Italian dining is all about the experience. Instead of rushing through your meal and darting out the door, the culture's cuisine emphasizes the act of savoring. And diners are sure savor each moment at Loveria Caffe.
The upscale bistro in Colleyville offers beautiful aesthetics and a warm environment to its patrons, on top of its delectable dishes. Both the interior design and the dishes sweep patrons away to Emilia-Romagna. And that authentic spirit comes from the co-owners and executive chef, who moved directly from this Italian region to North Texas to open the restaurant of their dreams.
“We provide fresh food that's prepared from scratch daily,” co-owner Stefania Bertozzi says. “[Loveria Caffe] is an introduction into our culture, our history.”
Those northern Italian influences and passion for food are obvious in their multi-course, seasonal menu. Instead of settling on one entrée, Loveria makes it easy to build your own five-course meal with their selections. Start out by sharing the Bruschetta Mista, Italian crostini served with an assortment of toppings: fresh pesto sauce, Pecorino Romano and virgin olive oil; garlic, tomato, basil, capers, salt and pepper; and their signature ragu alla Bolognese sauce. Then dive into their colorful Caprese Salad before moving onto your two main dishes.
You can't pass on their delectable pasta dishes. Lean into your cheesy cravings with their Cappelletti Cacio e Pepe topped with a Cialda di Parmigiano. The bite of texture makes the silky smooth cheese sauce that much more indulgent. And the handmade egg pasta is rich and light all at the same time. It's picturesque presentation would make it hard to dive in, but it's intoxicating aroma is just too irresistible to resist.
“When you put the plate down, you look, then you smell and then you taste, so it's important that the plate is nice,” head chef Michele Ragazzini says.
To keep the fresh vibes going, order the Filetto di Pesce for your main course. It's served with a caramelized onion reduction and white wine sauce and topped with a capper powder, leaving the plate looking just as good as it tastes. The fish is put in a hot pan to crisp up the skin, enhancing the protein's natural flavors and adding a nice crunch to the flakey meat. Pair it with a refreshing pinot grigio and get ready to lose yourself in the food.
If you gravitate toward red wine instead of white, don't worry – there are still plenty of Italian options to choose from. The bistro has more than 60 labels with new selections coming into the restaurant constantly. Loveria Caffe's team wants both newcomers and regulars to have different opportunities when dining in.
If somehow you still have room for dessert, round out your meal with the Tortino al Ciccolato con latte Carmellato, a chocolate cake made with garbanzo and fava bean flour topped with a mouthwatering caramel cream sauce. It's also one of the restaurant's many gluten-free options available, so everyone can find something to wholeheartedly enjoy.
Despite the sophisticated ambiance that gives the eatery its classic charm, the leadership team has not always been involved in restaurants. Chef Michele was a pharmacist in Italy while Andrea and Stefania, the husband-and-wife co-owners, were architects. But their hunger for great food drove them to America and to the culinary industry.
“We had our jobs in Italy, but we left to follow a passion,” chef Michele says. “I changed my life to follow my love of cooking. People feel that passion, and it adds value to what we do.”
And their previous background shines with the restaurant's décor. Loveria Caffe displays beautiful books, furniture and home pieces throughout the space, all of which come from Italian vendors. Even the floors are imported from Italy.
“We wanted to offer more than just food,” Stefania says. “We are combining our passions for food and interiors.”
Whether you are looking for a new place to enjoy a cappuccino or an authentic Italian four-course meal, Loveria Caffe offers something unique to the community. And once you dine in, you will feel like a welcome part of the family.
“People come back because they feel like they are home here,” chef Michele says. “They can experience the real Italian food in a real Italian environment.”
LOVERIA CAFFE
5615 Colleyville Blvd, Suite 410
Colleyville
817.893.5880
LoveriaCaffe.com