Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar

Carmella's features gourmet dessert, gelato & sorbetto, sandwiches, pizza, coffee, drinks & more! Join us for an unforgettable experience.

Located in historic downtown Charleston, SC, Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar is an Italian-American dessert boutique cafe focused on gourmet desserts, savory sandwiches and pizza, and adult dessert cocktails. We also feature a full bar and a vast selection of Italian wines, beer and liquor. Located next to the Custom's House on the corner of East Bay St and Cumberland St.

11/26/2023

Celebrate this evening with a slice of pure bliss! Our Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is an absolute masterpiece—a rich chocolate brownie cake, lovingly layered with a luscious peanut butter honey filling. Want to skip the line? Don't forget that ordering online is a piece of cake! 🍰📲 We craft your treats with love for easy pick-up; just purchase in advance and then head to our dedicated to-go area!

11/25/2023

For this year's appreciation, we want you to meet Brian, our visionary owner of Carmella’s! All recipes, a blend of tradition and innovation, are perfected with premium ingredients by Brian and his team. Inspired by travel and personal experiences, new creations are fine-tuned to bring you the tastes you have grown to know and love.

For Brian, a perfect Carmella's experience begins with a Salami Goat Cheese Sandwich, followed by our decadent Cannoli Cake - plus an Affogato on the side, featuring vanilla gelato and amaretto.

Beyond the business, Brian's passions encompass outdoor activities, with a special love for ocean sports, like surfing and paddleboarding.

But why Charleston? According to Brian, Charleston's European charm and vibrant food scene make it a delightful spot for locals and tourists alike. In our new Greenville location, even more excitement awaits! Carmella's will be bringing back grab-and-go breakfast and coffee service at 8 a.m., plus an on-tap Espresso Martini and a selection of sparkling wines - making Carmella's a must-visit in downtown GVL. Support by grabbing a slice or sandwich at Carmella's in Charleston - and we'll plan to see you in downtown Greenville very soon!

11/18/2023

Thanksgiving is en route! 🍂 From pumpkin pie tarts to heavenly pumpkin mousse cakes and cozy apple spice treats, we've got it all. Order online for a hassle-free to-go or pick-up experience. Don't forget, for those extra special celebrations, our specialty cakes need a little extra time to prepare, so place those online orders ASAP. ⏰

11/17/2023

Meet Mackenzie, the heart and soul of our sweet creations, as our Executive Pastry Chef! Mackenzie has graced Carmella's with her incredible talents for 3 beautiful years. Hailing from charming Queensbury, NY, her passion lies in crafting delicious new recipes, but if you ever catch her in a Tiramisu-making mood, consider yourself lucky!

Mackenzie's favorites change with each round of our seasonal offerings, but when it comes to drinks, she puts the Caramel Mudslide at the top of her list.

✨Want to join our team? The Carmella’s family is hiring! Maybe you're the missing ingredient we're looking for. Check us out on Indeed for positions in Charleston and Greenville, South Carolina (coming soon!).

11/16/2023

WE WON! We're celebrating our incredible wins as Charleston's Choice for Best Bakery and Best Desserts, plus the prestigious 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice. Carmella's is truly the place to be!

11/15/2023

Meet Ira, our exceptional General Manager, the guiding star of the Carmella's family. For Ira, Carmella's is more than just a restaurant; it's a legacy of originality, authenticity, and passion fueled by business owner Brian Solari and his family.

As a true Charleston native who has loved Carmella’s wayyyy before joining the team, he recommends the:
🍰Coconut Raspberry Cake, a delightful blend of vanilla, coconut, raspberry jam, and coconut cream cheese frosting
🎂Pumpkin Mousse Cake, a heavenly creation of flourless chocolate cake with layers of pumpkin cinnamon mousse, pumpkin butterscotch mousse, and caramel mousse

Ira declares, “If the Coconut Raspberry Cake symbolizes simplicity, then the Pumpkin Mousse Cake embodies complexity. These items are simply perfect!”

✨The Carmella’s team is always hiring. Want to join our family? Maybe you're the missing ingredient we're looking for! Check us out on Indeed for positions in Charleston and our coming very soon location - Greenville!

11/13/2023

Sip on happiness at our bar with our most beloved Espresso Martini, now available on tap! ☕🍸💫 falls on Thanksgiving this year, so why not start the celebration a little early with us? Let's raise a glass to the joy of delicious coffee-infused creations!

11/09/2023

Can you hear the sweet symphony of these Double Stuffed Candy Cookies? 🎶🎶 The blend of chocolate chips, Oreo chunks, and Reese's Pieces swoons you into another world. Let the music guide you to savor these delicious cookies today! 🍪🍪

11/08/2023

Our happy customers are here capturing the essence of coziness on with 2 oz of espresso, velvety steamed milk, and a delicate sprinkle of cinnamon. Savor the warmth, one sip at a time. ☕✨

11/06/2023

Y'all say "Hey" to one of the stars of our dessert lineup, our famous Cannoli! At Carmella's, we craft these authentic delights with love, filling them with fresh ricotta cheese, a more-than-generous sprinkle of chocolate chips, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Delish!

11/03/2023

We're not just about desserts; our savory menu is equally hard-hitting! This , discover the incredible flavor of our roast beef sandwich, featuring housemade ciabatta, roast beef, caramelized onions, provolone, and a tangy horseradish cream sauce. The perfect blend of sweet and savory awaits you all weekend long at Carmella's!

10/31/2023

No tricks, just treats. Come through for something to sweeten up your Halloween 🎃

10/28/2023

We’re in the home stretch of opening in Greenville! Who else is counting down the minutes?

10/26/2023

This cake is quite literally sugar, spice, and everything nice 🥮🍂🍁

10/24/2023

Taking a bite out of this light and creamy Amaretto cheesecake is like taking a bite of heaven ☁️

10/22/2023

Nothing says “autumn in the south” quite like a Pecan Cheesecake. Ours is perfectly portioned and consists of a brown butter cheesecake base topped with candied pecans and a salted caramel drizzle.

10/20/2023

At Carmella’s, the key to happiness comes in chocolate flavor 🤎

10/18/2023

The fall menu just keeps giving! Let us present our Caramel Apple Cheesecake 🤤

10/16/2023

Hello, pumpkin! Get your pumpkin fix with our mini Pumpkin Pie, complete with the cutest little whipped cream topping.

10/14/2023

Espresso Martini 🤝 Chocolate Martini

10/12/2023

Get excited about backyard bonfires by trying our S’mores Cookie!

10/10/2023

When it comes to Cannoli, we don’t skimp on the chocolate chips.

10/08/2023

Calling all cookie lovers! Our Maple Pecan Cookie is not to be missed this season.

10/06/2023

Fall Spotlight: The Amaretto Cheesecake! This dessert combines smooth cheesecake with crunchy sliced almonds and airy whipped cream to create the perfect bite.

10/04/2023

In the mood for a little pick me up? A shot of espresso paired with a Black Bottom Macaroon is the perfect fix.

10/02/2023

Introducing one of our seasonal desserts that’s sure to get you ready for fall: our new Apple Spice Cake!

09/30/2023

Need a treat on the go this weekend? Grab this classic (and portable) banana pudding for a little pick-me-up during the day.

09/29/2023

So proud to celebrate another Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice award!

09/28/2023

No matter if you prefer your caffeine with or without alcohol, Carmella’s has got you covered 😉

09/26/2023

We’re so lucky to be within a short walk from so many iconic Charleston views! Enjoy your dessert in our cafe, or take it with you on your CHS adventures.

09/24/2023

Up close and personal with our Carrot Cake 🧡

09/22/2023

Fall is here, and so are our new seasonal selections! From cheesecakes to cookies and everything in between, these desserts are the perfect way to get you into the autumn spirit (even if the weather doesn’t cooperate).

09/20/2023

This shot has us speechless (and drooling).

09/18/2023

We don’t know about you, but we are so happy to be taking a bite of our raspberry coconut cake. After a brief hiatus, this cake is back on the menu and ready for you to order.

09/16/2023

Summer may be ending soon, but it’s still the perfect weather to enjoy some boozy milkshakes or frosetto at the bar. Come on by!

09/14/2023

The Banana Pudding is back by popular demand! If you didn’t get to try one of these back in the spring, now is the time!

09/12/2023

Feeling unmotivated? Stop by for a lunch break at Carmella’s to fuel up for the rest of your work day 💪

09/10/2023

We’ve got a milkshake to fit every personality – come make your Sunday a little sweeter!

09/08/2023

Chocolate gelato + cannoli = the combination we never knew we needed 😍

09/06/2023

Summer is coming to a close, so if you haven’t had a chance to try our summer menu, hurry in before they’re gone!

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Opera Brunch performed by the Nomadic Opera at Carmella's now! Explore Charleston

Telephone

Address


198 E Bay Street
Charleston, SC
29401

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 12am
Tuesday 11am - 12am
Wednesday 11am - 12am
Thursday 11am - 1am
Friday 11am - 1am
Saturday 11am - 1am
Sunday 11am - 1am

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