Such a quaint place with good, authentic sicilian food. They serve lunch Thurs-Sat and have delicious pastries and some other items the rest of the time. I love their arancini (yum!) and their cannoli (a lighter, more delicious filling) and biscotti are the best!
Overview
If you're craving an authentic taste of Italy while enjoying a warm and inviting atmosphere, Bella Sicilia Cafe in Merritt Island, Florida, is the place to be. Located at 85 E Merritt Ave, this charming cafe offers a menu that perfectly captures the flavors of Sicily, with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Upon entering Bella Sicilia Cafe, you're immediately greeted with a cozy, rustic ambiance that makes you feel right at home. The staff is friendly, always ready to offer suggestions if you're unfamiliar with the menu, which is filled with classic Italian dishes, each made with love and care. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Merritt Island, this spot quickly becomes a favorite for many, and it’s easy to see why.
The menu at Bella Sicilia Cafe offers a wide range of options, but the standout dishes are those that bring the flavors of Sicily straight to your table. For starters, their antipasti platter is a great way to dive into the variety of tastes this cafe offers. It features an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted vegetables-each bite a delightful combination of flavors. But what truly sets Bella Sicilia apart is its dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their tomato sauce, for instance, is prepared daily with ripe tomatoes, creating a robust flavor that's hard to beat.
If you're in the mood for something heartier, the pasta dishes are a must-try. The Sicilian-style pasta alla Norma is a fan favorite, featuring eggplant, ricotta salata, and a rich tomato sauce that’s simply irresistible. Every pasta is made from scratch, ensuring that each plate is as fresh and flavorful as it gets. If you're after a seafood experience, their spaghetti ai frutti di mare is another excellent choice. With fresh shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari, it’s a true testament to the coastal cuisine of Sicily.
For those with a sweet tooth, Bella Sicilia Cafe doesn't disappoint. The cannoli here is a showstopper-crispy, creamy, and the perfect balance of sweetness. It's one of those desserts that leaves you satisfied without being too overwhelming. If you're looking for something lighter, the lemon sorbet is a refreshing way to cleanse your palate after a flavorful meal.
What really adds to the experience at Bella Sicilia Cafe is the attention to detail. From the carefully curated wine list featuring Italian wines to the friendly atmosphere, it's clear that the owners and staff are passionate about what they do. Whether you're visiting for a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner with friends, every visit feels special.
If you're planning a visit, it’s good to know that Bella Sicilia Cafe also caters to dietary preferences. They offer gluten-free pasta options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the full range of flavors without compromise. And if you’re dining in, there’s a lovely outdoor seating area perfect for those warm Florida evenings, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists alike.
The reviews of Bella Sicilia Cafe consistently highlight the impeccable service and the quality of the food. Locals rave about the warm, welcoming vibe that’s perfect for a casual meal with friends or a family gathering. The cafe has built a strong reputation, and it’s not hard to see why it’s become a go-to for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine in the Merritt Island area.
In short, if you're looking for a place that serves mouthwatering Sicilian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, Bella Sicilia Cafe is an absolute must-visit. The combination of excellent food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere makes it a standout spot in Merritt Island. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely dinner, this cafe is sure to leave you wanting to come back for more.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeout ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair accessible parking lot ✓ Wheelchair accessible restroom ✓ Wheelchair accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ RestroomAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cozy ✓ QuietCrowd
✓ Family-friendly ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Transgender safespacePayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ Free street parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowedPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 155 reviews
It's a charming Italian cafe! I love the traditional Italian charm in the interior. The pastries were amazing the only negative for me personally is they don't serve iced coffee, but I do understand that it's not common in Italy so it's probably just a cultural thing. Would certainly recommend the Tiramassu it was the best I've ever had!
Best Eggplant Parmesan Ever! Green beans and potato salad is also delicious.There are so many choices of pastries, too!
Delicious pastries, I had the cannoli and vanilla St Joseph pastries and a couple of others but the cannoli filling in the St Joseph’s pastry was awesome, super creamy and tasty, better than some of the places in NYC. The vanilla filling was very good also. A pleasant surprise overall from a little shop with a Nona in the kitchen. Merritt Island is a better place having this place on it.
Excellent selection of delicious pastries, as well as hot foods, bread, and a daily menu of breakfast and lunch meals. We did not try the coffee, but it smelled good. The arancini was beautifully seasoned and had a nice light crunch on the outside. The filling in the spinach ricotta calzone was nicely seasoned and the bread was soft with a nice chew on the crust. The pistachio croissant (served cold) was absolutely delightful and a must try for pistachio fans. The pudding filling had so much pistachio flavor. It was decadent! We enjoyed sitting in the patio area between the buildings to enjoy our snacks - like a little oasis with no hints of the busy plaza outside. This place is a hidden gem.
Come see Antonella at the cafe!! She is a wonderful baker, cook, barista! She makes everything from scratch and let’s just say I was transported to Italy. Try it all! My husband and I started off with the savory items and then dived into the pastries. This quaint cafe is perfect
The fruit Danish was fresh, flaky, and full of flavor. One of the best pastries I’ve had — I’ll be back for sure!