1000-7899 Templeton Station Rd, Richmond, BC

Tel: 604-279-8889

Web: http://www.thebibo.com/

Twitter @TheBiBo

Advice: Takes reservations and walk-ins. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Located inside the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Mall near the Vancouver Airport, is this Italian cucina, a gem run by Andrea and Michela Bini. This restaurant is larger than their original Kitsilano eatery, here you will find long high top communal tables in the centre of the room along with table seating throughout the restaurant and an open kitchen where you can see the pizza chefs working their craft. It’s Neapolitan style pizzas as well as home-made handcraft pastas and so much more.

My friends Katherine Hawrysh and Stephanie Stewart joined me to share some favourites as well as some new dishes. We started off with a glass of their house Sauvignon Blanc, and the Mozzarella in Carrocca ($14) golden crusted fried mozzarella sandwich with anchovies and tomatoes Neapolitan style! Next was the delicious Melanzane alla Parmigiana ($18) baked eggplant, DOP tomato sauce and parmigiano reggiano!

Stephanie enjoyed the Bruschetta ($12) as she is dairy intolerant, while Katherine and I savoured the Ravioli ala Piemontese ($22) filled with Ricotta and beef; along with the Spaghetti al Pomodoro ($12) simple and perfectly prepared handmade spaghetti with DOP tomato sauce, basil, and parmigiano reggiano!  We all shared the delicious Imperial Salad ($16) with grilled chicken breast, and greens.

Neapolitan pizza time was next, on the table the delicious Formula One ($20) with DOP Buffalo mozzarella and basil; along with the Boccone ($22) with my favourite Scamorza cheese, eggplant and pancetta; and the Marinara ($16) with no cheese, dairy-free choice for Stephanie.

Of course dessert is always in order when dining at The Bibo, here we indulged with their yummy Chocolate Pizza ($16) and the Classic Tiramisu ($8) which made for the perfect finish to this wonderful meal with friends.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Richmond, BC V7B, Canada