJ-curated soundtracks further amplifying the mood that is already elevated by their large chandeliers, glass enclosed wall of wine, and plush decor. It's kind of like they designed a restaurant inside a modern Italian art museum, built around a scenic atrium. It's been said, you eat with your eyes as much as you do with your mouth. Fantastico!

Coming full circle V Modern is re-inventing Italian dining. The Roman numeral V has been around for over 2500 years, and symbolizes Italian history, whereas the word modern refers to present day. With that in mind, V Modern Italian has merged the old country (Italy) with the low country (Charleston) into a contemporary classic gathering place, seasoned with neo-traditional southern flair.

Want more V's to feast upon. Embark on a dining voyage at V Modern, a vivacious culinary vessel permanently docked alongside 465 Meeting St. at the intersection of Columbus Street. In the ever evolving food & beverage community in downtown Charleston, it's clear V Modern will be reign victorious for years to come. Open 4-10pm weekdays and 3pm-midnight Friday & Saturday. Titillate all five senses at https://v.restaurant/charleston/

Parting shots & raves:

Online and social media reviews are in, with V Modern receiving raves for their drink program, noting creative presentations and unique options (like the Roman Mule, New Fashioned, Hugo Spritz, and Seafoam Margarita). Aperitivo Hour runs Sunday through Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM featuring $10 V Cocktails and a $20 small bites board. Cocktails alone run $12 - $18. 

Standout menu items include Black Truffle Pizza, Tutti Antipasti Tower, Branzino, Lobster ravioli, and table-side services like the cannoli concierge. Additional kudos and four and five stars have been awarded to the attentive and friendly wait staff. Considering it's in the heart of downtown Charleston, the prices are reasonable, with most plates ranging from $20 - $40, with both steak entrees around $55, and the pizzas all $25 or less. Select wines and caviar are priced appropriately.

Many diners note the restaurant's eclectic atmosphere given its high ceilings, trendy interior, subtle table decor, wall of wine, ambient lighting, and energetic vibe. As the night progresses (usually around 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM), the dining room shifts from an upscale Italian restaurant into a high-energy lounge featuring a live DJ and upbeat music. Plus the two hour free parking at the adjacent garage is a welcome touch. Ciao bella!