Cesibon Gelateria Review

The phrase “c’est si bon,” roughly translates to “it’s so good” in French. This concise phrase accurately describes the flavor of this local gelateria. Fabrice Morazel, Cesibon’s owner, proudly told me that their sorbetto is made out of only fruit, water, and sugar, while their gelato base is milk, cream, and sugar. The simplicity and freshness of these ingredients unify so that the end result is truly greater than its parts.

Sorbettos from top right clockwise: lemon, mango, pineapple, berry, orange, and strawberry

As I looked through and sampled many of the 14 flavors (they vary daily), I felt as if I was tasting each fruit and flavor for the first time.  Their pineapple, strawberry, and mango tasted as if I had picked each fruit individually off the tree at the peak of its season. Grapefruit isn’t one of my favorite fruits, but by combining it with strawberry, the bitterness was perfectly balanced. The lemon was perfectly tart, and simply refreshing.

“Gelatos from top right clockwise: nougat, mocha, pistachio, dark chocolate with almonds, hazelnut, and stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate chunks)

The gelatos and the sorbettos both achieve superb creaminess and texture.  The sorbettos taste as if they are made with dairy they are so smooth and creamy,  while the gelatos offer richer flavors than their counterparts. Caramel, pistachio, and coconut are among our favorites. Fabrice keeps the case at the perfect temperature so that the sorbettos & gelatos are not frozen solid, and all have a soft, smooth consistency.

Coconut gelato sprinkled with toasted coconut

[easyreview title=”Cesibon” cat1title=”Taste” cat1detail=”Each sorbetto somehow tastes better than the fruit itself, and the gelato is absolutely divine. The sorbettos, gelatos, frozen yogurts, milkshakes, and drinks are terrific. The only possible complaint is that Cesibon no longer offer crepes and waffles, despite them still being on their menu (see picture below), but that is easily overlooked after tasting everything which they do offer.” cat1rating=”4″ cat2title=”Atmosphere” cat2detail=”Cesibon is charming and quaint with cute posters of gelato sprinkled throughout the parlor.” cat2rating=”3.5″ cat3title=”Food Presentation” cat3detail=”Each bin of gelato and sorbetto is beautifully presented in the pan with a rippled/wave-like texture. Many flavors have toppings sprinkled on them such as toasted coconut flakes, almonds, and candied walnuts.” cat3rating=”4″ cat4title=”Service” cat4detail=”As customers enter Cesibon, Fabrice happily makes each one feel welcome with an enthusiastic ‘Bonsoir!’ Cesibon does steady business, and there’s usually not much of a wait.” cat4rating=”3.5″ cat5title=”Overall” cat5detail=”Cesibon serves top quality sorbetto and gelato which tastes as if it comes directly from Italy. As you leave this gelateria you’ll definitely be saying, ‘C’est si bon!'” cat5rating=”4″]

Cesibon

8807 Tamiami Trail North; (239) 566-8363

PRICE RANGE: $3.50 to $5.50 per cup/cone; $7.50 per pint
CREDIT CARDS: Cash only
HOURS: Monday through Thursday 12:30 pm to 9 pm, Friday & Saturday 12:30 pm to 10 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 8 pm

MORE PICS: (click to see full-size)