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New Italian Restaurant Veratina Opens in Savannah

The welcoming interior of Veratina, showcasing its unique design.

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.