Ambrogia Caffé & Enoteca — Restaurant in Cape Charles

If I could give this a million stars I would. I had one of the best meals of my life here this past week. I know that people go to Cape Charles to eat seafood, and they may overlook this incredible gem, so I want to make sure everyone knows how absolutely exceptional this restaurant is.

First of all, the service was excellent. The knowledge of wine, the food, the preparation was described in perfect detail, both in the menu and in person by the servers.

I love the fact that the menu is small, reflecting that the chef cooks everything from scratch and uses local ingredients. You are in the hands of the chef, and trust me you will not be disappointed.

I wanted to order the entire menu but I kept it simple. I ordered the olives, the cheese tray and the meat tray, and oh my, was I impressed! Olives were the best I've had outside of Italy, the meats included a truffle salami and proper mortadella with pistachios! The cheeses were stunning, including one with ash and black truffle. Then the crostini appetizer was executed with perfection. Gorgonzola, local honey, bee pollen, on perfectly hand cut and toasted delicate bread. It was so complex yet simple . . I wanted to weep when I ate it.

I ordered the branzino, which was pan seared with black garlic and truffle. It came with the most beautiful sauteed zucchini. I literally could have sat there and eaten that for hours.

I got the flight of red and white wines, which did not disappoint!

Ended with the chocolate pistachio tiramisu which was truly one of a kind. It melted in your mouth at the same time had the consistency of a beautiful cloud. It was airy, barely sweet, and had essence of cocoa and pistachio throughout.

I want to also add that this restaurant is exceptional not just for Cape Charles but for the country. I was in the restaurant business in the San Francisco Bay area for decades, my family is still in it. I've traveled all over the world and this was one of the most phenomenal meals I've ever had. I also really appreciate the fact that they let you sit and eat and savor the food. I ate at a couple of other restaurants in the area the same week and was rushed. This restaurant lets you sit and enjoy every single moment of what will be one of the most wonderful meals you will ever have. I cannot rave enough.

Wishing this restaurant the absolute best, and national recognition! I will drive hours again to eat...

We heard great things about this place from some fellow guest at a local air bnb, so we were excited to eat here for our anniversary. So let me start by saying that when we first sat down the owner explained that they had been unexpectedly slammed all night and it was Saturday, the end of their work week, (they close Sunday and Monday)so they were out of several menu items. Not a big deal because what we wanted was still available. That being said the overall experience was great except for one thing. The owner and chief both came to our table several times and were very accommodating and friendly. The owner gave us a complimentary champagne toast and the chief surprised us with a special crab appetizer for our anniversary. We also ordered a ricotta and roasted squash appetizer which was very unique and tasted absolutely delicious . For the main course my wife had seared scallops which the owner paired perfectly with a white wine. I had the shrimp fettuccine which she paired with an amazing red wine. The scallops were caught that day and brought in just a few hours before.. they were perfectly cooked..amazing. The only negative and reason for a 4 star was my meal, the shrimp fettuccine. The guest that recommended the place said they had this plate and it was amazing and overflowing with shrimp and flavor. I’m pretty sure they ran out of shrimp and sauce because my meal was the opposite. There was about 6 small shrimp and barely any sauce. So basically it was dry fettuccine with some shrimp here and there. The fettuccine was fresh but it was not what i expected at all and definitely not worth $23. Again they were up front about being slammed and running out of food, but if they didnt have enough required to make the shrimp fettuccine they should have just taken it off the menu too. Again overall it was a great experience and we enjoyed our an anniversary dinner. Really hope they do well and...

This is a known local Fav for dinner!

If you are a Cape Charles tourist, you need to book a reservation here "now" before you arrive in Cape Charles, or as soon as you read this as the restaurant has a very limited number of tables.

Ambrogia is basically a refined dining experience served with a " respectful family-like laid-back Cape Charles candor."

In other words, with a limited number of tables, the staff and kitchen are very attentive, accommodating and friendly.

Okay, here are some of the unique attributes of this wonderful restaurant: -The menu constantly changes -You really should make a reservation ahead of time; especially if you have any dietary issues because, if you state dietary issues to Ambrogia in your reservation, they will absolutely accommodate; I can say so first hand; in this case I requested lactose intolerant; and look at my 5 star ratings -I believe that, once in a while, you might get lucky with a walk in, but, seriously, believe making a reservation assures the best experience. -You will be comfortable here whether you dress up or dress casual; but would be respectful and not, errr, too casual? -ORDER THE SCALLOPS; Ambrogia prepares the best Scallops in Cape Charles! Part of me wishes Ambrogia would offer the scallops as an appetizer for sharing as, once you have ordered the scallops, this is absolutely a FOMO dish that makes it difficult to order any other wonderful entre the next time you visit.

In closing, Enjoy! Oh, and perhaps order the scallops and another entre as a share; so you can experience all together...