This brand new Italian concept from the Belle team of Andy McClure, John Shanesy, and Scott Shanesy brings Roman-style pizza and classic Tuscan sandwiches to the Belmont neighborhood.

Born from over a decade of visiting small Italian towns, Andy often wondered why these amazing sandwiches on this perfect bread were largely not available in the US. The opening of Belle, and teaming up with baker Scott and chef John, meant that opening one of these “schiacciata” shops could finally become a reality.

They visited Rome, Florence, and the Tuscan coast (where focaccia was born), to learn, feast, and fall further in love with these breads. That trip, along with countless hours of Scott perfecting his bread and John experimenting with toppings has resulted in a dream come true: an authentic Italian pizza and focaccia shop in Charlottesville, Virginia. Ciaccia is a reflection of some of the finest foods in the world and another example of what this team, and especially these artisans, are capable of.

Along with co-owning Belle and Ciaccia with John and Scott Shanesy, Andy McClure owns Citizen Burger Bar and The Virginian Restaurant, and co-owns Ellie’s Country Club (with Ashley Major), Lucky’s Cheesesteaks and Brightside Beach Pub (with Patrick McClure and Erik Dexheimer), Grisette and Jardin in Richmond (with Donnie Glass), and Beaucoup in Richmond (with Donnie Glass and Eli Adams).