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Ciao's Lounge Reviews List
Ciao's Lounge
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42 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 42 reviews
5 stars
(17)
4 stars
(18)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(22)
- romantic(21)
- special occasion(21)
- good for groups(11)
- neighborhood gem(9)
- notable wine list(7)
Ciao's Lounge Reviews List
Review 1 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice but could have been better
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our waitress was very nice but a little harried. We were a group of nine and our table was situated so we were either looking directly into the setting sun (blinded) or watching the swinging doors of the kitchen. They were out of two of the bottles of wine we wanted. They did comp us one bottle of an alternate wine to make up for it. The asparagus soup was delicious as was the chicken Marsala and roasted vegetables. We were celebrating a graduation and overall had a good fun experience. They need to remember to keep champagne in stock for graduation weekend!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 2 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
So so
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was expecting more. I have to say I had a nice meal, but the other people at my tables meals were generic Italian. I had the pheasant tortellini with a mushroom sauce. The waitress seemed completely rushed and they were not very busy at the time. We probably would have ordered up to three bottles of wine had she paid more attention. I wouldn't say it was horrible, but nothing really excited myself or my friends and family to return. Perfect location for dining before a show at the Morris"
Dined on 5/19/2013
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Review 3 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Within walking distance toTheatre
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was good, lot of people providing table service and support. Did not realize that it was ND graduation weekend,
So the restaurant had a limited menu different from their posted menu. Great desserts just the right amount."
So the restaurant had a limited menu different from their posted menu. Great desserts just the right amount."
Dined on 5/18/2013
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Review 4 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fine Dine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Once again, pasta was superb. Served steaming hot.
The restaurant was uncomfortably cold Saturday night. It was unusually cold outside, but we were not seated anywhere near the doorway.
Service was great until time to pay the bill. Our server got busy & we waited for bill to arrive. Jen was otherwise very good."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Authentic Italian!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is, in large part, homemade, and authentic Italian. The desserts are to die for. Our server was well versed in ingredients and how dishes were prepared, which helped my guest with food allergies. The amenities need to be improved to match the food. Service is a bit slow, but for a leisurely night, it is comfortable. This is also a popular pre-theater spot, so if you're dining, but not attending the theater, service may be a bit slower. However, as a good restaurant should, our server recognized our wait, and comp'd us dessert. The wine list is small and unimaginative. The decor doesn't really match an Italian restaurant, but maybe changes are planned for the future. I would definitely return."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ciao's was very nice was a great start to the evening and was close to the Morris performing art's ctr where we were to end up great food reasonable or market prices server's were very good I look forward to do it again."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was good. We received
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was good. We received complimentary bruschetta which was very good. We enjoyed our visit."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic
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Review 8 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I attended brunch on Easter
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I attended brunch on Easter Sunday at 11:00am. It appeared that the structure/flow had not been planned out as most tables sat waiting not knowing if they should go help themselves or wait to be dismissed. After hearing another table ask if they could help themselves we decided to do the same. I was given a drink upon arriving, however, was never offered another drink despite the fact that I finished my first drink before eating. Water was continuously replenished by a gentleman. The buffet also appeared to run out of bacon and sausage for a period before being able to replenish it. Food quality was fair but not any better than houlihan's or granite city, who are also much cheaper. Assuming this is first attempt I'm sure it will improve."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Visited Ciao for the Easter
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Visited Ciao for the Easter brunch. Food was delicious and abundant. Carved prime rib and ham, about 5 different pastas (my favorite : asparagus ravioli), waffles, omelet station, breakfast meats, fresh fruit, mini bite desserts, homemade breads and more. Included mimosas or Italian champagne. Price was very reasonable for upscale all-you-could-eat-and-drink, so found it a bit odd that coffee and soft drinks were extra. Service started out pretty well, but was not good as the meal went on, despite (or perhaps as a result of) the 18% gratuity that was included in the bill. The space is fairly new and isn't very Mediterranean, nor was music. To match the food, service/decor/music need work, but I'd go again for food today!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 10 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Maybe bad day?!?
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I made reservations at Ciao for Easter brunch and can say my husband and I were highly disappointed in the food quality and overall experience. The mimosas were good and served in a timely manner, but we had to wait nearly 30 minutes for any food to be served and really struggled to find anything on the brunch buffet we even liked. Maybe they are more "on" when not a special occasion, but my husband and I will not be returning to find out."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
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Review 11 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Find in Downtown South Bend
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"We loved Ciao's new downtown location. The space was modern and very well done, attractively lit, with Frank Sinatra playing softly in the background. I had the wild boar with blueberries and my wife enjoyed the lamb shank. Both were off the specials menu, and both were excellent. Our kids split the pheasant tortelli, which was a big hit. The wine list included quite a few bottles that were out of our range, but the cabernet and the chianti they served by the glass were both very good. Ask the server for the current selection of wines by the glass, as they change periodically."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
So glad Ciao's is back in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"So glad Ciao's is back in South Bend, I love this restaurant and have missed it. This place NEVER disapoints - and let Angelo pick the wine for you - it's always perfect."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
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Review 13 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
good Italian fare, delicious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"good Italian fare, delicious desserts, longstanding local favorite in new location"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 14 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Adelle and Angelo have done
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Adelle and Angelo have done a great job with their new restaurant location. Adelle Ciao has been in the South Bend area for years and now with this new location...is better than ever. Very elegant, ambiance is marvelous but not stuffy. Service is impeccable and the food mmmmmmmmmmmwah."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Disappointing
Expected to find good food, but instead discovered overpriced bland food.
I ordered Osso Bucco with side of saffron risotto, and received bland overcooked Osso Bucco with rice pilaf .
Rice Pilaf is NOT Rissotto. Any good Itialian restaurant would know this. Also ordered a antipasto platter that had cured meats
and cubes of non Italian cheeses that resembled tailgating fare from local supermarket .
Good ideas but poor execution."
Expected to find good food, but instead discovered overpriced bland food.
I ordered Osso Bucco with side of saffron risotto, and received bland overcooked Osso Bucco with rice pilaf .
Rice Pilaf is NOT Rissotto. Any good Itialian restaurant would know this. Also ordered a antipasto platter that had cured meats
and cubes of non Italian cheeses that resembled tailgating fare from local supermarket .
Good ideas but poor execution."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
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Review 16 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Will definitely be back!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"First visit, but will not be the last! Food was incredible and the staff was friendly and accomodating. The restaurant looks great and the dishes were outstanding. The wine selection was good and we will definitely be back to try other dishes. This is a great addition to the downtown area."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 17 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Elegant dining in a comfortable
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Elegant dining in a comfortable atmosphere. I found the food to be wonderful, but expensive (e.g. 6 Vegetable Ravioli for $20). However, the pasta is handmade and perhaps the best in town. The lounge/bar is open concept and was very busy the night I dined. Unfortunately, the noise from the bar drifts to the back of the restaurant (dining area) and it was difficult to carry on a converation at normal voice level in a group. The deserts lack variety; all were cream-pastry based. I would've like to have had more options for desert (e.g. fruit compote, gelato) If you are looking for a straight-forward pasta like Penne, Rigatoni, Farfalle, don't dine here. However, if you like something off the beaten-path, you will love Caio's."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was our first visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was our first visit to Ciao's and we will definitely be back. The food was outstanding, the service was friendly and prompt, and the atmosphere welcoming. Very close to the Morris Civic Auditorium, so a wonderful pre-show dinner site. Highly recommended based on our experience (and our dining standards are quite high)!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall this is a very good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall this is a very good restaurant, with a unique selection of entrees (including Pheasant ravioli, asparagus tortellini, etc), nice wine selection, pleasant atmosphere and good service. What more could you want?"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, romantic
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Review 20 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely place for a date night
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I was really impressed with Ciao's. The staff was very personable, the ambiance was perfect - romantic but very comfortable. A week before I went to Cafe Navarre and was so disappointed with their Osso Buco and the Chocolate cake - both so generic. I had the asparagus ravioli (?) at Ciao's, and it was just wonderful. Delightful wine selection. So far, my favorite place for a date night in South Bend."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice atmosphere, good food,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nice atmosphere, good food, service was lacking!!"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Ciao's Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our meals were fantastic.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our meals were fantastic. The wait-staff was very attentive. It was a very nice relaxing evening and it was pleasant change to not feel rushed in anyway."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Ciao's Lounge
Based on the average of (20) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate