Dining Review: Pane e Amore Italian Cafe - Bradenton Beach, Florida

February 2025

Dining Review: Pane e Amore Italian Cafe – Bradenton Beach, Florida

I may have found the best hidden gem on Anna Maria Island for an incredible meal. When I am searching through Google evaluating potential dining options, I am always looking at reviews both in the quality and quantity. So when I found Pane e Amore Italian Cafe at Bradenton Beach sitting with a perfect five star rating and under two hundred reviews, I had a suspicion this small cafe was the real deal.

Literally hidden in the back corner of a set of shops on Bridge Street, Pane e Amore Italian Cafe so it is even hard to stumble upon this spot. But the people that know it is here are definitely in on the secret as we heard locals pass by. I called ahead of time to make reservations to which I was told no need, just swing on by. When we arrived, we had our choice of seats of the six tables available. The menu is simple with a few appetizer options, sandwiches, and pastas – including a pasta of the day which is the chef’s choice and varies depending on what is in season.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread was brought to the table and we could not have been happier to see such a beautiful stack of dough. These were super tasty and indulged – just delightful!

Bruschetta Pomodoro e Burrata

When done correctly, bruschetta tastes like Italy. The combination of fresh tomatoes with cheese and balsamic creates a simple magic and this appetite does just that. Simple dish with perfect execution.

Lasagne di Carne

Reviews pointed to the lasagne as being a favorite on the menu. The chef makes this signature dish fresh each day. I have to say, this was the most unique presentation of lasagne we have seen as it is less structured than traditional lasagne but it was full of flavor – packed with cheese and bolognese sauce. We both enjoyed this dish and certainly would have loved to try every pasta on his menu.

Pasta del Giorno

The pasta of the day was squid ink pasta with various pieces of seafood in a cream sauce. Wow if I could have eaten this three more times in the sitting I would have. This dish was incredible and probably my favorite thing we ate on this trip. The cream sauce was just enough and not overpowering the seafood that was given the perfect opportunity to shine in this dish. If I lived here, I would have the chef’s number of speed dial for whenever he makes this special dish and I would readily show up here every time – it is that good.

Dessert

The meal was so fantastic that there was no way we could leave without trying dessert. And since the dessert list featured some “lighter” options, we ordered two to try – the tiramisu and the cannoli. You can tell both were homemade and both were delicious. I especially enjoyed the filling of the cannoli – not too sweet and it reminded us of Sicily.

During your trip to Anna Maria Island, when you are wandering Bridge Street, you must eat at Pane e Amore Italian Cafe. The owner is extremely kind and welcoming, and passionate about his cooking that he is sharing. It is wild to me that this little slice of heaven exists down this hallway of boutique shops. I can imagine once people discover this, they may need more tables but for now, enjoy this hidden gem and savory this delicious and authentic Italian cuisine.