This Is Why You’ll Love The Ombra Cucina Rustica

Hilton Head is home to quantities of delicious restaurants, but if you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, one of the best ones to visit is Ombra Cucina Rustica. This charming eatery has become a favorite for many locals and tourists alike and reaped numerous awards, including Best Chef three years in a row! It’s the perfect place to visit for a romantic dinner, glass of wine with friends, or just a tasty and memorable meal!

The Chef of Ombra Cucina Rustica

Michael Cirafesi was born and raised in an Italian Pennsylvania community. His passion for the culinary arts began with his fascination in his own grandmother’s cooking. After graduating from Walnut Hill College in 1993, he worked under the leadership of nationally acclaimed chefs in Philadelphia. In 2002, Michael made the move to Hilton Head and quickly became one of the island’s most highly awarded executive chefs. 10 years later, he and his former mentor, Nunzio Patruno, opened Ombra Cucina Rustica at the Village at Wexford. The restaurant has been an astounding success since the day their doors opened.

What to Expect at Ombra Cucina Rustica

The menus are the perfect blend of fresh local food and Italian tradition. Seafood is brought into the restaurant from local markets and used to create Italian classics with rustic flavor. Here are just a few guest favorites you can indulge in:

Linguine Alla Mediterranea

This pasta dish is completed with assorted seafood and shellfish, sauteed in white wine, and finished with just a touch of garlic.

Pollo Alla Milanese

A breast of chicken is pounded thin, lightly breaded, and fried. You will enjoy baby arugula, tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and fresh lemon on the side.

Pesce Fresco Del Giorno

This seafood dish changes daily and depends on what is fresh from the market that very same day! You can expect tender and succulent fish from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean.

Delectable Wines

Wine is a very important part of Italian cuisine, and Ombra Cucina Rustica does not take this tradition lightly. Since its opening, the restaurant’s wine menu has grown significantly and now offers a wide selection of eclectic premier Italian wines, cocktails, liquors, and spirits. Today, you can taste a bit of Italy with wines like Brunello, Super Tuscan, and Amarone categories. These wines are selected with the purpose of perfectly pairing them with the food you will enjoy with it. In 2014, Ombra Cucina Rustica’s wines won the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.

Current Specials

Take advantage of the restaurant’s Happy Hour every Monday-Friday starting at 4:30 p.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m. Not only will you enjoy 20% off delicious wine and cocktails in the lounge, but you will also be greeted with a complimentary pizzetta!

Can’t Get Enough Italian Cuisine? You’ll Want to Check Out These Amazing Hilton Head Restaurants

Trattoria Divina

This farm to table Italian restaurant specializes in house made pasta and ravioli! Trattoria Divina’s lobster and wild mushroom raviolis are fantastic, and the restaurant also boasts a sizable wine selection.

Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana

Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana is celebrating 14 years of culinary excellence and has been the recipient of numerous awards. It’s a great place to enjoy all of your Italian favorites and also take cooking classes!

Experience the Taste of Paradise With Beachside Getaway

Enlighten your palate with all of Hilton Head’s delicious local food and more during your dream beach vacation! Our vacation rentals are conveniently located all around the island and provide all the comforts and luxuries you desire for a perfect tropical getaway. Take a look at more Hilton Head restaurants we recommend during your stay!