Ciao Cucina & Bar is bringing a fresh take on contemporary Italian fare to The Promenade at Coconut Creek. Since it opened in the spring, the restaurant has distinguished itself as one of the brightest hidden gems in Broward County with a lively, inviting ambiance and delectable dishes. Take a look at our recent visit below!
All images appearing in this post photographed by Holli Lapes, property of TheSoFlaSage.com
Bokeh Photo of Ciao Illuminated Sign
The 5,000 squarefoot restaurant seats more than 200 and features a charming rustic décor complete with exposed wood panels and vintage light fixtures. The restaurant’s name is the star of the show, illuminated in bright lights in the rear of the room. The spacious dining room offers views into the kitchen with large window panels overlooking the brick pizza oven and glass-enclosed pasta studio, giving diners a firsthand look at how their meals travel from kitchen to plate. A patio is available for al fresco dining.
The Bar
Headed by Bar Manager Nick Kallas, the cocktail program at Ciao puts the spotlight on Italian liqueurs as well as the classics.
Serving lunch and dinner daily, the restaurant features a creative menu blending classic Italian-American fare and craveable gastropub-style bites. To encourage sharing, the menu at Ciao is broken down into a wide range of sections so guests can mix and match to create a unique meal every time they visit. Standout Starters include addictive Parmesan Polenta Fries with truffle ‘maionese;’ Poutine – wedge fries and gruyere topped with short rib and gravy; and Grilled Octopus with parsley sauce and peppadew. The Crostini Boards boast delicious variations of the classic Italian appetizer. Savory slices of freshly baked bread come with an array of accoutrements including Eggplant Caponata with tomato, garlic, basil and parm; Prosciutto & Robiola with orange jam; and Porketta with charred Romaine, fennel and lemon.
Prosciutto & Fontina Crostini Board with Orange Jam
This was one of our favorite bites of the evening! Just a stellar combination. The orange jam really helps set this dish apart.
For those looking for lighter fare, Ciao offers Salads that are both filling and appetizing. Must-haves include the Ciao Insalata with greens, apples, endives, gorgonzola with balsamic vinaigrette; and Slow Cooked Beet salad with ricotta, roasted onions, walnuts and lemon vinaigrette.
Burrata
Inspired by the Italian Neapolitan-style, Ciao’s Handcrafted Pizzas have options for everyone from classic pies to the Underground pizza – a truly unique blend of potato, gruyere and sweet onion:
If you’re in the mood for a white pizza – this one is a great choice! We loved the flavor and the crust was good, which is a really important factor when it comes to pizza.
A staple of any fine Italian eatery is its fresh housemade Pasta! All of Ciao’s pasta dishes come from the glass-enclosed pasta studio where guests can peek into chef’s atelier. Options include Rigatoni with braised short rib, mushrooms and asparagus; and Tagliatelle “Diavolo” with Shrimp and hot peppers, basil and tomato sauce.
Pappardelle with English peas, parmesan and pepper
When I see that a restaurant has homemade pasta, I like to keep it simple to let the pasta shine. If you choose, you can add chicken to this dish as well.
Hearty composed Mains include Herb Marinated Half Chicken with fingerling potatoes and sautéed greens; Wild Mushroom Filet served with a marsala reduction; and Whole Roasted Snapper with Swiss chard, grilled vegetables, lemon and EVOO is also filleted tableside. A hearty mash-up of two Italian favorites – chicken parmigiana and eggplant parmigiana – the Chicken Positano showcases a lightly breaded chicken cutlet, topped with eggplant, melted cheese and marinara sauce.
Ciao is a great addition to The Promenade, we cant wait to go back for Happy Hour and the must-try brunch!
Ciao’s creative takes on brunch classics, available Sundays from 11:30AM – 4PM. Standout plates include Waffle BLTE with Nueske bacon, lettuce, tomato and egg; Brussels Sprouts & Pancetta Omelet with arugula and parmesan fries; and Waffle & Nutella with caramelized banana. Pizza for breakfast becomes a reality with Ciao’s delectable Morning Sunshine pie with soft egg, Benton’s bacon, leeks, arugula and sour cream. Make brunch a boozy affair with bottomless mimosas for just $12 per person.
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All images appearing in this post photographed by Holli Lapes, property of TheSoFlaSage.com
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