Ciao Bella Market: A Taste of Italy in Downtown Perry, GA
If you have ever wished you could wander into a little shop in an Italian piazza — the kind where the espresso machine hisses, cured meats hang behind the counter, and someone greets you with a warm "Ciao, bella!" — you do not have to book a flight to find it. You just have to drive to downtown Perry. Tucked into 1009 Northside Drive, Ciao Bella Market brings a genuine taste of Italy to Houston County, and it has quickly become one of the most charming places to shop, snack, and gather in the area. Here is everything you need to know about this Perry gem.
A Real Slice of Italy in Downtown Perry
Ciao Bella Market opened its doors in November 2025, and from the moment you step inside, the goal is clear: this is meant to feel like Italy, not the American version of it. Owners Telisa and Daniele Asaro designed the space to feel like an Italian piazza — the public square where neighbors gather, linger, and catch up over good food. Even the entrance is authentic. Telisa tracked down two 100-pound antique doors and had them refitted for the storefront, and a woven seagrass donkey named Vincenzo, shipped all the way from Italy, keeps watch over the shop. The name itself, "Ciao Bella," simply means "Hi, beautiful" — a catchy little Italian greeting that, as Daniele puts it, sticks with you.
What You'll Find on the Shelves
The front of the market is dedicated to carefully curated Italian goods — the kind of things you cannot just grab off an Amazon shelf or at the regular grocery store. Think imported pastas, rich olive oils, balsamic vinegars, jarred sauces, pantry staples, and gourmet gifts that celebrate real Italian flavors and traditions. It is the perfect spot to pick up something special for a dinner party, restock your kitchen with authentic ingredients, or grab a thoughtful gift for the food lover in your life. Everything is chosen with intention, and the Asaros are happy to tell you the story behind what is on the shelf.
The Deli: Italian Sandwiches Done Right
The middle of the shop is where the deli magic happens. This is straightforward, authentic Italian food — no hot plated entrées, just small, flavorful, and beautifully balanced bites the way you would actually find them in Italy. The sandwiches are a highlight. Try the Nicolino's Sandwich, layered with mortadella, pistachio, and cheese, or go classic with Prosciutto e Melone (prosciutto and cantaloupe). One owner favorite features prosciutto, creamy stracciatella, and olive oil, hot-pressed on focaccia. Just remember that sandwich service ends one hour before the market closes, so plan your lunch run accordingly. You can also order deli items online for pickup through the market's website, which makes grabbing lunch on a busy day a breeze.
Coffee, Brunch, and Bella Boxes
No proper Italian market is complete without great coffee, and Ciao Bella serves Kimbo espresso — a deliberate choice meant to capture that wake-up-in-Italy aroma rather than the mass-market brands you will find everywhere else. Beyond the espresso bar, the market offers a café menu and a brunch menu for those who want to settle in and stay awhile. If you are shopping for a gift or putting together something festive, the market's Bella Boxes and group and party trays are a delicious way to share a little Italy with friends, family, or coworkers. Gift cards are available online too, which makes for an easy present for the foodie who has everything.
Pasta Classes and Italian Experiences
One of the things that makes Ciao Bella special is that it is as much a gathering place as it is a shop. The market hosts hands-on pasta-making classes where you mix, roll, and cut fresh pasta from scratch using traditional techniques — all while enjoying wine, light bites, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You leave with new skills and pasta to take home. Beyond pasta, the culinary classes branch into breads, pastries, and regional Italian dishes, while the market's "experiences" lean into pure fun: wine tastings and pairings, Wine Bingo, seasonal events, and even an Italian 101 class for anyone planning a trip abroad.
The classes are led by an impressive lineup of local culinary talent, including Chef LeeAnn Evertsen of The Culinary Underground — a classically trained chef who spent over a decade living in Europe — and Chef Marie Carlson of Blessed Table Culinary, a Perry-based executive chef with more than 20 years of experience. Certified sommelier Allan Bass rounds out the wine side of things. Class spots fill up, so it is worth checking the market's online calendar and joining their email list to catch new dates as they drop. (Note that class bookings are final, though tickets are transferable and the market will issue a gift card if you cannot make it.)
The Story Behind the Market
The heart of Ciao Bella is really the Asaro family. Daniele was born in Milan to Sicilian parents, grew up in Sicily, and moved back to Milan before eventually landing in Georgia in 2000. He and Telisa originally dreamed of retiring in Italy, but when grandchildren came along, they decided to stay close to home and bring a piece of Italy here instead. Choosing Perry, Telisa says, "was a no-brainer," because the town already has the sense of community and hospitality they love about Italian life. The couple also owns Float Robins, a float therapy spa in Warner Robins, so they are no strangers to creating welcoming spaces in Houston County. With Ciao Bella, their mission is simple: "We're trying to create a space where people feel like they belong."
Visiting Ciao Bella Market
Ready to say "ciao" to your new favorite Italian spot? Here are the details:
Address: 1009 Northside Drive, Suite 102, Perry, GA 31069
Phone: 478-224-CIAO (478-224-2426)
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Sandwich service ends one hour before closing. Classes are held in the market on Sundays at 2:00 or 3:00 p.m.)
Online: ciaobellamarket.com
Whether you are stocking your pantry with real Italian olive oil, grabbing a mortadella-and-pistachio sandwich for lunch, signing up for a pasta class with friends, or simply soaking in the warm piazza atmosphere over a Kimbo espresso, Ciao Bella Market is a reminder that you do not have to leave Houston County to find a little authentic Italian magic. Stop in, say buongiorno, and see why downtown Perry has fallen in love with this place.
