Last night my husband and I enjoyed dinner at a new restaurant, Cucina Cielo. This fantastic place is located off Hwy 18 in Sky Forest, near Lake Arrowhead, California. Their concept is tasty, flavorful Italian food in an upscale, yet warm and comfortable atmosphere, with excellent service AND super decent prices. This combination of atmosphere, quality and pricing has them poised to be a smash hit with locals and tourists alike. I am SUPER picky, a frequenter of “fine dining” establishments. I expect service and good food, and I’m willing to pay for it. At this restaurant, I got both, and, at prices lower than expected!
The Location and Ambience
This dining establishment is located in the Storybook Inn Bed and Breakfast at 28717 Hwy 18, Sky Forest, CA 92385. Their direct line is (909) 337-7908. Our reservations were for 6:00 PM, and, we planned ahead and reserved a table for 2 by the windows. When we arrived the parking area was nearly full, but there was ample parkng along the road and right across the street (it is already gaining popularity with the locals). We entered into a warm and inviting room (good thing because it was cold outside!), and were greeted by a friendly hostess that saw us to our window table. I turned to admire the lights of Inland Empire cities from our perfect view, it was windy that night, and, the lights were just sparkling like diamonds. One of the things I liked best about this location is, it is both upscale AND inviting and warm.
The Food and Service
Our table had bright white, crisp, clean linens (of course), and a lamp providing just the right amount of light. We received waters, bread with virgin olive oil and balsamic vineagar for dipping almost immediately. Then, we began perusing the menu. I told my husband, “they have everything I like!” Our friendly server came to tell us about the specials. We decided to start with their special appetizer salad, served warm, featuring assorted greens, pears, crumbled cheese and candied nuts. I also ordered a glass of chianti.
While we were waiting for our salad to arrive, one of the owners came over to chat. She asked what type of Italian food we liked. My husband shared that he was in the mood for pasta with olive oil and TONS of garlic, I mentioned I was in the mood for something that had both alfredo and a red sauce. She said – no problem! We LIKE to do special orders…(My immediate thought to this comment was…”what????” I have NEVER been told, at any restaurant, that they actually LIKE to do special orders) – that scored BIG points with me. So, that’s what we ordered, our own creations!
The salad was excellent, and plenty for 2 people. I also enjoyed sipping my chianti and enjoying the incredible city views and conversation with my husband. After the salad we were served our cups of seafood soup – unique and tasty as well. Soon after, our entrees arrived. More tastiness followed. And, the place continued to fill up with customers. After we had our fill, they presented the dessert tray (I did plan ahead and saved room for that). We opted to share the chocolate fudge cake drizzled with white chocolate – an excellent choice for any chocolate lover by the way. They came and packaged up our food for us to take home (full service, I like that). We thanked our server and the gracious owner and were on our way.
I will eat there again. It is the kinda place you could go with the whole family or a group of friends and just visit and enjoy great food at great prices. I felt very welcome there, and happy. Two thumbs up.