A local Lowcountry chef is looking for a fresh start while staying true to his family roots.
Naples, Italy-born Gary Langevin has opened Ciao Bella in the former La Fontana location at 1759 Savannah Highway. Langevin originally operated La Fontana with his sister, Veronica Langevin, beginning in 2011—when the space was still a Pizza Hut. More than a decade later, he said that it was time for a change, according to the Post and Courier.
Now, Langevin is partnering with his two daughters, Sarina and Maria Langevin, to launch Ciao Bella. The menu features Italian American staples and pays homage to the family’s southern Italian heritage.
Diners can expect classics such as spaghetti and meatballs, carbonara, and penne Alfredo, along with dishes like chicken Parmesan, chicken piccata, veal Marsala and shrimp scampi. The restaurant also serves salads, pizza, calzones, strombolis and chicken wings.
For dessert lovers, options include tiramisu, crème brûlée, chocolate cake and limoncello cake.
“It’s all comfort food,” Langevin told the Post and Courier, noting his grandmother taught him how to make Ciao Bella’s signature eggplant rotolini. “It’s just the best feeling ever to be able to have this venture with my children.”
What Now Charleston reached out to Langevin for comment on the changes and future plans for Ciao Bella, but he has not yet responded.
Ciao Bella is now accepting reservations and walk-in customers. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. It is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 4 to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
