Chris Slavens
The finest dining in Cape Charles. Reservations are strongly recommended. We were seated outside on a warm Saturday evening, and had pickled vegetables including olives, a flight of red wines, and the branzino (a whole fish with head and tail). Everything was delicious and the owner and server were very friendly. A great experience in every way.
… moreMeredith McCormick
The first word that comes to mind when thinking of Ambrogia is warmth. This restaurant exudes warmth in their customer service, the recipes they create, and the preparation of every dish that leaves the kitchen. Cristina takes such pride in her restaurant and it’s evident the moment you arrive. Their drinks are lovely-my absolute favorite is a peach cocktail (the exact name escapes me) and my husband has always been happy with his drink order as well. THE BREAD and OLIVE OIL are truly heavenly. The quality is obvious and appreciated, so delicious! Last time we dined at Ambrogia we ordered a charcuterie type appetizer and that was also wonderful-containing familiar and also new-to-us cheeses, meats, and accoutrements. Every pasta and/or seafood dish we have ordered over the years has been creatively and expertly prepared. Food wise, this is truly one of the best dining experiences in Cape Charles. However, my favorite aspect of Ambrogia is the pride the owner clearly takes in her restaurant.
… moreSean
When in Cape Charles, this is the place you need to put on your list. My wife and I love this place! The food is incredibly good! The service felt so personal, we felt like long lost family members being welcomed home. I had the House made Fettuccine with smoked chicken and exotic mushrooms, outta this world. This Italian food is as authentic as it gets. Freshly made from scratch on premise, even down to the last strand of pasta.
… moreVictoria Rossi
Small 7 table restaurant with the best southern Italian food I’ve ever had. Absolutely a five star experience. Food was fresh and delicious. It’s a weekly rotating menu with local ingredients and set up traditional Italian course style. Portions of the main course were elegantly presented and the perfect size. We had the scallops and flounder mains.(Excuse the forkful missing from the flounder).
Christine, the owner, maintains a superb wine list! We didn’t try dessert but will definitely be back to Cape Charles just for Ambrogia!
… moreCasey Kasko
The perfect dining experience in Cape Charles! We recently celebrated our first wedding anniversary by dining here. It was reminiscent of our honeymoon in Italy. So authentic and delicious. Everything was beautifully presented and so tasty. With limited selections, they really focus on making the food perfect. We got the meat, cheese and veggie board to start. The marinated tomatoes were a favorite along with the homemade pesto! For the entrees we both got the fettuccini ragu, served like in Italy by being slightly Al dente. Then for dessert we ordered the caramel tiramisu. Incredible. We’ll be thinking about this meal for a long time! Thank you for making us feel so special on our anniversary with limoncello too!
… moreCalabria Cal
If I could give this a million stars I would. I had one of the best meals of my life here this past week. I know that people go to Cape Charles to eat seafood, and they may overlook this incredible gem, so I want to make sure everyone knows how absolutely exceptional this restaurant is.
First of all, the service was excellent. The knowledge of wine, the food, the preparation was described in perfect detail, both in the menu and in person by the servers.
I love the fact that the menu is small, reflecting that the chef cooks everything from scratch and uses local ingredients. You are in the hands of the chef, and trust me you will not be disappointed.
I wanted to order the entire menu but I kept it simple. I ordered the olives, the cheese tray and the meat tray, and oh my, was I impressed! Olives were the best I’ve had outside of Italy, the meats included a truffle salami and proper mortadella with pistachios! The cheeses were stunning, including one with ash and black truffle. Then the crostini appetizer was executed with perfection. Gorgonzola, local honey, bee pollen, on perfectly hand cut and toasted delicate bread. It was so complex yet simple . . I wanted to weep when I ate it.
I ordered the branzino, which was pan seared with black garlic and truffle. It came with the most beautiful sauteed zucchini. I literally could have sat there and eaten that for hours.
I got the flight of red and white wines, which did not disappoint!
Ended with the chocolate pistachio tiramisu which was truly one of a kind. It melted in your mouth at the same time had the consistency of a beautiful cloud. It was airy, barely sweet, and had essence of cocoa and pistachio throughout.
I want to also add that this restaurant is exceptional not just for Cape Charles but for the country. I was in the restaurant business in the San Francisco Bay area for decades, my family is still in it. I’ve traveled all over the world and this was one of the most phenomenal meals I’ve ever had. I also really appreciate the fact that they let you sit and eat and savor the food. I ate at a couple of other restaurants in the area the same week and was rushed. This restaurant lets you sit and enjoy every single moment of what will be one of the most wonderful meals you will ever have. I cannot rave enough.
Wishing this restaurant the absolute best, and national recognition! I will drive hours again to eat another meal here!
… moreRebecca Riordan
A wonderful evening! We knew to expect a limited menu and an expectation to share courses before our arrival. Once we established with our server that we anticipated a relaxed evening meal, we had a fantastic experience. The olives introduced us to a red olive that had a slightly smoky flavor which paired beautifully with the cheeses from the designated cheese board, but I wish that two of the 4 cheeses had been given time to warm up. Overall, the portions allowed for easy sharing and the flavors were amazing.
… moreNancy Welk
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian meal, no need to look anywhere else! My first time in CC and this cafe as recommended, so glad I went.
You’ll need to make a reservation because of the intimate dining experience and quality of food. Made to order, fresh and piping hot!
I ordered Crab Fettuccine with the accompaniment wine. Magnifico! My taste buds popped with all the flavors, texture of the pasta (I believe homemade) and lumps of backfin with the signature Italian breadcrumb topping. Perfect portion too.
Christina was lovely, I enjoyed meeting her and amazing friendly staff.
I ended my meal with a perfect cup of coffee.
Malto Buono! Mi Piaci tante Christina. Nunzia
… moreKyle Manning
Absolutely sublime. Best Italian restaurant I have ever been to in the US. It tastes like you’re in Italy.
The space is charming, intimate and communal. Everyone is so friendly and genuinely happy to be serving guests.
A perfect little restaurant in the little part of heaven that is Cape Charles.
… moreAshley Andreano
My husband and I enjoyed 2 nights of incredible hospitality and food. I highly recommend the focaccia! It’s Ligurian and full of flavor from the salt water they pour over the dough prior to baking! The pasta both nights was fresh with great texture and flavor. Cristina and her team were kind, attentive and gracious. I can’t thank them enough for making my 30th birthday dinner lovely. My husband I enjoyed chatting with everyone and we were in awe of the strength and grace displayed by the owner Cristina despite a week full of difficult challenges. We will definitely be back the next time we visit Cape Charles. We highly recommend this place for not only the food but also the amazing hospitality!
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