A fast-casual modern Italian marketplace is now open in downtown Santa Monica, serving up an authentic taste of Italy.
Located at 606 Broadway, CiBOTECA is part of the Piccolo Group (Piccolo Venice and Hostaria del Piccolo), formed by Executive Chef Bobo Ivan and Restaurateur Vittorio Viotti.
A gourmet delicatessen, CiBOTECA offers everything from panini to insalate, seasonal sides and take-away creations, pastries to European style coffee, and a retail collection of imported goods inspired by the markets of Italy.
By updating classic dishes from his homeland with a Californian’s love for seasonality, Ivan has curated a menu that is both familiar and intriguing, ensuring this “house of food” welcomes all.
“We believe that a new style of Italian deli such as CiBOTECA was truly missing in the neighborhood, mostly for the locals who are seeking a haven to get their goodies: and with our coffee program, a collaboration with Caffe Luxxe, our unique pastry section offering not your typical pastries, our selection of meats, cheeses and breads – and soon beer and wine even to take home – we truly fulfilled something that was missing,” Ivan said.
CiBOTECA officially opened its doors on March 28. Prior, it was a vacant retail space for more than five years.
Ivan said the layout was a bit awkward, but when they conceived the idea of CiBOTECA, the space made sense for them and the fluidity of a marketplace and deli.
“Everyone loves the design, the open space, the visible kitchen, the viability, and flow of the space,” he said. “You are hugged by all that we do, as soon as you cross the doors.”
He said there’s a philosophy that keeps it all together.
“Our list of paninis is unique and a tested recipe behind each one of them: We didn’t just throw stuff together and put in on display, we thoughtfully source the ingredients that we use as layers on the panini,” he said.
When asked what were the most popular paninis, Ivan said the Pollo sandwich (rotisserie chicken, pancetta, tomato, and rosemary mayo) and the Hostaria (slow roasted pork belly and pickled onions).
He said there was a core menu that won’t change too often, but everyday the gastronomia (deli) section has a vast variety of revolving items, daily and seasonal.
“You can find anything here for a quick bite or a dinner you are organizing,” he said. “No matter what you are looking for, we don’t ever compromise the quality of our ingredients.”
CiBOTECA also has a catering section. A grand opening celebration is in the planning stages for the first or second week of May.
It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm.
For more information, call 310.458.3366 or visit www.ciboteca.com.
