THANK GOD. I had the pleasure of being recomended this place and went for dinner with a friend; the food is stonking and the atmostphere friendly and unprotentious. Reasonable prices for very authentically cooked italian with top ingredients. The wine was very good and reasonably priced too. The best thing is though.... Im going again tonight wooohooo!
Loves Food In London
+4.5
Good, traditional Italian food. Tucked away so you wouldn't notice it really, but definitely worth a go!
Il Cibo in W14 has been going for twenty five years. Consistently brilliant are the two words that sum it up, no two ways about it.
With work looming after the summer break, a visit to mark the first day back from Il Cibo's summer closure beckoned with an almost childlike eagerness.
The manager/part owner of Il Cibo is one of the most consummate professionals I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Stylish, charming, knowledgeable and like most of us in food, works long hours for six days a week. Not that you'd know it. Her demeanour and attitude are impeccable at all times and we were greeted in customary style with a complimentary glass of prosecco and a chat.
Slowly the place filled up and enviably by the time we left it was rammed. That's a sure sign of continuing success, having been closed for the best part of a month.
Let's get straight down to it. Food glorious food; whilst munching on the delicious amuse bouche of pizzette and the most glorious olives, I headed straight for the crudo di tonno e spade (£10), thinly sliced raw swordfish and tuna marinated with lemon and olive oil. If there's a lesson to be learned about using fantastically fresh produce and keeping it simple, this has to be the epitome of it. The capers just added a depth that made this dish a taste sensation. My friend Zina also waxed lyrical about the bresaola,(£9) a most superior and generous dish of soft, beautifully cured beef.
Onto the pasta, pacceri alla n'duja barratina,(£12.50) a tubular pasta dish with spicy Calabrese n’duja pork fat sausage and melted creamy mozzarella. Again, such a simple dish but bursting with flavour and perfectly cooked al dente pasta.
This food of the Gods was washed down with a very fine Greco grape,(£26) which, much to my amazement didn't come from Tufo. Who gives a damn when you're drinking nectar anyway -it slipped down effortlessly.
A plate of complimentary dessert bites followed before a sweet and potent glass of limoncello was graciously put before us.
What can I say? Words are almost superfluous. This place has my undying loyalty and I'll continue to sing it's praises as long as there's breath in me. Salute.
Il Cibo
3 Russell Gardens
W14 8EZ
0207 371 2085
There are reviews of Cibo that complain about price, perhaps Zizzi, ASK or some other Italian chain would suit you better.
I'm all about the food and the dishes I ate were all cooked with love, the presentation was exemplary and the flavours subtle and distinct.
The staff were attentive and friendly and the advice I received about wine has introduced me to the best Gavi that I've drunk so far.
The whole experience was relaxing and most enjoyable, I'm looking forward to my next visit.
Our local go to Italian. It is one of our favourite restaurants, we have been coming here for a few years. The owners and staff truly make an effort, super friendly and accommodating.
The food is outstanding, since we have been coming here we have eaten most of the items on the menu, we cannot fault any, the presentation is perfect and the taste is delicate and delightful on the taste buds. Visiting the restaurant feels like eating truly excellent, Italian homemade food.
We recommend this restaurant to our all friends, a true gem!
Value for money is peerless! Properly made Italian seafood dishes & great selection of wines too! I've had lobster linguine and some Napolitan wine. I'll surely be back!
Went to Cibo after a grueling day at work and I am so thankful for the most comforting, delicious meal I could have had.
Had the duck ragu which had an incredibly soft texture and so much flavour, paired with the delicious house wine and ended with a mindblowing tiramisu, all beautifully served in large classy chinaware. I should also mention the bread, olives and little sweet pastries that accompany the meals so generously provided at no cost.
I don’t think pictures make justice to the flavour and containment that the food gave me!
Will definitely be going back and it felt like finding a gem in my new neighborhood.
An Excellent Classic italian dining experience in the heart of one of the nations busiest cities. A wonderful way to spend your evening enjoying a selection of well prepared flavours from one my favourite cuisines. A great range of the classics at a reasonable price for the standard you’ll receive here. The staff were also super accommodating in finding a table without booking but would ensure on a busier night that booking is essential here as the tables are perfectly spaced and secluded enough to enjoy your meal in peace. Nothing I can fault about this place. Thankyou to all the staff. Much appreciated. Would recommend and revisit in the future I hope. When I claimed I was too full for desert I was still brought a complimentary selection of beautiful little bites. Perfeto!
Friendly service, great Italian wine list, delicious food and reasonably priced for the quality. We had a lovely meal here- the menu ranging from Campania fish dishes to Ligurian classics- we particularly enjoyed the Linguine al’Astice and Coniglio ai Carciofi. The interior of the restaurant was a lovely space too- we’ll definitely go back.
I dined at Cibo on my first night in London before kicking off a three week UK tour. I could not have selected a better restaurant. I knew that this was a neighborhood favorite of locals and it was just a short walk from my hotel in Holland Park. My party of four was seated at a perfect table near the front of the house. The restaurant was busy but didn't feel hectic. We were greeted as if they knew us and the whole evening had an intimacy about it. The menu is classic Italian and everything is served on beautiful ceramic plates and platters. I'm a pesceterian and the menu offered serveral choices - I went with the grilled squid and it was perfection. Two in my party had the sea bass and loved it and my wife had a pasta dish that she enjoyed. The bread was warm and fresh and the wine list was reasonably priced. The atmosphere is festive but also romantic. You just feel special when you are dining here. And the service is everything you would expect from a family owned restaurant. Dinner at Cibo was one of the most completely perfect dining experiences I"ve ever had. I hope to go back one day.
A local gem of a restaurant that punches way above it’s weight. Excellent cooking. Delightful service. Great atmosphere
Classy Italian restaurant serving delicious, authentic dishes. A favourite amongst locals as many were greeted by name while we were there. Hard recommend.
Lovely authentic italian restaurant in the heart of Kensington. The place is cosy and stylish and the staff friendly and helpful.
I am a seafood lover and I never get disappointed by their spaghetti with shrimps or by their carpaccio di polpo.
Great selection of wines. I really enjoyed their Recioto that went well with a selection of their cakes.
On one occasion I complimented the chef and had the chance to discover that they make all in house. Even their lovely gelato!
Well done guys! 5 stars for you.
Amazing atmosphere and decoration. Everything we ordered on the menu has been exceptionally authentic and delicious. Amazing service and nice free breadsticks. Definitely a recommended dating revenue as well😜
Small Italian place.. Had reservations for dinner for 2. Delicious drinks, dinner, and dessert. Kind staff.
Erika was so amazing and such good service! Food was amazing as well!
Would recommend to anyone visiting or wanting a good feed
I had diner yesterday with my daughter and the food is exquisite and so delicious. I recommend the linguini with lobster and the tiramisu. I will come back soon
Great little local restaurant.
Stumble across this charming restaurant by chance.
Had a late dinner with no bookings. They welcomed and accommodated us with a smile despite a late arrival and for 5 people.
Very Good quality Italian food. Lovely friendly service.
Would recommend highly.
Wonderful food , lovely menu, the wine list is excellent. A lovely evening.
Best Italian restaurant in London, seriously! The quality and portions of the food is outstanding for the price they offered. Lovely service always ready to accommodate us. Last but not least best Negroni and Aperol spritz in all London. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner with an amazing atmosphere this is the place. Highly recommend!
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