‘Watts for Dinner’: Not the last goodbye for Ciao Bella

The next stop on this food train is a Marco favorite, judging by the size of the early crowd on this Sunday evening: Ciao Bella.  

More:‘Watts for Dinner’: Idle hands find a home in Goodland

Things got off to a somewhat appetizing start with the stuffed mushrooms ($10.95). These large mushrooms are stuffed with vegetables, covered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

The marinara was very inviting; and the cheese plentiful. The only problem? This dish will leave you wanting more.

You might need to take some of the fresh complimentary bread to finish up every last drop of the sauce.

For my entrée, the shrimp scampi ($27.95); shrimp broiled with white wine, garlic and butter and served over linguini. As you can see from the photograph, I could barely see the shrimp or the pasta for all the amazing accompanying vegetables. My only complaint, the pasta got very little sauce.

My entrée also came with a choice of soup or salad. I chose the latter, Cesar. Hint: The croutons were my favorite part. Crunchy and garlicky. I could eat a whole bag of ‘em.

My partner in dine picked the veal saltimbocca a la Romana ($25.95): Thinly sliced Veal sautéed with prosciutto and fresh herbs, served over a bed of spinach. For his side, some of those amazing vegetables like the ones that also topped my dish. The taste was on the lighter side (read not strong or powerful), but otherwise a solid performer.

His dish also came with soup or salad. He chose the former, quattro stagoni; a four-cheese soup blend with a delicate and delicious aroma (if you’re a cheese lover).

Ciao Bella will leave you saying hello, again and again.

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More:Looking for a place to eat on Marco Island?

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If you go

Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano

• 1000 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island
• ciaobellamarcoisland.com
• 239-970-0505