Born in Napoli but based in Boca, Cultura Southern Italian Cafe brings Southern Italian staples to South Florida. On Nov. 14, the cafe opened its doors, filling the space with the aroma of fresh focaccia and house-made Margherita pizza. Inside, glass counters display Italian pastries, cakes and crepes, all paired with espresso-based coffees.
Run by chef Giovanni Maggio and his wife, Mia, Cultura is a culmination of heritage, skill and passion. A sixth-generation chef, Giovanni began his career in his family’s kitchen in Naples before earning a culinary degree and working in his family’s catering business. Now, he’s bringing those traditions to Boca.
“Boca is a community that appreciates quality, family, authenticity and good food,” Mia says. “Everything is done the way Gianni was taught in Napoli; no shortcuts, no Americanized versions, no rushing the process.”
Along with coffee inspired by sweet Italian flavors like pistachio and tiramisu, tempting smoothies add to the morning menu — including flavors like Fragola Glaze made with mascarpone, Capri Blu with spirulina for its signature blue hue, Tramonto and Amalfi Lemon.
“The flavors and colors are inspired by The Amalfi Coast, Capri, Mediterranean fruit and Italian summers,” Mia notes. “They’re Cultura’s little twist; Italian soul with Boca energy.”
At 11 a.m., the menu shifts to savory fare: Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas, paninis, focaccia sandwiches and salads. Imported Italian flours, high-quality ingredients and long-fermented dough add to the Italian authenticity.
The slow-fermented dough is the heart of Cultura’s cooking. Along with creating a more complex flavor, the process makes the dough lighter and easier to digest. Giovanni hand-stretches the dough by “all instinct and feel,” Mia adds.
“Cultura is more than a café for us. It’s our family’s story,” she says. “When people walk in, we want them to feel like they stepped into our home in Napoli … Gianni cooks with the same heart he cooks with for our family.”
Giovanni’s favorites include anything featuring the housemade porchetta — available as a sandwich or on pizza. Mia recommends the Prosciutto e Mozzarella focaccia sandwich or Carciofi e Capocollo pizza.
Cultura Southern Italian Cafe is located at 801 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-576-3089 or visit eatatcultura.com.
Dining and Cooking