In Melbourne, Florida, Bacco Wine Cafe stands as the area’s premier destination for authentic Italian cuisine. Since 2000, this family-owned establishment has been delighting locals with genuine flavors from Italy’s northwestern coastal region of Liguria. Owners Loris and Raffaella, who immigrated to the United States in 1999, have created a culinary haven that transports diners straight to the Italian Riviera through carefully crafted traditional dishes.
A Melbourne Culinary Landmark
For over two decades, Bacco has distinguished itself as Melbourne’s first and only authentic Italian restaurant offering the true taste of regional Italian cooking. The charming cafe has become a cornerstone of the local culinary landscape, bringing a slice of Mediterranean heritage to Central Florida. Their commitment to genuine Italian cuisine has made them beloved figures in Melbourne’s growing food scene, where diners seeking authentic international flavors know they’ll find something special at Bacco.
Raffaella’s Culinary Journey
Behind every exceptional dish at Bacco Wine Cafe is Raffaella’s remarkable 30-year culinary journey that began in a humble kitchen in Liguria. Her cooking education wasn’t found in prestigious culinary schools but through the timeless tradition of generational knowledge transfer—recipes lovingly passed down from mothers to daughters across decades. This authentic apprenticeship in family kitchens equipped Raffaella with techniques and flavor profiles that can’t be replicated through formal training alone.
The Taste of Liguria
The restaurant’s menu showcases the distinctive characteristics of Ligurian cuisine, known for its emphasis on fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and the region’s famed olive oil. Every dish reflects Bacco’s unwavering philosophy that exceptional meals require three essential elements: fresh, high-quality ingredients, time-honored recipes, and genuine passion for the culinary arts. This commitment to authenticity means diners experience true Italian Riviera cuisine rather than Americanized interpretations, making Bacco a cultural ambassador as much as a restaurant.
