If growth is the mark of a successful business, married restaurateurs Marc and Mary Pat Marotta hit the jackpot with Cibo. Their popular Italian restaurant recently tripled its seating capacity in the Bridge Plaza, just a few doors down from where it opened as Café Cibo in 2004. The retail plaza is on McGregor Boulevard in south Fort Myers, across from The Landings.

Although the new and improved Cibo is in proximity to the original, it seems worlds away from the diminutive, 48-seat space whence it came. Also, since being gutted to the studs and completely renovated, Cibo’s spacious new facility bears no resemblance to the Irish pub that previously occupied the space.

Despite the overhaul and substantial amount of additional square footage, Cibo (which means “food” or “meal” in Italian) hasn’t lost any of the charming characteristics that prompted its growth. It still provides consistent, top-notch cuisine served in a cozy, casual environment by a highly-skilled, professional wait staff. Also, menu prices remain extremely affordable, averaging $15-$25 for most dinner entrees and around $10 for the lunch versions.
Any changes made are improvements. For example, Cibo now has a full liquor bar (before, it had only wine and beer) and serves lunch Tuesday through Friday. Dinner is still served every night except for Sunday, when the restaurant is closed.

Another noticeable change is its stylish interior, designed and decorated by Mary Pat, whose background includes interior design, real estate and construction. The look is fresh and contemporary, with dark wood chairs, dark leather banquettes and booths, and white tablecloths against a palette of brown, cream and gold tones. To soften the dining room’s white walls, Mary Pat used warm pendant and sconce lighting, along with tabletop tea lights.

But perhaps the most obvious change is also the biggest improvement: the expanded square footage. Patrons who frequented the original location will immediately notice that they’re not sitting elbow-to-elbow with neighboring diners; an aspect of the first location that was, at times, too intimate for some diners. Also, the extra space has afforded Cibo a private dining room, accounting for 14 of its 150 seats.

In terms of the food, however, regulars aren’t apt to discover any significant changes, other than the addition of weekday lunch (except for Monday). The menu is similar to the one available after 5 p.m., with many of the same delicious dinner items offered in slightly smaller portions at lower prices.

Both menus are designed and periodically updated by veteran chef Marc Marotta. Highlights of his impressive career include working in the kitchens of high-profile restaurants from San Francisco to New York City. In addition to an apprenticeship at Claude Trioisgros CT’s in Manhattan, he has worked for culinary all-stars including Wolfgang Puck and Roy Yamaguchi.

Prior to moving to Southwest Florida, Marc headed several kitchens on the Jersey shore. Also, before he and his wife opened Cibo (pronounced “chee-bo”), he spent several years at Ellington’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, where he was the original opening chef, followed by Bella Rosa Italian Grill, both in Fort Myers.

At Cibo, his talent is reflected in every original dish, ranging from the variety of exceptional appetizers and fresh salads to the diverse selection of cooked-to-order pasta, meat and fish entrees. Besides what’s on the menu, there usually are several daily additions that often include a special appetizer, as well as a couple of entrees. That’s icing on the Tiramisu, considering what’s available on the regular menu.

A quick glance reveals a pleasing blend of the traditional with the unexpected. Under the Antipasti heading, for example, the Cappesante Incarto Pasta Sfoglia is one item that should be required eating for every diner in Southwest Florida. (Don’t worry; you don’t have to order in Italian.)

Unlike the typical stuffed seafood surprise, this crabmeat-stuffed sea scallop is a masterpiece. Large enough to be a meal for smaller appetites, it is enrobed in a puff pastry that’s smooth and crisp, rather than flakey or soggy. Its rich, complex flavors are further enhanced by the lemon butter and chive emulsion drizzled artistically on the plate.
Based on a recent visit, it appears that everything produced in Chef Marotta’s kitchen is presented with the same meticulous attention to detail. Furthermore, most menu offerings showcase the kitchen’s creative take on traditional Italian fare. This refreshing approach gives a novel twist to even the most basic salad. Case in point: the Lattuga Con Formaggio (a.k.a., a wedge salad), one of several on the regular menu. However, rather than make iceberg lettuce the centerpiece of this popular offering, Cibo’s rendition features a crisp bouquet of romaine lettuce, drizzled with - but not drowning in - a chunky gorgonzola dressing rather than the usual creamy bleu cheese.

Such simple but brilliant substitutions not only give Cibo’s wedge an edge, they inject new life into old familiar stand-bys. Best-sellers include: Lasagna Napoletana (filled with beef, veal and sausage, ricotta and melted mozarella cheeses, and pomodoro sauce); Ravioli Con Pollo E Funghi (grilled chicken, mushrooms, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, roasted garlic and rosemary crema); and Frutti Di Mare (the ultimate seafood lover’s dream, featuring lobster, fish, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, calamari, white wine, tomatoes, herbs and linguine).
There is also the Polpette Alla Mamma for the purist who longs for authentic, Italian-style meatballs (with pomodoro sauce and aged pecorino, served with spaghetti), and various other veal, chicken and fish dishes. Soft drinks, a choice of desserts and coffee also are available, along with a wine list featuring new world wines, mainly from California and Italy.
Although the Marottas are thrilled with Cibo’s new location, they haven’t given up on its old one. In fact, at press time, they were poised to open a new casual dining restaurant in Cibo’s former space. Named Cabo, the Southwestern-style cafe is expected to make a January debut.

(Cibo is in the Bridge Plaza at 12901-16 McGregor Boulevard in south Fort Myers. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Closed Sundays and Monday lunch. Reservations recommended. Phone: 239-454-3700