Ciro & Sal's

A good friend of mine was having a milestone birthday and it was decided that we were going to spend the weekend down in Provincetown, MA for a getaway just outside of Boston. I had been researching places to eat; specifically Italian in the area as I am always nervous to go to a tourist trap. I stumbled upon Ciro and Sal's and was impressed by their website. I called to make reservations and was greeted with a warm voice on the other end.

I did not expect what I was going to experience!!

The restaurant is located just off the busy street but you would never know as soon as you step in. We were in awe of the stunning atmosphere! I could already tell that this place was special, and I couldn't have been more pleased considering it was a good friend's birthday. The space is dimly lit but lit well enough to see your menu and where you are going. Some restaurants don't understand the balance of this. Ciro and Sal's absolutely did!

My three friends and I were greeted by not only an amazing aroma dancing with our senses but a friendly host who was more than excited to bring us to our tables. The dining room is wallpapered with real bricks, unique light fixtures, and all the old Italian village charm of a Trastevere-like little town I've come to know in Italy.

Knowing myself and my friends, we had to try everything. When I say everything, I mean virtually EVERYTHING!

We were greeted by a friendly server who had just as much excitement about the restaurant as we were. At our request, the server made wine suggestions. It was wonderful to see such a great wine list, including local wines from Cape Cod. For our first bottle, we went with the Bourgogne Rouge, Pinot Noir. It was a great wine for the value and complimented our started courses wonderfully.

BREAD! The bread was amazing and tasted as though it was homemade. We actually ordered an additional bread basket for $3, and it was SO worth it. Especially knowing that we were about to eat ALL the SAUCE!

FIRST, we started with the Mozzarella di Capriccio with fresh heirloom tomatoes, basil and mozzarella drizzled with a balsamic glaze and pesto. We shared an Insalata Burrata (Burrata salad) with fire roasted tomatoes and arugula with a citrus dressing, it was divine. The Burrata was unbelievable fresh. It is an Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outside is solid mozzarella while the inside is full of oozy-creamy goodness!!.

SECOND, We ordered the Carciofi alla Romanelli (artichoke hearts), Cozze Marinara (Mussels), Bruschetta and Vitello Polpete (Veal Meatballs).

The food was inviting, fresh, and incredible. I could tell they took special care in selecting where they source their ingredients from. Each bite we had you could hear our audible gasps of, "oh my god!!". We moaned, we laughed, we may have even cried a little out of joy. The power of food can be incredible especially eating and enjoying wine in the atmosphere provided here really was a wish come true for my friend. We could not contain the anticipation of our main courses at this point and dare I say, dessert!

I ordered the Bistecca Piemontese ai Ferri which was a 16oz black Angus sirloin with a red wine mushroom sauce; this was incredible. The meat was tender and the sauce was the perfect combination of sweet, tart and earthy. This, of course, paired beautifully with my wine. The side of pasta was perfectly cooked.

The birthday boy ordered the Carbonara and added Italian Sausage as that was an option as well as other proteins for an additional cost. Another friend ordered the Pesce Adriatico which was incredibly fresh native fish with shrimp and mussels in saffron, white wine and butter sauce butter with fresh herbs. This was all served with a side of pasta al marinara. And finally, our last friend ordered the Vitello Piccato which was veal stuffed with mushrooms, white wine, and lemon cream.

If you are looking for a painted atmosphere of comfort and great food. Ciro and Sal's has got IT! IN LOVE