Are you looking for a special place to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or Christening?
Are you searching for a restaurant that offers a cozy yet festive Italian atmosphere, with mouthwatering entrées such as Shrimp Luca, Minestrone Soup, Butternut Ravioli, Filet Mignon, Lobster Ravioli, or Tortellini Diablo — followed by a decadent Tiramisu for dessert?
Look no further than Ciao Italian Bistro & Wine Bar in downtown Fenton.
Steven Kaljaj, co-owner and general manager of the popular eatery, said he and the staff work hard to create a memorable experience for everyone who walks through their doors.
Ciao opened in downtown Fenton on October 3, 2018. The owners also operate a sister restaurant, Ciao Amici, in Brighton.
Operating Manager Jennifer Pellegrini has been with Steven since day one. Chefs Kyle and Kirk are instrumental in creating daily homemade dishes made to order. Ciao is open for lunch and dinner and offers daily specials.
Steven said he and Chef Kyle have worked together for more than 15 years and share a deep understanding of fine Italian dining that keeps guests coming back. He added that Chef Kyle even trained him how to cook.
To complement the dining experience, Ciao boasts one of the best wine selections in the Fenton area. Steven said they offer a wide range of wines — including Italian varietals, American blends, and more. A current favorite is St. Supéry Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, while their Caymus selections remain popular choices.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure which wine to pair with your meal. Steven said the staff is well-trained to help diners select wines that complement their entrées. For example, the Seafood Diablo pasta pairs beautifully with a Sauvignon Blanc. Their menu also highlights recommended pairings to take the guesswork out of the experience.
If cocktails are more your style, Ciao also features a full bar with an impressive selection of liquors.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays, Steven highly recommends making a reservation — especially for large parties. Walk-ins are always welcome, and the hosts do their best to accommodate guests’ favorite seating preferences whenever possible.
Right now, guests walking into Ciao are greeted by stunning holiday decorations and sparkling lights. “I pride myself on that,” Steven said. “We do a lot. People love to take pictures inside — especially at Christmas.”
Ciao’s entrées are based on old family recipes that have evolved over the years. The chefs use their creativity to tweak traditional dishes and craft specials for the menu. Steven said he and Chef Kyle are constantly brainstorming new ideas and strive to present every dish beautifully.
Popular menu items include Calamari, Gluten-Free Meatballs, Pasta Con Pollo, Lobster Ravioli, Butternut Ravioli, Filet Mignon, and Filet Oscar. Each dish — including the sauces — is made fresh daily and cooked to order.
For first-time visitors, Steven recommends starting with Shrimp Luca as an appetizer, paired with a side salad or the soup of the day. For the entrée, he suggests the Ribeye, Pittsburgh style, followed by the classic Tiramisu for dessert. For wine, he recommends pairing the meal with a glass of St. Supéry Cabernet Sauvignon.
“We remember each guest. We know their experience from their last visit. We all know each other.”
– Steven Kaljaj
Ciao also offers catering for any occasion. The restaurant features two private rooms: one that accommodates up to 50 guests, and a wine room that seats up to 16. Reservations are required for both spaces.
Steven said that at Ciao, every visit is a memorable one. “We remember each guest. We know their experience from their last visit. We all know each other,” he said. “It’s a hug, a handshake. We know the seat you want.
“It’s the little moments that make it special. It’s an experience!
“When someone calls to make a reservation, we ask if they’re celebrating something. It means a lot to us that they choose to celebrate at Ciao.”
To make a reservation, call 810-354-8555 or use the Open-Table app.
Ciao Italian Bistro & Wine Bar is at 110 S. LeRoy Street, Fenton.
Follow Ciao Italian Bistro & Wine Bar on Instagram, Facebook.
