WEST ASHLEY — An established Lowcountry chef has teamed up with his children to reopen a restaurant that previously operated as a place named La Fontana.
Ciao Bella (1759 Savannah Highway) is now open, serving Italian appetizers, pastas and entrees. Hours of operation are 4-10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 4-9 p.m. Sunday.
Naples, Italy-born Gary Langevin previously operated Bella Napoli on Ashley River Road and in North Charleston, a concept he’s since replicated in Savannah. He opened La Fontana with his sister Veronica Langevin in a former Pizza Hut in 2011; more than a decade later, it was time for a change, the longtime chef said.
Ciao Bella, a partnership with his daughters Sarina Langevin and Maria Langevin, was renovated ahead of the reopening. Its menu features Italian-American staples such as chicken Parmesan, along with other dishes that speak to Langevin’s Southern Italian heritage.
Sarah Zajovits carries a few plates out of the kitchen during dinner service at Ciao Bella, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Charleston.
Henry Taylor/Staff
“It’s all comfort food,” said Langevin, whose grandmother taught him how to prepare Ciao Bella’s signature eggplant rotilini. “It’s just the best feeling ever to be able to have this venture with my children.”
Ciao Bella accepts reservations and walk-in customers. For more information, visit ciaobellacharleston.com.