In the heart of Fort Lauderdale, a warm and inviting eatery has emerged, captivating locals with its authentic Italian flavors and warm family charm. Ciao Ammore Mozzarella, a lunch-only restaurant, is the brainchild of the Olivieri family, who left Cisterna di Latina – a small town 30 miles away from Rome – to embark on a culinary adventure in the Sunshine State.
With a legacy of cheese-making that spans over half a century, the Olivieri family brings their passion for traditional Italian cuisine to eager diners, serving up delectable dishes crafted with love and their very own homemade mozzarella, ricotta, and other cheeses.
From Italy to Florida: A Cheese-Making Legacy
The journey of the Olivieri began in 2019 with Marco, Valentina and their two kids, the heart and soul of the restaurant. Hailing from a charming, small village tucked away in the picturesque scenery of Italy, the Olivieri family has been honing their craft of cheese-making for generations. Their legacy started over 50 years ago when Marco’s grandfather, Natalino Olivieri, set up a humble cheese-making shop. The skills and secrets of this art were carefully passed down through the family, preserving the authentic flavors that would soon delight the taste buds of Fort Lauderdale and nearby cities residents.
Yearning for new opportunities and inspired by their love for authentic Italian cuisine, the Olivieri family decided to embark on a new chapter and bring their cheese-making expertise to the shores of Florida. Guided by the vision of creating a spot that would allow them to share the best of their culinary heritage, they opened Ciao Ammore Trattoria in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea in 2019. Such success made Marco think of opening a new spot, and in 2023 Fort Lauderdale was chosen to be Ciao Ammore’s second home.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Styled with charming bistro interiors, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked focaccia welcomes guests as they step through the door. “We take pride in offering a delectable lunch menu featuring a delightful selection of sandwiches and the renowned Pinsa Romana. A lighter and more delicate take on traditional pizza, Pinsa Romana hails directly from the bustling streets of Rome”, says Marco.
At Ciao Amore Mozzarella, the charm lies not only in the mouthwatering pizzas, lasagnas, and other dishes but also in the unique experience of witnessing cheese-making firsthand. Their production area is thoughtfully divided by a large window, allowing customers to observe the art of crafting cheese as it unfolds before their eyes.
Recently, the Olivieri family has taken their cheese-making expertise to new heights, introducing a delightful array of new products to their menu. Scamorze, Caciocavallo, and Primo Sale are the latest additions, enticing visitors with their distinct flavors and impeccable quality.
The dedication to tradition and innovation shines through, making every visit to the restaurant a cherished memory for cheese enthusiasts and food lovers alike. “In Italy, fresh mozzarella is a crucial product found on every home’s table. In the USA, there might not be this same tradition, but the contrast between fresh, homemade mozzarella and the dry one is huge. Once someone gets a taste of fresh mozzarella, they won’t ever go back to buying the dry stuff from the store,” Olivieri proudly explains.
Supporting Local Businesses
Despite the restaurant’s growing popularity, the Olivieri family remains true to their roots as they learned in Cisterna di Latina. They never compromise on the quality of their ingredients or the integrity of their cheese-making process. Every dish is a testament to their passion for preserving the essence of Italian cuisine and sharing it with the world.
Valentina shares that the restaurant makes fresh cheese every day using locally sourced milk. “The focus of the restaurant is to serve superior-quality Italian products to the customers”, she says. This includes other products such as bread that the restaurant sources from a local Italian bakery.
A Culinary Legacy Unfolds
The Olivieri family has big plans in the pipeline! They’re looking to merge their two businesses into one and ramp up dairy production by relocating it to a warehouse. While they let this brilliant idea simmer and take shape, they’re also hard at work managing both locations simultaneously.
Ciao Ammore Mozzarella is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where heritage and hospitality intertwine to create a heartwarming experience. The Olivieri family’s dedication to their craft, coupled with the love they pour into every dish, transports diners to the sun-kissed hills of Italy with every bite.
As the sun sets on Fort Lauderdale, the Olivieri family’s cheese-making legacy lives on, enchanting the taste buds and hearts of those who find themselves seated at Ciao Ammore Mozzarela’s table. The journey from Italy to Florida has not only brought a touch of Italy to Fort Lauderdale but has also enriched the community with a taste of tradition, love, and a culinary heritage that spans generations.
Ciao Ammore Mozzarella: 2500 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ciao Ammore Trattoria: 257-B Commercial Blvd, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL
