Il Cibo
2 Market Street, Fremantle
Ph: (08) 9433 4900
www.facebook.com/ilcibocafe
It’s All About The Food
One of the first cafés you might notice when you exit the Fremantle Train Station is Il Cibo. Despite its Italian name, (translating to ‘The Food’) this is not an Italian restaurant, but it is all about the food – all-day breakfasts, healthy and delicious lunches, great coffee and superb cakes – all cooked daily on the premises. If you happen to be in Fremantle it’s a great choice for lunch with a large selection of fresh tasty salads, plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, freshly squeezed juices and – did I mention great coffee? Their prices are reasonable and the quality of the food can’t be faulted.
There are several different rooms each with their own vibe or you can choose to eat al fresco at the tables outside. Il Cibo is a relaxed, community-based café with lots of local regulars and is a very popular family destination. The menu is varied and everything is made fresh on the day. You can help yourself to free water, order a coffee or select from one of the scrumptious juices. They are also licensed with beer, cider, wine and even cocktails are available.
In business for ten years, the café is a Fremantle icon. Open from 6am for the morning coffee and breakfast trade, a constant stream of customers flow through the doors right up until they close at 4pm. They also have a housewares shop selling unique items adjacent to the café accessible through an adjoining door.
Owner Jessica Thomas told us they bake their own croissants from authentic dough imported from France. They also cater for functions both in-house and elsewhere. Jessica’s favourite dishes are the Leek and Bacon Potato Cakes or the good old Steak Sandwich.
The small kitchen is streamlined and very productive with two chefs and a kitchen hand keeping busy all day. We chatted with chef Martijn Van Da Plas, originally from Holland, who spent four years in New Zealand before moving to Perth. He has been cooking at Il Cibo since 2016. Martijn’s favourite dish is the Chilli and Herb Scrambled Eggs, and after trying it I can see why. Sourdough toast is topped with a generous serve of scrambled eggs, spiced up with herbs and chilli, scattered with fresh morsels of tomato, mushroom and onion and topped with crispy bacon – a fabulous choice for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
We also tried the Shakshuka with chorizo – two eggs poached in a Moroccan spiced red pepper sauce, topped with tasty slices of chorizo and served with chunks of Turkish bread. This was also good – spicy but not too hot.
I love the salads they offer at Il Cibo – there is so much variety and they’re always so fresh and colourful. The other thing they are really good at is desserts. There is always a great choice of house-baked cakes available, and naturally we had to sample some while we were there. We ordered some of their great coffee and tried the Raspberry and Coconut Cheesecake, which was lovely – zingy and creamy at the same time. Then Jessica urged us to try the Dark Chocolate and Fig Brownie – a knockout choice. Served with a dollop of whipped cream the brownie was decadently rich, soft and gorgeous. It’s a gluten-free choice as well.
So next time you’re in Fremantle, drop into Il Cibo for a coffee and do try some of the food.
By Georgina Goss
