The Family Behind the Kitchen
Welcome to Bellagamba’s Fine Italian Restaurant, named in honor of our ancestors. Our family-owned establishment embraces the tradition of Italian-style home cooking, a cornerstone of our family for generations. Inspired by the meals that brought us together every Sunday, our dishes are based on recipes lovingly passed down from our grandparents.
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Our journey began in Ferrara and Rome, Italy, where we established our foundation in hospitality with three restaurants and bars. Over time, many family members moved to Venezuela, and eventually, our branch joined them. We continued our Italian traditions by opening three more restaurants and sharing our dishes with a new audience.
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Due to safety concerns, we later relocated to the United States. While this meant leaving behind a cherished part of our identity, the experience was transformative. After adapting to our new surroundings, we opened a coffee shop in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and then acquired a restaurant on Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. Managing these establishments offered invaluable insights into the American dining scene and taught us how to navigate the complexities of running a business in a new country.
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From those early years of navigating a new market, we finally opened Bellagamba’s Fine Italian, a family-operated restaurant. This establishment is a deeply personal and heartfelt endeavor, as it is fully managed by our family. Every detail is meticulously planned with love and care, reflecting our commitment to providing excellent food in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Our goal is to make you feel like part of our family, enjoying the comfort and warmth of our home.
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The Minoprio family, who have always been behind the scenes in the restaurant world as food critics and enthusiasts, especially in Italian cuisine, were an integral part of this major project. We welcomed the Minoprio family, who are dear to us and have been an integral part of our lives. Though not related by blood, our bond is as strong as family. It began with Cathy Bellagamba and Klaus Minoprio, who met in elementary school and have remained close ever since. Their spouses, Davide Bellagamba and Alejandra Minoprio, joined this circle, deepening our unity. Our children—Massimiliano Bellagamba, Ale Bellagamba, and Gabrielle Minoprio—grew up together as close cousins, sharing many milestones and strengthening our connection even further.
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To provide insight into our menu, our Pork Shank is a cherished family tradition and a Bellagamba specialty, especially during the holidays. This dish is slow cooked for 14 hours the day before by all family members, infused with Italian herbs and Cabernet wine, and finished with a Balsamic Honey reduction. It captures the warmth and comfort of our family gatherings, with the inviting aromas of Italian spices filling our home.
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Another specialty close to our hearts is our Spaghetti alle Vongole. Reflecting our coastal heritage, where much of our family resides along Italy’s beautiful beaches, this dish features the fresh, vibrant flavors of our seaside roots.
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For dessert, we honor Luisa Bellagamba with her beloved Tiramisu, a family favorite known for its rich flavors and the love she infused into every bite. Each slice of Tiramisu carries the comfort and affection she brought to our family table, embodying a tradition of heartfelt cooking.
We invite you to join us and experience the warmth and tradition of our family recipes. Each dish tells a story of love, family history, and the joy of sharing a meal together.
Welcome to our family table. Sincerely, The Bellagamba Team.