CibBell — Restaurant in Monopoli

Highly recommend for an authentic, no-fuss Italian meal away from the tourist traps.

CibBell is a real find just outside Monopoli’s busy old town; no loud music or tourist chaos, just a quiet street, simple alfresco tables, and a mellow vibe perfect for chatting or even pulling out a deck of cards. The family-run team here really make you feel at home: our waiter remembered us from the previous night when we tried to get in (albeit too late and couldn’t be seated), joked with me about wanting Parmesan on my frutti di mare, and chatted happily with families and kids as he went by serving customers. All with speedy service.

The menu is extensive yet straightforward; hearty, home-cooked dishes that taste like my Nonna made them. We tried the Troccoli ai frutti di mare and the Orecchiette al sugo con braciola, and both were generous portions of genuine flavour. Prices are fair, service is warm (we even had a friendly word with the chefs at the end), and you can tell why CibBell’s ratings are so high and almost nobody gives it less...

MICHELIN WORTHY!

Wow, what can I say except this is one of the best meals I've had in my time in Italy. Firstly, the complimentary olives were divine - fresh and not too salty. We had the salmon crostini starter and my goodness it was amazing, perfectly crisp toast with just the right amount of toppings. Next came the pasta - DELICIOUS!!! Simple yet packed with so much flavour. To finish we ordered the Panna Cotta and honestly I haven't seen anything like it - it's whipped coconut consistency was surprising, delicate and the perfect finisher to our dinner. The staff were so friendly and felt like family, the prices of each dish were equally as welcoming. I am sad we found this place just before we had to leave Monopoli, I would come back again and again. Thank you for such a wonderful...

We had a group of four families (9 adults, 2 teens, and 7 children) and we made a detour to Monopoli for the day. We found easy parking on the perimeter of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. CibBell was an unplanned destination as it was lunch time when we arrived in town. Even with as many people as we had, and without any reservation, the host invited us in and was very gracious and helpful. Somehow they got our food out quickly and it was amazing. Everyone loved what they ordered. They also were very gracious when almost all of us stayed around after our meal to use the bathroom.

Without hesitation I would come back here for the food and hospitality.

The seafood carbonara was one of the best dishes I have ever tasted in...