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Name: Ciao Bella Italian Grill
Address: 565 Erin Dr, Memphis, TN, 38117
Telephone: (901) 205-2500
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.97

Ciao Bella Italian Grill

565 Erin Dr, Memphis, TN, 38117

(901) 205-2500
Store is closed

Ciao Bella Italian Grill Menu

Appetizers

Bruschetta Sergio

Sicilian Shrimp Scampi

Ricotta & Rosemary Dip

Pomodoro Stack

Tuna Avocado Stack

Heirloom Caprese

Calamari

Beer Battered Eggplant Fries

Tostadi Ravioli (4)

Mussels Alla Diavola

Mozzarella & Parmigiana Garlic Bread
Soups & Salads

Avgolemono

Tuscan White Bean & Kale

Soup of the Day

Side House or Caesar Salad

Romaine Wedge

Chopped Salad

Greca

Caesar

Wild Strawberry and Spinaci
Chicken

Rosmarino

Boscaiola

Saltimbocca

Santorini

Marsala

Parmigiana

Piccata
Pork

Romesco
Veal

Marsala

Piccata
Seafood

Scallops Alla Hammond

Blood Orange Salmon

Grouper Salonica

Snapper Puttanesca

Cioppino
Pasta

Eggplant Rolotini

Shrimp Diavolo

Piccolo Sara

Pomodoro Primavera

Beef Brisket Gnocchi

Cannelloni Alto Mare

Manicotti Con Spinaci

Cannelloni

Manicotti

Lasagna

Chicken Carbonara

Shrimp Alla Toscana

Pastitsio

Spaghetti with Choice of Bolognese Meatballs or Sausage (Spicy or Mild)

Lobster Ravioli (5)

Meat Ravioli (5)

Cheese Ravioli (5)
Pizzas Calzones & Flatbreads

Balsamic Bbq Brisket

Bbq Chicken

Fig & Prosciutto Balsamic

The Hawaiian J. Graham

Heirloom Caprese

White Pizza

Greek Pizza

Carne Amante

Ortolana

Piccante
Create Your Own

Traditional Cheese

Additional Ingredients A

Additional Ingredients B
Sides

Italian Cabbage

Italian Spinach

Gigandes Beans

Spanakopita

Roasted Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes

Tuscan Kale Romano

Meatballs (4)

Italian Sausage (2)

Garlic Bread

Pasta
Kids Menu

Toasted Ravioli (2)

Meat or Cheese Ravioli (2)

8" Cheese Pizza

Penne Pasta with Meatball or Sausage

Penne Pasta Alfredo

Penne Pasta with Marinara or Butter Sauce
Gluten Free

Gluten Free Pasta (Half Portion)

Gluten Free Pasta (Full Portion)

Gluten Free Pizza Crust (12" Only)
Happy Hour

$2 Off All Draft Beers

$1 Off All Bottle Beers

$1 Off Well Liquors

Flavored Martini

Specialty Cocktails

1/2 Price Select Red & White Wine

1/2 Price Bar Menu

Healthy Meal suggestions for Ciao Bella Italian Grill

Appetizers

Bruschetta Sergio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sicilian Shrimp Scampi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ricotta & Rosemary Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pomodoro Stack [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuna Avocado Stack [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Heirloom Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beer Battered Eggplant Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tostadi Ravioli (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mussels Alla Diavola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mozzarella & Parmigiana Garlic Bread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups & Salads

Avgolemono [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan White Bean & Kale [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soup of the Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side House or Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Romaine Wedge [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chopped Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Greca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wild Strawberry and Spinaci [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chicken

Rosmarino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boscaiola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saltimbocca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Santorini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Piccata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pork

Romesco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Veal

Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Piccata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Seafood

Scallops Alla Hammond [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blood Orange Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grouper Salonica [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Snapper Puttanesca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cioppino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Eggplant Rolotini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Diavolo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Piccolo Sara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pomodoro Primavera [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Brisket Gnocchi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cannelloni Alto Mare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Manicotti Con Spinaci [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cannelloni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Manicotti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Carbonara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Alla Toscana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pastitsio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti with Choice of Bolognese Meatballs or Sausage (Spicy or Mild) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster Ravioli (5) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meat Ravioli (5) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Ravioli (5) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pizzas Calzones & Flatbreads

Balsamic Bbq Brisket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fig & Prosciutto Balsamic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Hawaiian J. Graham [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Heirloom Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

White Pizza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Greek Pizza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carne Amante [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ortolana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Piccante [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Create Your Own

Traditional Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Additional Ingredients A [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Additional Ingredients B [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Italian Cabbage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gigandes Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spanakopita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan Kale Romano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meatballs (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Sausage (2) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Bread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pasta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Kids Menu

Toasted Ravioli (2) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meat or Cheese Ravioli (2) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

8" Cheese Pizza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Penne Pasta with Meatball or Sausage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Penne Pasta Alfredo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Penne Pasta with Marinara or Butter Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Gluten Free

Gluten Free Pasta (Half Portion) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gluten Free Pasta (Full Portion) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gluten Free Pizza Crust (12" Only) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Happy Hour

$2 Off All Draft Beers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

$1 Off All Bottle Beers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

$1 Off Well Liquors [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flavored Martini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Specialty Cocktails [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Price Select Red & White Wine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Price Bar Menu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Emily Y.

I remember Ciao Bella when it was literally a hole in the wall next to Kroger on Sanderlin. Since those days, the menu has (delightfully) evolved and the restaurant has moved to a larger location. My favorite time of year to visit is spring (aka NOW) and mid-fall, when temperatures are ideal for dining al-fresco, and Ciao Bella's small patio under a pergola makes you forget you're dining at a strip mall just off Poplar. There is something for everyone on the menu - an array of decadent pastas, crowd-pleasing pizzas, and main course entrees. I somehow always gravitate towards the short-rib gnocchi. Yes, it's that delicious. Be sure to try the eggplant "fries," served with a gravy boat full of their trademark marinara sauce. Inside ambience could use some work (really generic), but service is usually quite friendly. Overall a solid choice for the crowded Italian scene in Memphis.
(4)
Alan R.

Heard good things. The Marsala and piccata was very small. Used to Florida and NYC style portions. The scallops were excellent and the service too
(3)
Joelle P.

Hey y'all... @CiaoBellagrill is Italian comfort food at its best. Any time I need a baller meal that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, I come here. Plus its just a lil bit fancy without being pretentious. And I'm still hopeful I'll turn into Sophia Loren...even though that will never happen. (re:"Everything you see I owe to pasta." - Sophia Loren) I'm a huge fan of their chicken parmesan but they also have vegetarian options. My vegan friend loves this place for our lunch dates since they cater to her specifications. And since I'm a total wino, I'm a fan of their extensive wine selection. The best part? The prices are always reasonable.
(5)
Danielle D.

The atmosphere in this place was nice and the Lasagna was great! Unfortunately the service was horrible. No refills and items asked for were never brought to us. This was not what I expected from this place especially on my anniversary.
(2)
L B.

One of my absolute favorite places to grab a drink or sit down for a full meal! I'm gluten intolerant and vegetarian, so it's not always easy to find good food that meets my needs. Ciao Bella has never disappointed! The atmosphere is warm and suitable for family celebrations, book clubs, business meetings, girls' night out, or date night. I've been enjoying Ciao Bella for years and plan on continuing for many more!
(5)
Margie S.

Everything I have tried is excellent, including the service. I've never been disappointed. Ask for Gene, he's great!
(5)
Jeffrey R.

In Memphis for work and found this excellent restaurant. Great food in the middle of a strip mall.
(5)
Adie M.

I'll start with the best: the service. Stephen, our waiter, provided some of the best service I've had in a long time. He was personable and checked in frequently.. When the bread was a little long coming out, he let us know that it was in the oven and he was just waiting for it to be done. That's the kind of information I appreciate. Unfortunately, the food was not nearly up to my expectations, based on all the rave reviews. The one dish I really liked was the chicken santorini. The sides were ok, but those cubes of fried chicken were juicy and flavorsome. Buuut...it's about $20 for that entree, and it's essentially glorified chicken nuggets. Tried the manicotti, and it was not good at all. It has a meat filling, and I've had it at other places and loved it. Here...not at all. The filling was creamy and white, and I didn't taste any of the meat flavor. I actually asked the waiter if it was the right dish. (Unfortunately, it was.) The sauce was bland, the pasta stodgy, and the temperature lukewarm. It is covered in cheese, but the cheese looked liked it had been sitting there for a bit - not hot and bubbly like I would expect. Pizza - contending with the manicotti for worst dish. Again, lukewarm with congealed cheese. We ordered it with sausage, banana peppers, mushrooms, and goat cheese. (I have a friend who LOVES their pizza and always orders it with goat cheese, so I decided to try it.) It was absolutely covered with the stuff. I like goat cheese, but this was WAY too much, and it completely overwhelmed the pizza. Plus, since it's not really a melting cheese, it contributed to the lack of stringy gooiness I value in a good pizza. Bread that came with the meal was ok, but greasier than I would have liked. Rather have a crusty Italian bread than buttery fociaccia. Dessert was an improvement - cheesecake with a raspberry sauce and whipped cream. There are too many other Italian places in Memphis to really see myself going back.
(2)
Renetria D.

Had the lamb burger, its perfectly grilled topped with yellow & red bell pepper, red onion, feta and I always ask for tzatziki instead of the garlic aioli (which is great on fries) Service is fast & friendly. The bartenders and Chef rock, very friendly and personable. My fav happy hour spot. Pizza's are awesome too, pretty much everything. Try it you wont be disappointed.
(5)
Vicki M.

I ordered the wild strawberry and spinach salad. The delivered salad had two strawberries, and sprinkling of goat cheese, not even a whole walnut, and a handful of lettuce. For $9, I should not have left hungry. This is the second time that I've been disappointed and I think that it will be the last.
(2)
Joel L.

Very good. Service was exceptional, food was good... Atmosphere is ehh. The value for the food and service was exceptional. I had the lobster ravioli. I was not disappointed.
(4)
Lily W.

So I tried The Beef Brisket Stroganoff the first time....OH.MY.GOODNESS! It was amazing! Really it was the ultimate in comfort food! Disclaimer: grabbed the pic from the restaurant's page because I ate mine too quickly
(5)
Natasha M.

Great restaurant tucked away in the corner of the Erinway Shopping Center. I came with a group of 15 and the restaurant did a great job of managing our requests and keeping us informed. The appetizers were brought out within 5 minutes of ordering. The entrees were delivered around 20 minutes later. They did a great job overall considering it was a Saturday night and formal dance season for some local schools. The butternut squash soup was perfectly flavored with a good balance of sweet & savory. The Pomodoro Primavera was very fresh and zesty. I would recommend it for groups large & small.
(5)
Adam H.

Ciao Bella is very good local Italian fare. I have been here a handful of times and I have always been pleased with our meals. The sauces are fresh and seem to be homemade. The pastas are cooked appropriately and served soft and tender. They have pretty good Calamari. The Cannelloni are hard to beat! Pizzas are pretty fantastic... Good food I absolutely love the atmosphere! It's quiet, dark, sexy, and you almost feel alone anywhere in the restaurant when you are there even if it's crowded. The service has always been superb and the servers and bartenders are exceptionally friendly, well informed, and fast on their feet. You will never find yourself looking around for anything. It's already there! Up until my last visit I would have give them a solid 4 star review and I started with 4 on this one, but there's one thing that keeps slapping me in the back of the head screaming "it's 5 stars dummy!"... That damn Bella Burger I had on binge week was the best out of all the others offered that I tried! It immediately went to the top 5 burgers I've ever had when the first bite sent juices all the way down my chin! It's not over the top by any means and doesn't have all the "flair" you'll find at one of the half dozen or so new burger joints in Memphis. It's just really good, fresh, well seasoned, expertly cooked Black Angus beef! The toppings are there just as they should be and are crisp and cold. The garlic aioli was a nice touch but that Brioche bun was just the perfect finisher! Bravo Ciao Bella! I'll be back to get the Grecian Lamb Burger. If it's half as good as the Bella it will be FABULOUS!
(5)
Lauren C.

The location is nice and central but that parking lot is a crazytown. Once you enter the restaurant, you feel immediately soothed. The low lighting, the 40s music, the clink of glasses. Ahhhhh I simply LOVE it. The iced tea was perfection. I am one of those people who has a short margin between unseeet, sweet and way too sweet. This was so refreshing. I swear I got 3 sweet teas. The waiter even sweetly offered to get me a to go tea. Ok let's get to this burger. The Bella Burger is just exactly what it is named: Beautiful! I don't like raw onions so I will admit I shoved them to the side. I spread that delicious garlic aioli on my crusty brioche bun, put it together, and bit into juicy (not greasy mind you, just pure awesome beef juice) beef nirvana. The tomatoes were ripe and cut to the perfect thickness, the lettuce nice and shredded just like I like, but the provolone covered beef was the star. All the ingredients worked in perfect harmony to make my taste buds jump for joy! I have now also been for dinner and fell even more madly in love with Ciao Bella. Their calamari was cooked better than any I have had in Memphis. Not tough or dry or over battered. The sauces with it are excellent. I crave that garlic aioli once a week. The Piccolo Sara with shrimp was so refreshing and light. The tangy cheese with the fresh veg was perfection. The huge shrimp are a good addition. The manicotti was an indulgence of creamy, cheesy goodness. So much yummy cheese!
(5)
Cory P.

My new favorite lunch spot. Chicken Monterrey sandwich is darn near perfect. Caesar salad never disappoints either
(4)
Kristina M.

This place was great. I love Italian food and this place won me over. As we walked in we were greeted kindly and asked if we were dining in or outside. I chose their patio seating as the weather was nice. Their patio area was really pretty and quiet. Now the service was phenomenal. Our waitress was great, she told us the specials and even suggested some items we may like since we never been before. She brought out bread and their oil seasoning to start. My husband liked the bread. I ordered the Greca salad to start and it was delicious. For my entree I ordered their pesto chicken penne which isn't on the menu but I saw it on yelp lol and they made it for me. It was sooo good. My husband ordered the veal piccata and thought it tasted good. Overall, I loved this place. Great service, nice patio seating and delicious food. We will be back!
(5)
Leon P.

It was nice and dark . pleasant server was nice defiantly up saleing the food and drinks. Burger was good and hearty. Not to shabby.
(4)
Leslie S.

Went here during Yelp burger binge, got the Bella Burger. It is actually nice and juicy. The buns were pretty good too. Overall, the burger tasted good. Chips were also pretty good. Portions were good. Will come back for other food.
(4)
Carol M.

I just can't believe that I am just now getting around to coming here. It is a really quaint place with an even quainter patio that I would love to visit when weather permits (hopefully soon!). My daughter ordered the cheese Ravioli, which she absolutely loved! I am pretty sure she gobbled it down in under 5 minutes. The portion was a bit small to her liking. I had the margarita pizza, which was just okay. Keep in mind that I have visited Italy recently so I am a bit of pizza snob. This pizza did not have red sauce, which was such a disappointment. The tomatoes and cheese were okay but just okay. The service was outstanding from the moment we were greeted at the door until we left. I could not have been more pleased!
(3)
Bridget P.

This place is delicious, and the service is stellar. Sit outside on the patio when the weather is nice, and don't miss out on the tasty oil and bread. Lunch prices are excellent.
(5)
Chase W.

The Caesar Salad was really good here and the Bella Burger for Burger Week here was delicious! Also, the homemade Eggplant Fries were different and tasty as well! Thanks Guys!
(4)
Mike S.

Sat on the patio recently when the weather was nice, and it was delightful. I went a little unconventional, but really liked what I got. I went with a side salad with gorgonzola added to it, a bowl of their avgolemino soup, and the eggplant fries. Oh those fries! They alone will Insure my return. The bread pudding of the night was cherry, and I wish it were a regular on the menu. I would order it every time. Outstanding! Like Arnold used to say, "I'll be back."
(4)
Fritz H.

We were very happy with our experience tonight at Ciao Bella. Being a Monday night it was moderately crowded and a little quite for my taste but it has a pleasant interior and was comfortable. The service was prompt and polite. The olive oil and bread was a great beginning and I loved the spiciness and flavor of the olive oil. We all had pasta and were quite pleased with it. I ordered the Crab Cake Ravioli, which I thought while good, was the least appetizing of the three. The angle hair pasta with shrimp was very good and well portioned. Luckily for me my daughter ordered the meat ravioli and couldn't eat it all, the sausage was fantastic and if I'm back in Memphis again it will be what I order. The wine list was adequate and fairly priced. Overall it was a very enjoyable meal and I would not hesitate to recommend Ciao Bella!
(4)
April S.

Okay, Yelp! Here's my update... I've been back three times and I can honestly say that the jump from two to four stars is well deserved! My boyfriend and I were invited to join two other couples at Ciao Bella and we accepted. I was a little leery to try this place again, but I certainly didn't want to be rude, so I went. Let me tell you, it was a great decision. We ordered a few appetizers; calamari, tasted ravioli, and the antipasto. The variety of cheeses, meats, and olives on the antipasto plate was impressive. Not a large amount, but lots of different flavors to enjoy. My boyfriend and I both ordered the special of the evening which was a hangar steak served over wilted spinach and finger potatoes. I loved the steak. It's too bad it was a special and not on the regular menu. I would order the steak again. I had coffee for dessert and when I asked for whipped cream the waiter said, "no problem." When he brought it out to me in a little dish he told me that the kitchen had just prepared it for me fresh. It was awesome!! Nothing like REAL, fresh whipped cream. Overall everyone was really pleased with the food and the service. The SO and I enjoyed ourselves so much that we went back a few weeks later. I was sad to learn that there would be no steak because like I said, it had been a special and was not available. I went with the Veal Picatta and enjoyed it. Once again, I ordered coffee and the whipped cream put a huge smile on my face. Last week we went back AGAIN. Still no steak but we did order the appetizer special of the evening. I wish I could remember what it was called. It was shrimp sauteed in a buttery sauce that was so incredible we ordered another one. After the two of us polished off two generous servings of saucy, shrimp amazingness, I was hardly interested in ordering "dinner," so I got the wedge salad.
(4)
Steve J.

We went to Caio Bella again last night and it is still delicious. The food is excellent. The dining room is warm and cozy. We ordered the following: Escargot for appetizer Fume Blanc for the wine 1 person Greek Salad to share Chicken Carbonara & Shrimp Alla Toscana The Escargots were fragrant and prefectly cooked. The Greek Salad was good, not spectacular but very well done. The Pasta Dishes were a nicely prepared. I do have to say that the shrimp in the Shrimp Alla Toscan was perfectly prepared. Cooked just right where it was not hard and rubbery like many other restaurants nor was it undercooked. It was perfect. I've been here many times before for functions in their party room and have had thier small appetizers which I have always thought were good. But the dinner service here is excellent. I have to warn that it is more on the expensive side but they do a wonderful job in the kitchen with the preparation of the meals. I would definitely recommend this place but be ready to spend a little here. Next time I might try one of their pizzas.
(4)
Wilson O.

Fairly regular customer, but very disspointed tonight. Nice waiter, but not very attentive. Missing for long periods of time. Extremely slow service, even between 8:30-9:00 when everyone else had cleared out. Appeared we were the last table eating. No idea why so slow. 20+ minutes between pick up of salad till entree served. Pizza was good as usual, and chicken piccata was average, but red snapper was hard and way overcooked. Angel hair had hardened. Seemed to have been under the lamp for a long time. They used to be great with fish. Not a good effort by what used to be a great local resturant. Too bad. Waiter did comp the fish after pointing out (and returning it to the kitchen, and declining their offer to try again), but manager never spoke. Seems to have lost it's edge. Stick with the Pizza.
(1)
Sara H.

Ciao Bella is the easy place to go when I am back in town and visiting long-time friends. This Italian eatery keeps you in your comfort zone by offering a familiar menu (salads, pizzas, pastas, etc.) at an affordable price point. Menu highlights include the crunchy toasted ravioli, chopped salad, and a pizza of your choosing (they're plenty satisfying and large enough to share). The restaurant is appropriate for a family outing or get-together with friends, however, I did see a marriage proposal at the next table over last night. Best wishes and congratulations to the happy couple!
(3)
Brent D.

Service really good. Mussels in White wine very good. Chicken Lorenzo very good. Nick's Slovakia very good as well. One of the best Italian / Greek places in Memphis.. A must go..
(4)
Dave C.

I truly love this place. They have so much more than pizza. This is a great romantic place that I will have to say a must go. The staff is friendly, warm, and responsive. The food is hot, delicious and the price is reasonable. They just moved to a new location which is much larger....
(5)
Karen R.

I like coming here for either a simple pizza, some pasta or seafood. Food is always good. Actually, what I truly love here is the olive oil dip and the warm bread :D If i could just have that for the meal, I'll be more than happy. I'm not an expert on Italian food but I know what tastes good and I haven't had anything that tasted bad here. Even once when I got the special fish of the day; it was the entire fish... yes, head and all - which was quite unique (to me at least) for a non-Chinese restaurant :) But it was awesome! I don't know if my mother in law sitting across from me thought same however lol but I loved it! The service is usually good and it can get crowded since it's located right behind(?) the movie theatre (Paradiso). I don't think they take reservations but we try not to go at peak hours during weekends. The wait isn't overly insane otherwise since you can sit and have a glass of wine by the tall bar tables or wait outside if the weather is nice.
(3)
Frank M.

I had the Tilapia. Not bad at all. I plan on going back soon.
(4)
Lawrence M.

I dined at Ciao Bella the other day. It was Sunday night and we wanted to try something new near our home. It's in a strip mall on a side street off of Poplar in East Memphis. They have a small outdoor seating area and several rooms for seating inside. The room was neat but dark w/a couple windows at the front and little lighting inside. There was no noticable music. I ordered some garlic bread and their crab cake ravioli. It sounded like a favorite of mine from back in WI (Lobster Ravioli .... mmmm). The garlic bread was pretty meager although it tasted it fine. The ravioli came back w/a heavy tomato based sauce which overwhelmed the flavor of the crab cake. Even after scraping the sauce off, it was difficult to taste. They should look for an alternate sauce or just not not have crab cake ravioli (e.g. replace it with a traditional italian sausage that can hold its own flavorwise in that sauce). Overall an adequate restaurant, your money is better spent elsewhere.
(2)
j g.

one of my favorites....been here at least 50 times over past 8 or 9 years maybe longer...consistently good food, great cozy bar, current location on erin drive-(old lulu grill) behind folks folly- much bigger than the old place and has a real bar. Best margarita in town- I know in an italian-mediterranean restaurant- but the bartender knows what hes doin- fresh ingredients not that nasty premix. ( would never have known but a friend who has a margarita fixation ordered one and I had one sip & put down my wine & ordered one.....or two...... Spanikopita, crispy pizzas with any toppings- goat cheese, pine nuts and sun dried tom is great. Nice manicotti and canneloni. Delish cannoli for dessert. Bread and oil is a winner. Nice greek salad too & a outside patio if you can stand the memphis heat. I miss the veggie rotollo!!!!!!!!! please bring it back- they can rename it tricolor pasta and cheese pinwheel or something.. never knew why is was called veggie rotollo anyway except the green & red colored pasta- all rolled up in a spiral filled with ricotta & other cheeses and herbs with tart red sauce, spaghetti noodles & topped with melted mozz cheese. It was delightful and unique......sigh......
(4)
Don C.

Dyann and I went here for a late lunch. Atmosphere is nice and service was good. My eggplant was fresh and tasty as well as was the salad. They had a Yelp coupon good for a half price lunch. So check in. This could have easily been 4 stars but their wine prices were some of the most expensive I have seen in Memphis. I do enjoy wine but the extra 10 to 25 dollars a bottle makes me feel like I'm getting ripped off. If they would lower their pricing on wine they would see a lot more of my business.
(3)
Cedahlia S.

Oh my goodness!! Very impressed with the super outgoing staff, comfortable atmosphere and last but not least the food!!! The Fired goat cheese polenta was amazing!! Slightly crispy and almost melted in my mouth! Cioppino was fanaminal!! Although, I do wish it would have been prepared with a smaller noodle but thats my own preference. The server, Lauren definately knows that menu and made the best suggestions!! She was very upbeat and funny!!! I had a wonderful time and cannot wait to visit again!!
(5)
John F.

This place is too legit to quit! I am from St. Louis, and when I moved to Memphis I was begging for a decent Italian place to eat. I believe I found it here. They got everything right, the lighting is dark, the pasta has perfect texture and there's even a chunky man in the back corner looking like the Godfather. Pizza and Pasta is on point and they also have great sandwiches for lunch. I think it's worth trying! ;-)
(4)
Jan W.

The best creamy mushroom and chicken soup ever! The flavors explode in your mouth. My first thought was like Campbell's but how wrong I was for an upscale restaurant like this and Italian too oh my this soup is like soup nazi good! If you've seen Seinfeld soup nazi episode you know what I'm talking about! The heirloom capreese is the best. Presentation is everything and they know how to do it. I also ordered the Bella Donna (beautiful lady) sandwich with the homemade chips. The waitress said the chef made up this sandwich and that he was really good and talented, based on what I've tasted so far I would definitely agree with her. The sandwich has mortadella, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, roasted red pepper heated and finished with fresh basil, shredded lettuce and baslamic mayo all on a wheat berry bread. The service was superb! All I can say is after this meal i wanted to lay down on the bench and curl up and take a little nap!
(5)
Amelia K.

After having a lovely dinner at Ciao Bella last night, I was compelled to write a review. Our server, Lee, was excellent! My husband and I are vegan and Lee made such great recommendations. We had the chopped salad sans mozz and pasta primavera with white wine sauce per Lee's suggestion and it was delicious! The service could not have been better and patio was beautiful. I look forward to returning to Ciao Bella and I hope that Lee is working when I do.
(5)
Hannah G.

We LOVE Ciao Bella. It has great atmosphere, great service, and great food. We usually have our three-year-old with us, and they are very accommodating. Most of the time they come out with a dough ball for her to roll around on the table. Arrive with an empty stomach. They start you off with bread fresh from the ovens of heaven. When the server asks you, "Would you like to start off with any appetizers?" say, "Yes, I would love the baked ravioli." Why should you say that, you ask? Because it is from the same ovens the bread comes from, I'm sure of it. It's so crispy and warm and has the most cheesy, delicious filling. When it comes to the main course, I am afraid my opinion isn't very extensive. Because I love it so much, I have only ever ordered the Pasta Primavera, sometimes with chicken, sometimes without. I always mooch off my husband, who is not afraid to try new things, and have never been disappointed in the various other dishes he's ordered. We always finish off Ciao Bella with a short walk down to Yolo for gelato, though I'm sure their desserts are great.
(5)
Ediza F.

Let me start of by saying, that we called ahead and since they closed at 9:30 we asked if they could still accommodate us 15 mins before closing...they welcomed us with open arms!! Talk about souther hospitality!!! We immediately told chef Brandon that I was Vegan and my fiancÃ© was vegetarian, and appetizers and meals were customized to our dietary needs. He made me a PHENOMENAL dish with vegan mozzarella and all the fresh produce from their local organic farmers!! It's the first meal I've had that was vegan that I felt was 100% gourmet. No lie. Remember not all dishes are the same it depends on what their farmers will offer, but honestly just "let em cook" and they'll make you a good vegan dish!!
(5)
Tony M.

There are so few good non-chain Italian restaurants in this area, and I believe this one ranks as one of the top 2 in the city. The service was as crisp as the house salad, and the entrees were wonderful. Between the four of us we each ordered a different style entree, and there was little talking during the meal as we each savored our meals. I HIGHLY recommend this restraint; we will definitely be going back!
(4)
Melody D.

This is definitely one of the better Italian restaurants I've been to lately. We started with the Mozzarella and Parmigiana Garlic Bread. It was great--and the marinara that came with it was some of the best I've ever had. The house bread they brought out was very good too. My husband had the manicotti (full order) and ate it all--I didn't even get to try it! He said it was wonderful. I had the white pizza, which was amazing. I'll definitely be going back.
(5)
Beth S.

We had to wait for about an hour as it was Friday night, but we waited in the bar, where the bartender was friendly and attentive. After almost an hour, we were starting, so we decided to have appetizers in the bar. I had the Caprese Salad, which was fresh and delicious, but could have had more basil and I missed the capers. But the balsamic was tasty and the mozzarella was fresh and slices were generous. We didn't mind waiting, as the bar is lively and fun with a good wine selection. Dinner was excellent. My Grouper Alla Pesto was wonderful - I loved the fresh vegetables and the fish was flaky and tender. When I divided my portion in half and asked for a to-go box, the server was so impressed with my willpower she brought us a free slice of cheesecake. I took a small bite and it was creamy and delicious. This was our first visit, but it most certainly won't be our last. It's casual but upscale with a relaxed feel and a bar so cool you don't mind the wait.
(4)
Roann M.

Excellent service! Our waitress was extremely friendly and upbeat. Downsides -- she waited until after we ordered to bring bread, and it was nothing special, The dipping oil was way too garlicky. I had seafood ravioli which was delicious, but could have used some side vegetable or something to lighten it up. Best TIramisu I have tasted in years.
(3)
Katie P.

Ciao Bella is a great place for a family dinner, date, dinner w/girlfriends, etc. It's in East Memphis in a shopping center, so you might not think it's really nice inside (with an awesome patio), but it is. I loved it before I was vegan, but I thought I'd pretty much have to just write it off afterward. But then they started offering vegan (and gluten-free) offerings. I have been several times and tried several different things and have been wowed every time. I usually just tell my server I'm vegan and ask the chef to make me something. I tell them what I don't like, and both times the chef has actually come out to my table to talk to me about it. They have awesome bread and oil and fountain drinks and coke products, which, if you know me, matters to me a lot! My only problem is that I wish they didn't serve veal. Along with foie gras, veal is one of the most cruel animal products there is. I wish Ciao Bella (and about a million other restaurants) would be more sensitive to that.
(5)
Nancy K.

I've been away from Memphis for a while so when I had the chance to come back and eat a catch-up meal with a girlfriend, she suggested Ciao Bella since I've never been before. Ever since I started dating my now-fiance, I have rarely eaten Italian (aka 0 times). He's not a big fan of anything noodle-y so that means no Italian food and also no more pad thai (one of my favorite foods but that's another story). Anyways, I was pretty excited to go try out this Italian eatery. My friend and I started off by sharing the Caesar salad, which was very tasty and a good sharing size. We were also given a basket of fresh bread with olive oil and generously offered more bread when our basket emptied. For the entree, I had the half portion Penne Pesto. This is a great size for one person and left me very full. The pasta was super pesto-y, which I personally love, but the chicken was a little chewy. Overall, I loved the food here and would love to go again. Our waiter was very nice and kindly refilled our waters because we ended up chatting for almost 3 hours. We went on a weekday night so I'm not sure how the crowds are on busier nights.
(5)
Kerry C.

There's a good reason that Memphians have loved Ciao Bella for the last 10 years. The casual East Memphis restaurant serves great Italian food. They also are great at curing extreme pasta cravings (like the one I had a few nights ago). We started with one of Ciao Bella's appetizer specials - seared scallops with blood oranges. Both scallops and blood oranges are on my shortlist of favorite foods, and these were excellent. They came dressed with a tangy, fruity sauce that complimented both. I'm pretty sure this isn't on the regular menu, but it should be. Speaking of the regular menu, it's pretty impressive. There are pizzas, pastas, Italian-inspired entrees and plenty of seafood. I couldn't decide between the pasta and seafood, so I went with the lobster ravioli ($18). The orange and white striped pasta was much spicier than I thought it would be. I think part of the spice came from the roasted red pepper cream sauce, but the pasta definitely had some flavor on its own.The raviolis were stuffed with chunks of lobster. It wasn't some lobster mash, either - there were big, visble hunks of meat. Atmospherically, Ciao Bella is cozy and intimate in a way that makes you forget that you're in a strip mall. The lights are dim, and when I was there for week day dinner, there were plenty of couples on dates. It's casual enough for a regular dinner but special enough for an important dinner. The restaurant is a also larger than it seems from the outside. There's plenty of seating in the dining room, bar and on the twinkle-lit patio.
(4)
Barrett R.

Smooth jazz, low lights, great happy hour. So much a fan.
(5)
James T.

Food was fast and fresh. I had the Greek salad, and it was real good. We waited 20 mins on a Friday night around 6:30. The place was pretty busy. My wife had the pasta, and it was good. The bread we were served was hard. My wife says the floor wasn't very clean. Close to a 4 star. This is based on one visit, and we haven't had a lot of the menu...
(3)
David P.

I enjoy pizza, Ciao Bella has a damn good one. I ordered the Piccante 12"($15) and added jalapenos($1). The Blue Moon beer went down well with this awesome pizza. Too bad I live in Atlanta and can't enjoy this sweet find more often. I sat outside on a beautiful day, the waiter Christopher was attentive but not annoying. A well spent $21.
(5)
Jeff I.

It might say good for kids, but I like to save this place for "date night." the menu selection is quite extensive, but I've enjoyed the Bolognese with a salad. There are several other items that I pan on trying on future visits. Update 6/23/12- I ordered the lasagna and planned on saving half for lunch the next day...never happened. I might throw in the final star if I fall in love with another entree.
(4)
Kathryn M.

It has been my experience that when maintaining a healthy diet, you really want your "cheat" meals to be worth it. This one was sooooo worth it. Me and the hubby went for dinner last weekend. It's a nice cozy environment. We share the antipasto platter, which was an excellent choice. It was a simple, yet tasty, selection of cheese, cured meats, and olives. I had the Old World Chicken Carbonara, and it was RICH but very delicious. The meal was quite enjoyable, I should've skipped the side salad though - it was less than interesting and had a disproportionate amount of huge red onions in it. I am not sure why I haven't been here before, but I think I will definitely return.
(4)
Patrick D.

I took a date there on Valentine's Day knowing they could prepare gourmet vegan dishes on the fly by request. If you are looking for a unique vegan meal just specify to your server and they will be happy to accommodate you. The head Chef Jonathan was very gracious to meet our request and was nice enough to keep checking in on us after every course was served. After requesting two vegans meals we were graced with a vegan grilled cheese appetizer (very delish btw), salad and a main meal of acorn squash stuffed with risotto and a dash of chic pea pesto. The vegan options probably differ around the seasons, so just ask. Thanks for a great experience, will definitely be coming back. P.S. I enjoyed watching the Grizzlies game at the urinal in the men's room.
(4)
Nina N.

The salad was great, decent wine selection no complaints, service was great, everyone was so friendly and nice, unfortunately the rest if the food was pretty bland and definitely not that great
(2)
Olivia B.

I forgot how great this place was. I told the hostess I would be in a hurry over the phone and she offered to go ahead and put my order in. I waited until I got here and I had bread and my food within 10 minutes. Amazing. They have some great looking new menu items, but I went with my old faithful, the original Chicken carbonara. The waitress was so nice with me being by myself. I only had 30 minutes and I was in and out in that time! Thanks again for a great meal! Next time I'll hopefully get to sit a spell and have a glass of wine as well!
(5)
Suzette C.

We celebrated our anniversary last night at Ciao Bella and had a lovely time. We will be back, although our meal wasn't quite as good as I had hoped. My husband had never had calamari, so I ordered that, and he opted for the stuffed mushrooms. The mushrooms were terrific, well-seasoned, cheesy, generous portion...just right. The calamari - not so much. Don't get me wrong - they weren't terrible. It's just that the oil they were fried in seemed a little old - and they could have been a little better drained. But, they were crispy and not too rubbery. My husband liked them, which was great, since I wanted to introduce him to the dish. But, they weren't the best. We both ordered the chopped salad. It was good. Probably won't order it again, though. It was a little vinegary for me, but my husband seemed to really enjoy his. I'm more of a Caesar salad kind of girl, I guess. For our entrees, he chose chicken marsala, and I went with the lasagne. I love lasagne but for the two of us, it's just too much trouble to make it at home. For years now, whenever I've tried it in restaurants, I've come away disappointed. For one thing, I don't enjoy Italian sausage, and so many places include it. Ciao Bella does NOT put sausage in theirs. Definitely a plus. The marinara sauce was delicious, if maybe a little on the thin side. I like my lasagne to be stringy with cheese. This one wasn't. It was good. Just not the lasagne of my dreams. My husband, however, hit the jackpot! His chicken marsala was heavenly! There was an "oooh" or an "ahh" in every bite. It came with two sides - roasted, herby potatoes that were really yummy - and a spinach dish quite unlike any I've tried before. Really, really good! Plus, he took enough home to probably make two lunches. The portion was extraordinarily generous. The only downside was the service. It felt as if our server was a bit inexperienced perhaps. My husband ordered iced tea and had to ask for Sweet n' Low. A selection of sweeteners should be brought to the table with any iced tea order, IMHO. "Sugar?" was her response when he asked for it. "No," he repeated, "Sweet n' Low." What server doesn't know what Sweet n' Low is? She seemed a little apprehensive about our satisfaction. An experienced server learns to read the customer and can check on the table with just a glance. Is the bread basket empty? How about the tea glasses? Is the patron not eating their dinner? If all appears to be well and if the patron is obviously enjoying their meal or engaging in a lively conversation, it's not really necessary to interrupt every little bit to see if everything is "OK." We weren't offered dessert or coffee. Just seemed a little short of what I had expected. And, we observed nearby tables being treated to better service than what we got. Luck of the draw. And that bread basket I mentioned....contrary to other reviews, it was never replenished. Which was really fine, because also contrary to other reviews, the bread wasn't all that great. It was dry almost to the point of being crouton-like. The olive oil provided for dipping was rich and fruity, but the red pepper flakes marinating in it had produced a fiery concoction that was almost too much for us to enjoy. All in all - based mostly on my husband's entree and appetizer, we'll be back. They were worth the visit.
(4)
Don B.

Huge portions, good service, tasty food. Hard to beat it.
(4)
Harry B.

Wine! Lol... I don't think any one of you expected the review to start with that word, neither did I till started to recount the experience of dining here. They have a quite decent selection of wine. Having moved into the area from SF, this was a pleasant surprise since the greater Memphis area does lack in number, places where the wine list is bigger than the main menu. Talking about the main menu, the Spanakopitakia's were some of the best I have had in this part of the world; flaky, not too oily/soggy, cooked just right with the texture provided by the cheese and spinach melting as it hits the tongue. Not to be out-done, the mussels in the marinara broth were not too far behind and the gravy made an awesome dipping sauce for the bread. We ordered the Caprese and Picante pizzas and they again did not disappoint since they were gone in less than 10mins of their arrival. The simple flavors and elegance of the Caprese completed the sausage meatiness of the Picante quite nicely. The house montepulciano (Citra) lived up to its name. Plenty of citrus notes and it was very easy to drink and went along well with starters we had ordered. Was in a rush... have to definitely come back here to try the other wines! And food! Ciao... but for not too long!
(4)
Rhonda V.

The food was delish & the portions are plentiful!! I will definitely go back the next time I'm in Memphis, TN.
(4)
Mike J.

Prices have been inching up steadily, sometimes quite a bit. The Monday night special I raved about in my last review has been discontinued. so, I'm dropping it down one.
(4)
Tanya T.

Ciao Bella is a charming little Italian/Greek restaurant in East Memphis that never disappoints. Dine indoors or enjoy your meal outside on the cute little patio. I love the crab cake ravioli stuffed with herbs and spicy sauce. Order some spanikopita or rosemary potatoes as a side item to complete your meal. A little red wine, and voila, perfection. If I'm in the mood for pizza, I usually go for the Caprino- goat cheese, artichokes, sundried tomatoes and red sauce- or the more traditional Piccante which is served with Italian sausage and pepperoni. The place itself has perfect lighting and ambiance for a special date or a laid-back meal.
(4)
Kristen W.

I uaed to eat the marsala everytime I went to Ciao Bella, but ive recently started branching out. And boy, am I glad i did - evem though I still enjoy the marsala. If you want traditional italian fare, the lasagna is incredible and there are some tasty pizzas. Also, the chicken carbanara is great. If you are looking for variety, the veggie burger rocks! You also can't go wrong with the mussels, chargrilled oysters, seared tuna and spanikopita. If you get lucky, they will have marscapone gelato on special...yum!!
(5)
Michael M.

Hands down the best Italian food in Memphis. We have tried all the rest and this is by far the best you can get.
(5)
N. P.

I've eaten in the adjoining deli and I love it, so I had to try Ciao Bella -- it's not only Italian, but Greek food as well, which I love. I wasn't disappointed -- they take great price in their cooking, it's obvious that they've been doing it for years -- incorporating some family traditions into their restaurant. A 'lot of love', if you will. It's a classy, warm, kind of Tuscan feel -- with warm gold/orange tones and dark wood furniture. Try their salmon -- tender and juicy, and the spanakopita. Holy crow, the best that I've had.
(4)
Jen C.

We've had some great meals at Ciao Bella. The wine selection is solid and prices are decent. We love the antipasto plate and I like having the option of ordering a half- portion of most of the pastas. The service could be better though.
(3)
Trevor T.

The fellas and I enjoyed a great evening at Ciao Bella's watching football and talking business. The food and service was good and they have a nice selection of wines.
(4)
Nancy T.

We specifically chose this restaurant because of the vegan dishes advertised in the Memphis Flyer, etc. They didn't have any of the ones advertised. There were only two vegan choices. The one chosen was rice noodles and vegetables and the noodles were not even cooked completely. Then to make matters worse, they tried to charge $21.95 for it!! We refused to pay that and they changed it to $16.95. Really? Really? Needless to say, we won't be back for any vegan meals.
(2)
Jim A.

I've loved Ciao Bella since it opened but recently have been disappointed in the service, particularly in the bar area. Last time I sat there, we were ignored for the better part of our 90 minute stay. Normally, I don't want the waitperson doting on me, but dishes were piled up on the table and glasses were empty and no one batted an eye. Particularly troublesome to me was the fact that two obviously manager/owner types were yucking it up with their friends two tables over from us. I finally snagged one's attention and was able to pay my bill.
(3)
Jolynna M.

There are a few things I am passionate about in life. One of which just happens to be Italian food. And lucky for me, there are some great Italian restaurants in Memphis. A personal favorite of mine is Ciao Bella. Because it's located in East Memphis, near Malco's Paradiso Theater, it's a great choice either before or after a movie. The atmosphere is casual, yet very festive, and they have a darling patio out front for dining al fresco on nice evenings. If you go, try the house salad (the dressing is to die for) and any of their signature pizzas. You will be happy you did.
(4)
Anne H.

I tried to have Yelp staff combine the Ciao Bella Pizza and Ciao Bella listings before I reviewed but so far, no go. Anyway - I wound up here after abandoning our idea for dinner at Huey's on St. Patrick's Day - forgot about the pub crawl that they were participating it. We dropped into Ciao Bella and they told us it'd be a 20 minute wait but we could get a drink in the bar and take it to the luncheon place next door (its attached via a doorway) to wait for our table. We got some glasses of wine and were called to a table within 15 minutes. We had the spanikopita appetizer - very good, and two at the table had the pasta primavera, and I had the pastitsio (Greek lasagna - bechamel, pasta, and a meat sauce with a hint of cinnamon -I think). All were very good and we had no doggie bags by the time we were done. Service was attentive and we enjoyed ourselves so for St. Patrick's Day we had a good Italian/Greek meal! They do take reservations and have a separate dining room for larger parties - there were several groups of 5 or more while we were there but service didn't seem to suffer!
(4)
Ramy K.

Way to expensive for a less than mediocre experience. The food is unimpressive, they don't offer fresh grated parmesian cheese, and have no idea what a good Chianti is and wine service as a whole is a joke.For two people the bill was over 80 bucks.I suggest you skip this place.
(1)
Amelia K.

After having a lovely dinner at Ciao Bella last night, I was compelled to write a review. Our server, Lee, was excellent! My husband and I are vegan and Lee made such great recommendations. We had the chopped salad sans mozz and pasta primavera with white wine sauce per Lee's suggestion and it was delicious! The service could not have been better and patio was beautiful. I look forward to returning to Ciao Bella and I hope that Lee is working when I do.
(5)
Hannah G.

We LOVE Ciao Bella. It has great atmosphere, great service, and great food. We usually have our three-year-old with us, and they are very accommodating. Most of the time they come out with a dough ball for her to roll around on the table. Arrive with an empty stomach. They start you off with bread fresh from the ovens of heaven. When the server asks you, "Would you like to start off with any appetizers?" say, "Yes, I would love the baked ravioli." Why should you say that, you ask? Because it is from the same ovens the bread comes from, I'm sure of it. It's so crispy and warm and has the most cheesy, delicious filling. When it comes to the main course, I am afraid my opinion isn't very extensive. Because I love it so much, I have only ever ordered the Pasta Primavera, sometimes with chicken, sometimes without. I always mooch off my husband, who is not afraid to try new things, and have never been disappointed in the various other dishes he's ordered. We always finish off Ciao Bella with a short walk down to Yolo for gelato, though I'm sure their desserts are great.
(5)
Ediza F.

Let me start of by saying, that we called ahead and since they closed at 9:30 we asked if they could still accommodate us 15 mins before closing...they welcomed us with open arms!! Talk about souther hospitality!!! We immediately told chef Brandon that I was Vegan and my fiancÃ© was vegetarian, and appetizers and meals were customized to our dietary needs. He made me a PHENOMENAL dish with vegan mozzarella and all the fresh produce from their local organic farmers!! It's the first meal I've had that was vegan that I felt was 100% gourmet. No lie. Remember not all dishes are the same it depends on what their farmers will offer, but honestly just "let em cook" and they'll make you a good vegan dish!!
(5)
Tony M.

There are so few good non-chain Italian restaurants in this area, and I believe this one ranks as one of the top 2 in the city. The service was as crisp as the house salad, and the entrees were wonderful. Between the four of us we each ordered a different style entree, and there was little talking during the meal as we each savored our meals. I HIGHLY recommend this restraint; we will definitely be going back!
(4)
Melody D.

This is definitely one of the better Italian restaurants I've been to lately. We started with the Mozzarella and Parmigiana Garlic Bread. It was great--and the marinara that came with it was some of the best I've ever had. The house bread they brought out was very good too. My husband had the manicotti (full order) and ate it all--I didn't even get to try it! He said it was wonderful. I had the white pizza, which was amazing. I'll definitely be going back.
(5)
Lauren C.

The location is nice and central but that parking lot is a crazytown. Once you enter the restaurant, you feel immediately soothed. The low lighting, the 40s music, the clink of glasses. Ahhhhh I simply LOVE it. The iced tea was perfection. I am one of those people who has a short margin between unseeet, sweet and way too sweet. This was so refreshing. I swear I got 3 sweet teas. The waiter even sweetly offered to get me a to go tea. Ok let's get to this burger. The Bella Burger is just exactly what it is named: Beautiful! I don't like raw onions so I will admit I shoved them to the side. I spread that delicious garlic aioli on my crusty brioche bun, put it together, and bit into juicy (not greasy mind you, just pure awesome beef juice) beef nirvana. The tomatoes were ripe and cut to the perfect thickness, the lettuce nice and shredded just like I like, but the provolone covered beef was the star. All the ingredients worked in perfect harmony to make my taste buds jump for joy! I have now also been for dinner and fell even more madly in love with Ciao Bella. Their calamari was cooked better than any I have had in Memphis. Not tough or dry or over battered. The sauces with it are excellent. I crave that garlic aioli once a week. The Piccolo Sara with shrimp was so refreshing and light. The tangy cheese with the fresh veg was perfection. The huge shrimp are a good addition. The manicotti was an indulgence of creamy, cheesy goodness. So much yummy cheese!
(5)
Cory P.

My new favorite lunch spot. Chicken Monterrey sandwich is darn near perfect. Caesar salad never disappoints either
(4)
Kerry C.

There's a good reason that Memphians have loved Ciao Bella for the last 10 years. The casual East Memphis restaurant serves great Italian food. They also are great at curing extreme pasta cravings (like the one I had a few nights ago). We started with one of Ciao Bella's appetizer specials - seared scallops with blood oranges. Both scallops and blood oranges are on my shortlist of favorite foods, and these were excellent. They came dressed with a tangy, fruity sauce that complimented both. I'm pretty sure this isn't on the regular menu, but it should be. Speaking of the regular menu, it's pretty impressive. There are pizzas, pastas, Italian-inspired entrees and plenty of seafood. I couldn't decide between the pasta and seafood, so I went with the lobster ravioli ($18). The orange and white striped pasta was much spicier than I thought it would be. I think part of the spice came from the roasted red pepper cream sauce, but the pasta definitely had some flavor on its own.The raviolis were stuffed with chunks of lobster. It wasn't some lobster mash, either - there were big, visble hunks of meat. Atmospherically, Ciao Bella is cozy and intimate in a way that makes you forget that you're in a strip mall. The lights are dim, and when I was there for week day dinner, there were plenty of couples on dates. It's casual enough for a regular dinner but special enough for an important dinner. The restaurant is a also larger than it seems from the outside. There's plenty of seating in the dining room, bar and on the twinkle-lit patio.
(4)
Barrett R.

Smooth jazz, low lights, great happy hour. So much a fan.
(5)
James T.

Food was fast and fresh. I had the Greek salad, and it was real good. We waited 20 mins on a Friday night around 6:30. The place was pretty busy. My wife had the pasta, and it was good. The bread we were served was hard. My wife says the floor wasn't very clean. Close to a 4 star. This is based on one visit, and we haven't had a lot of the menu...
(3)
David P.

I enjoy pizza, Ciao Bella has a damn good one. I ordered the Piccante 12"($15) and added jalapenos($1). The Blue Moon beer went down well with this awesome pizza. Too bad I live in Atlanta and can't enjoy this sweet find more often. I sat outside on a beautiful day, the waiter Christopher was attentive but not annoying. A well spent $21.
(5)
Jeff I.

It might say good for kids, but I like to save this place for "date night." the menu selection is quite extensive, but I've enjoyed the Bolognese with a salad. There are several other items that I pan on trying on future visits. Update 6/23/12- I ordered the lasagna and planned on saving half for lunch the next day...never happened. I might throw in the final star if I fall in love with another entree.
(4)
Kathryn M.

It has been my experience that when maintaining a healthy diet, you really want your "cheat" meals to be worth it. This one was sooooo worth it. Me and the hubby went for dinner last weekend. It's a nice cozy environment. We share the antipasto platter, which was an excellent choice. It was a simple, yet tasty, selection of cheese, cured meats, and olives. I had the Old World Chicken Carbonara, and it was RICH but very delicious. The meal was quite enjoyable, I should've skipped the side salad though - it was less than interesting and had a disproportionate amount of huge red onions in it. I am not sure why I haven't been here before, but I think I will definitely return.
(4)
Patrick D.

I took a date there on Valentine's Day knowing they could prepare gourmet vegan dishes on the fly by request. If you are looking for a unique vegan meal just specify to your server and they will be happy to accommodate you. The head Chef Jonathan was very gracious to meet our request and was nice enough to keep checking in on us after every course was served. After requesting two vegans meals we were graced with a vegan grilled cheese appetizer (very delish btw), salad and a main meal of acorn squash stuffed with risotto and a dash of chic pea pesto. The vegan options probably differ around the seasons, so just ask. Thanks for a great experience, will definitely be coming back. P.S. I enjoyed watching the Grizzlies game at the urinal in the men's room.
(4)
Nina N.

The salad was great, decent wine selection no complaints, service was great, everyone was so friendly and nice, unfortunately the rest if the food was pretty bland and definitely not that great
(2)
Trevor T.

The fellas and I enjoyed a great evening at Ciao Bella's watching football and talking business. The food and service was good and they have a nice selection of wines.
(4)
Steve J.

We went to Caio Bella again last night and it is still delicious. The food is excellent. The dining room is warm and cozy. We ordered the following: Escargot for appetizer Fume Blanc for the wine 1 person Greek Salad to share Chicken Carbonara & Shrimp Alla Toscana The Escargots were fragrant and prefectly cooked. The Greek Salad was good, not spectacular but very well done. The Pasta Dishes were a nicely prepared. I do have to say that the shrimp in the Shrimp Alla Toscan was perfectly prepared. Cooked just right where it was not hard and rubbery like many other restaurants nor was it undercooked. It was perfect. I've been here many times before for functions in their party room and have had thier small appetizers which I have always thought were good. But the dinner service here is excellent. I have to warn that it is more on the expensive side but they do a wonderful job in the kitchen with the preparation of the meals. I would definitely recommend this place but be ready to spend a little here. Next time I might try one of their pizzas.
(4)
Suzette C.

We celebrated our anniversary last night at Ciao Bella and had a lovely time. We will be back, although our meal wasn't quite as good as I had hoped. My husband had never had calamari, so I ordered that, and he opted for the stuffed mushrooms. The mushrooms were terrific, well-seasoned, cheesy, generous portion...just right. The calamari - not so much. Don't get me wrong - they weren't terrible. It's just that the oil they were fried in seemed a little old - and they could have been a little better drained. But, they were crispy and not too rubbery. My husband liked them, which was great, since I wanted to introduce him to the dish. But, they weren't the best. We both ordered the chopped salad. It was good. Probably won't order it again, though. It was a little vinegary for me, but my husband seemed to really enjoy his. I'm more of a Caesar salad kind of girl, I guess. For our entrees, he chose chicken marsala, and I went with the lasagne. I love lasagne but for the two of us, it's just too much trouble to make it at home. For years now, whenever I've tried it in restaurants, I've come away disappointed. For one thing, I don't enjoy Italian sausage, and so many places include it. Ciao Bella does NOT put sausage in theirs. Definitely a plus. The marinara sauce was delicious, if maybe a little on the thin side. I like my lasagne to be stringy with cheese. This one wasn't. It was good. Just not the lasagne of my dreams. My husband, however, hit the jackpot! His chicken marsala was heavenly! There was an "oooh" or an "ahh" in every bite. It came with two sides - roasted, herby potatoes that were really yummy - and a spinach dish quite unlike any I've tried before. Really, really good! Plus, he took enough home to probably make two lunches. The portion was extraordinarily generous. The only downside was the service. It felt as if our server was a bit inexperienced perhaps. My husband ordered iced tea and had to ask for Sweet n' Low. A selection of sweeteners should be brought to the table with any iced tea order, IMHO. "Sugar?" was her response when he asked for it. "No," he repeated, "Sweet n' Low." What server doesn't know what Sweet n' Low is? She seemed a little apprehensive about our satisfaction. An experienced server learns to read the customer and can check on the table with just a glance. Is the bread basket empty? How about the tea glasses? Is the patron not eating their dinner? If all appears to be well and if the patron is obviously enjoying their meal or engaging in a lively conversation, it's not really necessary to interrupt every little bit to see if everything is "OK." We weren't offered dessert or coffee. Just seemed a little short of what I had expected. And, we observed nearby tables being treated to better service than what we got. Luck of the draw. And that bread basket I mentioned....contrary to other reviews, it was never replenished. Which was really fine, because also contrary to other reviews, the bread wasn't all that great. It was dry almost to the point of being crouton-like. The olive oil provided for dipping was rich and fruity, but the red pepper flakes marinating in it had produced a fiery concoction that was almost too much for us to enjoy. All in all - based mostly on my husband's entree and appetizer, we'll be back. They were worth the visit.
(4)
Don B.

Huge portions, good service, tasty food. Hard to beat it.
(4)
Beth S.

We had to wait for about an hour as it was Friday night, but we waited in the bar, where the bartender was friendly and attentive. After almost an hour, we were starting, so we decided to have appetizers in the bar. I had the Caprese Salad, which was fresh and delicious, but could have had more basil and I missed the capers. But the balsamic was tasty and the mozzarella was fresh and slices were generous. We didn't mind waiting, as the bar is lively and fun with a good wine selection. Dinner was excellent. My Grouper Alla Pesto was wonderful - I loved the fresh vegetables and the fish was flaky and tender. When I divided my portion in half and asked for a to-go box, the server was so impressed with my willpower she brought us a free slice of cheesecake. I took a small bite and it was creamy and delicious. This was our first visit, but it most certainly won't be our last. It's casual but upscale with a relaxed feel and a bar so cool you don't mind the wait.
(4)
Harry B.

Wine! Lol... I don't think any one of you expected the review to start with that word, neither did I till started to recount the experience of dining here. They have a quite decent selection of wine. Having moved into the area from SF, this was a pleasant surprise since the greater Memphis area does lack in number, places where the wine list is bigger than the main menu. Talking about the main menu, the Spanakopitakia's were some of the best I have had in this part of the world; flaky, not too oily/soggy, cooked just right with the texture provided by the cheese and spinach melting as it hits the tongue. Not to be out-done, the mussels in the marinara broth were not too far behind and the gravy made an awesome dipping sauce for the bread. We ordered the Caprese and Picante pizzas and they again did not disappoint since they were gone in less than 10mins of their arrival. The simple flavors and elegance of the Caprese completed the sausage meatiness of the Picante quite nicely. The house montepulciano (Citra) lived up to its name. Plenty of citrus notes and it was very easy to drink and went along well with starters we had ordered. Was in a rush... have to definitely come back here to try the other wines! And food! Ciao... but for not too long!
(4)
Rhonda V.

The food was delish & the portions are plentiful!! I will definitely go back the next time I'm in Memphis, TN.
(4)
Mike J.

Prices have been inching up steadily, sometimes quite a bit. The Monday night special I raved about in my last review has been discontinued. so, I'm dropping it down one.
(4)
Tanya T.

Ciao Bella is a charming little Italian/Greek restaurant in East Memphis that never disappoints. Dine indoors or enjoy your meal outside on the cute little patio. I love the crab cake ravioli stuffed with herbs and spicy sauce. Order some spanikopita or rosemary potatoes as a side item to complete your meal. A little red wine, and voila, perfection. If I'm in the mood for pizza, I usually go for the Caprino- goat cheese, artichokes, sundried tomatoes and red sauce- or the more traditional Piccante which is served with Italian sausage and pepperoni. The place itself has perfect lighting and ambiance for a special date or a laid-back meal.
(4)
Kristen W.

I uaed to eat the marsala everytime I went to Ciao Bella, but ive recently started branching out. And boy, am I glad i did - evem though I still enjoy the marsala. If you want traditional italian fare, the lasagna is incredible and there are some tasty pizzas. Also, the chicken carbanara is great. If you are looking for variety, the veggie burger rocks! You also can't go wrong with the mussels, chargrilled oysters, seared tuna and spanikopita. If you get lucky, they will have marscapone gelato on special...yum!!
(5)
Michael M.

Hands down the best Italian food in Memphis. We have tried all the rest and this is by far the best you can get.
(5)
Nancy T.

We specifically chose this restaurant because of the vegan dishes advertised in the Memphis Flyer, etc. They didn't have any of the ones advertised. There were only two vegan choices. The one chosen was rice noodles and vegetables and the noodles were not even cooked completely. Then to make matters worse, they tried to charge $21.95 for it!! We refused to pay that and they changed it to $16.95. Really? Really? Needless to say, we won't be back for any vegan meals.
(2)
Jim A.

I've loved Ciao Bella since it opened but recently have been disappointed in the service, particularly in the bar area. Last time I sat there, we were ignored for the better part of our 90 minute stay. Normally, I don't want the waitperson doting on me, but dishes were piled up on the table and glasses were empty and no one batted an eye. Particularly troublesome to me was the fact that two obviously manager/owner types were yucking it up with their friends two tables over from us. I finally snagged one's attention and was able to pay my bill.
(3)
Jolynna M.

There are a few things I am passionate about in life. One of which just happens to be Italian food. And lucky for me, there are some great Italian restaurants in Memphis. A personal favorite of mine is Ciao Bella. Because it's located in East Memphis, near Malco's Paradiso Theater, it's a great choice either before or after a movie. The atmosphere is casual, yet very festive, and they have a darling patio out front for dining al fresco on nice evenings. If you go, try the house salad (the dressing is to die for) and any of their signature pizzas. You will be happy you did.
(4)
Ramy K.

Way to expensive for a less than mediocre experience. The food is unimpressive, they don't offer fresh grated parmesian cheese, and have no idea what a good Chianti is and wine service as a whole is a joke.For two people the bill was over 80 bucks.I suggest you skip this place.
(1)
Fritz H.

We were very happy with our experience tonight at Ciao Bella. Being a Monday night it was moderately crowded and a little quite for my taste but it has a pleasant interior and was comfortable. The service was prompt and polite. The olive oil and bread was a great beginning and I loved the spiciness and flavor of the olive oil. We all had pasta and were quite pleased with it. I ordered the Crab Cake Ravioli, which I thought while good, was the least appetizing of the three. The angle hair pasta with shrimp was very good and well portioned. Luckily for me my daughter ordered the meat ravioli and couldn't eat it all, the sausage was fantastic and if I'm back in Memphis again it will be what I order. The wine list was adequate and fairly priced. Overall it was a very enjoyable meal and I would not hesitate to recommend Ciao Bella!
(4)
Kristina M.

This place was great. I love Italian food and this place won me over. As we walked in we were greeted kindly and asked if we were dining in or outside. I chose their patio seating as the weather was nice. Their patio area was really pretty and quiet. Now the service was phenomenal. Our waitress was great, she told us the specials and even suggested some items we may like since we never been before. She brought out bread and their oil seasoning to start. My husband liked the bread. I ordered the Greca salad to start and it was delicious. For my entree I ordered their pesto chicken penne which isn't on the menu but I saw it on yelp lol and they made it for me. It was sooo good. My husband ordered the veal piccata and thought it tasted good. Overall, I loved this place. Great service, nice patio seating and delicious food. We will be back!
(5)
Leon P.

It was nice and dark . pleasant server was nice defiantly up saleing the food and drinks. Burger was good and hearty. Not to shabby.
(4)
Leslie S.

Went here during Yelp burger binge, got the Bella Burger. It is actually nice and juicy. The buns were pretty good too. Overall, the burger tasted good. Chips were also pretty good. Portions were good. Will come back for other food.
(4)
Carol M.

I just can't believe that I am just now getting around to coming here. It is a really quaint place with an even quainter patio that I would love to visit when weather permits (hopefully soon!). My daughter ordered the cheese Ravioli, which she absolutely loved! I am pretty sure she gobbled it down in under 5 minutes. The portion was a bit small to her liking. I had the margarita pizza, which was just okay. Keep in mind that I have visited Italy recently so I am a bit of pizza snob. This pizza did not have red sauce, which was such a disappointment. The tomatoes and cheese were okay but just okay. The service was outstanding from the moment we were greeted at the door until we left. I could not have been more pleased!
(3)
Bridget P.

This place is delicious, and the service is stellar. Sit outside on the patio when the weather is nice, and don't miss out on the tasty oil and bread. Lunch prices are excellent.
(5)
Chase W.

The Caesar Salad was really good here and the Bella Burger for Burger Week here was delicious! Also, the homemade Eggplant Fries were different and tasty as well! Thanks Guys!
(4)
Mike S.

Sat on the patio recently when the weather was nice, and it was delightful. I went a little unconventional, but really liked what I got. I went with a side salad with gorgonzola added to it, a bowl of their avgolemino soup, and the eggplant fries. Oh those fries! They alone will Insure my return. The bread pudding of the night was cherry, and I wish it were a regular on the menu. I would order it every time. Outstanding! Like Arnold used to say, "I'll be back."
(4)
Emily Y.

I remember Ciao Bella when it was literally a hole in the wall next to Kroger on Sanderlin. Since those days, the menu has (delightfully) evolved and the restaurant has moved to a larger location. My favorite time of year to visit is spring (aka NOW) and mid-fall, when temperatures are ideal for dining al-fresco, and Ciao Bella's small patio under a pergola makes you forget you're dining at a strip mall just off Poplar. There is something for everyone on the menu - an array of decadent pastas, crowd-pleasing pizzas, and main course entrees. I somehow always gravitate towards the short-rib gnocchi. Yes, it's that delicious. Be sure to try the eggplant "fries," served with a gravy boat full of their trademark marinara sauce. Inside ambience could use some work (really generic), but service is usually quite friendly. Overall a solid choice for the crowded Italian scene in Memphis.
(4)
Alan R.

Heard good things. The Marsala and piccata was very small. Used to Florida and NYC style portions. The scallops were excellent and the service too
(3)
Joelle P.

Hey y'all... @CiaoBellagrill is Italian comfort food at its best. Any time I need a baller meal that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, I come here. Plus its just a lil bit fancy without being pretentious. And I'm still hopeful I'll turn into Sophia Loren...even though that will never happen. (re:"Everything you see I owe to pasta." - Sophia Loren) I'm a huge fan of their chicken parmesan but they also have vegetarian options. My vegan friend loves this place for our lunch dates since they cater to her specifications. And since I'm a total wino, I'm a fan of their extensive wine selection. The best part? The prices are always reasonable.
(5)
Danielle D.

The atmosphere in this place was nice and the Lasagna was great! Unfortunately the service was horrible. No refills and items asked for were never brought to us. This was not what I expected from this place especially on my anniversary.
(2)
Adam H.

Ciao Bella is very good local Italian fare. I have been here a handful of times and I have always been pleased with our meals. The sauces are fresh and seem to be homemade. The pastas are cooked appropriately and served soft and tender. They have pretty good Calamari. The Cannelloni are hard to beat! Pizzas are pretty fantastic... Good food I absolutely love the atmosphere! It's quiet, dark, sexy, and you almost feel alone anywhere in the restaurant when you are there even if it's crowded. The service has always been superb and the servers and bartenders are exceptionally friendly, well informed, and fast on their feet. You will never find yourself looking around for anything. It's already there! Up until my last visit I would have give them a solid 4 star review and I started with 4 on this one, but there's one thing that keeps slapping me in the back of the head screaming "it's 5 stars dummy!"... That damn Bella Burger I had on binge week was the best out of all the others offered that I tried! It immediately went to the top 5 burgers I've ever had when the first bite sent juices all the way down my chin! It's not over the top by any means and doesn't have all the "flair" you'll find at one of the half dozen or so new burger joints in Memphis. It's just really good, fresh, well seasoned, expertly cooked Black Angus beef! The toppings are there just as they should be and are crisp and cold. The garlic aioli was a nice touch but that Brioche bun was just the perfect finisher! Bravo Ciao Bella! I'll be back to get the Grecian Lamb Burger. If it's half as good as the Bella it will be FABULOUS!
(5)
Natasha M.

Great restaurant tucked away in the corner of the Erinway Shopping Center. I came with a group of 15 and the restaurant did a great job of managing our requests and keeping us informed. The appetizers were brought out within 5 minutes of ordering. The entrees were delivered around 20 minutes later. They did a great job overall considering it was a Saturday night and formal dance season for some local schools. The butternut squash soup was perfectly flavored with a good balance of sweet & savory. The Pomodoro Primavera was very fresh and zesty. I would recommend it for groups large & small.
(5)
Wilson O.

Fairly regular customer, but very disspointed tonight. Nice waiter, but not very attentive. Missing for long periods of time. Extremely slow service, even between 8:30-9:00 when everyone else had cleared out. Appeared we were the last table eating. No idea why so slow. 20+ minutes between pick up of salad till entree served. Pizza was good as usual, and chicken piccata was average, but red snapper was hard and way overcooked. Angel hair had hardened. Seemed to have been under the lamp for a long time. They used to be great with fish. Not a good effort by what used to be a great local resturant. Too bad. Waiter did comp the fish after pointing out (and returning it to the kitchen, and declining their offer to try again), but manager never spoke. Seems to have lost it's edge. Stick with the Pizza.
(1)
Sara H.

Ciao Bella is the easy place to go when I am back in town and visiting long-time friends. This Italian eatery keeps you in your comfort zone by offering a familiar menu (salads, pizzas, pastas, etc.) at an affordable price point. Menu highlights include the crunchy toasted ravioli, chopped salad, and a pizza of your choosing (they're plenty satisfying and large enough to share). The restaurant is appropriate for a family outing or get-together with friends, however, I did see a marriage proposal at the next table over last night. Best wishes and congratulations to the happy couple!
(3)
Brent D.

Service really good. Mussels in White wine very good. Chicken Lorenzo very good. Nick's Slovakia very good as well. One of the best Italian / Greek places in Memphis.. A must go..
(4)
Dave C.

I truly love this place. They have so much more than pizza. This is a great romantic place that I will have to say a must go. The staff is friendly, warm, and responsive. The food is hot, delicious and the price is reasonable. They just moved to a new location which is much larger....
(5)
Anne H.

I tried to have Yelp staff combine the Ciao Bella Pizza and Ciao Bella listings before I reviewed but so far, no go. Anyway - I wound up here after abandoning our idea for dinner at Huey's on St. Patrick's Day - forgot about the pub crawl that they were participating it. We dropped into Ciao Bella and they told us it'd be a 20 minute wait but we could get a drink in the bar and take it to the luncheon place next door (its attached via a doorway) to wait for our table. We got some glasses of wine and were called to a table within 15 minutes. We had the spanikopita appetizer - very good, and two at the table had the pasta primavera, and I had the pastitsio (Greek lasagna - bechamel, pasta, and a meat sauce with a hint of cinnamon -I think). All were very good and we had no doggie bags by the time we were done. Service was attentive and we enjoyed ourselves so for St. Patrick's Day we had a good Italian/Greek meal! They do take reservations and have a separate dining room for larger parties - there were several groups of 5 or more while we were there but service didn't seem to suffer!
(4)
L B.

One of my absolute favorite places to grab a drink or sit down for a full meal! I'm gluten intolerant and vegetarian, so it's not always easy to find good food that meets my needs. Ciao Bella has never disappointed! The atmosphere is warm and suitable for family celebrations, book clubs, business meetings, girls' night out, or date night. I've been enjoying Ciao Bella for years and plan on continuing for many more!
(5)
Olivia B.

I forgot how great this place was. I told the hostess I would be in a hurry over the phone and she offered to go ahead and put my order in. I waited until I got here and I had bread and my food within 10 minutes. Amazing. They have some great looking new menu items, but I went with my old faithful, the original Chicken carbonara. The waitress was so nice with me being by myself. I only had 30 minutes and I was in and out in that time! Thanks again for a great meal! Next time I'll hopefully get to sit a spell and have a glass of wine as well!
(5)
Adie M.

I'll start with the best: the service. Stephen, our waiter, provided some of the best service I've had in a long time. He was personable and checked in frequently.. When the bread was a little long coming out, he let us know that it was in the oven and he was just waiting for it to be done. That's the kind of information I appreciate. Unfortunately, the food was not nearly up to my expectations, based on all the rave reviews. The one dish I really liked was the chicken santorini. The sides were ok, but those cubes of fried chicken were juicy and flavorsome. Buuut...it's about $20 for that entree, and it's essentially glorified chicken nuggets. Tried the manicotti, and it was not good at all. It has a meat filling, and I've had it at other places and loved it. Here...not at all. The filling was creamy and white, and I didn't taste any of the meat flavor. I actually asked the waiter if it was the right dish. (Unfortunately, it was.) The sauce was bland, the pasta stodgy, and the temperature lukewarm. It is covered in cheese, but the cheese looked liked it had been sitting there for a bit - not hot and bubbly like I would expect. Pizza - contending with the manicotti for worst dish. Again, lukewarm with congealed cheese. We ordered it with sausage, banana peppers, mushrooms, and goat cheese. (I have a friend who LOVES their pizza and always orders it with goat cheese, so I decided to try it.) It was absolutely covered with the stuff. I like goat cheese, but this was WAY too much, and it completely overwhelmed the pizza. Plus, since it's not really a melting cheese, it contributed to the lack of stringy gooiness I value in a good pizza. Bread that came with the meal was ok, but greasier than I would have liked. Rather have a crusty Italian bread than buttery fociaccia. Dessert was an improvement - cheesecake with a raspberry sauce and whipped cream. There are too many other Italian places in Memphis to really see myself going back.
(2)
Renetria D.

Had the lamb burger, its perfectly grilled topped with yellow & red bell pepper, red onion, feta and I always ask for tzatziki instead of the garlic aioli (which is great on fries) Service is fast & friendly. The bartenders and Chef rock, very friendly and personable. My fav happy hour spot. Pizza's are awesome too, pretty much everything. Try it you wont be disappointed.
(5)
Vicki M.

I ordered the wild strawberry and spinach salad. The delivered salad had two strawberries, and sprinkling of goat cheese, not even a whole walnut, and a handful of lettuce. For $9, I should not have left hungry. This is the second time that I've been disappointed and I think that it will be the last.
(2)
Joel L.

Very good. Service was exceptional, food was good... Atmosphere is ehh. The value for the food and service was exceptional. I had the lobster ravioli. I was not disappointed.
(4)
Lily W.

So I tried The Beef Brisket Stroganoff the first time....OH.MY.GOODNESS! It was amazing! Really it was the ultimate in comfort food! Disclaimer: grabbed the pic from the restaurant's page because I ate mine too quickly
(5)
April S.

Okay, Yelp! Here's my update... I've been back three times and I can honestly say that the jump from two to four stars is well deserved! My boyfriend and I were invited to join two other couples at Ciao Bella and we accepted. I was a little leery to try this place again, but I certainly didn't want to be rude, so I went. Let me tell you, it was a great decision. We ordered a few appetizers; calamari, tasted ravioli, and the antipasto. The variety of cheeses, meats, and olives on the antipasto plate was impressive. Not a large amount, but lots of different flavors to enjoy. My boyfriend and I both ordered the special of the evening which was a hangar steak served over wilted spinach and finger potatoes. I loved the steak. It's too bad it was a special and not on the regular menu. I would order the steak again. I had coffee for dessert and when I asked for whipped cream the waiter said, "no problem." When he brought it out to me in a little dish he told me that the kitchen had just prepared it for me fresh. It was awesome!! Nothing like REAL, fresh whipped cream. Overall everyone was really pleased with the food and the service. The SO and I enjoyed ourselves so much that we went back a few weeks later. I was sad to learn that there would be no steak because like I said, it had been a special and was not available. I went with the Veal Picatta and enjoyed it. Once again, I ordered coffee and the whipped cream put a huge smile on my face. Last week we went back AGAIN. Still no steak but we did order the appetizer special of the evening. I wish I could remember what it was called. It was shrimp sauteed in a buttery sauce that was so incredible we ordered another one. After the two of us polished off two generous servings of saucy, shrimp amazingness, I was hardly interested in ordering "dinner," so I got the wedge salad.
(4)
Don C.

Dyann and I went here for a late lunch. Atmosphere is nice and service was good. My eggplant was fresh and tasty as well as was the salad. They had a Yelp coupon good for a half price lunch. So check in. This could have easily been 4 stars but their wine prices were some of the most expensive I have seen in Memphis. I do enjoy wine but the extra 10 to 25 dollars a bottle makes me feel like I'm getting ripped off. If they would lower their pricing on wine they would see a lot more of my business.
(3)
Cedahlia S.

Oh my goodness!! Very impressed with the super outgoing staff, comfortable atmosphere and last but not least the food!!! The Fired goat cheese polenta was amazing!! Slightly crispy and almost melted in my mouth! Cioppino was fanaminal!! Although, I do wish it would have been prepared with a smaller noodle but thats my own preference. The server, Lauren definately knows that menu and made the best suggestions!! She was very upbeat and funny!!! I had a wonderful time and cannot wait to visit again!!
(5)
John F.

This place is too legit to quit! I am from St. Louis, and when I moved to Memphis I was begging for a decent Italian place to eat. I believe I found it here. They got everything right, the lighting is dark, the pasta has perfect texture and there's even a chunky man in the back corner looking like the Godfather. Pizza and Pasta is on point and they also have great sandwiches for lunch. I think it's worth trying! ;-)
(4)
Margie S.

Everything I have tried is excellent, including the service. I've never been disappointed. Ask for Gene, he's great!
(5)
Jeffrey R.

In Memphis for work and found this excellent restaurant. Great food in the middle of a strip mall.
(5)
Jan W.

The best creamy mushroom and chicken soup ever! The flavors explode in your mouth. My first thought was like Campbell's but how wrong I was for an upscale restaurant like this and Italian too oh my this soup is like soup nazi good! If you've seen Seinfeld soup nazi episode you know what I'm talking about! The heirloom capreese is the best. Presentation is everything and they know how to do it. I also ordered the Bella Donna (beautiful lady) sandwich with the homemade chips. The waitress said the chef made up this sandwich and that he was really good and talented, based on what I've tasted so far I would definitely agree with her. The sandwich has mortadella, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, roasted red pepper heated and finished with fresh basil, shredded lettuce and baslamic mayo all on a wheat berry bread. The service was superb! All I can say is after this meal i wanted to lay down on the bench and curl up and take a little nap!
(5)
Katie P.

Ciao Bella is a great place for a family dinner, date, dinner w/girlfriends, etc. It's in East Memphis in a shopping center, so you might not think it's really nice inside (with an awesome patio), but it is. I loved it before I was vegan, but I thought I'd pretty much have to just write it off afterward. But then they started offering vegan (and gluten-free) offerings. I have been several times and tried several different things and have been wowed every time. I usually just tell my server I'm vegan and ask the chef to make me something. I tell them what I don't like, and both times the chef has actually come out to my table to talk to me about it. They have awesome bread and oil and fountain drinks and coke products, which, if you know me, matters to me a lot! My only problem is that I wish they didn't serve veal. Along with foie gras, veal is one of the most cruel animal products there is. I wish Ciao Bella (and about a million other restaurants) would be more sensitive to that.
(5)
Nancy K.

I've been away from Memphis for a while so when I had the chance to come back and eat a catch-up meal with a girlfriend, she suggested Ciao Bella since I've never been before. Ever since I started dating my now-fiance, I have rarely eaten Italian (aka 0 times). He's not a big fan of anything noodle-y so that means no Italian food and also no more pad thai (one of my favorite foods but that's another story). Anyways, I was pretty excited to go try out this Italian eatery. My friend and I started off by sharing the Caesar salad, which was very tasty and a good sharing size. We were also given a basket of fresh bread with olive oil and generously offered more bread when our basket emptied. For the entree, I had the half portion Penne Pesto. This is a great size for one person and left me very full. The pasta was super pesto-y, which I personally love, but the chicken was a little chewy. Overall, I loved the food here and would love to go again. Our waiter was very nice and kindly refilled our waters because we ended up chatting for almost 3 hours. We went on a weekday night so I'm not sure how the crowds are on busier nights.
(5)
Roann M.

Excellent service! Our waitress was extremely friendly and upbeat. Downsides -- she waited until after we ordered to bring bread, and it was nothing special, The dipping oil was way too garlicky. I had seafood ravioli which was delicious, but could have used some side vegetable or something to lighten it up. Best TIramisu I have tasted in years.
(3)
N. P.

I've eaten in the adjoining deli and I love it, so I had to try Ciao Bella -- it's not only Italian, but Greek food as well, which I love. I wasn't disappointed -- they take great price in their cooking, it's obvious that they've been doing it for years -- incorporating some family traditions into their restaurant. A 'lot of love', if you will. It's a classy, warm, kind of Tuscan feel -- with warm gold/orange tones and dark wood furniture. Try their salmon -- tender and juicy, and the spanakopita. Holy crow, the best that I've had.
(4)
Jen C.

We've had some great meals at Ciao Bella. The wine selection is solid and prices are decent. We love the antipasto plate and I like having the option of ordering a half- portion of most of the pastas. The service could be better though.
(3)
Karen R.

I like coming here for either a simple pizza, some pasta or seafood. Food is always good. Actually, what I truly love here is the olive oil dip and the warm bread :D If i could just have that for the meal, I'll be more than happy. I'm not an expert on Italian food but I know what tastes good and I haven't had anything that tasted bad here. Even once when I got the special fish of the day; it was the entire fish... yes, head and all - which was quite unique (to me at least) for a non-Chinese restaurant :) But it was awesome! I don't know if my mother in law sitting across from me thought same however lol but I loved it! The service is usually good and it can get crowded since it's located right behind(?) the movie theatre (Paradiso). I don't think they take reservations but we try not to go at peak hours during weekends. The wait isn't overly insane otherwise since you can sit and have a glass of wine by the tall bar tables or wait outside if the weather is nice.
(3)
Frank M.

I had the Tilapia. Not bad at all. I plan on going back soon.
(4)
Lawrence M.

I dined at Ciao Bella the other day. It was Sunday night and we wanted to try something new near our home. It's in a strip mall on a side street off of Poplar in East Memphis. They have a small outdoor seating area and several rooms for seating inside. The room was neat but dark w/a couple windows at the front and little lighting inside. There was no noticable music. I ordered some garlic bread and their crab cake ravioli. It sounded like a favorite of mine from back in WI (Lobster Ravioli .... mmmm). The garlic bread was pretty meager although it tasted it fine. The ravioli came back w/a heavy tomato based sauce which overwhelmed the flavor of the crab cake. Even after scraping the sauce off, it was difficult to taste. They should look for an alternate sauce or just not not have crab cake ravioli (e.g. replace it with a traditional italian sausage that can hold its own flavorwise in that sauce). Overall an adequate restaurant, your money is better spent elsewhere.
(2)
j g.

one of my favorites....been here at least 50 times over past 8 or 9 years maybe longer...consistently good food, great cozy bar, current location on erin drive-(old lulu grill) behind folks folly- much bigger than the old place and has a real bar. Best margarita in town- I know in an italian-mediterranean restaurant- but the bartender knows what hes doin- fresh ingredients not that nasty premix. ( would never have known but a friend who has a margarita fixation ordered one and I had one sip & put down my wine & ordered one.....or two...... Spanikopita, crispy pizzas with any toppings- goat cheese, pine nuts and sun dried tom is great. Nice manicotti and canneloni. Delish cannoli for dessert. Bread and oil is a winner. Nice greek salad too & a outside patio if you can stand the memphis heat. I miss the veggie rotollo!!!!!!!!! please bring it back- they can rename it tricolor pasta and cheese pinwheel or something.. never knew why is was called veggie rotollo anyway except the green & red colored pasta- all rolled up in a spiral filled with ricotta & other cheeses and herbs with tart red sauce, spaghetti noodles & topped with melted mozz cheese. It was delightful and unique......sigh......
(4)
Adam H.

Ciao Bella is very good local Italian fare. I have been here a handful of times and I have always been pleased with our meals. The sauces are fresh and seem to be homemade. The pastas are cooked appropriately and served soft and tender. They have pretty good Calamari. The Cannelloni are hard to beat! Pizzas are pretty fantastic... Good food I absolutely love the atmosphere! It's quiet, dark, sexy, and you almost feel alone anywhere in the restaurant when you are there even if it's crowded. The service has always been superb and the servers and bartenders are exceptionally friendly, well informed, and fast on their feet. You will never find yourself looking around for anything. It's already there! Up until my last visit I would have give them a solid 4 star review and I started with 4 on this one, but there's one thing that keeps slapping me in the back of the head screaming "it's 5 stars dummy!"... That damn Bella Burger I had on binge week was the best out of all the others offered that I tried! It immediately went to the top 5 burgers I've ever had when the first bite sent juices all the way down my chin! It's not over the top by any means and doesn't have all the "flair" you'll find at one of the half dozen or so new burger joints in Memphis. It's just really good, fresh, well seasoned, expertly cooked Black Angus beef! The toppings are there just as they should be and are crisp and cold. The garlic aioli was a nice touch but that Brioche bun was just the perfect finisher! Bravo Ciao Bella! I'll be back to get the Grecian Lamb Burger. If it's half as good as the Bella it will be FABULOUS!
(5)
Lauren C.

The location is nice and central but that parking lot is a crazytown. Once you enter the restaurant, you feel immediately soothed. The low lighting, the 40s music, the clink of glasses. Ahhhhh I simply LOVE it. The iced tea was perfection. I am one of those people who has a short margin between unseeet, sweet and way too sweet. This was so refreshing. I swear I got 3 sweet teas. The waiter even sweetly offered to get me a to go tea. Ok let's get to this burger. The Bella Burger is just exactly what it is named: Beautiful! I don't like raw onions so I will admit I shoved them to the side. I spread that delicious garlic aioli on my crusty brioche bun, put it together, and bit into juicy (not greasy mind you, just pure awesome beef juice) beef nirvana. The tomatoes were ripe and cut to the perfect thickness, the lettuce nice and shredded just like I like, but the provolone covered beef was the star. All the ingredients worked in perfect harmony to make my taste buds jump for joy! I have now also been for dinner and fell even more madly in love with Ciao Bella. Their calamari was cooked better than any I have had in Memphis. Not tough or dry or over battered. The sauces with it are excellent. I crave that garlic aioli once a week. The Piccolo Sara with shrimp was so refreshing and light. The tangy cheese with the fresh veg was perfection. The huge shrimp are a good addition. The manicotti was an indulgence of creamy, cheesy goodness. So much yummy cheese!
(5)
Kristina M.

This place was great. I love Italian food and this place won me over. As we walked in we were greeted kindly and asked if we were dining in or outside. I chose their patio seating as the weather was nice. Their patio area was really pretty and quiet. Now the service was phenomenal. Our waitress was great, she told us the specials and even suggested some items we may like since we never been before. She brought out bread and their oil seasoning to start. My husband liked the bread. I ordered the Greca salad to start and it was delicious. For my entree I ordered their pesto chicken penne which isn't on the menu but I saw it on yelp lol and they made it for me. It was sooo good. My husband ordered the veal piccata and thought it tasted good. Overall, I loved this place. Great service, nice patio seating and delicious food. We will be back!
(5)
Leon P.

It was nice and dark . pleasant server was nice defiantly up saleing the food and drinks. Burger was good and hearty. Not to shabby.
(4)
Leslie S.

Went here during Yelp burger binge, got the Bella Burger. It is actually nice and juicy. The buns were pretty good too. Overall, the burger tasted good. Chips were also pretty good. Portions were good. Will come back for other food.
(4)
Carol M.

I just can't believe that I am just now getting around to coming here. It is a really quaint place with an even quainter patio that I would love to visit when weather permits (hopefully soon!). My daughter ordered the cheese Ravioli, which she absolutely loved! I am pretty sure she gobbled it down in under 5 minutes. The portion was a bit small to her liking. I had the margarita pizza, which was just okay. Keep in mind that I have visited Italy recently so I am a bit of pizza snob. This pizza did not have red sauce, which was such a disappointment. The tomatoes and cheese were okay but just okay. The service was outstanding from the moment we were greeted at the door until we left. I could not have been more pleased!
(3)
Bridget P.

This place is delicious, and the service is stellar. Sit outside on the patio when the weather is nice, and don't miss out on the tasty oil and bread. Lunch prices are excellent.
(5)
Chase W.

The Caesar Salad was really good here and the Bella Burger for Burger Week here was delicious! Also, the homemade Eggplant Fries were different and tasty as well! Thanks Guys!
(4)
Mike S.

Sat on the patio recently when the weather was nice, and it was delightful. I went a little unconventional, but really liked what I got. I went with a side salad with gorgonzola added to it, a bowl of their avgolemino soup, and the eggplant fries. Oh those fries! They alone will Insure my return. The bread pudding of the night was cherry, and I wish it were a regular on the menu. I would order it every time. Outstanding! Like Arnold used to say, "I'll be back."
(4)
Emily Y.

I remember Ciao Bella when it was literally a hole in the wall next to Kroger on Sanderlin. Since those days, the menu has (delightfully) evolved and the restaurant has moved to a larger location. My favorite time of year to visit is spring (aka NOW) and mid-fall, when temperatures are ideal for dining al-fresco, and Ciao Bella's small patio under a pergola makes you forget you're dining at a strip mall just off Poplar. There is something for everyone on the menu - an array of decadent pastas, crowd-pleasing pizzas, and main course entrees. I somehow always gravitate towards the short-rib gnocchi. Yes, it's that delicious. Be sure to try the eggplant "fries," served with a gravy boat full of their trademark marinara sauce. Inside ambience could use some work (really generic), but service is usually quite friendly. Overall a solid choice for the crowded Italian scene in Memphis.
(4)
Alan R.

Heard good things. The Marsala and piccata was very small. Used to Florida and NYC style portions. The scallops were excellent and the service too
(3)
Joelle P.

Hey y'all... @CiaoBellagrill is Italian comfort food at its best. Any time I need a baller meal that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, I come here. Plus its just a lil bit fancy without being pretentious. And I'm still hopeful I'll turn into Sophia Loren...even though that will never happen. (re:"Everything you see I owe to pasta." - Sophia Loren) I'm a huge fan of their chicken parmesan but they also have vegetarian options. My vegan friend loves this place for our lunch dates since they cater to her specifications. And since I'm a total wino, I'm a fan of their extensive wine selection. The best part? The prices are always reasonable.
(5)
Danielle D.

The atmosphere in this place was nice and the Lasagna was great! Unfortunately the service was horrible. No refills and items asked for were never brought to us. This was not what I expected from this place especially on my anniversary.
(2)
Natasha M.

Great restaurant tucked away in the corner of the Erinway Shopping Center. I came with a group of 15 and the restaurant did a great job of managing our requests and keeping us informed. The appetizers were brought out within 5 minutes of ordering. The entrees were delivered around 20 minutes later. They did a great job overall considering it was a Saturday night and formal dance season for some local schools. The butternut squash soup was perfectly flavored with a good balance of sweet & savory. The Pomodoro Primavera was very fresh and zesty. I would recommend it for groups large & small.
(5)
L B.

One of my absolute favorite places to grab a drink or sit down for a full meal! I'm gluten intolerant and vegetarian, so it's not always easy to find good food that meets my needs. Ciao Bella has never disappointed! The atmosphere is warm and suitable for family celebrations, book clubs, business meetings, girls' night out, or date night. I've been enjoying Ciao Bella for years and plan on continuing for many more!
(5)
Adie M.

I'll start with the best: the service. Stephen, our waiter, provided some of the best service I've had in a long time. He was personable and checked in frequently.. When the bread was a little long coming out, he let us know that it was in the oven and he was just waiting for it to be done. That's the kind of information I appreciate. Unfortunately, the food was not nearly up to my expectations, based on all the rave reviews. The one dish I really liked was the chicken santorini. The sides were ok, but those cubes of fried chicken were juicy and flavorsome. Buuut...it's about $20 for that entree, and it's essentially glorified chicken nuggets. Tried the manicotti, and it was not good at all. It has a meat filling, and I've had it at other places and loved it. Here...not at all. The filling was creamy and white, and I didn't taste any of the meat flavor. I actually asked the waiter if it was the right dish. (Unfortunately, it was.) The sauce was bland, the pasta stodgy, and the temperature lukewarm. It is covered in cheese, but the cheese looked liked it had been sitting there for a bit - not hot and bubbly like I would expect. Pizza - contending with the manicotti for worst dish. Again, lukewarm with congealed cheese. We ordered it with sausage, banana peppers, mushrooms, and goat cheese. (I have a friend who LOVES their pizza and always orders it with goat cheese, so I decided to try it.) It was absolutely covered with the stuff. I like goat cheese, but this was WAY too much, and it completely overwhelmed the pizza. Plus, since it's not really a melting cheese, it contributed to the lack of stringy gooiness I value in a good pizza. Bread that came with the meal was ok, but greasier than I would have liked. Rather have a crusty Italian bread than buttery fociaccia. Dessert was an improvement - cheesecake with a raspberry sauce and whipped cream. There are too many other Italian places in Memphis to really see myself going back.
(2)
Renetria D.

Had the lamb burger, its perfectly grilled topped with yellow & red bell pepper, red onion, feta and I always ask for tzatziki instead of the garlic aioli (which is great on fries) Service is fast & friendly. The bartenders and Chef rock, very friendly and personable. My fav happy hour spot. Pizza's are awesome too, pretty much everything. Try it you wont be disappointed.
(5)
Vicki M.

I ordered the wild strawberry and spinach salad. The delivered salad had two strawberries, and sprinkling of goat cheese, not even a whole walnut, and a handful of lettuce. For $9, I should not have left hungry. This is the second time that I've been disappointed and I think that it will be the last.
(2)
Lily W.

So I tried The Beef Brisket Stroganoff the first time....OH.MY.GOODNESS! It was amazing! Really it was the ultimate in comfort food! Disclaimer: grabbed the pic from the restaurant's page because I ate mine too quickly
(5)
Joel L.

Very good. Service was exceptional, food was good... Atmosphere is ehh. The value for the food and service was exceptional. I had the lobster ravioli. I was not disappointed.
(4)
April S.

Okay, Yelp! Here's my update... I've been back three times and I can honestly say that the jump from two to four stars is well deserved! My boyfriend and I were invited to join two other couples at Ciao Bella and we accepted. I was a little leery to try this place again, but I certainly didn't want to be rude, so I went. Let me tell you, it was a great decision. We ordered a few appetizers; calamari, tasted ravioli, and the antipasto. The variety of cheeses, meats, and olives on the antipasto plate was impressive. Not a large amount, but lots of different flavors to enjoy. My boyfriend and I both ordered the special of the evening which was a hangar steak served over wilted spinach and finger potatoes. I loved the steak. It's too bad it was a special and not on the regular menu. I would order the steak again. I had coffee for dessert and when I asked for whipped cream the waiter said, "no problem." When he brought it out to me in a little dish he told me that the kitchen had just prepared it for me fresh. It was awesome!! Nothing like REAL, fresh whipped cream. Overall everyone was really pleased with the food and the service. The SO and I enjoyed ourselves so much that we went back a few weeks later. I was sad to learn that there would be no steak because like I said, it had been a special and was not available. I went with the Veal Picatta and enjoyed it. Once again, I ordered coffee and the whipped cream put a huge smile on my face. Last week we went back AGAIN. Still no steak but we did order the appetizer special of the evening. I wish I could remember what it was called. It was shrimp sauteed in a buttery sauce that was so incredible we ordered another one. After the two of us polished off two generous servings of saucy, shrimp amazingness, I was hardly interested in ordering "dinner," so I got the wedge salad.
(4)
Don C.

Dyann and I went here for a late lunch. Atmosphere is nice and service was good. My eggplant was fresh and tasty as well as was the salad. They had a Yelp coupon good for a half price lunch. So check in. This could have easily been 4 stars but their wine prices were some of the most expensive I have seen in Memphis. I do enjoy wine but the extra 10 to 25 dollars a bottle makes me feel like I'm getting ripped off. If they would lower their pricing on wine they would see a lot more of my business.
(3)
Cedahlia S.

Oh my goodness!! Very impressed with the super outgoing staff, comfortable atmosphere and last but not least the food!!! The Fired goat cheese polenta was amazing!! Slightly crispy and almost melted in my mouth! Cioppino was fanaminal!! Although, I do wish it would have been prepared with a smaller noodle but thats my own preference. The server, Lauren definately knows that menu and made the best suggestions!! She was very upbeat and funny!!! I had a wonderful time and cannot wait to visit again!!
(5)
John F.

This place is too legit to quit! I am from St. Louis, and when I moved to Memphis I was begging for a decent Italian place to eat. I believe I found it here. They got everything right, the lighting is dark, the pasta has perfect texture and there's even a chunky man in the back corner looking like the Godfather. Pizza and Pasta is on point and they also have great sandwiches for lunch. I think it's worth trying! ;-)
(4)
Margie S.

Everything I have tried is excellent, including the service. I've never been disappointed. Ask for Gene, he's great!
(5)
Jeffrey R.

In Memphis for work and found this excellent restaurant. Great food in the middle of a strip mall.
(5)
Jan W.

The best creamy mushroom and chicken soup ever! The flavors explode in your mouth. My first thought was like Campbell's but how wrong I was for an upscale restaurant like this and Italian too oh my this soup is like soup nazi good! If you've seen Seinfeld soup nazi episode you know what I'm talking about! The heirloom capreese is the best. Presentation is everything and they know how to do it. I also ordered the Bella Donna (beautiful lady) sandwich with the homemade chips. The waitress said the chef made up this sandwich and that he was really good and talented, based on what I've tasted so far I would definitely agree with her. The sandwich has mortadella, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, roasted red pepper heated and finished with fresh basil, shredded lettuce and baslamic mayo all on a wheat berry bread. The service was superb! All I can say is after this meal i wanted to lay down on the bench and curl up and take a little nap!
(5)
Amelia K.

After having a lovely dinner at Ciao Bella last night, I was compelled to write a review. Our server, Lee, was excellent! My husband and I are vegan and Lee made such great recommendations. We had the chopped salad sans mozz and pasta primavera with white wine sauce per Lee's suggestion and it was delicious! The service could not have been better and patio was beautiful. I look forward to returning to Ciao Bella and I hope that Lee is working when I do.
(5)
Hannah G.

We LOVE Ciao Bella. It has great atmosphere, great service, and great food. We usually have our three-year-old with us, and they are very accommodating. Most of the time they come out with a dough ball for her to roll around on the table. Arrive with an empty stomach. They start you off with bread fresh from the ovens of heaven. When the server asks you, "Would you like to start off with any appetizers?" say, "Yes, I would love the baked ravioli." Why should you say that, you ask? Because it is from the same ovens the bread comes from, I'm sure of it. It's so crispy and warm and has the most cheesy, delicious filling. When it comes to the main course, I am afraid my opinion isn't very extensive. Because I love it so much, I have only ever ordered the Pasta Primavera, sometimes with chicken, sometimes without. I always mooch off my husband, who is not afraid to try new things, and have never been disappointed in the various other dishes he's ordered. We always finish off Ciao Bella with a short walk down to Yolo for gelato, though I'm sure their desserts are great.
(5)
Ediza F.

Let me start of by saying, that we called ahead and since they closed at 9:30 we asked if they could still accommodate us 15 mins before closing...they welcomed us with open arms!! Talk about souther hospitality!!! We immediately told chef Brandon that I was Vegan and my fiancÃ© was vegetarian, and appetizers and meals were customized to our dietary needs. He made me a PHENOMENAL dish with vegan mozzarella and all the fresh produce from their local organic farmers!! It's the first meal I've had that was vegan that I felt was 100% gourmet. No lie. Remember not all dishes are the same it depends on what their farmers will offer, but honestly just "let em cook" and they'll make you a good vegan dish!!
(5)
Tony M.

There are so few good non-chain Italian restaurants in this area, and I believe this one ranks as one of the top 2 in the city. The service was as crisp as the house salad, and the entrees were wonderful. Between the four of us we each ordered a different style entree, and there was little talking during the meal as we each savored our meals. I HIGHLY recommend this restraint; we will definitely be going back!
(4)
Melody D.

This is definitely one of the better Italian restaurants I've been to lately. We started with the Mozzarella and Parmigiana Garlic Bread. It was great--and the marinara that came with it was some of the best I've ever had. The house bread they brought out was very good too. My husband had the manicotti (full order) and ate it all--I didn't even get to try it! He said it was wonderful. I had the white pizza, which was amazing. I'll definitely be going back.
(5)
Beth S.

We had to wait for about an hour as it was Friday night, but we waited in the bar, where the bartender was friendly and attentive. After almost an hour, we were starting, so we decided to have appetizers in the bar. I had the Caprese Salad, which was fresh and delicious, but could have had more basil and I missed the capers. But the balsamic was tasty and the mozzarella was fresh and slices were generous. We didn't mind waiting, as the bar is lively and fun with a good wine selection. Dinner was excellent. My Grouper Alla Pesto was wonderful - I loved the fresh vegetables and the fish was flaky and tender. When I divided my portion in half and asked for a to-go box, the server was so impressed with my willpower she brought us a free slice of cheesecake. I took a small bite and it was creamy and delicious. This was our first visit, but it most certainly won't be our last. It's casual but upscale with a relaxed feel and a bar so cool you don't mind the wait.
(4)
Katie P.

Ciao Bella is a great place for a family dinner, date, dinner w/girlfriends, etc. It's in East Memphis in a shopping center, so you might not think it's really nice inside (with an awesome patio), but it is. I loved it before I was vegan, but I thought I'd pretty much have to just write it off afterward. But then they started offering vegan (and gluten-free) offerings. I have been several times and tried several different things and have been wowed every time. I usually just tell my server I'm vegan and ask the chef to make me something. I tell them what I don't like, and both times the chef has actually come out to my table to talk to me about it. They have awesome bread and oil and fountain drinks and coke products, which, if you know me, matters to me a lot! My only problem is that I wish they didn't serve veal. Along with foie gras, veal is one of the most cruel animal products there is. I wish Ciao Bella (and about a million other restaurants) would be more sensitive to that.
(5)
Nancy K.

I've been away from Memphis for a while so when I had the chance to come back and eat a catch-up meal with a girlfriend, she suggested Ciao Bella since I've never been before. Ever since I started dating my now-fiance, I have rarely eaten Italian (aka 0 times). He's not a big fan of anything noodle-y so that means no Italian food and also no more pad thai (one of my favorite foods but that's another story). Anyways, I was pretty excited to go try out this Italian eatery. My friend and I started off by sharing the Caesar salad, which was very tasty and a good sharing size. We were also given a basket of fresh bread with olive oil and generously offered more bread when our basket emptied. For the entree, I had the half portion Penne Pesto. This is a great size for one person and left me very full. The pasta was super pesto-y, which I personally love, but the chicken was a little chewy. Overall, I loved the food here and would love to go again. Our waiter was very nice and kindly refilled our waters because we ended up chatting for almost 3 hours. We went on a weekday night so I'm not sure how the crowds are on busier nights.
(5)
Kerry C.

There's a good reason that Memphians have loved Ciao Bella for the last 10 years. The casual East Memphis restaurant serves great Italian food. They also are great at curing extreme pasta cravings (like the one I had a few nights ago). We started with one of Ciao Bella's appetizer specials - seared scallops with blood oranges. Both scallops and blood oranges are on my shortlist of favorite foods, and these were excellent. They came dressed with a tangy, fruity sauce that complimented both. I'm pretty sure this isn't on the regular menu, but it should be. Speaking of the regular menu, it's pretty impressive. There are pizzas, pastas, Italian-inspired entrees and plenty of seafood. I couldn't decide between the pasta and seafood, so I went with the lobster ravioli ($18). The orange and white striped pasta was much spicier than I thought it would be. I think part of the spice came from the roasted red pepper cream sauce, but the pasta definitely had some flavor on its own.The raviolis were stuffed with chunks of lobster. It wasn't some lobster mash, either - there were big, visble hunks of meat. Atmospherically, Ciao Bella is cozy and intimate in a way that makes you forget that you're in a strip mall. The lights are dim, and when I was there for week day dinner, there were plenty of couples on dates. It's casual enough for a regular dinner but special enough for an important dinner. The restaurant is a also larger than it seems from the outside. There's plenty of seating in the dining room, bar and on the twinkle-lit patio.
(4)
Barrett R.

Smooth jazz, low lights, great happy hour. So much a fan.
(5)
James T.

Food was fast and fresh. I had the Greek salad, and it was real good. We waited 20 mins on a Friday night around 6:30. The place was pretty busy. My wife had the pasta, and it was good. The bread we were served was hard. My wife says the floor wasn't very clean. Close to a 4 star. This is based on one visit, and we haven't had a lot of the menu...
(3)
David P.

I enjoy pizza, Ciao Bella has a damn good one. I ordered the Piccante 12"($15) and added jalapenos($1). The Blue Moon beer went down well with this awesome pizza. Too bad I live in Atlanta and can't enjoy this sweet find more often. I sat outside on a beautiful day, the waiter Christopher was attentive but not annoying. A well spent $21.
(5)
Jeff I.

It might say good for kids, but I like to save this place for "date night." the menu selection is quite extensive, but I've enjoyed the Bolognese with a salad. There are several other items that I pan on trying on future visits. Update 6/23/12- I ordered the lasagna and planned on saving half for lunch the next day...never happened. I might throw in the final star if I fall in love with another entree.
(4)
Anne H.

I tried to have Yelp staff combine the Ciao Bella Pizza and Ciao Bella listings before I reviewed but so far, no go. Anyway - I wound up here after abandoning our idea for dinner at Huey's on St. Patrick's Day - forgot about the pub crawl that they were participating it. We dropped into Ciao Bella and they told us it'd be a 20 minute wait but we could get a drink in the bar and take it to the luncheon place next door (its attached via a doorway) to wait for our table. We got some glasses of wine and were called to a table within 15 minutes. We had the spanikopita appetizer - very good, and two at the table had the pasta primavera, and I had the pastitsio (Greek lasagna - bechamel, pasta, and a meat sauce with a hint of cinnamon -I think). All were very good and we had no doggie bags by the time we were done. Service was attentive and we enjoyed ourselves so for St. Patrick's Day we had a good Italian/Greek meal! They do take reservations and have a separate dining room for larger parties - there were several groups of 5 or more while we were there but service didn't seem to suffer!
(4)
Karen R.

I like coming here for either a simple pizza, some pasta or seafood. Food is always good. Actually, what I truly love here is the olive oil dip and the warm bread :D If i could just have that for the meal, I'll be more than happy. I'm not an expert on Italian food but I know what tastes good and I haven't had anything that tasted bad here. Even once when I got the special fish of the day; it was the entire fish... yes, head and all - which was quite unique (to me at least) for a non-Chinese restaurant :) But it was awesome! I don't know if my mother in law sitting across from me thought same however lol but I loved it! The service is usually good and it can get crowded since it's located right behind(?) the movie theatre (Paradiso). I don't think they take reservations but we try not to go at peak hours during weekends. The wait isn't overly insane otherwise since you can sit and have a glass of wine by the tall bar tables or wait outside if the weather is nice.
(3)
Frank M.

I had the Tilapia. Not bad at all. I plan on going back soon.
(4)
Lawrence M.

I dined at Ciao Bella the other day. It was Sunday night and we wanted to try something new near our home. It's in a strip mall on a side street off of Poplar in East Memphis. They have a small outdoor seating area and several rooms for seating inside. The room was neat but dark w/a couple windows at the front and little lighting inside. There was no noticable music. I ordered some garlic bread and their crab cake ravioli. It sounded like a favorite of mine from back in WI (Lobster Ravioli .... mmmm). The garlic bread was pretty meager although it tasted it fine. The ravioli came back w/a heavy tomato based sauce which overwhelmed the flavor of the crab cake. Even after scraping the sauce off, it was difficult to taste. They should look for an alternate sauce or just not not have crab cake ravioli (e.g. replace it with a traditional italian sausage that can hold its own flavorwise in that sauce). Overall an adequate restaurant, your money is better spent elsewhere.
(2)
j g.

one of my favorites....been here at least 50 times over past 8 or 9 years maybe longer...consistently good food, great cozy bar, current location on erin drive-(old lulu grill) behind folks folly- much bigger than the old place and has a real bar. Best margarita in town- I know in an italian-mediterranean restaurant- but the bartender knows what hes doin- fresh ingredients not that nasty premix. ( would never have known but a friend who has a margarita fixation ordered one and I had one sip & put down my wine & ordered one.....or two...... Spanikopita, crispy pizzas with any toppings- goat cheese, pine nuts and sun dried tom is great. Nice manicotti and canneloni. Delish cannoli for dessert. Bread and oil is a winner. Nice greek salad too & a outside patio if you can stand the memphis heat. I miss the veggie rotollo!!!!!!!!! please bring it back- they can rename it tricolor pasta and cheese pinwheel or something.. never knew why is was called veggie rotollo anyway except the green & red colored pasta- all rolled up in a spiral filled with ricotta & other cheeses and herbs with tart red sauce, spaghetti noodles & topped with melted mozz cheese. It was delightful and unique......sigh......
(4)
Rhonda V.

The food was delish & the portions are plentiful!! I will definitely go back the next time I'm in Memphis, TN.
(4)
Tanya T.

Ciao Bella is a charming little Italian/Greek restaurant in East Memphis that never disappoints. Dine indoors or enjoy your meal outside on the cute little patio. I love the crab cake ravioli stuffed with herbs and spicy sauce. Order some spanikopita or rosemary potatoes as a side item to complete your meal. A little red wine, and voila, perfection. If I'm in the mood for pizza, I usually go for the Caprino- goat cheese, artichokes, sundried tomatoes and red sauce- or the more traditional Piccante which is served with Italian sausage and pepperoni. The place itself has perfect lighting and ambiance for a special date or a laid-back meal.
(4)
Kristen W.

I uaed to eat the marsala everytime I went to Ciao Bella, but ive recently started branching out. And boy, am I glad i did - evem though I still enjoy the marsala. If you want traditional italian fare, the lasagna is incredible and there are some tasty pizzas. Also, the chicken carbanara is great. If you are looking for variety, the veggie burger rocks! You also can't go wrong with the mussels, chargrilled oysters, seared tuna and spanikopita. If you get lucky, they will have marscapone gelato on special...yum!!
(5)
Kathryn M.

It has been my experience that when maintaining a healthy diet, you really want your "cheat" meals to be worth it. This one was sooooo worth it. Me and the hubby went for dinner last weekend. It's a nice cozy environment. We share the antipasto platter, which was an excellent choice. It was a simple, yet tasty, selection of cheese, cured meats, and olives. I had the Old World Chicken Carbonara, and it was RICH but very delicious. The meal was quite enjoyable, I should've skipped the side salad though - it was less than interesting and had a disproportionate amount of huge red onions in it. I am not sure why I haven't been here before, but I think I will definitely return.
(4)
Patrick D.

I took a date there on Valentine's Day knowing they could prepare gourmet vegan dishes on the fly by request. If you are looking for a unique vegan meal just specify to your server and they will be happy to accommodate you. The head Chef Jonathan was very gracious to meet our request and was nice enough to keep checking in on us after every course was served. After requesting two vegans meals we were graced with a vegan grilled cheese appetizer (very delish btw), salad and a main meal of acorn squash stuffed with risotto and a dash of chic pea pesto. The vegan options probably differ around the seasons, so just ask. Thanks for a great experience, will definitely be coming back. P.S. I enjoyed watching the Grizzlies game at the urinal in the men's room.
(4)
Nina N.

The salad was great, decent wine selection no complaints, service was great, everyone was so friendly and nice, unfortunately the rest if the food was pretty bland and definitely not that great
(2)
Olivia B.

I forgot how great this place was. I told the hostess I would be in a hurry over the phone and she offered to go ahead and put my order in. I waited until I got here and I had bread and my food within 10 minutes. Amazing. They have some great looking new menu items, but I went with my old faithful, the original Chicken carbonara. The waitress was so nice with me being by myself. I only had 30 minutes and I was in and out in that time! Thanks again for a great meal! Next time I'll hopefully get to sit a spell and have a glass of wine as well!
(5)
Roann M.

Excellent service! Our waitress was extremely friendly and upbeat. Downsides -- she waited until after we ordered to bring bread, and it was nothing special, The dipping oil was way too garlicky. I had seafood ravioli which was delicious, but could have used some side vegetable or something to lighten it up. Best TIramisu I have tasted in years.
(3)
Harry B.

Wine! Lol... I don't think any one of you expected the review to start with that word, neither did I till started to recount the experience of dining here. They have a quite decent selection of wine. Having moved into the area from SF, this was a pleasant surprise since the greater Memphis area does lack in number, places where the wine list is bigger than the main menu. Talking about the main menu, the Spanakopitakia's were some of the best I have had in this part of the world; flaky, not too oily/soggy, cooked just right with the texture provided by the cheese and spinach melting as it hits the tongue. Not to be out-done, the mussels in the marinara broth were not too far behind and the gravy made an awesome dipping sauce for the bread. We ordered the Caprese and Picante pizzas and they again did not disappoint since they were gone in less than 10mins of their arrival. The simple flavors and elegance of the Caprese completed the sausage meatiness of the Picante quite nicely. The house montepulciano (Citra) lived up to its name. Plenty of citrus notes and it was very easy to drink and went along well with starters we had ordered. Was in a rush... have to definitely come back here to try the other wines! And food! Ciao... but for not too long!
(4)
Suzette C.

We celebrated our anniversary last night at Ciao Bella and had a lovely time. We will be back, although our meal wasn't quite as good as I had hoped. My husband had never had calamari, so I ordered that, and he opted for the stuffed mushrooms. The mushrooms were terrific, well-seasoned, cheesy, generous portion...just right. The calamari - not so much. Don't get me wrong - they weren't terrible. It's just that the oil they were fried in seemed a little old - and they could have been a little better drained. But, they were crispy and not too rubbery. My husband liked them, which was great, since I wanted to introduce him to the dish. But, they weren't the best. We both ordered the chopped salad. It was good. Probably won't order it again, though. It was a little vinegary for me, but my husband seemed to really enjoy his. I'm more of a Caesar salad kind of girl, I guess. For our entrees, he chose chicken marsala, and I went with the lasagne. I love lasagne but for the two of us, it's just too much trouble to make it at home. For years now, whenever I've tried it in restaurants, I've come away disappointed. For one thing, I don't enjoy Italian sausage, and so many places include it. Ciao Bella does NOT put sausage in theirs. Definitely a plus. The marinara sauce was delicious, if maybe a little on the thin side. I like my lasagne to be stringy with cheese. This one wasn't. It was good. Just not the lasagne of my dreams. My husband, however, hit the jackpot! His chicken marsala was heavenly! There was an "oooh" or an "ahh" in every bite. It came with two sides - roasted, herby potatoes that were really yummy - and a spinach dish quite unlike any I've tried before. Really, really good! Plus, he took enough home to probably make two lunches. The portion was extraordinarily generous. The only downside was the service. It felt as if our server was a bit inexperienced perhaps. My husband ordered iced tea and had to ask for Sweet n' Low. A selection of sweeteners should be brought to the table with any iced tea order, IMHO. "Sugar?" was her response when he asked for it. "No," he repeated, "Sweet n' Low." What server doesn't know what Sweet n' Low is? She seemed a little apprehensive about our satisfaction. An experienced server learns to read the customer and can check on the table with just a glance. Is the bread basket empty? How about the tea glasses? Is the patron not eating their dinner? If all appears to be well and if the patron is obviously enjoying their meal or engaging in a lively conversation, it's not really necessary to interrupt every little bit to see if everything is "OK." We weren't offered dessert or coffee. Just seemed a little short of what I had expected. And, we observed nearby tables being treated to better service than what we got. Luck of the draw. And that bread basket I mentioned....contrary to other reviews, it was never replenished. Which was really fine, because also contrary to other reviews, the bread wasn't all that great. It was dry almost to the point of being crouton-like. The olive oil provided for dipping was rich and fruity, but the red pepper flakes marinating in it had produced a fiery concoction that was almost too much for us to enjoy. All in all - based mostly on my husband's entree and appetizer, we'll be back. They were worth the visit.
(4)
Don B.

Huge portions, good service, tasty food. Hard to beat it.
(4)
Mike J.

Prices have been inching up steadily, sometimes quite a bit. The Monday night special I raved about in my last review has been discontinued. so, I'm dropping it down one.
(4)
Michael M.

Hands down the best Italian food in Memphis. We have tried all the rest and this is by far the best you can get.
(5)
N. P.

I've eaten in the adjoining deli and I love it, so I had to try Ciao Bella -- it's not only Italian, but Greek food as well, which I love. I wasn't disappointed -- they take great price in their cooking, it's obvious that they've been doing it for years -- incorporating some family traditions into their restaurant. A 'lot of love', if you will. It's a classy, warm, kind of Tuscan feel -- with warm gold/orange tones and dark wood furniture. Try their salmon -- tender and juicy, and the spanakopita. Holy crow, the best that I've had.
(4)
Jen C.

We've had some great meals at Ciao Bella. The wine selection is solid and prices are decent. We love the antipasto plate and I like having the option of ordering a half- portion of most of the pastas. The service could be better though.
(3)
Trevor T.

The fellas and I enjoyed a great evening at Ciao Bella's watching football and talking business. The food and service was good and they have a nice selection of wines.
(4)
Steve J.

We went to Caio Bella again last night and it is still delicious. The food is excellent. The dining room is warm and cozy. We ordered the following: Escargot for appetizer Fume Blanc for the wine 1 person Greek Salad to share Chicken Carbonara & Shrimp Alla Toscana The Escargots were fragrant and prefectly cooked. The Greek Salad was good, not spectacular but very well done. The Pasta Dishes were a nicely prepared. I do have to say that the shrimp in the Shrimp Alla Toscan was perfectly prepared. Cooked just right where it was not hard and rubbery like many other restaurants nor was it undercooked. It was perfect. I've been here many times before for functions in their party room and have had thier small appetizers which I have always thought were good. But the dinner service here is excellent. I have to warn that it is more on the expensive side but they do a wonderful job in the kitchen with the preparation of the meals. I would definitely recommend this place but be ready to spend a little here. Next time I might try one of their pizzas.
(4)
Nancy T.

We specifically chose this restaurant because of the vegan dishes advertised in the Memphis Flyer, etc. They didn't have any of the ones advertised. There were only two vegan choices. The one chosen was rice noodles and vegetables and the noodles were not even cooked completely. Then to make matters worse, they tried to charge $21.95 for it!! We refused to pay that and they changed it to $16.95. Really? Really? Needless to say, we won't be back for any vegan meals.
(2)
Jim A.

I've loved Ciao Bella since it opened but recently have been disappointed in the service, particularly in the bar area. Last time I sat there, we were ignored for the better part of our 90 minute stay. Normally, I don't want the waitperson doting on me, but dishes were piled up on the table and glasses were empty and no one batted an eye. Particularly troublesome to me was the fact that two obviously manager/owner types were yucking it up with their friends two tables over from us. I finally snagged one's attention and was able to pay my bill.
(3)
Jolynna M.

There are a few things I am passionate about in life. One of which just happens to be Italian food. And lucky for me, there are some great Italian restaurants in Memphis. A personal favorite of mine is Ciao Bella. Because it's located in East Memphis, near Malco's Paradiso Theater, it's a great choice either before or after a movie. The atmosphere is casual, yet very festive, and they have a darling patio out front for dining al fresco on nice evenings. If you go, try the house salad (the dressing is to die for) and any of their signature pizzas. You will be happy you did.
(4)
Ramy K.

Way to expensive for a less than mediocre experience. The food is unimpressive, they don't offer fresh grated parmesian cheese, and have no idea what a good Chianti is and wine service as a whole is a joke.For two people the bill was over 80 bucks.I suggest you skip this place.
(1)
Fritz H.

We were very happy with our experience tonight at Ciao Bella. Being a Monday night it was moderately crowded and a little quite for my taste but it has a pleasant interior and was comfortable. The service was prompt and polite. The olive oil and bread was a great beginning and I loved the spiciness and flavor of the olive oil. We all had pasta and were quite pleased with it. I ordered the Crab Cake Ravioli, which I thought while good, was the least appetizing of the three. The angle hair pasta with shrimp was very good and well portioned. Luckily for me my daughter ordered the meat ravioli and couldn't eat it all, the sausage was fantastic and if I'm back in Memphis again it will be what I order. The wine list was adequate and fairly priced. Overall it was a very enjoyable meal and I would not hesitate to recommend Ciao Bella!
(4)
Wilson O.

Fairly regular customer, but very disspointed tonight. Nice waiter, but not very attentive. Missing for long periods of time. Extremely slow service, even between 8:30-9:00 when everyone else had cleared out. Appeared we were the last table eating. No idea why so slow. 20+ minutes between pick up of salad till entree served. Pizza was good as usual, and chicken piccata was average, but red snapper was hard and way overcooked. Angel hair had hardened. Seemed to have been under the lamp for a long time. They used to be great with fish. Not a good effort by what used to be a great local resturant. Too bad. Waiter did comp the fish after pointing out (and returning it to the kitchen, and declining their offer to try again), but manager never spoke. Seems to have lost it's edge. Stick with the Pizza.
(1)
Sara H.

Ciao Bella is the easy place to go when I am back in town and visiting long-time friends. This Italian eatery keeps you in your comfort zone by offering a familiar menu (salads, pizzas, pastas, etc.) at an affordable price point. Menu highlights include the crunchy toasted ravioli, chopped salad, and a pizza of your choosing (they're plenty satisfying and large enough to share). The restaurant is appropriate for a family outing or get-together with friends, however, I did see a marriage proposal at the next table over last night. Best wishes and congratulations to the happy couple!
(3)
Brent D.

Service really good. Mussels in White wine very good. Chicken Lorenzo very good. Nick's Slovakia very good as well. One of the best Italian / Greek places in Memphis.. A must go..
(4)
Dave C.

I truly love this place. They have so much more than pizza. This is a great romantic place that I will have to say a must go. The staff is friendly, warm, and responsive. The food is hot, delicious and the price is reasonable. They just moved to a new location which is much larger....
(5)

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Address : 565 Erin Dr
Memphis, TN, 38117
Phone (901) 205-2500
Website https://www.ciaobellamemphis.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Mon : 11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Pizza

Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.

Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.

Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20^th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

Greek Cuisine

Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.

Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.

For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.

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Ciao Bella Italian Grill

565 Erin Dr, Memphis, TN, 38117

Ciao Bella Italian Grill Menu

Appetizers

Soups & Salads

Chicken

Pork

Veal

Seafood

Pasta

Pizzas Calzones & Flatbreads

Create Your Own

Sides

Kids Menu

Gluten Free

Happy Hour

Healthy Meal suggestions for Ciao Bella Italian Grill

Appetizers

Soups & Salads

Chicken

Pork

Veal

Seafood

Pasta

Pizzas Calzones & Flatbreads

Create Your Own

Sides

Kids Menu

Gluten Free

Happy Hour

Emily Y.

Alan R.

Joelle P.

Danielle D.

L B.

Margie S.

Jeffrey R.

Adie M.

Renetria D.

Vicki M.

Joel L.

Lily W.

Natasha M.

Adam H.

Lauren C.

Cory P.

Kristina M.

Leon P.

Leslie S.

Carol M.

Bridget P.

Chase W.

Mike S.

Fritz H.

April S.

Steve J.

Wilson O.

Sara H.

Brent D.

Dave C.

Karen R.

Frank M.

Lawrence M.

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Don C.

Cedahlia S.

John F.

Jan W.

Amelia K.

Hannah G.

Ediza F.

Tony M.

Melody D.

Beth S.

Roann M.

Katie P.

Nancy K.

Kerry C.

Barrett R.