Old recipes, extra carbs, complex sauces, and cheese — it’s no shocker why Italian cuisine is adored. The weather may not get that cold here in Charleston, but that doesn’t mean Lowcountry residents can’t join the Northerners and hunker down with a comforting plate of pasta this time of year.

Restaurants choose the traditional approach or a fresh take on the classics, but one thing remains constant — dishes are always full of housemade components. When looking for a meal out that feels like home cooking, throw on a light jacket, and head over to one of these 12 Charleston destinations.