Ciao is a gem! I love the artwork and the Frank Sinatra music gives it a New York vibe. Really cozy, quaint, cute ambiance and the food is delicious. I had the scallops, which were superb. The salmon was great and the portions are a good size. Everything is reasonably priced. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Jessica C.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Newport Beach, CA
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the food…2 stars lost due to closing super early several nights a week, and 1 more for the smug folks answering the phone and laughing when you ask to make a 7:30 dinner reservation. I just called for a 7:30 dinner reservation and was told(with laughter) that they probably won’t be open that late so I should try coming at 7pm instead… um, what? Your website says you close at 9pm? Reservation was refused. I would be here ALL the time if they didn’t close so early, I mean 7:30 on a Wednesday!!! I don’t even get done with my after work workout until then… and that’s when my GF’s and I really want something warm and delicious… after a hard double workout! :(Ahhh, well, guess I’m off to find a new fave Italian joint… one that I can eat at past 7pm…
Asher R.
Rating des Ortes: 1 New York, NY
Umm what kind of place turns down pickup orders because they’re too busy? Insane. Wanted to give the place a try tonight after living on the island for a couple years — but guess I never will now.
Romina D.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Murrieta, CA
Great little Italian place, had the gnocchi with pesto sauce and it was delicious, hubby had the chicken parmesan which was very good. Only downside is they don’t have a kids menu and paying full price for a regular dish for a 7 year old is not exactly the greatest. Portions were pretty good so thankfully the youngest just ate from our food. Cute ambiance ^_^
Mona M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Bernardino, CA
This restaurant has a nice ambiance with seating that overlooks the balboa strip. My only complaint would be that the seating is a little too crowded so there’s not much privacy. The food was good, I ordered the caprice salad and it was delicious. Overall it’s a cute little restaurant that’s great for date night or even Valentine’s Day.
Amy P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Culver City, CA
We came here randomly after a day trip to Balboa island and had a wonderful meal. The penne Antonio was very flavorful, the calzone was large and delicious and the Johanna pasta was also superb. The flavors were unique and everything tasted great. The bread was also a big hit — soft and fresh with a olive and mayo(?) spread. So good that we had to ask for a refill of bread($ 1.50, but worth it). Yum!
Whitney W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Newport Beach, CA
Ciao is so yummy! I always recommend for people to go here for some yummy Italian. The olive butter with the bread is amazing. Great for date nights and perfect location on the wonderful Balboa Island!
Julian M.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Orange, CA
Food was fair and the prices are fair. As far as Italian food goes not much here to stand apart from the pack.
Dawn A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Irvine, CA
This is a delicious and quaint little restaurant. There is indoor and outdoor seating and a bar. My friend and I shared bruschetta and caesar salad with grilled chicken. Both were excellent! The service was great too!
Michael A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Anaheim, CA
This place is awesome. Good food, background music is great… had lunch with the girlfriend and my parents. Had a reservation for the 4 top in the front of the restaurant. And table was ready for us upon arrival. Owner greeted us with open arms, can’t say enough good things about this place!!! And portions big enough for leftovers for dinner. Pepperoni and sausage calzone!!! Delicious!
Jill J.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Orange, CA
Great atmosphere Tuto Mare Special was delicious Pene Antonio was also very very good! I had it with angel hair instead of the penne. Our waitress Jemma was so helpful and super knowledgable about all the food.
Shahram M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Newport Beach, CA
Had dinner at Ciao last night and boy we were surprised as to we haven’t been here before. The service was awesome. Fast and courteous. Couple of rounds of focaccia bread. I had the salmon salad which was abundance and delish. My wife got the cioppino which is the most expensive meal on the menu but boy we were surprised at how much seafood they had stuffed in the little bowl. It was delicious. Fantastic. Kids shared a cheese ravioli dish and they licked the plate dry. We will stop by here next time we are on balboa island.
John H.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Baldwin Park, CA
My husband brought me home Chicken Parmesan. It was overcooked all around and their was a bay leaf left in the pasta. The vegetables were not crisp tender but pretty much raw. Not impressed at all. My wife left the bay leaf in the pasta when she sent it to work in my lunch bucket. She was right about the edges of the chicken being burned. I did enjoy the dine-in experience, so I feel that perhaps the takeout approach is the problem.
Rosey S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Orange County, CA
I absolutely love this place! It’s perfect for an intimate Italian dining experience at Balboa Island. It is small, but not too small… has a nice little bar, and the perfect amount of brick décor, which I love… even though it’s fake brick: P This place also has the best pizza I’ve had in all of Orange County. I hadn’t been here in a while, but I always remembered that pizza… they’ll even sprinkle fresh shredded Parmesan cheese over it if you’d like. They also serve pretty good appetizer bread… soft sliced white bread… but you should ask what’s in the spread before you try it: P
Daniel W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New York, NY
Love the pasta sauce. Great pizza. Must get the Rocco pizza. Wonderful atmosphere and staff.
Alexis C.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Huntington Beach, CA
We sat quite awhile with our menus before someone finally came over so that’s why I’m giving them 3 stars but our server was absolutely fantastic and made up for it. Definitely pricey for the portions. I paid $ 13 for a 6″ 6 small sliced pizza but the flavor was good. I heard they prepare the dough fresh daily. My date had the seafood special and enjoyed it.
Bill K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Belton, TX
Small restaurant. Very relaxing music playing. The spinach appetizer was very tasty. The bread is soft and delicious. The bread is served with a butter and olive tapenade and it is excellent. We ordered the egg plant with capellini on the side. Very well executed. I would eat here again. There is a split charge if you split a meal.
Ju A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Clifton, NJ
Cute little restaurant… Pizza was small, more like a personal pan size. but good Also had the penne Giuseppe which was really good! The sauce was rich and tasted very home made! Would recommend.
Addison M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Fair Oaks, CA
We were looking for a spot to eat on our last day of vacation and we showed up to this nice little hole in the wall restaurant! When we were seated the waiter Edgar greeted us with a great big smile and was very professional and very nice the whole time we were in the restaurant! He is very thorough and I definitely recommend him and at this restaurant if you’re looking for some good Italian food in Balboa!
Kamryn V.
Rating des Ortes: 5 East Los Angeles, CA
My husband and I go to Caio almost every weekend for lunch and then walk the Island after. This is our absolute favorite place to go. The ambiance is wonderful and homey, and the food is delicious. I love all the pasta dishes. My favorite is the Pasta Antonio! My husband always gets the chicken piccata or margarita pizza. Whatever you get, you wont be disappointed. This place makes you feel at home, and the owners are so nice and treat you like family. Joann brings us our favorite wine before our butts even hit the seat. Our favorite server is Edgar; he is so nice and attentive. We always sit outside and bring our dog, and Edgar even brings out a bowl of water for him. Love this place. Highly recommend it to everyone!