Cuisine:

• Italian

Ciao Bello Description:
Ciao Bello combines the Vallone passion for finely sourced Italian dishes with a laid back and whimsical décor in this Galleria-area eatery. The large, airy dining room boasts brightly colored paintings by local artist John Palmer set against the dark wood. There's plenty of people-watching here, from both the main room, bar, patio or upstairs private room, although a booth by the glassed-in kitchen allows a view of the cooking show. And while the surroundings and dress code are casual, the food is anything but. Tony Vallone and his son Jeff oversee the menu, sourcing from local markets and authentic Italian ingredients flown in daily. The pastas are made from imported flour and bottled water, and while there are many on the menu, the osso buco ravioli is a standout with its light meaty flavor and rich porcini sauce. The huge, thin-crust pizzas are also first-rate, from the delicate margherita to the seafood pie studded with crab and shrimp. In fact, the seafood here is as good as the pastas; the red snapper mandorlate is "un giardino in bocca," a garden explosion in your mouth with crunchy toasted almonds and little Alba mushrooms. The whole baby trout is gently oven-roasted with a lemony ristretto which, when accompanied by the lemon torte, will leave you sweetly satisfied. Chocoholics may prefer to tuck into a giant slice of Mom's chocolate icebox pie, if they still have room. A full bar and fairly lengthy Italian and California wine list seal the deal.


Be the first one to rate and write a review for this Ciao Bello restaurant!