Bobby G's Local Review
- Bobby G
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
BelAroma: Where Simple Food Speaks for Itself
A few weeks ago, Tiffy and I stopped into BelAroma for a little date night action and had a really incredible meal. The food was fresh, the service was great, and there was something about the place that stuck with me after we left. So much so that I found myself thinking about it over the next few days and decided I needed to go back. For a restaurant that’s only been open about four months, I was curious about what the new owners were building there, and I wanted to spend more time with the food, the atmosphere and the people behind it.
Walking back in, I immediately remembered what caught my attention the first time. Plants and greenery surround the room, microgreens are actually growing inside the restaurant, and everything feels clean, comfortable and eclectic without trying too hard. The open kitchen fills the room with incredible smells, and before long I found myself doing what I usually do when I see a menu full of things I want to try - completely abandoning any plan I had and ordering way too much food.
Meet Jo and Anca: The Heart Behind BelAroma
BelAroma, owned by Jo and Anca, serves Mediterranean cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Soon there will be a patio expansion to add to the intimate space that currently seats around 32 guests.
One of the coolest details in the restaurant is the bar itself, crafted from wood harvested from a tree from President Calvin Coolidge’s childhood home. It’s one of those little touches that gives the place even more character.
BelAroma's Philosophy: Simple, Pure, Purposeful
Jo and Anca built BelAroma around a simple philosophy: Simple. Pure. Purposeful.
Jo talked about his belief that fresh, natural ingredients don’t need to be overcomplicated. Pair quality ingredients together, prepare them correctly,and let the food do the talking. And let me tell you, the food had plenty to say.
Fresh Mediterranean Cuisine That Stands Out
On a previous visit, Tiff and I had the hummus, and the potato and kale soup with chorizo. Both were unbelievable. We also had the Chicken Piri Piri fold dough, which was loaded with incredible flavor. Fresh ingredients, great seasoning and just really, really good. The thing was huge… so huge I had to take some home with me. There was no way I was letting something that good go to waste.
BelAroma is located inside Vision Park, a growing hub for local businesses that is also home to NSB Studios, a community-driven fitness collective offering yoga, TRX, group fitness, gentle fitness, mommy-and-me classes, tai chi, self-defense, Lyra, pole fitness, dance classes and more.
This visit started with the New Zealand green-lip mussels, and the marinara sauce immediately stood out. It had a subtle sweetness that wasn’t too salty and wasn’t overly acidic. Combined with the fresh flavor from the mussels, it created a perfect balance between that sweetness and the fresh flavor of the ocean.
And then there was the sourdough. Everything somehow kept leading back to the sourdough. Their slow-fermented organic sourdough starter is named Hope, after all it’s a living bacteria. Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle and loaded with flavor. Every sauce immediately became something I wanted to dip bread into.
More dishes started coming out. The wild garlic shrimp was fresh and cooked perfectly. The octopus appetizer was incredibly tender and served with beautifully seasoned potatoes finished with olive oil. I also had the Mediterranean sandwich loaded with turmeric and cumin chicken, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and pickled red onions. Bright, clean flavors and definitely something I could see sharing.
They offer beer, wine, locally made probiotic drinks, sparkling waters and house-made desserts. I had the tiramisu on my first visit and loved it, but I found myself staring at the crème brûlée this time around and already planning my next visit.
More Than a Meal: The BelAroma Experience
BelAroma’s focus on ingredients and transparency really stands out. The restaurant is listed on the Seed Oil Scout (SOS) app, a resource used by people looking for restaurants focused on cleaner ingredients and cooking practices.
But what stayed with me the most wasn’t just the food. It was Jo and Anca. Their friendliness and graciousness are hard to miss. They make you feel welcomed without making it feel forced, like they’re genuinely happy you’re there. You can feel the care they put into the restaurant, not just in the food but in the experience itself.
By the time I left, what stood out wasn’t just the flavors or the atmosphere. It was the feeling. BelAroma feels like the kind of place where you come for dinner and leave already thinking about when you’re coming back.
Head on over to 318 S. Ridgewood Ave. in NSB and don’t forget to tell them who sent ya!
Bobby G, out!
BELAROMA MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO
318 N Dixie Freeway | New Smyrna Beach 32168
386-266-2585