| rev:text
| - Its easy to get into an Us vs Them, West Downtown vs East Downtown, Cibo vs Bianco pissing match, but truly these places are so unique and valuable in their own way as to coexist in a culturally void downtown in a soulless metro.
Cibo, however, does indeed take the lead by a very significant stretch over Bianco.
First and very much FOREMOST, the owners are absolute treasures. They have never been anything less than engaging, charming, and overtly polite. Whether my gf and I eat there or take out, they always greets us as friends and seem to be genuinely appreciative of our business. On one visit when i was with a large party of about 10-12 people we kinda had to squeeze into a small area in the front room, which was still quaint and comfortable, but i made an offhand joke after the owner looked concerned about my smallish seat, that she could "make it up to me with a beer". I was completely embarrassed as she REALLY DID bring me a Celebration Ale on the house. She's just an awesome lady.
Their building itself is enamoring with a large patio for the pleasant autumn nights of Phoenix and their interior is very cozy for a more subtle dinner. The restaurant can be both romantic or merry.
Their tiny bar is perfect for a short wait (never waited longer than 5-10 mins at most), especially during take out where we like to enjoy their Sangiovese Chianti blend.
Their pizza itself is delicious. The Rustica is my go-to and they tend to use generous amounts of meat and cheese (the prosciutto being my favorite). Their portions are perfect for two people and are well-informed on how many pizzas will be 'just enough' for your party. Also, their marscapone/Nutella crepes are insanely good.
If you ever have a chance to host an event, see if they will let you use their carriage house in the back, where, come to find out after we used it for our own holiday party, had a "recent tenant". Lucky dude to have Cibo as a neighbor.
The back carriage house has a wine bar and a private server as well as a small patio for outside drinking/smoking. Cibo is a perfect little neighborhood pizzeria.
|