A high school kid once took a job at a small bakery. Decades later, that same kid owns the whole operation.
The founder liked him so much that he sent him to pastry school. That bet paid off in sfogliatelle, cannoli, lobster tails, and a cake case that could tempt a saint.
I love a story where the student becomes the keeper of the recipes.
The New Jersey spot behind this story now runs as a full cafe, too. Breakfast lasagna sits on the same menu as Nutella crepes and personal square pan pizzas.
I can’t imagine a better excuse to skip a boring bowl of cereal.
It also stays open every single day of the year. So the real question isn’t whether you should go.
It’s which pastry gets your first bite?
A Pastry Shop Born In 1949 Is Still Turning Out Cannoli
Bovella’s Bakery Cafe started with one man and a dream back in 1949. Michael Bove opened his first shop in Plainfield, New Jersey.
That’s more than 75 years of flour, sugar, and early mornings. Plenty of businesses never make it past five years, so that number deserves a little applause.
The shop moved to Westfield in 1978. Families kept coming back for birthday cakes, holiday cookies, and Sunday treats.
Then the story took a sweet turn. A high school student named Ralph Bencivenga started working at the bakery.
Bove saw something special in him. He became Bove’s protégé and was even sent to pastry school to sharpen his skills.
In 2006, Ralph took over the business for good. Talk about the ultimate job promotion.
The Mountainside location grew out of that original shoppe. It carries the same goal of real culinary artistry that started decades ago.
I like knowing the person running things learned from the founder directly. That kind of handoff keeps traditions alive in a way no recipe card ever could.
Good Luck Choosing Just One From The Mini Pastry Lineup
Mini pastries solve a very real problem. You want everything, but you only have one stomach.
The small lineup here reads like an Italian bakery greatest hits album. Think sfogliatelle, cannoli, eclairs, cream puffs, and lobster tails.
Then come the squares. Carrot cake, tiramisu, Nutella, and rainbow squares all share the spotlight.
A mixed tray makes a smart move for parties. Guests can grab two or three without committing to one giant dessert.
Feeling bolder? Large versions of sfogliatelle and cannoli are available, too.
The big lineup also includes napoleons, cupcakes, and Oreo Mousse Bombs. That last name alone sounds like a dessert with a superhero cape.
Everything is made from scratch on the premises. That matters, because fresh pastry cream and crisp shells are what make these classics shine.
My advice is simple. Pick one item you already love and one you’ve never tried.
That way, you get comfort and adventure in the same box. And if the box somehow empties before you get home, nobody needs to know.
Breakfast Lasagna Is Real And It Wants Your Attention
Lasagna for breakfast sounds like something a kid would invent. At this cafe, it’s a signature dish.
Breakfast Lasagna shares the menu with a Truffle Frittata. Both prove that morning food doesn’t have to be plain.
The rest of the breakfast menu goes in a lot of fun directions. Lemon ricotta pancakes, chicken and waffles, and steak and eggs all make an appearance.
Prefer something fresher? Acai bowls, pitaya bowls, and coconut bowls bring bright color to the table.
Avocado toast and avocado Benedict cover the trendy brunch crowd. Short rib skillet and customizable frittatas handle the hearty eaters.
And yes, this is New Jersey. So there’s a Jersey Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich waiting for you.
French toast made with challah bread is another popular pick. Thick bread like that soaks up flavor beautifully.
The best part is sharing. Order one sweet plate and one savory plate for the table.
Nutella crepes on one side and a frittata on the other feels like a fair deal. Everyone wins, and nobody has to choose.
Lunch Gets Personal With Square Pan Pizzas
Bakeries know dough better than anyone. So it makes perfect sense that Bovella’s Bakery Cafe serves personal square pan pizzas.
The pizza menu includes Bovella’s Pizza, Brooklyn Pizza, and a Truffle version. There’s even a Breakfast Pizza for anyone who can’t wait until noon.
A personal size works great for solo lunches. You get your own pie without fighting anyone over the last slice.
Salads give you lighter choices. The lineup includes the Bovella Salad, Caesar Salad, Ferraro Salad, and Turkey Cobb Salad.
Sandwich fans have options, too. A tuna melt, a turkey avocado wrap, and a turkey and Brie croissant sandwich keep things interesting.
That croissant sandwich feels especially fitting. A bakery that makes its own pastries knows its way around buttery layers.
Soups round out the savory side of the menu. They make a cozy partner for a sandwich on a chilly New Jersey afternoon.
Here’s a smart plan. Grab a savory lunch first, then visit the pastry case for dessert.
Technically, that’s a balanced meal. At least, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Your Sweet Tooth Can Also Drink Its Dessert
Peanut Butter Rush might be the most exciting name on any drink menu. It belongs to a lineup of signature shakes at this cafe.
Chocolate Crunch, Cookies N’ Cream, and Nutella Delight Shakes join the party. Plain vanilla and chocolate milkshakes stay on hand for classic fans.
Coffee lovers have a full menu to explore. Espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos are all available.
Iced coffee options keep things cool when the weather heats up. Hot chocolate and hot or iced teas cover everyone else.
Freshly squeezed juices and refreshers bring a brighter choice. They pair nicely with a breakfast bowl or a slice of avocado toast.
The Mountainside location also serves ice cream and gelato. That gives this spot serious summer appeal.
A cappuccino with a sfogliatella is a classic Italian combo. The bitter coffee balances the sweet, flaky pastry.
Kids will likely aim straight for the shakes. Honestly, adults might too.
Nobody has to know that the Nutella Delight was technically your second dessert. Your secret stays safe with me.
Cake Cases Here Could Make Decision-Making Very Hard
Cannoli Cake might be the smartest invention in dessert history. It takes a beloved pastry and turns it into something you can slice for a crowd.
That’s just one of the standard cakes at Bovella’s Bakery Cafe. Rum cake, carrot cake, and strawberry shortcake are on the list, too.
Chocolate fans get Chocolate Mousse Cake and Oreo Cake. Nutella Cake and red velvet are there for anyone craving something rich.
Tiramisu also makes the lineup. It’s a classic Italian favorite that fits right in with this bakery’s roots.
Standard cakes are handy for last-minute plans. A surprise birthday or a family dinner suddenly feels a lot more festive.
The cookie selection keeps going after the cakes. Pignoli cookies, butter cookies with raspberry filling, and rugelach all have a spot.
Rainbow cookies and challah are other popular items here. That’s a pretty wide range for one bakery.
My tip? Bring a cookie tray to any gathering where you’re the guest.
It’s a polite gesture that quietly makes you everyone’s favorite person. Strategy has never tasted better.
Dream Cakes Start With A Simple Conversation
Wedding cakes carry a lot of pressure. They need to look stunning and taste even better.
Custom cakes are a big part of what this bakery does. The team holds consultations to help bring your design ideas to life.
That works for weddings, engagement parties, birthdays, and showers. You share the vision, and the bakers turn it into frosting and layers.
Planning ahead is always wise for custom work. Reach out early so you have time to talk through flavors, sizes, and decorations.
Bring photos if you have them. Pictures help explain a style faster than words ever could.
Think about your guest count before you call. That makes it easier to figure out the right size.
Flavor matters as much as looks. With options like cannoli cake and red velvet already on the menu, there’s plenty to inspire you.
A custom cake from a New Jersey bakery with 75 years behind it carries real meaning. You’re adding your celebration to a long family-style tradition.
Somewhere in that history, someone else had a big day just like yours. That’s kind of lovely.
Parties And Faraway Friends Can Get In On The Treats
Hosting a party takes plenty of work already. Dessert shouldn’t add stress to the list.
Bovella’s provides catering for off-premise private parties. Delivery options are available, which saves you a trip.
Picture fewer errands on party day. That leaves more time for decorations, games, or simply catching your breath.
Have friends or family who moved away? Nationwide shipping is offered for select products, including mixed cookies.
That makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays or holidays. A box of cookies from home can mean a lot to someone far from New Jersey.
Holidays bring something extra, too. Around Thanksgiving, the bakery features seasonal goodies and themed treats.
Festive desserts make easy hostess gifts. They also take one dish off your to-do list during a busy season.
Shipping is also a nice option for college students. Few things cheer up a dorm room like a surprise cookie box.
Just be warned. Once you send one box, people might start expecting it every year.
I’d call that a delicious problem to have. Traditions have to start somewhere, after all.
Every Day Of The Year Works For A Visit Here
Closed signs won’t ruin your plans at this bakery. It serves customers seven days a week, 365 days a year.
You’ll find it at 1085 US-22, Mountainside, NJ 07092. Its spot on Route 22 makes it an easy stop during a drive.
Hours generally start at 8 AM daily. Most evenings run until 8 PM, while Sundays and Mondays close at 7 PM.
Inside, bakery cases show off a huge spread of fresh goods. The setup blends a full bakery with a sit-down cafe.
Outdoor seating is another option at this location. It’s a pleasant choice on a nice New Jersey morning.
Families and groups are welcome here. That makes it handy for birthday brunches or a weekend catch-up with friends.
Parking can get busy on popular weekends. Arriving a little earlier is a smart way to plan ahead.
Bovella’s Bakery Cafe proves that a tradition can keep growing. It started as a small pastry shop and became a full cafe.
After more than 75 years, the cannoli are still waiting. Go say hello.
