Castanea Sicilian Cafe, a local eatery that is inspired by “Il Castagno dei Cento Cavalli,” the world’s oldest chestnut tree on Mount Etna in Sicily, appears to be working on a third location in Los Angeles.
The cafe recently opened a second location in Beverly Hills this week at 252B S Beverly Drive. This is just the beginning for the company, as its website and social media are already hinting at a third location in the works in Hollywood at 615 N Western Avenue, expected to open in August 2025. While the company already operates two brick-and-mortars, this location will be the first delivery-only site, as it will operate from a ghost kitchen.
This CloudKitchens property features numerous private ghost kitchens designed for restaurant owners to manage their delivery food businesses, according to LoopNet. Along with the ghost kitchens, the building has a food pick-up area for delivery drivers, cold and dry food storage, staff break rooms, bathrooms, and parking. The property is also staffed with food runners and a kitchen cleaning crew to help make operations easier and more efficient.
When Castanea Sicilian Cafe opens within this ghost kitchen, customers can expect a wide selection of espresso-based drinks, iced beverages, and signature lattes featuring flavors like pistachio and Nutella. The food menu features traditional Sicilian pastries, including cannoli and bomboloni, as well as artisanal gelato. Savory options include focaccia and pizza with toppings such as prosciutto, burrata, mortadella, and grilled vegetables.
Guests can also enjoy Italian-style mocktails and aperitivo offerings, including non-alcoholic spritzes paired with snack plates. Customization is available across much of the menu, allowing visitors to build their own focaccia, pinsa, or sandwiches with a range of authentic Italian ingredients.
Castanea Sicilian Cafe brings the warmth and charm of Sicily to the California coast, according to the company’s website. Founded by married couple Rose and Nando Benincasa, who spent their summers in Sicily and share deep Sicilian roots, the cafe is a tribute to traditional Italian coffee culture and cuisine. Castanea symbolizes resilience, heritage, and a love for the slower pace of life.
The space features authentic Sicilian design elements, including Majolica tile patterns and colors inspired by the Italian flag, creating a cozy, welcoming environment where guests can savor both espresso and atmosphere. Through Castanea, Nando and Rose hope to share the essence of il dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing, with the Venice Beach community.
