It was May 2020 in the midst of the pandemic when Ciao Trattoria and Wine Bar opened in Durham, New Hampshire, home to the University of New Hampshire.   The restaurant has had its ups and downs catering to a tight-knit community, but a transient one as well in a college town.

The idea of the trattoria was to create a comforting gathering place, especially during the pandemic years.

Known for its excellent Italian food and wine list, the trattoria has been a staple in Durham for nearly four years, and they excelled at catering to gluten-free patrons.

According to ciaodurham.com, here's the definition of a trattoria:

The ultimate goal of a trattoria is to serve the communities where they exist. Less formal than ristorante, a true trattoria features rustic Italian home cooking and wines in a convivial atmosphere and at an affordance price point.  Young, old, rich and those not so are encouraged to make the trattorias of Italy their second homes.  And at Ciao Trattoria and Wine Bar that's the atmosphere we are striving to provide as well.

Here's a photo of the trattoria's very first customers, shared via Facebook.

Ciao Trattoria and Wine Bar in Durham has announced it is closing on Saturday, January 27.  The Clark Family's trattoria has been a wonderful addition to Durham, with many wonderful comments about the restaurant on their Facebook page.

If you have a gift certificate to Ciao Trattoria and Wine Bar, you can use it by January 27, or at Clark's American Bistro, also in downtown Durham and owned by Dough and Kim Clark.

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