I really wanted to like Ciao Amici, but we went there this past summer and had a really forgettable (and very expensive) meal that overall delivered poor value. We were regulars at Massimo's and honestly devastated when Max and Nancy decided to retire and sold the place. But we were hoping the new restaurant/owners would fill the void. They didn't come close. The food was not very good. We had the shrimp scampi bruschetta appetizer. It was probably the best part of the meal overall for both of us, but it seemed like a modest portion for the high price. But from a taste perspective, it was genuinely enjoyable. And it was all downhill from there. Our caesar salads were not particularly good and not remotely worth the price. For entrees, my companion ordered the bolognese and said it was not very good (and the proof is he ate half and didn't want to take the rest home). I had the veal parmagiana and it was also not particularly good, and incredibly salty at that (although I took the rest of mine home). The tomato sauce in my veal parmagiana was average at best and I genuinely wondered if it was canned or came from Sysco rather than created in the restaurant. After the very underwhelming meal, we skipped dessert. With tax and tip, it came to about $115 - which was ridiculous for what we got. The one positive thing I can say is that the new owners did a nice job sprucing up the interior. No one went to Massimo's for the inside of the restaurant - charitably, it was a dump even if the food was as spectacular as the interior was awful. Ciao Amici's is no longer a dump, but below average food can't compensate for a nice interior. This restaurant is likely not going to make it - nor should it. I'll be very surprised if it is still in business in the summer of 2024. I work in the area and the other night (a Wednesday) we drove by at 6:30pm and there was only one car in the parking lot. At other times I've seen it similarly sparsely visited. And as for anyone wondering about the other reviews that rave about this place (and sound obvious, if you know what I mean), well, there is a plural word for them: It begins and ends with the letter S, and there's a hill in between them. :) My advice to the owners: Ditch this failed concept, and open a Mexican restaurant instead (there's none in the area). While a Mexican takeout recently opened where the BBQ place used to be at the intersection of Water St. and Vernon St., a first-rate Mexican restaurant would likely do well in the area if it delivers on the food - which Ciao Amici's doesn't. But a third-rate Italian restaurant where within a 5 square mile radius there are probably another 10 Italian restaurants (all of which are better) is likely not long for this world. read more

A fantastic meal at a fantastic price. Real homemade Italian food with exquisite flavors!

My wife and I just discovered this hidden gem. We usually go to the North End for good Italian food but now have an option closer to home. Food was good authentic Italian just like my grandmother used to make, and nice portions. Will definitely return! read more

Good food at reasonable prices. This little gem is tucked behind Wakefield center. The chicken parm was tender, cut with folk, and plentiful. I would have given 5 stars but the restaurant was cramped with people sitting too close together. read more

We went to Ciao Amici in Wakefield for dinner tonight. They've been open for about 6 months, I think. Food was absolutely delicious. Service was friendly. Pretty quiet, but it was a Thursday night during a heavy vacation week. I got a limoncello spritz, to try something different. Was light and refreshing. We started with the grilled calamari and octopus appetizer. I only wish there was more. I forgot to take a pic of the app. I had the chicken piccata, husband had the seafood fradiavolo. Everything was cooked perfectly and had tons of flavor. We will definitely return! read more

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Great food! We had the seafood special and also the veal piccata. Added a side of meatballs just to try their gravy. All excellent!!

No need to visit the N End ; THEY came to Wakefield! The best Italian & parking right outside!

Delicious food from start to finish. We almost licked our plates clean. And such nice staff made it spectacular. We will definitely be back and so thrilled to have this place so close to home!! Truly as good as anything we have had in the North End. read more

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Delicious meal! We had the calamari and shrimp bruschetta for apps. Calamari perfectly fried and tender and bruschetta full of flavor with really big shrimp. Main dishes were spinach ravioli and cavatelli with lobster and shrimp. The pasta was made to perfection and the sauces were excellent. The service was attentive and correct. We were seated in the upper section of the restaurant which was bright and sunny. Will definitely go back. read more

Held a bereavement lunch at Caio Amici 4/6. The service was great and everyone loved the food. There were 30 of us. Will definitely be back. JL Wakefield read more

This is my favorite local restaurant now. It is as close as the North End you can get. Everything on the menu is fantastic and authentic. The owners and staff are amazing and give you a 5 star dinning experience. It is right behind the Alano building in Wakefield. Freshly redecorated in Mediterranean Blue and very intimate! It will be your new favorite too!! read more

We got invited to this restaurant by a friend from Wakefield. The food was amazing! I had the best chicken parmesan that I have ever had. Everyone's meals were delicious. Do not judge this restaurant by its off-main street location. read more

This is a hidden gem. Their food is extremely good (to Italian standards, and I am Italian) and high quality. We have tried their pastas, gnocchi, haddock puttanesca, veal saltimbocca, chicken Marsala, and different appetizers including burrata, the octopus and calamari, the pistachio cake etc. Everything was delicious!! And if you order take out, they also give you their bread which appears to be freshly baked - still warm and buttery....to die for. The only thing I could change is getting to know this spot earlier :) highly recommended, for us it's a treat to the palate and guarantee for an amazing meal! read more

Food was fresh, and delicious. Very comfortable atmosphere, wish they had the carafes of wine like the previous restaurant had but very good wine list. No reason to go into Boston. Chef was very personable and did a great job with everything we ordered. read more

Excellent food and service. The sauce is well balanced and veil is cooked to perfection.

If you don't feel like making the haul to the north end, this place will certainly scratch the itch. Clean, quiet, and most importantly delicious pasta and seafood dishes. read more

Tried this new restaurant and got takeout. We ordered 5 dinners and 2 appetizers. Very small portions we were hungry after. Was expecting big dinners. read more

Authentic Italian food. I have been twice and the food is excellent. They have a great wine list and the pasta is homemade.

We got the grilled octopus which was cooked to perfect. I got the seafood fra diavolo which was filled with seafood. I liked the salmon included In there. It was different. I also got the veal Osso Busco which was cooked perfectly. read more

Food was great! Service was great! Only reason for 4 and not 5 was the comfort /ambiance. I'd definitely go again.

I read the reviews online and decided to try this place. It's small yet cozy. The host and waiter was exceptionally nice. It was the best Italian food that I have had in a very long time!! From the salad and bruschetta appetizer, the main coarse (he had a veal parmigiana and I had chicken piccata) to the canolas for dessert!! I have to throw in that the blood orange martini I drank was amazing and strong. The prices of everything on their menu where lower than most places I've frequented lately. I would highly recommend trying this restaurant out. The host told me that they just purchased it (or maybe opened it) appropriately 6 months ago so it hasn't been around long. He overheard me mention that we were celebrating my birthday and came out with my desert with a lite candle in it and the staff sang me happy birthday! Very kind of him. read more

Went for dinner tonight. So glad we did read all the good reviews. I wanted pasta so we tried it, plus it's right down the street. We had Juan as our waiter. Started with the meatballs and the shrimp scampi appetizer. Both were delicious. I got the chicken piccata over fusilli, husband got the pasta carbonara both were delicious. Dessert was chocolate flourless cake and cannoli. Everyone was fantastic, several people were in the dining area and helped each other. Juan was great. We can't wait to back to try different things. Highly recommend this new Wakefield hidden gem. Ate everything before we got to take pictures. read more

Lovely renovated interior, along with great Italian food and wonderful service. Called last minute for a party of 10, they had no problem accommodating us, all of our entrees were delicious and generous portions. Would highly recommend if you are in the Wakefield area! read more

Hidden Gem!! Ciao Amici was amazing from start to finish! Espresso Martini made to perfection!! Shrimp scampi and chicken parm were delicious and the tiramisu was amazing! Great service, great food and we will be back! read more

Staff was so nice. We came in really late and they were kind enough to still seat us and feed us a delicious meal.

We were so disappointed when Massimo's closed--loved the 1970s basement rec-room ambiance, the no-nonsense friendly waitstaff, the gregarious chef, and the superb food. But what a lovely surprise when we ate at Caio Amici the other night! The atmosphere is much more subdued (although not overly formal), but the chef and the waitstaff are friendly and eager to hear what patrons would like to see on the menu. Bread rolls came out hot, crisp outside and soft inside. Eggplant parm with fresh tagliatelle was excellent, and the special--chunks of salmon with artichokes, spinach, capers, and blistered tomatoes over fresh fusilli, was to die for. Wine choices were great, and there are always several martinis on the menu (the blood orange one I had was superb). Finally, it's a family-run restaurant, which is a pleasant holdover from Massimos. (Oh, and they do take credit cards.) read more

WE recently had a chance to try this new restaurant which replaced Massimos in Wakefield. The space has been tastefully updated. As it is a small place it still has that quaint cozy vibe. It is beer & wine only and they do take plastic. We tried the caprese salad which was excellent. The mozzarella is better than most and is extra creamy! For meals we had the veal marsala and chicken parm. Both dishes were nicely prepared and good portions. They have home made Fusili which was a extra charge of $2. The chicken parm was cooked perfectly and is NOT deep fried. The owner/chef previously cooked at Artu in the North End. We understand that on weekends they have specials and we'll definitely be returning. read more

Went to Ciao Amici a week ago for takeout. Got veal marsala, chicken saltimboca, antipasto, ravioli, etc. Everything was phenomenal, and the entire family enjoyed their dinners thoroughly. If takeout was this great, I can only imagine how awesome dine-in must be, which we look forward to doing in the very near future. read more

New restaurant in Wakefield so I tried it with a take out order and was not disappointed! Started with the Caesar Salad and it was delicious. Big pieces of Parmesan cheese with a delicious dressing and fresh crisp romaine lettuce. I had the veal Marsala with risotto and it was fantastic! Veal was tender and sweet in the Marsala wine sauce and the risotto was so good. Risotto was cooked perfectly and had lots of shiitake mushrooms which I love. Truly out of this world. My wife had chicken piccata and she loved hers as much. Loaded with shiitake mushrooms and really first rate. I live really close by and am happy such a great option for Italian food in my area. Will absolutely be back for takeout as well as dining in. read more