Our Story
When restaurateur Cristina Carollo was growing up in Vimercate, a town near Milan, she would bike home from school every day to the warm and comforting aromas of her mother’s cooking. The smells greeted Cristina as she walked up the stairs to the kitchen.
The scents of coffee brewing and risotto cooking on the stove will forever remind Cristina of her idyllic childhood.
Cristina’s mother – named Ambrogia – had a passion and dedication to feeding people.
As a young girl, Cristina would watch Ambrogia meticulously plan out the menus for family gatherings and holidays.
From the poppy-covered fields outside of Milan to Virginia Eastern Shore
With a doctorate in oceanography, Cristina originally came to this area for work.
She was drawn to the unique aquatic ecosystem of this region, and immediately felt right at home here. Cape Charles is like the seaside towns in Italy where she’d vacationed as a girl.
It was on these summer vacations that she would tag along with her grandfather to the traditional Italian bars – where friends gathered to socialize over coffee and wine or a bite to eat.
When, in 2019, the opportunity to open a restaurant presented itself, Cristina jumped on it, using the energy and drive she had inherited from her mother to bring a taste of Italy to Cape Charles.
★★★★★
“Will definitely be back to Cape Charles just for Ambrogia!”
Your Food Experience at Ambrogia
Cristina and her staff provide you with an authentic Italian food experience.
Everything on the menu is made from scratch, including the bread and pasta. We invite you to taste your way through Italy with our menu.
Start with Stuzzichini (small bites) or Taglieri (our charcuterie boards); then select your Primi (starch main course) or Secondi (protein main course) and top your evening off with our house-made Dolci (desserts).
We offer a complete list of Vini (wines) from different regions of Italy to complement your meal. If you find it too hard to choose one glass, we offer wine flights that pair perfectly with the meal.
We look forward to treating you to an Italian experience right here in the heart of Cape Charles.
“I will drive hours again to eat another meal here!”
★★★★★
“Wishing this restaurant the very best and national recognition!”
Meet your wine expert
Keith Johnson
As Cristina’s life partner, Keith shares her passion for bringing you an incredible night out in Cape Charles. Since our very first day, Keith has donned a kaleidoscope of hats, each one suited to the moment. From stellar server to wine expert, Keith’s affability has elevated countless dining experiences.
When it comes to the regional nuances of Italian wine, Keith is your go-to knowledge source. He curates our wine list and is always at the ready to match you with the right bottle and flavor profile when you visit.
Meet your captain
CJ Chapman
At just 19 years old, CJ joined our team in May 2022 and has already made an incredible journey from the dish pit to lead server. But that's not all, CJ is the one crafting your fantastic espresso drinks as well as making the most delicious salads and charcuterie boards.
