Il Ciao - APPLECROSS

This place had been our go to italian for years for their generous, hearty, family style meals. However on our visit last Saturday night it was obvious portions have been scaled down. For example, the chicken parma must have used the smallest thigh fillet. The free range grilled chicken was also dry, and the side of vegies bland and overcooked. Disappointing given the long wait for a table and for our food to come out.

We have been there a number of times over the years. This place is extremely popular and does not take reservations but generally a table opens up in 15mins or so. Firstly I have always had very friendly service here - every time. Food is good but can be a bit inconsistent - sometimes pasta can be fantastic- other times a bit bland. Pizzas are good, mains such as Parma and Steak good to. It's all good - sometimes great. For a casual Italian night out when you don't want to cook this is a go too. Licenced too with decent wines to go with your dinner.

Cosy Italian joint with traditional and tasty dishes. Nothing fancy about this place or the menu but it's all good cooking like Nonna used to make. We skipped the entrees and went straight for mains... ordered the gnocchi (entree size $19.50) + gluten-free spaghetti polpette (meatballs served with GF pasta, $26 + $2 for the pasta swap). The kid's menu is substantially different from your normal "nuggets and chips" fare (such a nice change) and our little one heartily enjoyed her serve of chicken schnitzel with a small bowl of pasta n sauce on the side. After such a nice meal it would've been nice to top it off with an Italian dessert but the dessert cabinet was a sad sight esp on a busy Saturday evening. Such a shame. Il Ciao is an Applecross institution. Yummy food. Friendly and fast service. The recent addition of gluten-free pasta options is a nice touch. Would be really nice to see them extend the GF offerings to the pizza menu and entrees so that coeliacs can enjoy more than just their yummy pasta.

Cosy Italian joint with traditional and tasty dishes. Nothing fancy about this place or the menu but it's all good cooking like Nonna used to make. We skipped the entrees and went straight for mains... ordered the gnocchi (entree size $19.50) + gluten-free spaghetti polpette (meatballs served with GF pasta, $26 + $2 for the pasta swap). The kid's menu is substantially different from your normal "nuggets and chips" fare (such a nice change) and our little one heartily enjoyed her serve of chicken schnitzel with a small bowl of pasta n sauce on the side. After such a nice meal it would've been nice to top it off with an Italian dessert but the dessert cabinet was a sad sight esp on a busy Saturday evening. Such a shame. Il Ciao is an Applecross institution. Yummy food. Friendly and fast service. The recent addition of gluten-free pasta options is a nice touch. Would be really nice to see them extend the GF offerings to the pizza menu and entrees so that... read more

Average suburban Italian food. Unfortunately the service was so dismissive and rude, it soured the whole evening. As an ex - hospitality worker from my university days, I understand it can be a high pressure and thankless job, but this is no reason to take it out on those who have come to enjoy a night out. Very unimpressed, certainly will not be back.