Cibus is situated in an XV century convent, hidden down a narrow street of the maze of white washed streets in the old town of Ceglie Messapica. Thisi is is one of the oldest settlements in Apulia. The Messapis knew the town as Kailia and the Romans named it Caelium. Ruins of the ancient walls are still visible today and, (as it is said in local dialect “the ciend scalùn”) the 100 steps from which the people entered the Acropolis. Lillino, a modest and genuine host offers a personal welcome to the restaurant, set in the simplistic surroundings of natural stone and white washed walls typical of the ancient buildings of Apulia. He exhudes an inherent understanding and love of the food and gastronomic traditions of his region. The kitchen remains entrusted in the hands of his mother Giovanna, whilst he, together with his sister Filomena and his wife Angela relentlessly welcome guests and ensure the dinning experience is exceptional. Cibus however, is more than a restaurant. Lillino, like his father, considers food to be not only a source of great pleasure but also an insight into the culture and history particular to a province or a country. Through food the soul of a region can be discovered. He needs only whisper quietly a few words, which he accompanies with every course, to convey the history, the ingredients, the season. Every dish is a result of extensive research on the possible combinations of the vast and excellence of local produce.
Lillino has an amazing ability to ensure all his guests feel a sensory and spiritual experience at the table, through the passion he conveys for each ingredient combined with old and new gastronomic trends. This is accompanied by his attentive manner and a gratified smile, when a guest comments or experiences something extraordinary.
This genuine passion for innovation, quality and excellence, combined with a skilled kitchen makes dining at Cibus a unique and unforgettable experience.