News Summary
Veratina, a new Italian restaurant by Alicia Farrell and James Ciminillo, has opened in Savannah’s South Historic District. The couple seeks to enhance the local dining scene with their thoughtfully renovated space and a menu featuring Italian classics and modern dishes. Operating for both lunch and dinner, Veratina emphasizes local ingredients and has plans to expand its offerings with a wine and liquor license. The restaurant aims to offer a warm atmosphere for both locals and tourists, revitalizing the area with unique culinary experiences.
Savannah, Georgia – A new Italian restaurant, Veratina, has officially opened its doors in Savannah’s South Historic District, as the husband-and-wife team, Alicia Farrell and James Ciminillo, pursued a dream cultivated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant began operations in December 2024, aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists in the heart of the city’s vibrant dining scene.
Veratina marks a significant decision for Farrell and Ciminillo, who spent 15 years in Pittsburgh before deciding to change their lives. The couple’s recent move to Savannah follows a careful exploration of various southern cities, ultimately leading them to this historic locale. Their vision for Veratina involved thoughtful renovations to transform a previously dim space into an open and inviting environment characterized by warm-toned wooden floors, white marble tabletops, sage green trim, and a brick oven open kitchen.
The restaurant operates both lunch and dinner services, with lunch hours from 11 AM to 4 PM. Veratina’s menu features a small selection of Italian classics and modern dishes, aiming to provide diners with a unique culinary experience. Notable offerings include a chicken Parmesan sandwich and potato agnolotti with mushrooms, rosemary, and porcini butter. The menu is designed to evolve with seasonal changes occurring quarterly to keep offerings fresh and appealing to customers.
Veratina not only targets local patrons but actively welcomes tourists, with owners establishing connections with local vendors to source fresh ingredients. This collaborative approach is intended to enhance the quality and authenticity of the restaurant’s offerings. In addition to food, the wine list at Veratina exclusively features Italian wines, intentionally curated to highlight unique varietals while maintaining a concise selection.
Ciminillo’s culinary background, rooted in Italian comfort food gained from his family’s pizza venture, plays a significant role in shaping Veratina’s menu. He brings extensive experience in various cuisines, which complements Farrell’s passion for engaging with diners. Previously an attorney, Farrell finds joy in the hospitality sector, cherishing the warm interactions that come from serving patrons.
Veratina is located in a space that has seen various restaurant concepts in the past, having previously been a vegan restaurant called The Haunt and before that, an Italian establishment named Leoci’s Trattoria. The transformation of this venue represents a positive change for the area, providing a significant improvement to what was once a long-darkened space.
Looking ahead, the couple has already applied for a wine and liquor license to expand capabilities for regular dinner service, which will enhance the dining options available to their patrons. Overall, Veratina is expected to contribute positively to Savannah’s culinary landscape, bringing new life to the South Historic District with its authentic offerings and inviting atmosphere.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chatham County’s Restaurant Scene: A Flavorful Mix
Additional Resources
- Savannah Magazine: Veratina Offers a Fresh Take on Italian
- Google Search: Italian restaurant Savannah
- Eat It and Like It: Savannah’s Newest Italian Restaurant Opens Downtown
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Stacker: Highest-Rated Italian Restaurants in Savannah
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah
- AJC: Coastal Georgia Restaurant News
- Google News: Savannah Italian restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
