Ciao Italian Grill — Restaurant in Melbourne

Strange how things happen. I have driven by this place many times but just never stopped as I was usually on my way somewhere in particular but not a restaurant. Yesterday I was in Sam's. I had noted a man carrying large amounts of groceries to his cart seemingly with a purpose other than one like mine. While trying to find some sliced Mozzarella cheese that wasn't smashed, this man asked me what I was doing. I laughed and told him the top two tiers of cheese were smashed so I was looking for the best cheese. He laughed and decided to get his Mozzarella from the same box as mine. By now you are probably wondering where is the restaurant review. Well on the next isle I saw him again and asked if he had a restaurant to which he replied, "Yes indeed Ciao Italian Grill." He told me where it was and invited me to bring my husband and come. Well...when I got home from Sam's I told my husband I wanted to go to Ciao's that very night. So we did! What a delight! Painos, the owner, (not sure about the spelling of his name) greeted us as we walked in and remembered me earlier that day. "You came!" he exclaimed as we walked in. I introduced my husband and myself as we hadn't exchanged names at Sam's. He chatted with us and bit then Trinity our server came over. She was excellent! Very attentive but not overly so. Another server recommended a wine I might like. Trinity let me taste the Pinot Noir I was interested in having. I settled on the Sangiovese, it was smooth as silk and full of ripe berry flavors. My husband had a sip of my Sangiovese and concurred with my assessment but settled on a beer as he was ordering pizza. next they brought out the bread. Oh.my. goodness! It was exquisite, soft but sinfully dense inside with a light but firm crunch on the outside. We could have made a meal on the bread!!! I chose Chicken Marsala, my husband Margherita Pizza. Full disclosure, I am a a very picky eater but I know good food when I taste it. Their chicken Marsala was the best I have ever had, I mean really! Super size portion, wonderfully tender chicken just melted in my mouth, sauce was "baby bear" perfect, not too strong, not too weak, it was just right, and the noodles perfect al dente. I just can't say enough about how good this dish is! My husband's pizza was truly a flavor fiesta. Fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh Mozz, all with just the right amount of spices and salt. Can you tell I love this place? The atmosphere was so inviting, so cozy, and all the staff right down to the owner made the entire experience one for the memory books! We will be going again for certain. Did I say the prices were very reasonable too? What is not to love. Don't cook tonight, go to Ciao Italian Grill for an outstanding meal, terrific service, and a homey atmosphere. You deserve it, your family deserves it, and you won't regret it. Say Hi to...

Ciao Italian Grill, 1400 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL, 32935

3.5 stars.

When Ciao Italian Grill first opened in the old San Remo location, they offered a mix of Greek and Italian food, which was horrendous. I discovered this a month after their opening. However, I chose not to review them at that time, in order to give them some time to improve. Fast forward a year, and they have made the decision to focus solely on Italian cuisine, shedding their multiple personality disorder (kudos to them).

Our waiter today is a young man named LJ, who is incredibly quick, efficient, and professional. LJ is certain to make the 3Q best service list. I asked LJ for an order of their Fettuccine Alfredo, which, I have heard, cannot be ordered in Italy as it does not exist there. I also ordered my Italian barometer dish, Veal Piccata. While waiting for the food, I took a look around the restaurant and I must mention that I like what they have done with the place. It has the typical checkered tablecloth found in every "family" Italian restaurant, but it does not detract from the rest of the pleasant, inviting, and open decor.

LJ soon returned with our food, so I took a few pictures and started eating. First up on my discerning palate was the Fettuccine Alfredo. The fettuccine itself was cooked perfectly al dente and there was plenty of sauce, but it lacked the explosive flavor that is usually found in Alfredo sauce. I couldn't quite pinpoint what was missing, perhaps a pinch of nutmeg? Maybe not enough cream? Regardless, it was tasty, just missing that extra something.

Next, I turned my attention to the Veal Piccata, which I sampled with the pasta. Like the previous dish, the pasta was cooked perfectly, but that's where the expertise seemed to end. The veal was slightly overcooked and the sauce lacked the usual "zing" that one expects from Piccata.

Ciao went from a potential disaster to being slightly above your average American-Italian restaurant. With the abundance of Italian places in the area, this is as far as Ciao is going to rise, at least for now.

The Big Boy says, "If you find yourself running errands on an empty stomach or looking for a new venue, give...

Party of 7, we arrived on a Wednesday at 11AM. We were the only customers there for the first 30 minutes. Then a couple arrived, then about 12:20 6 parties showed up (approximately 1/3 of the restaurant filled at this point.

Location 5/5 - small white and yellow building that stands alone in an aging shopping area. Right off the corner of W Eau Galley Blvd and Route 1. Arriving by car here is recommended.

NOTE: Two entries on opposite sides of building, North side has wheelchair ramp.

Service 5/5 - Our waitress was really good and attentive, decent timing taking our orders and answered all questions about food. Consistent check ins.

Food 4/5 - Started with garlic bread, crisp, perfect balance of garlic, butter and light seasoning. Worth having if you like garlic bread.

ME Spanakopita - (5/5) amazing! Light flaky crust, fresh ingredients with the spinach. Definitely recommend.

OTHER PARTY MEMBERS Side order of 2 meatballs - (4/5) good, moist, and flavorful, a bit smaller than a tennis ball.

Ravioli with bolonegse sauce - (4/5) good, fresh (this person mentioned they would rather have ordered spanakopita after having a bite)

Lasagna - (2/5) good but have had better

Ravioli - (4/5) good, nice and fresh, no complaints.

Gyro and fries - (4/5) Gyro was really good, fresh ingredients, fries were generic frozen type, but served fresh from the kitchen.

Pepperoni pizza slice - (3/5) was ok, sauce on pizza was possibly the same as the sauce in lasagna.

Tiramisu - (4/5) all the flavors and consistency you would expect in a tiramisu, slightly creamier.

Atmosphere/Clean 4/5 - the building is older, aged, and worn in, but well kept and clean, bathrooms too. Entire restaurant seating area is semi divided in half by a wall with a large open door frame. Seating is a mix of tables and booths. Quiet apart from...