Ciao Amici Restaurant — Restaurant in Wakefield

Growing up Wakefield pretty much my whole life, we have seen this space change hands. Ciao is a great addition and has been standing the test of time. Now with that said, their are 3 very popular and long standing Italian restaurant's within a 2 min walk from Ciao - Café Italia, Sabatino's and Artichokes. We frequent the other 3 at least 2-3 times per month, and this was our first at Ciao. I will break it down into food and atmosphere. We had the veal salt-n-boca and veal marsala. One had truffle fries and the other fascicle. Both meals arrived hot, very good size portions, and tasted really, really good. Our server was very prompt, bread was also brought to the table. For the atmosphere; and talking to other folks as well on this, it really doesn't compare to the other 3 restaurant's - is that bad - no, it is just what this reviewer prefers. It is very bright, not well decorated, again just my take on this. But I'm amazed with these other restaurants being so close they might take some notes on this. Is atmosphere part of the experience, at today's prices, it sure is. Would you not go because of it, possibly where you have 3 other real close choices. But again, the food is very, very good, don't let this review stop you from going. And just one more major ding or technicality - they don't have a full liquor license. I believe this is due to the space and how the license is held. So if you are looking for that large glass of wine or big Manhattan that are you are used to from the other 3, you will not be able to get this here. They do provide Wine/Beer and cordial type liquors. I did try and order a house Merlot to start and they were out of Merlot - hmmm. Stuck with the house Cab which was fine. Bottom line, Food, Service - Excellent - Atmosphere and Liquor -...

A group of 7 of us went there last night. We made reservations, but they had the wrong time for us to arrive, but they sat us anyway. Our waiter took our drink order, and 45 mins later, only two people received their drinks and after another 15 minutes, everyone got their drink (1 hour). When the final group drinks were received, we put our appetizer and food order in. The apps came at a reasonable time. Once the apps were finished, they brought our two peoples meals. After 10 more minutes, all meals but one were delivered. 5 more minute wait, the last persons meal was delivered, so 15 mins of waiting for each party member to receive their dish. When finished, we went looking for someone to order dessert. Only 3 people ordered dessert, three slices of pie. They arrived quickly, but the pie was frozen.

Although the food was good, the service was so utterly slow. Watching our poor waiter work, it was to hard to be upset with him. He was the waiter, the bartender, the front desk person, the person coordinating all the take out, the dishwasher, for the full restaurant. He worked so hard and it was clear the restaurant was under staffed. Because of the slowness, we will...

My wife and I went here last Friday night with friends and we all Loved it!! We thought we would have trouble getting a table but that wasn't the case, surprisingly. Because the service and food were both excellent. Our server was great. He made our drinks as well and my wife said her lemon drop martinis x3, were to die for. He brought fresh warm rolls to the table, and we got the octopus and bruschetta appetizers that were very good along with a side Caesar salad for the table. Then ALL our entrées were DELICIOUS! My wife and I both got the chicken parm and she couldn't even come close to finishing hers. The cutlet is nice and thin, and more than half the plate. The red sauce has good flavor w penne pasta. The portions were worth the money. Our friends got the seafood medley, and a marsala dish that were also both very good. The only draw back is the atmosphere and location aren't the best. I really hope this place stays open or finds a little nicer location, because the food and service are Top Notch and well worth it. Give them a try, you won't regret it!! We'll...