As a former professional chef and fan of Chef Michael, I went to Ombra Cucina Rustica with high expectations and I was not disappointed. Everything was fabulous. From the pre-dinner salad, which was just greens but perfectly dressed, to the fabulous Panettone Bread pudding for dessert, everything was executed perfectly. Our server, Kathi, (whom we know from living on HHI for 20 years) is so professional and really knows the menu and knows her wine. She was able to answer any questions about either. Portions were very large, but I found myself eating every morsel way past full! One of the best meals I’ve had on HHI. Ombra Cucina Rustica is finding it’s way quickly to one of the best on the island

We ate there last night and had a truly outstanding meal. I have long thought that Michael Cirafesi was the best chef on Hilton Head area and our meal supported that.  We had a small antipasto and then four courses and every one of them was prepared to perfection.  The tuna carpaccio with truffle oil and some cheese rivaled the tuna carpaccio we recently had at a three star restaurant in NYC.  Michael’s gnocchi has always been the best and the gnocchi with truffle and cream sauce was heavenly–light, perfectly cooked and sauce that I will be dreaming about for a while.  For the meat course, we had Piedmontese Ribeye served over cannellini beans which was again perfectly cooked, tender and very tasty.  Finally, our dessert did not disappoint.