New Caffe Italia - new name and search at web and maps Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant

We recently visited the newly reopened Café Italia in the Riverview community, now owned and operated by Ricky and Mela, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. While the original Café Italia under Franco was always a favorite, this new chapter feels fresh and just as welcoming. The space is clean, bright, and inviting, setting the perfect atmosphere for a cozy meal. Mela served us during our visit, and she could not have been sweeter. Her warmth and hospitality made us feel right at home. Ricky, originally from Turin, and Mela, from Naples, bring true Italian authenticity to their menu, and it shows in the flavor and quality of the food. We enjoyed a gluten-free Margherita pizza and the chicken scallopini with white wine sauce, both of which were absolutely delicious. At the moment, they do not have their wine license finalized, though wine is listed on the menu. We were able to bring our own bottle with no corkage fee, which was a thoughtful touch. In the future, BYOB will have a $20 fee, which still makes for a great option. I also appreciated that they offer a gluten-sensitive menu, making it an easy choice for anyone with dietary needs. One note for returning guests: if you are expecting the old Café Italia’s larger American-style portions, you may be disappointed. The new Café Italia serves true European portion sizes, which are more appropriate for dietary and nutritional needs. If you arrive hungry, plan to order a meal per person. This wasn’t an issue for my husband and me, but it’s good to know in advance. Overall, the new Café Italia is a delightful addition back into the Riverview community, and we are excited to return. Ricky and Mela are doing a fantastic job, and this is a place worth supporting!

This was a hidden gem. I had the Chicken Parmigian and my wife has the (gluten free) chicken cordon bleu. Portions were enormous and dishes were customized to our liking. The bread was tasty as was the bruschetta. I finished with Tiramisu. No carbs, calories or gluten, too! (just kidding but totally worth it!) This will be a repeat when our kids come to visit from Miami.