New Italian restaurant in Bluffton has a Charleston connection (2024)

BLUFFTON — Robert DeLeo was working in southern Florida when an opportunity came up. At the time, he had no idea how a move to Charleston would change the trajectory of his life and career.

He met his wife, Breana, shortly after settling in the Holy City to lead the dining concepts at The Restoration Charleston on Wentworth Street.

Nine years later, the husband-and-wife entrepreneurs opened their own restaurant 90 miles away in Bluffton.

Named after their daughter Joelle, the new 132 Bluffton Road destination serves coastal Italian fare, including housemade pasta and wood-fired pizza. Tuna crudo, seared scallops with caramelized fennel puree, fire-charred octopus, lamb osso bucco and grilled shrimp with polenta are among the other options on the menu.

A wine program curated by Robert DeLeo — a Level 2 certified sommelier — features natural, organic bottles from France, California, Austria, Italy and Argentina.

“I really wanted to introduce wines to this area that people have not yet seen,” DeLeo said.

The kitchen is helmed by executive chef Brandon Torre, who previously held positions at hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, The Omni Hotel, The Westin Hotel and, most recently, Colleton River Club in Bluffton.

The DeLeos, who spent the pandemic lockdown in New York, chose Bluffton after Robert’s parents started building a house on Hilton Head Island.

The couple had been paying attention to the emerging food scene in Bluffton, home to exciting newcomers like Okàn. They felt they could add to the culinary conversation in a space unlike other venues in town.

Drawing on experience from years spent working in the family business, Island Restaurant Equipment & Design, DeLeo ensured the restaurant’s bones set them up for success. The sweet spot is 100 seats or less, he said.

Joelle’s 12-seat bar looks out at a 40-seat dining room. Outside, 40 more guests can dine on a covered patio.

Breanna DeLeo led the interior design efforts, creating a bright restaurant with an aesthetic that caters to families, couples and young professionals. There are earthy tones, simplistic modern interiors and views of a custom wood-fired pizza oven.

Joelle is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesday). For more information, visit joellebluffton.com.