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Gale Restaurant, Charleston, SC

Gale Restaurant

4.7
4.7
451 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Pizza & Pasta; pan Mediterranean plates using local produce, ingredients from all over & everything weird between.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 818-4977
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Brett Chizinski
  • Private party facilities
    Gale is available for hosting large parties and buy outs from 20-60 people. Special menus can be created. Full bar and cocktail program. Great for sit down meals or cocktail party style events.
  • Private party contact
    Private Dining Coordinator: (843) 818-4977
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross street
    Huger
  • Parking details
    Free Parking in the garage attached to the building.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 451 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Italian

  • Charleston

    Best Food

  • Charleston

    Best Value

  • Charleston

    Healthy

  • Charleston

    Lively

451 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were celebrating a birthday. Food, service and ambiance were great.Zoe our server and manager were very attentive to our needs. 😎

    Is this helpful?

  2. GregB

    Nashville

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Way too noisy and food portions small.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Noname

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The cocktails are unique, beautifully served and absolutely delicious. The pasta tastes so fresh and has great flavor combinations that just make you want to continue eating! Would absolutely recommend for a casual evening or date night.

    Is this helpful?

  4. KHer

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    We sat for about 15-20 minutes once seated before anyone or our server even spoke to us. The food and drinks were good though. Atmosphere is very hipster like. Would not return, but maybe just wasn’t our vibe.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service and food were incredible!! Our server Zoe was great along with the manager. We had the pasta alla vodka and a pizza and loved both but the best part was the dessert! The ‘better than abs’ cake was one of the best desserts I’ve ever had! The signature cocktails were also great. Would recommend for a group or a date night!

    Is this helpful?

  6. MasonT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great first impression, went for an anniversary and was treated with cannolis on the house. Staff were friendly and helpful and the food was amazing for the price. Great atmosphere and some of the best pizza i’ve had.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My parents came into town so we chose to go there for a meal. We had an amazing time and every bit of the food was incredible! Can’t beat this place ♥️

    Is this helpful?

  8. ercalabrese

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, drinks (love, love the huge drink menu) and service were outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our favorite restaurant! They always deliver the best food and experience !

    Is this helpful?

  10. Carly

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My experience at Gale was outstanding. We got to meet Gale herself, and they all made my birthday so special! The food was incredible and the service was top notch!!

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  11. hswanzy

    Dallas

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We recently had dinner at Gale Restaurant when visiting Charleston. We thought the Italian would be a good change of pace from the Lowcountry menus from which we had been eating. As we drove up, we were a little apprehensive because it is a restaurant in an apartment building and is right next to the entrance ramp of the highway so were questioning our decision. However, they do have little cute blue bistro tables outside and the inside is decorated really cool and they play excellent '80's music! Then once we had beverages and food delivered, we were blown away! The cocktails on the drink menu were so creative and intriguing. We ordered the Molly Ringwald and it was so pretty and tasty. I later had a red wine from Montepulciano which was delicious. My friend ordered the Allium Alumni pasta with Scallion, Shallots, Garlic, Pistachio, Arugula, Parmesan. I ordered the Little Italy pizza with Sausage Ragu, Mozzarella, Calabrian Chilis, Garlic, Parmesan. Both dishes were SO flavorful and scrumptious. The pizza had delicious flavors that just bursted in your mouth, sausage, tomatoes, lots of garlic, the hint of chilis, just SO good. We rounded out the night with the Cannoli for dessert which was also very good. Just outstanding food and beverages here and service was good, too.

    Is this helpful?

  12. HiWay

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    This special spot tucked into meeting Street has a small menu, but they do what they do very well excellent brick, oven, pizza, delicious pasta, and a wild plethora of cocktails A Pizza Price increasing is a drag. But this restaurant is worth returning to.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Service was ok. Our waitress was wonderful, but the time it took to get the food was a tad bit long. Food was good, but not as good as our first time here. The brussel sprouts and meatballs was amazing though. The alla vodka pasta was ok, and tad bit over seasoned.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This was an excellent experience for our dinner. Exceptional food and even better service.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed our time there very much!! The food was amazing! The service was excellent and we will definitely go back!!

    Is this helpful?

  16. StaceyN

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Some of the very best food I have had in Charleston! The cauliflower appetizer was so delicious! The pasta was outstanding! We will be back.

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  17. AmberH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely perfect dining experience, staff and food was superb!!

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  18. IsaL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gale is one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston. They have staple dishes but there is always something new on the food and drinks menu which makes it a new experience each time. Everyone that works there is super friendly and nice and truly goes out of their way to make it a wonderful dining experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  19. CharlestonEDiner

    Charleston

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fabulous. A must try…the curried cauliflower. And the chocolate cake? To die for.

    Is this helpful?

  20. timc

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were in Charleston with my husband and ! Omg! The food was amazing and the servers were fantastic!! We need to back!!

    Is this helpful?

  21. HiWay

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. Spendy but excellent. Little Italy pizza stands out as does the chocolate ganache dessert.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wasn’t sure what to expect, then BAM!!! These fine people took good care of us, had excellent food, the atmosphere was great and overall a great night/experience. The menu is short and sweet, plenty of options without being overboard. We had a large party, and they completely killed it with us. Will be going back for sure definitely Recommend A+++

    Is this helpful?

  23. GigiT

    Charleston

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our evening was wonderful! There were 5 of us, and 4 different types of pasta was ordered. We all tried everybody’s, and all were delicious. Half price wine wasn’t too shabby either.

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service and delicious food! The cocktails were fun and well prepared. We will definitely be back and recommending to others!

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gale was amazing! Not only was the food great, but she was so personable. Don't skip on this place if you are in town.

    Is this helpful?

  26. JadaES

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Not a single disappointing bite or sip! So yummy and such pleasant vibes!

    Is this helpful?

  27. cbtampa

    Tampa

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed everything we ordered. Loved the curry cauliflower appetizer. Pasta al dente - perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best Italian food experiences ever. The Bruschetta was amazing and perfect for two people. My wife chose the pesto pasta and I chose the Aglio e Olio. Both entrees were perfectly dressed and very scrumptious. We could not turn down dessert and chose one of each option. As expected, both desserts were perfect. This place is a great value, packs a punch of flavor, and I am already looking forward to my next visit!

    Is this helpful?

  29. EmilyR

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious food. Welcoming and helpful staff. Had to wait a little longer for food because of a large party that entered, but we were given complimentary drinks for the slight delay. The cauliflower curry was incredible. We will 100% be back for more date nights and to show our friends and family. Thank you for a fantastic evening!

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The meatballs are a must have and the cocktails are amazing. Everything exceeded expectations.

    Is this helpful?

  31. ROBERTK

    Charleston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Reservation made and arrival prior to the time and was seated promptly. Service was very good and food excellent especially the desserts. Noisy music made it hard to hear.

    Is this helpful?

  32. DominicS

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    We were greeted by a server who was hospitable and engaging. Seated promptly. From the first exchanges she was responsive to our questions, especially about accommodations for a guest with a serious gluten allergy. She provided the culinary information needed to match my tastes. The wines, a Vetliner and Montepulciano, were satisfying. The Rigatoni alla Vodka struck the right balance. My partner wanted to try the meatballs, ordering a side. They were a bit too bread. The pasta Pomodoro was dressed with a diced salami; the spices of the salami were overbearing. The flavor of the tomatoes and cheese were lost. My partner asked for the cannoli. The pastry was just right- crisp and a sweet suggestion. The pistachio filling was dry, a bit too much like a paste than a cream. The strawberry gelato was fantastic: the pieces of strawberry, the chocolate sauce - so tasty a compliment, and the crushed nuts. Well worth it. We salute the chef for aiming for pasta with a character of its own. You haven't quite hit the balance between the ingredients that produces a taste that appreciates each one.

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 7, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Great food and wonderful ambience. You can find quality Italian food in this city!

    Is this helpful?

  34. London2Olathe

    Kansas City

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience2
    Food was great. Kind of a limited menu. Noisy with patrons.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Gale is a great little restaurant in Charleston! Went there with some friends on a trip and the food was amazing!! The only thing was that the food quality didn’t really match the vibe of the restaurant. It’s a very small restaurant and not super fancy, so if you’re looking for a place to go for a fancier dinner I would choose a different place, but if you’re looking for really good food and a small setting, then definitely choose Gale! Overall, a really good experience!

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot to get away from the main strip off King St. Was able to get in off waitlist, gave free shots at end of meal.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and very friendly staff! Will come back if I find myself in Charleston again.

    Is this helpful?

  38. EricaP

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great creative food- definitely get the cauliflower curry!

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  39. PaulH

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service and environment especially for a date night. Everything was perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was phenomenal. My family and I had the little Italy pizza, Margherita pizza, and the a la vodka and we ate EVERY OUNCE. AMAZING!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Gale Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 818-4977.

Gale Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 451 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Gale Restaurant

601 Meeting St Ste 140, Charleston, SC 29403-6942

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Huger
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Free Parking in the garage attached to the building.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Brett Chizinski
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (843) 818-4977
  • Private party facilities
    Gale is available for hosting large parties and buy outs from 20-60 people. Special menus can be created. Full bar and cocktail program. Great for sit down meals or cocktail party style events.
  • Private party contact
    Private Dining Coordinator: (843) 818-4977
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