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Hours
Tue
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wed
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
RM 71.00 – RM 184.00
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, Neapolitan, Campania, Tuscan, Romana, Lazio, Lombard, Ligurian, Northern-Italian, Central-Italian, Southern-Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant offer outdoor seating?
Details
About
Homestyle Italian cooking in an intimate and welcoming environment. We have indoor and outdoor seating. We are fully licensed and allow BYO for wine only at $6 pp. Bookings https://bookings.wowapps.com/make-booking/ciaocucina?src=link Vouchers https://giftcards.wowapps.com/order/ciaocucina?src=link
PRICE RANGE
RM 71.00 – RM 184.00
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, Neapolitan, Campania, Tuscan, Romana, Lazio, Lombard, Ligurian, Northern-Italian, Central-Italian, Southern-Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, BYOB, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
5.0
221 reviews
Excellent
195
Very good
10
Average
9
Poor
6
Terrible
1
Dodger52
Wollongong626 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I booked this restaurant based on some very positive reviews from TA.
Was I dissapointed? No
Was I enthused? No
The menu is on a black board on the western wall, so bring a camera with you or a very good memory. The restaurant is not very large, with solid walls and furnishings so noise can become an issue,but that is a common trait of lots of others in the area.
The food was good, the service was excellent and the waiters (including the owner and chef) were extremely friendly and helpful.
So why was this not a great experience?
Firstly, the food was good and arrived very promptly, but it really was nothing so special that you cannot get at other good Italian restaurants. However the prices were a little on the high side. Starting off with 5 small slices of "special bread from Umbria" for $6. It was not all that special and a good loaf of sough dour from Coles would have easily sufficed at a fraction of the cost. The mains were a fair size and tasty but not that big for the price for what is pretty normal Italian fare. If you wanted a salad then pay extra.
It is a BYO which is good, just add $2.50 per head.
I had to laugh where one reviewer compared this to the Greasy Fork. My experience of the Greasy Fork, over 40 years ago was that it supplied as much bread as you wanted plus a bottle of very cheap plonk and a bottle of soft drink all included in the dinner. The food was excellent and the price was very attractive, I don't think this goes anywhere near the GF of a past era.
Overall we had a good meal, was it good value? Probably not.
I think there are better options in town, but you will enjoy the food if you go.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
149SimonD
Los Angeles90 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
We had a great evening at this fabulous little Italian restaurant in the Gong. The owner /host is very engaging and delivers a family feel at this delightful restaurant.
We went for the first of two sittings on a Friday night which starts from 5.30pm and goes until around 8pm. The owner explained it all as we made the booking by phone beforehand.
We had some delicious Italian home made type bread with authentic oil and balsamic, a buffala mozzarella salad, gnocchi, penne Bologne seems, and spaghetti marinara. All the dishes were delicious, but I thought the spaghetti marinara was outstanding.
We also had a bottle of Pinot Grigio from Venice for about $30. While this wine was ok, a BYO bottle of our own wine might have been a better value choice.
Everything about this place is recommended. The service was spot on and everything arrived in a fairly short time. All in all one of the best Italian restaurants going, in my view.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethan
Campbelltown1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
My mother and I were looking for a place to eat after an information night in the area, after reading some reviews online we were impressed and decided to come here for dinner.
To say we were impressed is an understatement! We were greeted enthusiastically when we entered and sat next to the window at the front of the restaurant. The entree we shared was very large and filling, our mains were delicious (I had the wild boar and roast potatoes), and I had a mango sorbet for dessert which was some of the best ice cream I've had in my life. The meals were very filling and appropriately priced.
The service was exceptional as all the staff were super friendly and respectful and continually checked if we were satisfied with their service all night.
Ciao Cucina is a restaurant I would highly recommend to my friends and family and we will definitely be returning.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PAB
Wollongong79 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Have eaten here numerous times and, like other reviewers, find that it is a venue which charges too much for its product. The “special” Italian bread is ordinary and the main course of papardelle with duck ragu at $34 for a plate of somewhat dry meat sauce and pasta is bordering on price gouging. The waitstaff and chef are always a delight but this place is off our dining destination list until it reviews it’s pricing structures.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kellie T
Greater Sydney6 contributions
Apr 2021 • family
We stayed in Wollongong for the night and decided to jump on to trip advisor to find a place for dinner for my family (2 adults and 3 kids 10-14).
This place came highly recommended and I now know why.
We had the garlic bread, tomato bruschetta, 2 spaghetti bolognese, 2 chicken scaloppini, a spaghetti marinara, 3 tiramisu and a chocolate gelato.
Everything was DELICIOUS, fresh and good sized portions and nothing was left on any plate! There was no complaints from my kids ( which is rare)!
The room was pretty basic but it just added to the authenticity of it all.
Staff were friendly and the Fabio ( who I assume was the owner) has the most amazing Italian accent that just makes the night.
We loved the place and wish we could find one just like it near our home in Sydney!
One word of warning - you must book!!! They would have turned at least 20 people away between 5-6pm.
It was the best food we’d had for a while and would definitely go back if we are in Wollongong again!
Written 10 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mel p
8 contributions
Apr 2020 • none
I have previously dined at this restaurant and felt the food was of high quality, true authentic meals, full of flavour and fresh. The service was friendly and prompt, could not fault our experience. The latest Take Away Menu is fantastic, in ordering two dishes the same quality was delivered, generous portions offered, and it felt like a restaurant within our own home. Thank you!
Written 5 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerrie A
Sydney22 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
We had a wonderful evening here. There were 9 of us for a birthday dinner and the staff went above and beyond. The food is the most authentic Italian food you will eat. Everything was delicious, servings very generous and really great value for money. The service was quick and efficient. They surprised my son with a complimentary birthday dessert, turned out the lights and sang to him - this was not requested just a beautiful gesture by them. One of our party requested a particular type of beer that they were out of and the owner went out and bought it returning in a matter of minutes. Such a great night and we will be back!
Written 4 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raffaella G
Greater Sydney1 contribution
Aug 2020 • none
First time dining there, a very positive experience, the menu’ was truly ItaIian, cooked the Italian way. Being Italian myself , It was a pleasant surprise to enjoy traditional food and produce I grew up with, with a good service and friendly yet professional atmosphere. Great choice of wine as well, highly recommended. To all of you, Enrico, Fabio, Danny and rest of the team, well done, 5 stars! Forza Torino!
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joewdwd
Wollongong46 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Love this restaurant since it opened in the last year or so. Enrico and Fabio really look after us and explain the varied dishes on the blackboard menu. Sadly due to the dreaded virus they have had to close for dine-in eating but we ordered takeaway meals last night and they were the same quality as the dine in. Supurb. Keep supporting them through this difficult time. We want them to survive.
Cheers, Joe
Written 27 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant W
Wollongong1 contribution
Aug 2020 • none
The waiter was very informative about everything from the food to the drinks and his service was great. The food was delicious from the bread with the oil dip to the rabbit, and the chef coming out to evey table to make sure everything was running smoothly. It's very hard to find good old fashioned service days these days but this place has it all! Well done to the whole team for making my lunch date such an amazing time.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJB2065
North Willoughby41 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
This is a very cool place. Friendly, owner is so Italian and proud of his place and food. We ordered the wild mushroom bruschetta ( wonderful) and got a 5
Minute chat on the origins of the bread.
Which was fun and interesting. All the dishes are great and imaginative. I had wild boar, wifey risotto with handmade Italian sausage. Place has a real buzz. Worth a visit
Written 24 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
centralwestcountry
169 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
Food quality is nice and staff are excellent, however, we left feeling rather disappointed. The portion sizes are small and do not equate to the price of each dish.
We don’t mind paying good money for good quality food, but to come home and cook toast after eating pasta doesn’t equate to value in my mind.
Written 14 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JenniG
Sydney261 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Visited here for dinner based upon reviews from Trip Advisor.
A small restaurant very centrally located in Crown street. We made a booking which we are glad we did as they were very busy on the Saturday night we visited - note they are closed Sunday and Mondays.
Menu is blackboard - we had the veal scallopini & the spaghetti bolognaise and both were delicious.
The owner came to greet us and gave us warm welcome including sharing where he was born & raised in Italy.
Dessert was ricotta cheesecake. Also delicious.
Would recommend & would absolutely visit again.
Written 2 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethan87
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Came for dinner on Wednesday night (10th visit) when we arrived we were greeted like one of the family which is just one of those things you can expect at ciao cucina.
We had antipasto, fried olives & what can only be described as the best bread you will get anywhere!!!
For mains we got home made pappardelle with wild boar & spaghetti marinara. As always faultless!!! We ended the meal with tiramisu & panacotta which in there own right was delicious.
It’s hard to find consistency in Wollongong but ciao cucina definitely delivers.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny M
27 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
We stumbled upon this little restaurant without knowing anything about it, we liked the menu, we didn’t have a booking but were looking for an early dinner as we were staying at Adina Apartments nearby. The staff were friendly and accommodating, everything we ordered was scrumptious. Starting with the Spicy N’djua bruschetta, then the fried eggplant, I chose the mussels in garlic/white wine and tomatoes sauce which were deliciously fresh, the Altamura bread was a perfect combo. My husband enjoyed the homemade parppadelle with duck sausage and truffle oil. Such authentic and great tasting food. The owner Fabio and staff are so friendly and welcoming. A delight and a restaurant we will seek out when we come to Wollongong! Bravo
Written 17 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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