DELIGHTFUL AND DELICIOUS: “We love being in Princeton. It’s been a great choice, and we love the location on Witherspoon Street. Everyone has been so welcoming and glad to see us. People have actually thanked us for being here, Some of our customers are even coming in every other day.” Lynne Weshner, owner of Delizioso Bakery + Kitchen, is delighted with the warm welcome she and the new cafe have received, and she looks forward to meeting many more customers.

By Jean Stratton

Eating out has never been more fun in Princeton. Choices are everywhere. Opportunities to please the palate and tempt the tastebuds are offered by restaurants, eateries, and cafes all over town.

One of the newest and most popular is Delizioso Bakery + Kitchen, located at 205 Witherspoon Street. Opened in June, it already has a loyal and growing following. These customers don’t miss a chance to stop in for a quick bite or lengthier visit.

Offering indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and catering, it specializes in an inviting combination of breakfast and lunch choices, including pizza, and a tempting assortment of baked items. Both savory and sweet treats are on hand to please every taste.

“Everything is prepared and cooked on the premises,” says owner Lynne Weshner. “We serve a little of everything, and it is all made to order with the freshest ingredients. We offer healthy, basic food, but take it up a notch with our special recipes and presentation.”

Intriguing Invitation

The bakery and kitchen/cafe’s name alone is an intriguing invitation to sample what’s inside.

“Delizioso” in Italian translates to delicious or delightful, explains Weshner, “and we just really liked the name. We do have some Italian choices, including Roman pizza (pie or slice), and the name definitely draws people in.”

And once they come, they are sure to return, she adds. “We have many repeat customers already, and they come often. One customer comes every other day. And in addition to all the Princeton and area customers, we have people from farther away. One couple from Westchester County, New York, comes every Monday.”

Princeton fans abound, including Mary Vasselli, a neighborhood resident, who is a frequent patron. “We were so glad to hear that there was a new cafe in the neighborhood,” she says. “The food is great, and the people are so nice and so hard working. I especially love the Mamma Mia sandwich, and the coffee is terrific.

“Now, my friends come in too. People really wanted to come out and be together after COVID. We needed that connection, and this is just the right combination.”

Any Style

Customers are coming in all day long, starting early for breakfast, reports Weshner. “Everything is available throughout the day. You can have breakfast for lunch or lunch for breakfast!            

“Some of our most popular breakfast choices are two eggs any style, served with our signature home fries with special seasoning, and artisan bread of your choice. Avocado toast is another favorite, with ciabatta bread and freshly sliced avocado, topped with bruschetta and served with any style eggs.”

“Among our most asked for breakfast specialties are the Delizioso signature pancakes,” she adds. “Nutella, cannoli, or plain, they are a big hit.”

Lunch choices include a variety of salads and sandwiches, both open-face and traditional, as well as pizza.

“The blueberry open face sandwich features fresh blueberry spread, goat cheese, and basil, served with our house salad,” says Weshner. “Another open face favorite is fresh spinach, with mozzarella and ricotta, roasted pepper spread, served with our house salad.”

Two popular traditional sandwiches are the Mamma Mia, with fried chicken, arugula, roasted peppers. prosciutto, and basil pesto spread, served with french fries, and the Smash sandwich, which is indeed smashing! Grilled chicken, bacon, cheese, and guacamole spread, served with french fries make this a fan favorite.

Like everything else at Delizioso, the salads are made daily, and include the Mediterranean-style chickpea salad with red onions, cucumber, Kalamata olives, peppers, and feta cheese. The arugula salad features red onions, grape tomatoes, chopped prosciutto, and black olives with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Kids’ Menu

Customers all comment on the generous portions, notes Weshner. “The only complaint we have received is that the portions are too big!”

A Kids’ Menu is also available, with chicken fingers and french fries, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Roman pizza, and Mac-N-Cheese Bites among the choices. All include a dessert treat and water bottle.

Speaking of dessert treats — they are almost too good to be true! All homemade, specialties include croissants, muffins, donuts, tortes, eclairs, cookies, cupcakes, rugelach, and more. Bagels are also a favorite, as is the unique “cragel,” the special weekend treat, with a bagel surrounded by a croissant. Full-size pies and custom cakes can also be ordered.

Delizioso’s coffee has many fans. Whether it is regular drip, espresso, cappuccino. latte, or a special flavor, everyone wants a second cup.

Cold brewed tea (hot and iced), and Chai, juices, and bottled water are also available.

Catering is another service, reports Weshner. “We cater all sizes and styles of events, and we have already had residential customers, Princeton University, and others, including one event for 150 people. In addition, we will have special pies for the holidays.”

Outdoor Tables

Prices at Delizioso start at $2.50 for coffee, $10.95 for breakfast and lunch, and pizza at $5.95 a slice. Kids’ Menu choices are $8.95.

Currently, the cafe can seat more than 30 people, including several outdoor tables. All the COVID-19 sanitary and safety
precautions are carefully followed, with constant cleaning of the space, and hand sanitizers available for customers.

Weshner wants everyone to know that Delizioso is here to stay.

“We could not be happier. People came right from the very beginning, and it has exceeded our expectations. I always wanted to have my own business, and now I get to oversee everything with my great staff and my partners. We are really a family here, and we want our customers to be part of that family.

“I love being here. I love to come in every day, and I love everything about it. I’m a people person, and I love meeting the customers, getting to know them, and seeing smiles on their faces. They have really embraced us. We truly want to be part of the community here, and give back to the community. This is a dream come true!”

Delizioso Bakery + Kitchen is open seven days: Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (609) 921-2233. Website: deliziosobakerykitchen.com.