I grew up in a time and place that, to me, was magical. I am a granddaughter of Italian Immigrants who came to the country for a beautiful life. My grandmothers were sisters and we have experienced a life of love for family and a passion for food. We were not rich in the monetary sense but we were rich with family and tradition. Shopping, cooking and sharing were such a memorable experience. Little Italy of Manhattan was an immigrant area with old world specialty shops. The butcher, the baker, the cheese shop, the pasta maker and those wonderful pushcarts of the freshest fruits and vegetables available.

It was a time when family and food were all we had. When our doors were always open and always an extra seat at the table for anyone who may stop by. My mother fed me and anyone else who came to our door.

This is how I, Josephine Matra was raised and why I grew into the woman I am today, immersed in tradition, family love and a passion for food.  

Times have changed, I am a mother and an Interior Designer/Decorator still residing in Little Italy.  What has not changed is my love of family and my passion for food

The world changed in 2020/21/22 forcing us to reinvent ourselves. I thought of a thrift shop which soon became a cheese shop and then I reminisced. I cannot shop like we did when we were younger at specialty shops where everyone knew your mom and greeted her by name. Decision made, we would bring this beautiful, shopping experience to Mahopac.

We tried and tested cheeses, breads, olive oils, cured meats and bakery items and chose only the best to offer at our newly created  ” Bella Cucina, an Italian Specialty Food Boutique” 

Bella Cucina offers cured meats and cheeses imported from Italy along with fresh ricotta, mozzarella, burrata and ravioli from DiPalo’s. We offer the Tuscan specialties of Cantucci and La Secca from Prato Bakery.  We have an olive oil/vinegar tasting bar featuring 18 year old balsamic vinegar and
extra virgin olive oil. Fresh filled Cannoli and fresh baked Sfogliatelle from The Cannoli King/Cafe Palermo. The deliciousness of Eileen’s Special CheeseCakes in various flavors.  Artisan and Specialty breads such as Mazzola’s Lard Bread along with Olive, Fig and Walnut, Soppresatta, Prosciutto, Focaccia, Ciabatta and a beautiful Bastone.  Condiments, Grocery Items and of course, amazing pastas imported from Italy

We are happy to prepare your sandwich of choice or any of our specialty sandwiches offering Meatball Sandwich on Tuesday and Eggplant Parmigiana on Friday.

Let us design and create your Charcuterie Board or Antipasto Platter. Pick your cheese and meats, bring your own platter or purchase one of ours. It will be fresh and fantastic.

Come in for a Gift Basket. Choose from our Themed Baskets or Pick and Pack, you pick, we pack. In your own basket or purchase one of ours.

Cookie Platters, Cannoli Chip and Dip, Seasonal Chocolates and Candies all available.  Have a request for a specialty item? Let us know, we will get it!

We are so happy and humbled to be part of the Mahopac Community which has welcomed us with open arms. Meeting all of our neighbors is just as exciting to us as sharing our magical upbringing and products.

Come in, say hello. We want to welcome you to our family

We are avid supporters of Cancer Research, Autism Awareness, Animal Rescue and People with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

“It is our mission to share with you our passion for food and family by bringing you magnificent Imported Italian Products. We look forward to serving our wonderful community and meeting you all”

–  Josephine (Jojo) Matra, Owner of Bella Cucina