Ciao Italian Eatery: Italian Food in a Beach Town
You don’t have to eat fried seafood the whole time you are at the beach. We’ve been going to Ciao Italian Eatery since before they moved to their current location on Centre Street in historic downtown Fernandina. You’ll be welcomed with a smile, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. I like to make a reservation because they get busy on the weekends, especially.
Ciao Italian Eatery feels both modern and cozy. It has a contemporary decor with white tablecloths, pops of red accents, and vintage movie star posters. It has a little ambiance and just the right amount of buzz. It’s the kind of place that works for a date night, a family dinner, or even a casual evening at the bar with a glass of wine. It’s located right downtown, which makes it pleasant to walk around before or after dinner.
I like to start with either a dirty martini, a glass of Italian prosecco, or a glass of a nice Italian red. The wine list is thoughtful, featuring Italian reds and crisp whites that pair well with every dish. They also offer Peroni on tap, which is a nice touch.
Ask for bread service at Ciao Italian Eatery. It’s included with your meal and is served upon request. It’s a warm sourdough and served with olive oil for dipping. Try the meatball or calamari appetizer, along with a Caesar salad. The Caprese is also nice in the summer.
Ciao Italian Eatery has a selection of handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and house specialties. My go-to options are the pappardelle Bolognese or the spaghetti and clams. My family loves the seafood lasagne, the rigatoni ciao, and the chicken parm. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Ciao Italian Eatery. Be sure to leave room for the limoncello cake!
At the end of the meal, they leave your check in an old DVD container, which is kind of a nice touch.
If you’re looking for a great Italian meal in a warm, relaxed setting, Ciao Italian Eatery delivers. Whether you’re celebrating or just grabbing dinner after a day at the beach, this is a local favorite worth adding to your list.
