Baffone Italian Bakery & Restaurant Casselberry

I recently had the chance to visit Baffone, a new Italian bakery and restaurant in Casselberry, twice shortly after their opening, and I'm glad I did. Open for about a month, Baffone already stands out for its inviting, straightforward approach: handmade pasta, pizza, and a creative selection of pastries and gelato—all made in-house.

Baffone operates as a bakery and all-day eatery, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed, bright space. Their menu spotlights Italian classics, but with the added bonus of their own breads, cakes, and gelato. Prices for plates of pasta are notably lower than the average at other Orlando-area Italian spots, especially for this quality; the pasta is made in house.

On my first visit, I started with the bruschetta, topped with pesto and mozzarella—a fresh, herbal mix over crusty bread, with melted cheese. My second visit, I opted for the bruschetta with zucchini and mozzarella. Both versions were simple, satisfying, and generously portioned.

For my entree, I went with the carbonara on my first visit: ribbons of pasta tossed with egg, pecorino, guanciale, and cracked pepper. The sauce was creamy and the pork was crisp, making for a solid, straightforward version of this Roman classic. On my return, I tried the sausage and mushroom pasta, housemade pasta with a hearty, savory combination of sausage and sautéed mushrooms, I enjoyed this one as well.

On both visits, the staff was welcoming. The owner is genuinely invested in the guests' experience, often present and available to chat. The team of young servers is friendly and eager to help.

Baffone is new but already has ambitious plans: the owners hope to expand soon into the space next door with a wine bar and fine dining room, including occasional live music. This expansion should bring even more depth to what’s already a noteworthy addition to the local dining scene.

We enjoyed our food, and for the price, it really can’t be beat. After all, you know a place is good if the silverware is golden.

Baffone – Autentico Italiano 

188 Sausalito Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707  

Located next to Planet Fitness

Hours:

Monday–Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  

Thursday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM  

Closed Sundays

Website: baffone.us  

Instagram: @baffone_italian

If you’re looking for housemade pasta, honest prices, and a neighborhood spot with friendly service, Baffone is worth a visit. Keep an eye out for their upcoming wine bar and special events!

Primo at JW Marriott Grande Lakes

I recently dined at Primo at JW Marriott Grande Lakes. Led by Chef Melissa Kelly, Primo has been part of the Orlando dining scene since 2003, when it opened as the resort’s signature dining venue. The space recently underwent a remodel, further elevating its atmosphere while maintaining its dedication to refined, locally inspired cuisine.

Chef Melissa Kelly is a two-time James Beard Award winner who started learning to cook in her Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Chef Kelly’s commitment to farm-to-table principles and sustainable sourcing was groundbreaking when Primo first opened, and it remains a defining characteristic of the restaurant today.

Primo specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern, seasonal approach. The menu highlights the freshest ingredients—many grown in the restaurant’s own organic garden and sourced from nearby purveyors.  House-made pastas, seafood, and rustic, comforting flavors inspired by southern Italy.

During my visit, I began with a simple amuse-bouche of watermelon salad. 

The next course was a brodo featuring a Parmesan-prosciutto broth with tender winter squash agnolotti. The broth was deeply flavorful and perfectly complemented the soft, pillowy ravioli. The squash was my favorite part, soft, creamy and a little sweet.

For my main course, I enjoyed the lobster pasta: Florida spiny lobster atop bucatini noodles, finished in a peppery cacio e pepe sauce. 

Throughout the meal, the service was attentive and professional. Primo at JW Marriott Grande Lakes is worth the journey, give it a try.

Ready to experience Primo yourself?

here’s everything you need to know:

Address:

Primo Restaurant

4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837

Phone: (407) 206-2300

Hours: Daily, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Website & Reservations:

primoJW.com

Reservations: OpenTable

Social Media:

Instagram: @@primoatgrandelakes

Facebook: PrimoJWOrlando

Parea Greek Taverna: A New Spot in Maitland

Parea Greek Taverna recently opened in Maitland, taking over the space that used to be Outpost Kitchen. Parea Greek Taverna is brought to Maitland by the same team behind the well-known Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine in Winter Park and Lake Nona. 

This restaurant brings traditional Greek food with a few modern touches, offering a menu full of options for anyone who enjoys Mediterranean flavors.

The Food and Drinks:

We started with the mezze appetizer, which had a good variety of small bites. The standout for me was the caviar dip—strong in flavor and a nice addition to the spread.

For the main course, I ordered the lamb chops, which were cooked well and had a great flavor. It was paired with the charred lemon and potatoes.

To finish the meal, I tried the baklava. It was larger than I expected and clearly made in-house. Unlike most baklava, it wasn’t overly sweet, which I appreciated.

The restaurant also has a creative cocktail menu. The drinks we tried were well-made and paired nicely with the meal.

Atmosphere and Service:

We sat at the bar, and the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, making it an easy place to enjoy a meal.

Pricing:

Prices at Parea are reasonable for the quality of the food. Appetizers run about $10–$15, and main courses are in the $25–$35 range. It’s a great spot for a casual night out or a special dinner.

Summary:

Parea Greek Taverna is a solid addition to Maitland’s dining scene. The food is well-prepared, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is welcoming. If you like Greek food, it’s worth checking out.

Reservations: Parea Greek Taverna

Address: 111 S Orlando Ave Suite A, Maitland, FL 32751

Hours:

Sun–Thurs: 4 PM–9 PM

Fri–Sat: 4 PM–10 PM

Melt Brownie Maitland has opened

Melt Brownie Maitland has opened inside the former Sourdough Bread House on the corner of 17-92 and Horatio.

This is their second location with the first one in Winter Springs on Red Bug by the Walmart.

Address: 110 N Orlando Ave Suite 1, Maitland, FL 32751

Hours: 10 AM

Phone: (407) 375-5592

Menu: meltbrownie.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themeltbrownie