Cibus

Seasonal and regional dishes are the order of the day, every day, at this laidback and intimate Stockport Road spot. Situated in the heart of Levenshulme, a South Manchester suburb now overflowing with great options for food and drink, the fact Cibus has grown into such a firm favourite among locals tells you everything there is know about what they’re doing right. For one thing, the atmosphere, which exudes an unpretentious yet sophisticated air very much in-keeping with the ideal of Italian dining, which is where this establishment, and its menu, are coming from. 

Rather than focusing on one particular corner of the old country, instead Cibus looks to celebrate the best from north to south, while still recognising clear distinctions between cuisines, from Piemonte to Lazio, Amalfi to Bologna. A carefully curated, seasonal chicchetti menu is one of the biggest selling points, which can be ordered individually or as a sharing board. Slow cooked lamb shoulder served with cannellini beans ragout & scapece dressing, Anchovies with bagnetto verde (green sauce) & bread, Fisherman’s breakfast, sautéed clams, garlic, chilli, tomato sauce, egg & bread and Orecchiette Pugliesi Meatballs and featherblade braciole ragu’ with burrata are all worth the visit alone. There’s a strong pizza game happening, too, with a number of Neapolitan classics alongside more bespoke creations. Mozzarella, prawns, portobello mushrooms & green olive tapenade and Calzone with tomato, mozzarella, smoked provola, ricotta, pancetta & leeks are examples of what we mean. 

Pastas offer similarly exceptional and uncommon dishes, such as Cavatelli spade (with swordfish, Sicilian aubergine, pachino, tomato and mint).  This is before we mention the Morish Salted Doughnuts, which we could write another listing for on their own. When your food is this good it would be a shame to overlook the importance of accompanying drinks, especially when you consider how seriously Italians take their wine lists. Cibus has a fantastic and very reasonably priced ‘cellar’ packed with choice bottles from Veneto, Puglia, Campania, Toscana and other select grape-growing regions, with a generous range served by the glass. Each Sunday, things change to an Italian-themed roast, including vegan and vegetarian options, and there are regular weekly cookery showcases to truly show off the kitchen talent.