L’Antica da Michele—the Naples-birthed concept that opened its first Long Beach location at the beginning of 2024—has officially opened its Antica Cafe concept. From classic Italian espresso to sandwiches made from the famed dough they use for their pizzas, the concept is a full-circle moment for owner Francesco Zimone, who had attempted to have a cafe attached to the restaurant but ultimately wasn’t able to make it work.
Until now.
“We tried to do the cafe concept in the beginning but it simply didn’t work out—and we basically became just a dinner destination with a so-so lunch crowd,” Francesco said. “The cafe concept had been let go of, forgotten. But then, an opportunity dropped into our laps that—listen, I have restaurants in New York, L.A., Santa Barbara… And I assure you, what happened could only have happened in Long Beach.”
Even more, Francesco holds plans to make the Long Beach location of the pizzeria owned solely by locals. He will begin selling off the shares of outsiders in order to provide them to Long Beach residents as their own investment.
How former Aroma di Roma staff members sent L’Antica an offer they couldn’t refuse.
After Aroma di Roma, the long-loved Italian coffee shop and eatery across the street, announced it would be closing its Belmont Shore location and transferring the lease over to CoffeeDrunk, many were taken by surprise. Including Francesco.
“We know how much places like Aroma have meant to Belmont Shore,” Francesco said. “They’re institutions, really. Pleaces like Aroma, Nick’s, and Open Sesame are more than restaurants; they’re part of the heartbeat of the community. When Aroma closed, we couldn’t believe it. Kurt [Schneiter, my landlord], Sheila [my wife] and I had started a few weeks before designing and building our idea to launch a cafe.”
And then, Long Beach serendipity. Francesco received a five-page proposal that wasn’t about recreating Aroma more than it was about integrating its existing patronage into L’Antica. The result? Antica Cafe, complete with former Aroma employees who wished to not move to the Downtown Aroma or stya with CoffeeDrunk, and a brand new interpretation of one of Belmont Shore’s most gorgeous spaces. Now, from 6:45AM to 9AM Sunday through Thursday and 6:45AM to 11AM on Fridays and Saturdays, Antica Cafe offers what Francesco has always wanted.
“Our coffee is not second- or third-wave; it’s Italian,” he said proudly. “Our menu has something for everyone, whether they want light or to be fed properly. Eventually, we will host a market on the patio. But until then, come with your laptop, work as needed, enjoy the space.
A look into some of the morning offerings at Antica Cafe…
Joining an array of croissants, muffins, lattes are…
Turkey Melt Panino: Turkey breast | provolone | bacon | aioli
Chia Pudding: Greek yogurt | chia seeds | honey | seasonal fruit | granola
Breakfast Croissant: Scrambled eggs | avocado | parmesan | roasted tomato
Avocado Toast: Avocado | olive oil | tomato| basil | garlic | toasted sourdough
Belgian Waffle: Maple syrup | butter | powdered sugar
IL Padrino Panino: Prosciutto | ham | capocollo | mortadella | spicy salami | provolone | aioli
Fruit and Greek Yogurt Bowl: Greek yogurt | berries | fresh fig | granola
IL Classico Italiano Panino: Ham | provolone | tomato | lettuce | aioli
Mediterranean Grain Bowl: Grilled chicken | avocado | farro | brown rice mix | romaine | tomatoes | green olives | cheese
Bagel: Cream cheese -or- avocado
Antica Cafe is located at 4621 E. 2nd St.
