08/06/08

Sadly Disappointed

by thecharlottereviewer

Being Italian and from New York (Long Island) I have difficulty recommending this restaurant. Upon entering you notice an almost uncomfortable decor with tiled floors, unattractive walls and furniture. The prices on the menu certainly would demand a quality meal, but I was not impressed with their plain basic gravies, bland bread and pre-prepared appetizers. In my opinion the owners of this restaurant are focused on providing large quantities of easily forgettable food at high prices and high profit. It is puzzling to me how others can claim this restaurant is so good and most of all authentically Italian, maybe they have not been exposed to good Italian restaurants (olive garden and macaroni grill are not good Italian restaurants). This restaurant clearly serves basic Italian-American comfort food, in gigantic American portions, if this is what you are looking for you will find it here, if not save your money and dine elsewhere.

09/20/07

Authentic Italian cuisine, excellent service, good value!!!

by exotica_inc

After traveling around Charlotte a good 2 - 3 hours we found Ciro's by mistake when we had decided to go back to the hotel were the convention was being held. Upon entry the place was packed and I thought that we would be there for at least an hour before being seated. To our surprise the Owner (originally from Italy) came over and introduced himself and ask if we had been waiting long (This was after about 5 minutes). During our chat, the attendant called our name and seated us (approx. 10 minutes). The atmosphere was excellent, the owner even played several Italian selections on his accordion. Very romantic. My wife and I had an excellent dinner and the service was great. I would highly recommend this restaurant to any visitor at University Place in Charlotte. And for any racing fan there is a unique story between the owner and famed racing personality/former driver Benny Parsons. So drop by and read the article on the right hand wall as soon as you enter.

• Pros: excellent food and generous portions, excellent service, customer oriented
• Cons: If I had to say anything....small bathrooms

05/14/07

Best Italian in town

by maccafan

Great food, moderate prices and ny family has been going there for over 10 years. All entries are good but I personally love the Veal Marsala and Shrimp Fra Diablo. Specials are excellent but are more costly, usually around $20. Pablo (owner) plays the accordian nightly and helps give the place a family friendly atmosphere. You don't need a reservation but it is helpful if you have a large party. Pizza is NY style and I recommend it highly. This is one of my favorite places to eat in Charlotte.

Update 5/2009

While the quality is still pretty good, sadly the prices keep going up and you don't even get a salad anymore with the price of a meal. Personally, I like butter with my bread and I find it disappointing that it is no longer a option. The waiters and waitresses are all pretty new and are ok at best. Years ago, the staff was friendlier and could describe the "specials" with the appearance that they actually may have tried and enjoyed the food. I would now rate Ciro's a star less than my original review.

• Pros: Food, atmosphere
• Cons: None

04/27/07

Wonderful food, wonderful service

by nurrynur

I'll never go to Macaroni Grill anymore.. for the same price, I can go to Ciros and enjoy great food, live accordion music and friendly service. My only complaint about my visit was that the tomato in the caprese appetizer had been refrigerated, so it had an icy texture and dull flavor. The bread was fresh and airy. The salad had fresh, delicious croutons and the wonderful house creamy italian dressing. The entree, a house special with cheese tortellini, was absolutely fantastic, especially the fresh basil on top. The chocolate mousse was also great and the prices are very reasonable. I will be back!

Excellent service and fine, New York-style dishes make this casual eatery a standout.

by Contributor

The Scene
Thanks partly to the incredible growth in the University City area, Ciro's has already doubled its restaurant space. Still, you should get here early. The place is nearly full by noon. The decor (including plastic tablecloths and paper napkins) is unremarkable but pleasant, and the service is excellent--no small feat considering Charlotte's booming food service industry.

The Food
You'll find New York-style pizzas and pastas, subs, calzones and stromboli, as well as Italian classics like baked lasagna, chicken parmesan, eggplant parmesan and ravioli. Don't skip the pre-dinner bread--you'll regret it. It's fresh-from-the-oven and dipped in olive oil with that special, fresh Italian zing, flavored with rosemary and garlic.

09/20/04

The Best

by lincolnlow

I have made a mission to try all the italian restaurants i can find. CIRO'S tops them all in food and value. Places like Carraba's and even worse Olive Garden are garbage. I've tried Franky's and several others. CIRO'S is hands down the best italian food! It will not hurt your wallet either.

• Pros: Value, food , value

03/12/03

family feeling

by petermurrill

artie and paulo make you feel like you are at home with family.the food is always hot when served,very consistant every visit.the tiramisu is the best in town.the pasta and chicken dishes are my favorites.we had my sons rehersal wedding dinner there for 55 people on a friday night and the service was just like dining for two.excellent.

12/19/02

Tried Many, Will Return Here

by NaturalizedNative

Without reservation, one of the finest Italian Restaurants in Charlotte. The owner can be found most days roaming the dining room chatting with customers while simultaneously almost "Barking" orders to the staff in Italian. Ciro's food is FANTASTIC; from the lunch calzones to the dinner pasta entrees, there is No Scrimping here. This is one of the few places I will take my Italian friends for a good Italian meal. Reasonably priced, large portions, great atmosphere, great host (owner) and out of this world food make this a "Must Try."

• Pros: Fantastic Food, Wonderful Host (Owner, Big Portions
• Cons: NONE, NONE, NONE

12/09/02

underrated

by 2becks

If you are looking for a fair priced Italian restaurant with good food and great staff in a great setting this is the place to go.

08/09/02

ITALIANO

by STEVEKDN

THIS RESTAURANT HAS THE BEST SWEET MARSALA SAUCE SOUTH OF BROOKLYN, N.Y. THE PIZZA IS GREAT. THE OLIVE OIL SERVED WITH THE BREAD IS MEDITERIAN. THE SERVICE AND THE OWNER ARTHUR IS SUPERB. EVERY EVENING IS AN ACCORDIAN PLAYER. THE PLACE IS A 10.

• Pros: GREAT FOOD
• Cons: SOMETIMES A WAIT