By Karen Talbot

April 15, 2026: Giuseppe Fanelli, formerly the Chef at Tredici Social in Bronxville, has recently opened Cafe Nelo.  Cafe Nelo is located at 102 Kraft Avenue, which is a few doors down from the Bronxville movie theatre, making it perfect for a night of dinner and a movie!  The phone number for Cafe Nelo is 914-779-7777.

Cafe Nelo is cheerful and modern with neutral colors, lots of white, and pops of orange accents.  It is small and cozy with only ten tables and a small bar that seats five people. Reservations are highly recommended.

At Cafe Nelo, Chef Fanelli incorporates creativity into his menu. Our dinner started with warm, tasty rolls, served with garlic-infused olive oil. Next from "Antipasti" was the best Arancini that I have ever eaten, with carnaroli rice, wild mushrooms, pistachio crema, and topped with aged pecorino. This dish is a burst of flavor inside a crispy coating of breadcrumbs. Another popular starter is the "Meatballs for the Ages," consisting of prime aged beef and pork, aged pecorino, and Spanish sherry with a natural reduction.

Next came a refreshing Pear & Manchego salad from "Insalate," which was served with julienned pear. I would have preferred actual pieces of pear, as it was the main focus of the salad.

From "Mains," the Shrimp Scampi was delicious with plump shrimp, lemon, tomato, and garlic confit over pork fried rice.  This dish was a perfect example of the global flavors on display. Executive Chef Giuseppe is proud of his "Deconstructed Wellington," with prime filet, mushroom duxelles, and prosciutto, topped with puff pastry.

Pasta is a must here, and I highly recommend the "Bucatini Carbonara" with guanciale, pancetta, spring peas, and caramelized onions.  Another pasta to try is "Twisted Sister," with fusilli pasta, jumbo shrimp, blistered tomatoes, charred scallions, pesto, feta cheese, and arugula.

Pizza is also on the menu with choices of Classic, Tomato, Pepperoni, and Carbonara.

For dessert, we had noteworthy Tiramisu and Nutella Bread Pudding.

For drinks, they offer signature cocktails and wine by the glass, priced from $13 to $16 and by the bottle from $40 to $60.  The Dining Room Manager is Sam, and she is eager to please and answer any questions about the menu.  Open Tues. - Sun for dinner.

Cafe Nelo
102 Kraft Avenue
914-779-7777