It’s hard to believe restauranteur Franco Dalu opened his bustling Ciao Grazie Pizzeria-Winebar on Main Street in Verrado ten years ago. Dalu credits his committed team and their service for Ciao Grazie’s timeless appeal.  “You arrive as a stranger, and leave as a friend,” he said. “We are consistent, never forgetting that this is our customer’s place. It’s all about the experience.”

Now Ciao Grazie has a fresh new influence, with Franco’s son Stefeno joining the team as Director of Operations after a stint at NAU’s Food and Beverage School. Stefeno started learning the business from his father cooking in the kitchen, but his real passion lies in the community-building nature of their gathering spot. Amenities that bring the Verrado neighborhood together include an impressive wine bar with over 50 varieties of Italian boutique wines, family-friendly al fresco patios and a welcoming contemporary casual environment.

New for November and December only, the Dalus handcrafted an inspired holiday menu that pays homage to the art of Italian comfort food. Fresh, homemade and locally sourced dishes start with parmesan herb-crusted beef cutlet served with a side of spaghetti with marinara. An Italian spiced tomato soup with cheesy garlic bread will take care of that nip in the air. Grab a bowl! Then there’s hearty wood-fired pizza eggplant parmesan and sausage pizza,  with a blend of house-made mozzarella, roasted eggplant, Italian fennel sausage and parmigiana-reggiano cheese. Yet a truly authentic Italian meal isn’t complete without a taste of ‘la dolce vita’. Their pumpkin panna cotta, drizzled with caramel and a dash of allspice allows seasonal flavors to take center stage.

Ciao Grazie gift cards are available for every foodie on your gift list. To view the menu on their expansive new website, visit www.ciaograzie.us. Bring your out-of-town holiday guests for Happy Tapas and Drinks, daily from 3 to 6 p.m. An array of appetizers are $6 each, with an extensive drink menu ranging from $4 to $6. Buone feste!

Ciao Grazie Pizzeria-Winebar

21051 W. Main Street

Buckeye, Arizona 85396

623-853-1717                                                                                                                       

Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

www.ciaograzie.us