Right in the heart of Pensacola, Florida, you can find Bonelli’s Café Italia, a quaint family-owned Italian eatery awaiting your arrival. From the second you walk through the doors, you will feel like an important part of the family. A warm welcome and comfortable seating always set the stage for a truly delightful dining experience. And you can trust that the quality service will continue through your entire meal. You could even get a visit from the owner himself as you wait for your food to be cooked from scratch.
On their menu, you will find page after page of dishes created using time-honored family recipes. Many are even named after their creators to give you a glimpse into their long line of culinary marvels. Whether you are in the mood for the classics, like chicken parmesan, or something a little lighter, they simply have it all. They serve each dish up in huge portions, so you will have to come back again and again to try them all.
To round out your meal, you can order from their robust wine menu at your leisure. If you cannot settle on a bottle of wine, you can ask for samples to find your favorite variety. Once you pin down the best option, you can order by the glass or the bottle.
Fan favorites on their menu include:
Sali’s Saucy Shrimp
Start your meal off right with Sali’s Saucy Shrimp to enjoy all your favorite flavors in every bite. This appetizer comes with shrimp sautéed in olive oil and butter alongside spicy tomatoes, kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts. Sal’s red sauce goes over the top along with a dash of feta cheese to finish off their dish in style.
Joey’s Baked Ravioli
Everyone comes from far and wide to nosh on Joey’s Baked Ravioli. This iconic dish starts with four cheese ravioli dunked in a zesty red sauce. Then, they add mozzarella and parmesan cheese by the handful and bake it until bubbling and golden brown. Before serving, they dust it all with another generous helping of cheese.
I Know It Was You, Alfredo
The I Know It Was You Alfredo features Grandpa Giuseppe’s classic alfredo sauce made with pork and a variety of top-secret ingredients. They pour this amazing sauce right over the top of rigatoni or angel hair pasta of your choice or you can sub out ravioli for an extra charge. Although it is perfect on its own, you can pay a bit more to add meatballs, chicken, sausage, or shrimp to the mix.
If you cannot come by for anything else, definitely take the time to sit down for a decadent dessert. At the end of their amazing menu, they have everything from mini cannoli to tiramisu. They even have homemade gelato in a ton of different flavors. If gluten-free is the way to be, then you are still in luck. Darlene’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake promises to delight your taste buds with its rich flavors. And it comes with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean gelato.
Insider Tips:
– Their seating is quite limited, so make sure you have a spot by calling ahead for reservations.
– Although it looks like a high-end restaurant, they do not have a dress code.
– Come in each Wednesday for 50% off all the wines they sell by the glass.
– If you want the space all to yourself, you can reserve their B-side restaurant for private events. They also offer catering services for all your special occasions.