Savi Cucina + Wine Bar

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Dream Named After Grandmother Savanelle

Savi Cucina + Wine Bar began as a shared vision between husband and wife Karen and Ty Raju—a vision rooted in food, wine, and the kind of hospitality that makes strangers feel like family. The name itself carries that intention: SAVI is a tribute to Karen's grandmother, Savanelle, and the warmth that radiates from a table where people genuinely gather. What started as a passion project has grown into one of Mount Pleasant's most recognized dining destinations, sitting in the heart of Mount Pleasant Towne Centre.

The People Behind the Table

Ty Raju brings certified sommelier expertise to every bottle and pairing decision, while Karen's instinct for hospitality shapes the room's atmosphere. Supporting them is a focused team: Executive Pastry Chef Jason Sturdevant handles an all-housemade dessert program, Brianna Willan leads hospitality, Nataly Schuster oversees food and beverage, and Wine Club Sommelier Eric Elsbree curates the cellar. The structure shows—this is a restaurant run with intention at every level.

Italian Cooking, Lowcountry Grounded

The Italian menu honors old-world technique while drawing on local ingredients. Housemade pasta is central—Rigatoni Bolognese arrives with a slow-braised beef and pork ragù finished with ricotta, while Shrimp Radiatore pairs local shrimp with creamy pesto and cipollini onions. The antipasti list ranges from Wagyu Carpaccio dusted with porcini and finished with garlic truffle aioli, to Shrimp Calabria built on Miss Paula shrimp with chili butter and grilled focaccia. Pizzas use 48-hour house-made dough; the Puglia combines vodka sauce, local sausage, burrata, and pesto. Every dessert—tiramisu, limoncello torta, Italian donuts—is made in-house by the pastry team.

A Wine Program That Earns Its Recognition

Wine Spectator awarded Savi Cucina its prestigious 2025 Best of Award of Excellence, recognition that reflects both the depth of the cellar and the care behind it. Decanter Magazine has also named it one of Charleston's wine hotspots. The global wine list is designed to reward curiosity, whether you're a regular or exploring for the first time. A daily Aperitivo Hour from 3 to 6 PM offers a lower-key entry point into the experience before dinner service begins at 5 PM.

Six Times the Best Italian in Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant Magazine has recognized Savi Cucina as the area's best Italian restaurant six consecutive times—a streak that speaks to consistency as much as quality. The Italian dining experience here is elevated but never stiff: guests are treated like family, the room has warmth, and the details—from the wine pairings to the housemade Calabrian honey on the whipped ricotta—reflect a kitchen and team that care about how a meal feels, not just how it looks.