
It’s a neighborhood bistro, an intimate watering hole for regulars’ families and friends for having weekly dinners, rather a trendy hot spot, or one on the “let’s try that one next” list. This is not for the “half-priced special” or the “happy hour” seekers. Tourists do not stumble in here, fresh from the beach, in damp shorts and sandy sneakers. Tucked away just off 41, on the south side of Neapolitan Way, it is west of Kinko’s and east of Sunsplash, easy to miss. Don’t miss it.
The food is familiar to most Americans, with a twist-there’s a touch of Caribbean spices, Doninican Republic style, that gives a subtle pleasant change to old favorites, and to some new dishes as well. Johnny certainly mastered cuisine at St. George & Dragon before Cibao. Pedro is well known from his time at Hideaway Beach on Marco Island. When we were there, a well known Naples family had 16 members for dinner at several tables.Regulars at other tables recognized them and said “hi”. We sat at a two-top table next to them, watching three generations enjoy the food, and, after our dessert, some leaned over and said hi to us, (they didn’t want to disturb us earlier, as they thought we might have preferred an uninterrupted romantic candlelit dinner). We happily welcomed their polite overture- they were so kind to share their world with us. One said "here, it's like having dinner with friends and family" Pedro later echoed the same, saying "Everyone feels like they are part of our family".
There are a handful of appetizers-Shrimp cocktail ($12), Smoked Salmon (8), Crispy fried Artichoke hearts (7), a Caribbean black bean soup with chorizo (3.5) (highly recommended by regulars) , and Caesar Salad (7).
The Maine Lobster Ravioli, (9) (half portion- below) a Maine Lobster and Chive Filled Ravioli with a Roasted Red Pepper Crème was a delight. We said we’d share it, and when it came, they had already made it on two separate plates, each with two large, tasty ravioli, strips of peeled red pepper, and a delicious Crème sauce.

We were told the “must haves” were the Walleye Pike Key West (21), Chicken Piccata (17), and that we should also try the Scallops Neapolitay (29), Coconut Grouper (23), and Havana Pork Chop (23).
I had the Walleye Pike, a bargain at $21.
I had the Walleye Pike, a bargain at $21.

May companion had the Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Balsamic Glazed Onion, drizzled with lemon chive butter (25).

For dessert we looked at the Key Lime Pie (5.50), double trouble chocolate layer cake, and the New York style cheese cake, and decided to split a Caramel Flan (5.50) (half portion below).

Throughout the night well chosen Spanish music played softly-some Julio Iglesia, Andrea Bocelli, Gypsy Kings, and Rocío Dúrcal.
Cibao also donates hot meals to the volunteers at the Neighborhood Health Clinic several times a year. Turns out, the doctors, nurses and other hard working staff don't have time for dinner between leaving work and arriving at the clinic, so Cibao, Aurelio’s, Brio, Campiello, Noodles Italian Café, Naples Roy’s and other fine restaurants pitch in, and feed 30 volunteers at a time. The Clinic, founded by Dr. Bill and Nancy Lascheid, takes care of Collier County’s lower income patients. It gives personalized high quality care, and charges very little, based on a very affordable sliding scale. The docs, nurses and much of the staff volunteer their many hours. Caring donors generously financially support the overhead, Naples Community Hospitals helps tremendously, and thus Naples takes care of its own.
Cibao Owners Pablo and Pamela, and Chef/Owner Johnny

Cibao Grille: 870 Neapolitan Way, Naples, (239) 434-6653
1 comment:
Ciabo looks divine. That Lobster Ravioli makes my mouth water. Two of my favorite things in a roasted red pepper cream sauce? YUM! Great review & pictures ;)
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