Taste of the Town: Cafe added to sweet spot — Il Giardino del Dolce

Attractively set in the First Street development project overlooking the west bank of the Fox River in St. Charles, Il Giardino del Dolce brings Southern Italian recipes to Kane County.

Elena Pizzoferrato, who operates the venture with her sister, Angela Ventrella, added the cafe on to the existing bakery. The Ventrella family’s first bakery is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Chicago. Adding a restaurant is a first, say the sisters, and the goal has been to create an old-fashioned Italian cafe. Catering and carry-out also are offered.

Jan Ortberg of Bartlett (left) and Lorraine Degidio of Geneva look over some of the desserts available at Il Giardino del Dolce, which also features a variety of Italian sandwiches and pizza. STAFF PHOTOS BY ERICA BENSON

Among their grandmother’s recipes are pizza and focaccia for sandwiches.

“We just expanded and doubled the space,” Pizzoferrato says, noting a second and larger kitchen is part of the design.

Also growing is their array of creamy gelato flavors, available year-round. Specialty coffees complement the expansive offering of baked goods, incorporating numerous Italian favorites. Fruit-shaped marzipan creations befit the garden of delights imagery.

“I come here every Thursday for a panini,” says Molly Schrader of Batavia, who works in St. Charles. “And they’re wonderful. It’s great to have an additional place to eat in downtown St. Charles.”

Large windows let the view and sunlight into the high-ceilinged space, where tables and chairs in dark wood contrast with the earth-toned walls and ceramic floor tiles.

Pizzoferrato says they are working hard to share their authentic family traditions, serving “what we eat at home.”

RESTAURANT Il Giardino del Dolce
ADDRESS 131 S. First St., St. Charles
HOURS 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday
CONTACT (630) 443-2497; www.ilgiardinodeldolce.com

WHAT TO TRY

ITEM Tomato focaccia
PRICE $12 whole, $6 half order

ITEM Lobster tail pastry with French cream
PRICE $2.50

ITEM Caprese panini
PRICE $4.95