Picture this: you’re walking through Charleston’s bustling historic district when you spot something extraordinary tucked behind Hotel Emeline. 🍕
This isn’t your average pizza joint – Frannie & The Fox a wood-fired wonder that’s been quietly revolutionizing how Charlestonians think about Italian fare.
From the moment chef Tim Morton opened the doors in summer 2020, locals knew they’d discovered something special. 📍
How Frannie’s Won Locals’ Hearts
Frannie & The Fox captured Charleston’s attention through a perfect storm of authenticity and innovation.
Chef Tim Morton’s passion for Italian foodways, honed during extensive travels through Emilia-Romagna and hands-on experiences in Bologna and Modena, brought genuine Italian sensibilities to the Holy City.
When Morton returned from a second trip to Rome with chef de cuisine Paolo Rossin – an Italian native – they had developed the exact marriage of techniques that would make locals swoon. 🔥
The restaurant’s success stems from its commitment to making just two or three choice ingredients really shine in every dish.
Using sources like GrowFood Carolina, Kings Tide, Hunter Cattle, and even working with a chef-farmer in Italy who grows his own wheat for pasta, Frannie & The Fox earned its reputation by refusing to compromise on quality.
The courtyard’s massive hickory-scented fireplace and three distinct dining areas – each with its own personality – created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and energetic, drawing locals away from the tourist-heavy Market Street corridor.
Food Highlights
- Taleggio Pizza: Burnt honey and black pepper create the perfect balance of sweet and savory on this crowd favorite that staffers say everyone across the board loves for its incredible harmony of flavors and textures.
- Carbonara Pizza: Features fluffy yet super thin crust that’s savory as it gets, topped with rich carbonara sauce that makes diners immediately plan their return visit for more wood-fired perfection.
- Zucchini Pizza: A refreshing and summery creation that showcases paper-thin zucchini slices perfectly charred in the wood-fired oven, offering a lighter but equally satisfying pizza experience.
- Margherita Pizza: The classic done right with house-made mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil that lets the quality of each ingredient shine through the expertly fired crust.
- Fingerling Potato and Garlic Pizza: Topped with scallion, mozzarella, pecorino, and Storey Farms egg yolk for a hearty and indulgent combination that transforms humble potatoes into something extraordinary.
Atmosphere
Step into Frannie & The Fox and you’ll discover three distinct personalities under one roof. ✨
The long, low bar offers a refined tropical vibe perfect for solo diners, while the expansive dining room maintains intimacy despite its size through clever low ceilings and various banquettes.
The real treasure lies in the courtyard – a serene, open-air sanctuary with a massive fireplace that creates the perfect backdrop for memorable evenings.
The stunning greenhouse adds a gardenesque touch that makes every meal feel like a special occasion, while the hidden speakeasy-style Den provides an eclectic gathering spot where locals and visitors share tall tales over craft cocktails.
Bottom Line
- Authentic Italian techniques meet regional Lowcountry ingredients for a truly unique dining experience
- Three distinct dining areas ensure the perfect setting whether you’re flying solo or celebrating with friends 🥂
- Wood-fired cooking elevates every dish from pizzas to small plates with incredible smoky flavors
- Exceptional service from a staff that genuinely loves working there creates the famous “Frannie magic”
- Perfect location in Charleston’s historic district puts you steps away from the City Market and major attractions
Address: 181 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
📞 (843) 577-2644
🕔 Mon-Thu: 7:00 AM–11:00 PM, Fri-Sat: 7:00 AM–12:00 AM, Sun: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM