Ornella Russo
Ornella Russo has loved Camp Hill’s small-town charm since moving to the midstate from Italy in 1999.
She visits often when she is not running Millennium Pizzeria in Dillsburg, and this fall began sharing her love language with the west shore area: food.
Bella Sicilia Bakery & Deli on Erford Road offers authentic Italian pastries, gelato and deli favorites. Since opening in October, the store has welcomed a steady stream of customers seeking a taste of Italy.
For Russo, Bella Sicilia is more than a business venture. It is an opportunity to connect to her roots and share her culture. She has visited her homeland often since moving to the area 26 years ago and loves the Italian tradition of enjoying pastries on Sunday before visiting family members.
Italians start every day with a sweet, she said, and Bella Sicilia has plenty of options filling its four-tiered pastry case, including cannoli, fruit tarts, eclairs, cookies, cake, beignets and more. All items are made daily in the store’s open kitchen, and customers are invited to peek inside to see the magic being created.
“I want to be an ambassador of my origin and mix passion, tradition and family,” Russo said.
Bella Sicilia offers a rotating selection of 12 in-house-made gelatos—a dense, decadent, frozen Italian dessert.
Heartier fare is available among the many sandwiches for sale in the store’s deli, made with imported Italian meats and cheeses and served on focaccia bread or semolina. Those wanting to experiment at home can purchase crudo, mortadella, salami, soppressata and other Italian deli items individually.
Bella Sicilia has only been open about two months, but it already expanded in November when it debuted its hot bar featuring dishes such as lasagna, pasta and chicken parmesan.
Authenticity is important to Russo, so Bella Sicilia imports as many ingredients as possible from Italy. Italians do not use many additives, such as high fructose corn syrup, so the many selections have a pure, rich taste. Also, consistency is key.
“Our offerings become comfort food for people,” she said. “They want to find the same taste.”
Russo started planning for Bella Sicilia in late 2024 and sent her son, Nicholas Faraone, on a two-week food tour of her homeland.
“I went to the best delis in Palermo,” he said. “It was a lot of fun for me.”
Russo and Faraone complement each other well. She focuses on the details.
“Italians eat with the eyes,” Russo said. “I want everything to be very close to perfect.”
Faraone’s passion is customer service. Those who visit the store for the first time may be overwhelmed by its many offerings, but he enjoys taking time to explain the food and its origin to them. He’s also likely to talk you into trying affogato, an Italian dessert combining espresso and gelato. He appreciates a symbiotic relationship with his customers and encourages them to share feedback.
The two also appreciate their employees, who take the time to understand Bella Sicilia’s offerings so they, too, can be ambassadors of Russo’s homeland.
Bella Sicilia has a few tables so customers can enjoy their selections cafe-style. To-go orders and delivery options are also popular, and catering is available for corporate or private functions.
Russo and Faraone appreciate the new friends they have made through Bella Sicilia and are excited to meet others wanting a taste of Italy on Erford Road.
Bella Sicilia is located at 79 Erford Rd., Camp Hill. For more information, visit www.bellasiciliapa.com.
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Dining and Cooking