At il Cigno Italiano, we pride ourselves on offering the finest Italian food in the Swansboro and Emerald Isle areas. Our menu features a range of dishes from different Italian regional cuisines. It includes traditional favorites like chicken parmesan alongside more unique fare, like rigatoni melanzana. And we prepare our mozzarella, tagliatelle, pappardelle, and gnocchi in-house daily.
We also offer an extensive selection of wines and cocktails to complement your meal.
In short, we offer a little something for everyone.
APPETIZERS
Caprese
House-made mozzarella, baby heirloom tomato salad, fresh basil 12 (Gluten-free, Vegetarian)
Steamed Mussels
P.E.I. mussels in spicy tomato broth or garlic, white wine and lemon sauce 14 (Gluten-free)
Deviled Eggs
Topped with crab, crisp prosciutto, fried capers, parmesan crisp 9 (Gluten-free)
il Cigno Mozzarella
Serves four, served warm; house-made daily, paired with baby heirloom tomatoes, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, crostini, extra virgin olive oil 21
additional sides of heirloom tomatoes or artichokes 4
(Vegetarian)
Meatballs
Blend of beef and pork, grated Grana Padano cheese 11
Calamari
Flash-fried, side of our Old World marinara 14
Bruschetta
Toasted crostini topped with a blend of house-made mozzarella, fontina cheese, basil and sun-dried tomatoes 11 (Vegetarian)
Eggplant "Meatballs"
Seasoned, roasted eggplant, Italian bread crumbs, blush sauce 13 (Vegetarian)
Chef's Arancini
Fried, filled risotto with a daily featured chef’s choice 14
SALADS
Caesar Salad
House-made Caesar dressing, crisp Romaine, croutons, shaved Grana Padano; Small 7, Large 11
Extra anchovies 2
Arugula Salad
Toasted pignoli nuts, oranges, shaved fennel, ricotta salata cheese, Sicilian blood orange vinaigrette; Small 9, Large 14 (Gluten-free, Vegetarian)
House Salad
Mixed greens, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes; Small 5, Large 8 (Gluten-free, Vegetarian)
SPECIALTIES OF THE HOUSE
Osso Bucco
Slow-braised veal shanks, caramelized cipollini onions, orange Marsala sauce; over mascarpone polenta 36 (Gluten-free)
Pork Chop Murphy
N.C. Heritage Farms Cheshire pork, bone-in, center cut, roasted potatoes, red onions, sweet and hot cherry peppers, balsamic reduction 28
Pappardelle Bolognese
House-made pappardelle pasta, ground pork, crushed tomatoes, fresh fennel, onions, carrots 27
Halibut
Grilled, roasted butternut squash risotto, brown butter thyme, lemon sauteed spinach 36 (Gluten-free)
Add to any pasta: chicken 6, shrimp 8, or salmon 16
Substitute house-made pasta 5
SEA
Clams Linguini
Fresh little-neck and whole baby clams in marinara or garlic and white win sauce 24
Seafood Manicotti
Herb crepe filled with shrimp, scallops, crab, and ricotta cheese; roasted red pepper cream sauce 30
Porcini Scallops
Seared, porcini-dusted sea scallops on a bed of creamy braised leeks with fresh sage and truffle oil, all topped with crisp fried potatoes 34
Seafood fra Diavolo
Shrimp, calamari, clams, mussels, and linguini in spicy marinara 30
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp
Grilled shrimp with roasted tomatoes, cipollini onions, Italian parsley, and olive oil served atop our rich, creamy mascarpone polenta 26
Tuscan Salmon
Salmon fillet grilled and served over a ragout of white bean, fennel, rosemary, onion, and tomato 28
LAND
Picatta
White wine, lemon juice, capers; over linguini; Chicken 24, Veal 28
Parmesan
Slow-simmered Old World marinara, house-made mozzarella; over linguini; Chicken 24, Veal 28
Saltimbocca
Slow-simmered Old World marinara, house-made mozzarella; over linguini; Chicken 24, Veal 28
Beef Short-Rib
Boneless, braised short-rib in a sauce of red wine and aromatics; over house-made tagliatelle 30
Victoria
Artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, basil, lemon cream sauce; over linguini; Chicken 24, Veal 28
Marsala
Crimini mushrooms, shallots, thyme, Marsala wine, demi-glace; over linguini; Chicken 24, Veal 28
Filet
Espresso rubbed, gorgonzola roasted garlic butter, Yukon mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetable 42 (Gluten-free)
PASTA
Gnocchi Pomodoro
House-made gnocchi, cushed San Marzano tomatoes, basil, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil 22 (Vegetarian)
Spaghetti & Meatballs
House meatballs and marinara 19
Cacciatore
Hot Italian sausage, chicken, peppers, onions, mushrooms, red wine marinara, rigatoni 24
Penne Vodka
Plum tomatoes, blush sauce 18 (Vegetarian)
Penne Alfredo
Parmesan and Romano cream reduction 18 (Vegetarian)
Penne with Seared Filet Tips
Cipollini onions, mushrooms, mascarpone cheese, port wine demi-glace 28
Please advise our staff of food allergies. Nuts and other food allergens are present in our kitchen. While we make every effort to keep these items separate, we cannot guarantee allergen-free dishes.
“Gluten-free” and “Vegetarian” denotations are for dietary preference only. Additional items may be prepared gluten-free for dietary purposes upon request.
Government-Required Notice: Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, shellfish, seafood, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions or immune disorders.