Charleston can soon expect a fast casual option from chef Michael Toscano and his wife Caitlin Toscano.
The Tuscan style sandwich shop, da Toscano Porchetta, will be the third restaurant for the Toscanos, who operate Le Farfalle Osteria in the Charleston Historic District and da Toscano in New York City.
The restaurant was first announced in early 2023, but construction permits delayed the project from moving forward. Now that permits have been approved, Michael Toscano says they hope to open their doors within the next three months.
The da Toscano Porchetta Shop’s menu will center on their signature porchetta sandwich, made with rotisserie-roasted local hog from Holy City Hogs, aged provolone, salsa verde and freshly baked focaccia bread. “This is exactly something you’d eat walking the streets of Florence,” said Toscano.
Charleston foodies may remember the signature sandwich from a weekly pop-up held by the Toscanos at their flagship restaurant Le Farfalle in November 2022, which drew crowds.
The new counter-service shop will also offer a variety of other focaccia sandwiches including rotisserie chicken and vegetarian options, along with salads and world-class Italian espresso. A takeaway station will allow patrons to bring home pre-made Italian staples like lasagna, meatballs, and sauce.
The Toscanos’ newest venture is located at 109 President Street, the former location of vegan restaurant Gnome Cafe, which closed in September 2022.
