A popular Charleston gelateria has closed its doors, but fans of the café’s Italian-style pastries, coffees and gelatos won’t have to wait too long – or go too far – to enjoy them again.
Caffe Romeo, currently at 1026 Bridge Rd. in South Hills, closed over the holidays and will be moving down the street to relocate in the space once housing Caldwell Insurance Agency (and years ago, Kid Country Toys) at 908 Walnut Rd.
That new location, which will be next door to Chef Paul Smith’s new Paulie’s Italian restaurant opening in the old Bridge Road Bistro building, is expected to open this March.
“As you may have seen, our current location on Bridge Road is permanently closed, but do not worry,” owner Mario Sommella wrote in a Facebook post.
“We have exciting news for you!” That news is that the café is just moving a few doors down and one street over to Walnut Road.
“While this unfortunately does mean that we will have to be closed until sometime around March 2025 to restyle and get everything ready, this new location will afford us the opportunity to upgrade our format to include new authentic Italian items.”
Oh, do tell!
While I enjoy the café’s gelatos and European-style pastries, I’d love to see what more authentic Italian sweets and treats Sommella can bring to the table.
“We appreciate your patience and continued valuable support,” the post continued. “We look forward to seeing you in the future and enjoying your company.”
For updates on their progress, follow Caffe Romeo’s Facebook page.
New Southwest restaurant coming to West Side
Although there’s been no official announcement yet, professionally printed signage hanging at the former Elk City Bistro, Gonzoburger and Chris’ Hot Dogs location on Charleston’s West Side announces that the new Albuquerque Southwest Bar & Grill is “coming soon” to that spot.
Another venture by restauranteur Sergio Lugo Mata, the restaurant will join Sergio’s Cucina Italiana & Pizzas just a few doors down on West Washington Street, along with Sergio’s Cucina Italiana & Steaks in Hurricane and Guadalajara Modern Mexican locations in Nitro and Barboursville.
No timeline for the new restaurant’s opening has been announced, but speculation is already swirling about whether it will offer – as the name suggests – actual Southwest cuisine, or just be another new Mexican joint in the valley.
Time will tell, but I know I join many of you in hoping it’s the former. Having a true New Mexican restaurant in town would be music to my Southwest food-loving ears.
New restaurant opens in old Phat Daddy’s spot
A new BBQ restaurant has opened up at 480 Railroad Ave. between Crescent and West Washington streets in the former location of Phat Daddy’s on Charleston’s West Side.
Run by Bill Dyes, formerly of Taes Place and Mary Lou’s BBQ, the new BillyD’s had a soft opening on New Year’s Day during which the first 25 guests received free pulled pork or brisket dinners.
Permanent opening hours haven’t been announced, but you can reach the restaurant at 304-539-4736.
Readers share love for Riverwalk Graziano’s
It was gratifying to hear from so many of you who share my appreciation for the excellent customer service I recently experienced at Graziano’s Pizza at Riverwalk Plaza in South Charleston.
I always get a little nervous showering praise on a restaurant’s food or service – and in turn, encouraging others to go enjoy the same – knowing very well that they may not have the same experience. (That’s one of the many reasons I don’t “review” a restaurant until I’ve visited it a few times, so I can see if its successes or shortcomings are consistently so. But that’s another column for another day.)
In this case, however, I had nothing to fear.
“This column could not be more accurate,” wrote reader Jacob Messer, who also happens to be a former newspaper colleague. “First and foremost, their pizza is unmatched. Second, they are always as kind and attentive as you say. I will never forget watching an employee happily help an individual with a physical disability cut and eat a slice of pizza.”
Added reader Dawn Newell: “That’s always been my experience, too. I love how the people there make you feel welcome.”
• • •
Steven Keith is a food writer and restaurant critic known as “The Food Guy” who writes a weekly column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail and has appeared in several state, regional and national culinary publications. Follow him online at www.wvfoodguy.com or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. He can be reached at 304-380-6096 or at wvfoodguy@aol.com.