Cielo, a Sanibel Island favorite, was closed over the summer for extensive renovations. It re-opened recently to rave reviews. The restaurant added 249 interior square feet, relocated the bar area to nearer the front door, and completely changed the interior décor to a lighter, brighter beachy feel.
Decor
Light colored flooring and white walls brighten the space and oil paintings highlight the walls. The bar area was changed to a horseshoe shape and relocated to the front of the restaurant. One entire wall that separates the bar from the restaurant is now an extensive wine cooler featuring wine from around the world. The restaurant also has the potential of a private seating area separated by partition doors from the rest of the seating area.
A black and white print on dining chairs combines with hues of blue, green and purple on the tables. A new kitchen was installed, along with a new ventilation system, new electrical and a sound system. The bathrooms also got on overhaul and now feature hand-folded towels and hand-picked soaps.
Menu
Island favorites can still be found on the menu, including their ever popular calamari. All dishes have been overhauled to include the freshest organic ingredients possible. Executive chef Melissa Akin spent the summer updating each dish. Two menu items that sound amazing are the Antarctic salmon, and the house-made pappardelle with wild mushrooms, artichokes, English peas and sun-dried tomato broth. Mixologists are busy at the bar with new drink creations, including Savanah’s Desire and Zip Zop Zoom!
Cielo’s is open for your dining pleasure seven days a week, with happy hour from 4:30 to 6:00 and dinner from 4:30 to 9:00. Sunday brunch is served from 11 am until 2 pm. Live piano music with Scott McDonald begins at 6 pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Cielo is located at 1244 Periwinkle Way. For more information call (239) 472-5555 or go to www.cielo-sanibel.com.
Buon appetito!
