J L.
Yelp
A Holiday Letdown at Cibo: A Fading Star in the Dining Scene
Once upon a time, Cibo stood as a beacon of class and culinary delight--a personal favorite, known for its charm and impeccable offerings. This holiday season, however, my visit revealed a troubling descent into mediocrity. Here's my candid recap of an experience that left me both bewildered and disheartened.
A Frosty Welcome
Walking into Cibo, I expected warmth and hospitality. Instead, I was met with a perplexing reception. Despite the abundance of empty tables and two idle hosts, my arrival was met with a mechanical "20-minute wait" directive, followed by no attempt to accommodate or welcome me. Undeterred, I decided to sidestep the queue and head to the bar--a decision that, astonishingly, stirred more bureaucracy. The bartender brusquely informed me I couldn't eat at the bar without first removing my name from the list. A simple task, yes, but his demeanor lacked the finesse that a hospitality professional should embody. It was an early red flag, but I pressed on.
The Bread that Broke My Heart
Bread at Cibo was once a hallmark--a prelude to the meal that set the tone for greatness. This time, it was a crushing disappointment. What arrived was lackluster, inconsistent, and barely palatable--a 2.5-star effort at best. When I inquired, the bartender assured me nothing had changed, but my taste buds begged to differ.
Pizza, but Make It a Miss
On to the main event: the Quattro Formaggi and Funghi Pizza, paired with a Caprese Salad. The salad, unremarkable, did little to distract from the disaster that followed. The pizzas arrived looking promising but delivered anything but. The dough lacked its former magic, and the mushrooms, shockingly raw, offered a disconcerting crunch that should never accompany pizza.
It hit me--the flour. Surely, something had changed? When I asked the bartender, he confirmed my suspicions. Yet when I suggested passing my feedback along, his response was astonishingly dismissive: "Have you owned a successful pizza place?" he quipped, dripping with condescension. A sharp turn from customer service to customer silencing.
Final Thoughts
Cibo's fall from grace is as bitter as the crust of their now-subpar pizza. The charm, the class, the care--all replaced by indifference and mediocrity. For a place that once felt like a cornerstone of quality, it's heartbreaking to say this, but Cibo is now off my list.
For those who value their time, palate, and experience, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. Cibo, it's time to reflect--because what was once great has sadly turned forgettable.