Welcome to Wild Olive Restaurant - Johns Island, SC
At Wild Olive Restaurant in Johns Island, SC, Italian culinary magic unfolds in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry, this beloved eatery prides itself on fresh, flavorful ingredients that elevate traditional dishes. Signature offerings like the house-made tagliatelle and sumptuous risotto fritters highlight a commitment to authenticity. The attentive staff makes every visit special, treating patrons like family. As you savor delightful entrees, from perfectly grilled swordfish to rich chicken parmesan, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re experiencing a celebration of Italian cuisine. Wild Olive isn’t just a dining destination; it’s a cherished community gem.
- 2867 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455, United States Hotline: +1 843-737-4177
Welcome to Wild Olive Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Johns Island, South Carolina. Located at 2867 Maybank Hwy, this charming eatery has garnered a reputation for excellence, transforming each meal into a culinary journey that resonates with the rich traditions of Italian cuisine.
As you step inside, you are enveloped by a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by attentive service that makes you feel right at home. The restaurant has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike, with customers raving about its cozy ambiance and the genuine hospitality of the staff.
- Fresh Ingredients: The dishes at Wild Olive are crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients that highlight the best of Italy. From handmade pasta to locally sourced meats, each plate tells a story of culinary passion and dedication.
- Menu Highlights: The menu boasts an impressive selection, featuring enticing starters like Crispy Calamari and Warm Bread, showcasing house-made rosemary focaccia. The pasta offerings, including Pappardelle with guanciale and Ricotta and Goat Cheese Gnocchi, are must-tries for any pasta lover.
- Signature Entrees: For a memorable main course, indulge in the Grilled Swordfish with mussels and crispy polenta or the exquisite Pan-Seared Grouper, a dish that beautifully balances the freshness of the ocean with vibrant seasonal vegetables.
Customer experiences reflect a consistent theme: Wild Olive is more than just a restaurant; it's a celebration of food that leaves a lasting impression. Joanna Abeja describes her visit as a delightful experience where the octopus simply “melts in your mouth.” Similarly, Athena Karvellas, a discerning diner, shared that after trying the Chicken Parmesan, she was convinced it was the best Italian fare she’s encountered in Charleston.
The dessert offerings, too, deserve special mention. From rich three-layer chocolate cake to delightful pastries, the creations from their pastry chef exhibit a mastery that completes your dining experience on a high note.
Beneath the quality of the food lies a commitment to community, which is evident both in the restaurant's decor and in the attitude of the staff. They don’t just serve you; they make you feel like family. As Sarah Blasco puts it, every visit to Wild Olive feels special, whether for a casual evening or a grand celebration.
If you're seeking an authentic Italian experience in Charleston, Wild Olive Restaurant stands out as a destination that promises to “wow” at every turn. To avoid disappointment, be sure to make a reservation—this place fills up quickly! Bring your appetite and your loved ones; you’re bound to create lasting memories here.
For inquiries or to make a reservation, you can reach them at +1 843-737-4177.

Finally got to try Wild Olive and it did not disappoint. We got the calamari and octopus for appetizers. The octopus just melts in your mouth. Both our main entree was delicious and had some left overs. The staff was attentive and friendly. Wild Olive is worth the visit and we will be definitely coming back.

Wild Olive is hands down our favorite restaurant in Charleston and has been our go-to spot for years. Every visit feels special, whether it’s a casual night out or a celebration. The food is consistently incredible, with fresh, flavorful ingredients that highlight the best of Italian cuisine. Their house-made pasta is a standout, and the wine selection never disappoints. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff always make us feel like family with their attentive service. You can tell how much care goes into every detail, from the menu to the cozy ambiance. Wild Olive is more than just a meal—it’s an experience we look forward to every time. Highly recommend!

From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed. The menu offered an impressive variety of authentic Italian dishes, and every bite was exceptional. I started with the suppli al telephono risotto fritters that paired perfectly with the accompanying sauce. For my main course, I had a beautifully prepared tagliatelle alla bolognese that was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The dessert—a classic chocolate cake —was the perfect sweet ending to an incredible meal. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about providing a memorable dining experience. Their recommendations were spot-on, and they made sure every detail was just right. This was more than just a meal; it was an experience. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine and outstanding service. I’ll definitely be returning!

There’s absolutely nothing I can say that’s bad about this place. I’m a super picky and anxious eater, but not only did the food completely exceed my expectations (it was the best Italian food I’ve had in Charleston so far, and I’m Italian so that’s NOT a light statement), but the server made it feel like home. Her name is Kim, and she has to be one of the most lovely waitresses I’ve ever had anywhere. We will DEFINITELY be back… husband and I already agreed this is our new “spot.” Can’t wait to try more of their menu!

The Wild Olive never disappoints. Everything's perfect from the moment you walk in the door from the clean environment to the friendly staff and delightful food. A true hidden gem! The Chicken parmesan is always my go to 'Happy Food'. Their pastry chef always knocks it out of the park with her amazing desserts. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

We had a great experience and the food was fantastic. Our server Chris was wonderful. We're looking forward to trying more from the menu next time.

Every time I’m in Charleston, I make a point of entertaining clients at this lovely restaurant. The food is so fresh and carefully prepared. Be sure to make a reservation approximately two weeks in advance because each day they are fully booked.

Amazing food and a wonderful experience! The food came out pretty quickly. My favourites were the calamari with marinara sauce and chicken parmigiana. The 3 layered choc cake was also divine.