Griffin Market brings relaxed elegance and a taste of Italy’s Piedmont region to the low country of South Carolina. Situated on Carteret Street in historic downtown Beaufort, the restaurant features the culinary and wine expertise of Laura and Riccardo Bonino. The couple moved the restaurant from its original location in the neighborhood of Georgetown, Washington D.C. in 2011. Laura is a veteran executive chef whose talent has been featured at numerous fine-dining restaurants across the country. Riccardo is an accomplished sommelier and is recognized for his unique gift for pairing wine with food. Griffin Market offers seasonal fare made with expert refinement for dinner 6 days a week and lunch 5 days a week.
"If you want a break from the low country fare and are ready for an authentic, well-prepared, beautifully presented meal from the Piedmont- Italy's New Food Capital -according to Food and Wine Magazine) in a relaxed, welcoming setting give Griffin Market a try. The menu changes daily based on what is available, not just in the market, but in the chefs garden. Two standouts were the kale tagliatelle with peas and spring vegetables was light as air and still memorable a week later. The Vitello Tonnato was another excellent preparation. Trust the two husband and wife teams who manage/cook/serve and you will have a great experience. We're so glad we didn't listen to some of the locals who tried to steer us away from this unexpected find."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"As my wife said after dinner: "Simply the best food and restaurant experience we've had in a long time!" A very special menu that changes every day and brings great creative Northern Italian cuisine to the low country. Wine list is exceptional as is the service ... The owner/chef and her husband very much involved in the details and very happy to discuss it all. Server David and his wife wonderful as well. Can't recommend this experience enough ... and certainly should be on the list of all interested "foodie" visitors and residents ..."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Food and wine suitable for a major city. The anchovy appetizer was marvelous, and the oxtail ravioli a revelation. One of our group had the bouillabaisse, which had a delicious, non-tomato based sauce. The menu changes daily though, so you can't be sure the same items will be offered. But pasta will be there, and you should try it. If ever am back in Beaufort, will return."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great food and wine list from Ricardo, a star, aided by David, his top worker. Home-made noodles are the best. Ricardo has some "dining rules" so you may not get (or be able to get) bread when you want it, but the meal is the best!"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Beaufort has long needed a good Italian restaurant. But don't expect a lot of red sauces and spaghetti. Menu that. Changes regularly and always tastes great."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went for the fixed price Sunday meal and loved every part of the four course meal. While each course had only three selections, we found many gems. The home made pasta was amazing and the desserts sublime. Womderful!"
Dined on 04/28/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My husband and I just moved to Beaufort and really wanted a quiet place with good food and a more sophisticated atmosphere - a place we could be taken care of. My daughter was visiting from Toronto and we wanted to treat her to some great food. Griffen Market did not disappoint! We felt like we were in Italy...with lovely, fresh ingredients and wonderful homemade pasta..melt in your mouth! My husband also had the chicken. It was moist, tender and incredibly flavorful. He almost did not get to eat it as my daughter and I had to have a few bites! Dessert was a homemade tiramisu. Lovely! Fabulous wine list with a host who sure knows (and loves) his stuff. The menu changes every day. We can't wait to come back!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
+2points
2of2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"A very nice fine in an otherwise oasis of gourmet dining. Good, solid Italian food with lots of flavor. Wine list a bit "pricey", but all in all great."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Griffin Market is always a pleasure to visit. Laura turns out fantastic homemade dishes and Ricardo is attentive to his guests needs. While they do not have their sign yet, those 'in the know' will look for Griffin Mkt on Cateret Street, and locals remember it as the old Sea Island Wine and Gourmet location. If you haven't been, be sure to try it in Beaufort."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
+2points
2of2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Incredible meal after the Heritage on Saturday! Tasting menu paired perfectly with unbelieveable Italian wines definitely hit the spot! This restaurant is a gem. Extensive wine list, for those versed in Italian wine (we are not, hence why Ricardo picks our wines). Authentic, handmade food with a Northern Italian or Southern flair based on what you choose. Please, don't take stock in someone's opinion who lacks the intelligence to check the weather, let alone, orders non-Italian dishes from the best little Italian restaurant in the southeast."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
+2points
2of2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"If you don't live in Beaufort and want to visit Griffin Market, be aware that there is no signage on the building. We were visitors to the city and were caught in a deluge with ferocious thunder and lightning and were soaked by the time we figured out which building was this restaurant. When we arrived the waiter waived us to a table and then was surprised when I followed him, assuming he would take us to the table. The food was only average. I had a dish that I make myself and it wasn't as good as what I make. It was the skirt steak and mushrooms, hardly gourmet. My husband had the softshell crab which was 1 crab with little seasoning. We asked for bread during our meal and were told that we couldn't have it. It was disappointing."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
-1point
0of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Absolutely an amazing establishment. Hands down the best fine dining in beaufort. Exquisite northern Italian cuisine and an incredible level of personal service"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
+2points
2of2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was my first time at Griffin Market and we have lived in the area for 2 years. Heard about it from some friends. I took my friend for her birthday and we were not disappointed. Small but cozy place. Food was very delicious and the presentation of each course was excellent. Our waiter was very good and he gave us plenty of time between courses to relax and and have our cocktails. Our only disappointment was when we were almost finished with our main course, a huge party came in for dinner and they were so loud that we couldn't hear each other talk. Other than that, would definitely recommend and we will be back."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Solid cuisine. Not the usual chain type of food. Unusual and creative fusion of flavors. Service is attentive and the owners are visible and enthusiastic about their restaurant. Recommended."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was our second time eating there. We brought two friends to experience food. we asked online for meals to fit a vegan and others for no beef. owner was very gracious in making our choices perfect for all. service was on spot. best food in town unfortunately with the highest price tag."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I think Griffin Market has the potential to be a great restaurant, but our experience was not great. We were seated in the front corner of the restaurant, which is quite small and we were constantly overlooked. The waitstaff kept apologizing for forgetting about us, but that's not really something you can keep apologizing for...the behavior needs to change. The food was good, but the wine was never there when we were delivered each course, so it was frustrating, we really like to pair our wine and food. The prices are really high and the portions quite small. I prefer small portions, but I think it should be reflected in the price. I hope they succeed. Service needs to improve."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
-1point
0of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This is a family run Italian restaurant that takes great care in preparation of authentic Northern Italian cuisine. Service could have been a little better, and it is a little pricey. A unique dining experience in a small restaurant."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My wife and I truly enjoyed our dining experience. The food was fantastic and the service excellent. We think it was one of the best meals we have ever had. We will definitely return on our next visit to Beaufort."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The Griffin Market is a great addition to the dining selections in Beaufort. The food is excellent as is the service. The dinner menu changes daily so it is hard to recommend what we ate but everything we had was good. There is an extensive wine menu and both the owner and the servers are willing to help with good pairings. We dined on a Tuesday evening and the restaurant was full so make reservations."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The food was outstanding and I think Beaufort is fortunate to have such a specail restaurant located there. I had a roasted beet and mozzarella that had the finest cheese that I have ever had. The mussels were in a broth that was to good to resist."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My husband and I eat at GM often....more than any other restaurant in our town. The food is always freshly prepared starting with the freshest ingredients. Delicious! The staff is like family."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This dinner was Griffen Market's St. Patrick's day special. In one word....OUTSTANDING. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. The service, ambiance, quality of food was outstanding. This is by far the best restaurant in Beaufort, a town known for fine dining."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was our first visit. Joining us were friends from New York. We had an excellent dinner. The New Yorkers were very impressed that a fine restaurant like this was located in Beaufort."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2013
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"As always, a perfect dining experience. We really appreciate the authenticity of the food, variety, and service. Waiter was attentive but not hovering which is wonderful. A lovely night in "Italy.""
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We particularly liked the Sunday evening dinner. A prix fixe with multiple small plates and delicious tastes. Eat your salad for lunch because green salad was not on the menu. Service was professional, friendly but not intrusive. No "how is everything?" while you were engaged in deep conversation with your dinner partner."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"What a fantastic find. We are moving to the Beaufort area, and were hoping to discover some great food spots, but this was more than we could have imagined. Unbelievable collection of Italian and French wines--extremely deep."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Has become one of my favorites - excellent, freshly and expertly prepared Italian food with an extensive and somewhat unique wine list, including many that are tasty yet quite affordable (as well as some classics that are priced accordingly). One of the area's best restaurants, well worth a visit."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"So you want an attitude from management, then this is the only reason to come here!WOW! the staff, other than the owner, was nice enough, BUT, having only recently been in Abruzzi Italy, we thought the owner not only rude, BUT wrong, we ate a delicious SMALL portion of pasta, and although the menu clearly states no bread with pasta, we asked for bread, we were still hungry after our SMALL portion only to be refused to be served bread, we would have PAID extra to be served bread, now come on! In our 3 meal in and around Abruzzo area we were NEVER told no bread with pasta, nor were we treated with the disrespect that we were shown in Beaufort, SC Now come on this is nowhere!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Share:
+1point
2of3voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"While on our return from a walking tour of Charleston to Hilton Head, we made a last minute rez here but not really realizing we would be a bit underdressed on our arrival. We got some stares from the other patrons, and the staff was obviously not thrilled. But once seated, we were treated well. The food was absolutely delicious. They've got a nice and unique wine list. Perhaps feeling a bit guilty that our jeans were not what we should have worn, we tipped better than most, which I hope they noticed. We will definitely return when in the area again."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The owner, Ricardo, is extremely knowledgeable. He knows all there is to know about wine, food, and Italian culture, but what else would you expect from a true Italian."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.