I went to Cibo Matto before a show at Xfinity Center. (If you’d like a full, moment-by-moment rundown of an earlier visit, check out my write-up on My Night at Cibo Matto in Mansfield, MA.) The place smelled like garlic and warm bread when we walked in. You know what? That alone put me in a good mood.
If you want photos, the latest menu, and a few insider tips before you go, check out Yeah Basically Cibo Matto. If you’re curious about hours or want to book a table directly, swing by Cibo Matto’s official website.
First glance: warm, busy, and kind of cozy
We got there around 6:15. The bar was full, with folks in concert tees and Bruins hats. The dining room felt lively, but not wild. The host smiled, told us it might be a short wait, and it was—about 10 minutes. I could see the glow of the pizza oven from our table. I’m a sucker for that.
Bread came fast with olive oil and balsamic. It was warm, with a soft middle and a crust that snapped. I had to stop myself from filling up. I failed a little.
What we ordered (and what we loved)
- Arancini with marinara
- Caesar salad
- Short rib pappardelle
- Butternut squash ravioli with brown butter and sage
- Soppressata pizza with a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey
- An espresso martini and a glass of Montepulciano
Now the details.
The arancini were crisp on the outside and creamy inside. The rice had a little bite. The cheese pulled just enough. The marinara tasted bright, not heavy. I kept going back for “one more bite,” which turned into three.
The Caesar was cold and crunchy, with a touch of anchovy. They gave just enough dressing, not a soup. Fresh parm on top. Simple. Clean. My kind of salad.
The short rib pappardelle was the star. Wide noodles, tender beef, and a rich sauce that hugged the pasta. I caught rosemary and a little tomato. It wasn’t salty. It was just, well, right. I’d get it again in a heartbeat.
The butternut squash ravioli looked pretty, with brown butter and whole sage leaves. The filling was sweet and smooth. I liked it, but I wanted more bite. A lot of black pepper helped. If you like sweet-savory, you’ll be happy.
The pizza came out with charred bubbles and crisp edges. The spicy soppressata had a nice curl, and that hot honey added a small kick. Sweet, heat, and salt—good balance. We took two slices home and they reheated well in a skillet the next day. Pro tip: add a lid for a minute to melt the cheese.
The espresso martini? Creamy and bold, but a bit sweet for me. The Montepulciano was an easy sip and matched the pasta.
Service and pacing
Our server, Emily, was warm and quick. She split the salad for us without us asking. Water glasses stayed full. She warned us the kitchen was slammed with pre-show orders, and that helped set our expectations. Starters came in 10 minutes, mains at about 25. That felt fair for a busy night.
The vibe, the noise, the little things
It’s a date-night spot, but also works for families. If you and your partner leave dinner still in a playful mood and want to keep the conversation spicy once you’re back home, consider reading this detailed SnapSext review to see how the dating app's naughty photo-sharing and chat features can help couples extend the fun beyond the restaurant. If, on the other hand, your next weekend getaway lands you in South Carolina and you'd rather unwind with a sultry massage than an after-dinner digestif, browse Rubmaps Aiken for a straightforward rundown of local parlors, user reviews, and tips on how to spot the genuinely relaxing spots from the red-flag duds. Lighting is warm, not dark. Noise got loud once the bar filled up, though we could still chat without leaning in. If you’re curious how the “warm pasta, loud room, happy belly” atmosphere translates on another evening, take a peek at this visit recap. If you’re sensitive to sound, ask for a table by the wall.
Little things I noticed:
- The plates were warm, so the pasta stayed hot.
- Fresh basil on the pizza—small touch, big flavor.
- Clean bathrooms (not fancy, just clean, which matters).
- Parking gets tight before concerts. We parked on the side and it was fine, but plan a few extra minutes.
If you’d like another perspective on the restaurant’s evolution, The Boston Globe profiled it back in 2015 and praised its creative twists on Italian classics—read the article here.
What could be better
I wish the espresso martini had less sugar. The ravioli leaned sweet for my taste. Dessert service ran a bit slow—tiramisu took about 15 minutes—but it was light and creamy with a cocoa top, so I forgave it.
Prices were a bit high on a few dishes, but the quality matched. And the portions were fair. We left full, not stuffed.
Tiny tangent: pre-show timing
If you’re heading to Xfinity, eat on the early side. We did 6:15 and felt relaxed. A couple near us came at 7 and looked stressed, watching the time. The staff tried to help, but the room was packed. Early beats rush—always.
(And if you ever stumble upon the Cibo Matto food truck for a snack-heavy afternoon, here’s a fun rundown of how that goes: My Snack-Heavy Day at the Cibo Matto Food Truck.)
Final take
Cibo Matto feels like a local gem with big-city polish. Friendly staff, rich pasta, and pizza with some personality. I’d bring my parents here. I’d bring friends before a show. I’d come back just for that short rib pappardelle—and a second basket of bread, because I’m honest with myself.
Would I go again? Yep. Next time I’ll try the chicken parm and ask for a drier martini. And I’ll still grab a seat where I can see that oven glow. It just makes the meal feel special.
—Kayla Sox